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INDEX
S. PAGE
TOPIC
No. NO
1. BOOKS AND AUTHORS 2023 7-8
2. INDIA'S RANK IN VARIOUS INDEXES 2023 9-14
3. COMMITTEE IN NEWS 2023 15 -16
4. GOVERNMENT SCHEME IN NEWS 2023 17-27
5. AWARDS AND HONOURS 2023 27-34
6. APPOINTMENT IN NEWS 2023 35-42
7. SUMMIT AND CONFERENCE 2023 43-49
8. SPORTS IN NEWS 2023 50-56
9. DEFENCE IN NEWS 2023 57-64
10. NATIONAL AFFAIRS 2023 65-92
11. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS 2023 93-104
12. BANKING, ECONOMY AND FINANCIAL AWARENESS 2023 105-128
13. AGREEMENT, SIGN & MoU IN NEWS 2023 129-130
14. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2023 130-135
15. IMPORTANT DAYS & THEME 2023 136-141
16. BEST MCQ BANKING , ECONOMY AND FINANCIAL AWARENESS MAY 2023 142-178
17. BEST MCQ BANKING , ECONOMY AND FINANCIAL AWARENESS APRIL 2023 179-214
18. BEST MCQ BANKING , ECONOMY AND FINANCIAL AWARENESS MARCH 2023 215-244
19. BEST MCQ BANKING , ECONOMY AND FINANCIAL AWARENESS FEBRUARY 2023 245-264
20. BEST MCQ BANKING , ECONOMY AND FINANCIAL AWARENESS JANUARY 2023 265-281
21. BEST MCQ WITH FACTS MAY 2023 282-352
22. BEST MCQ WITH FACTS APRIL 2023 353-426
23. BEST MCQ WITH FACTS MARCH 2023 427- 471
24. BEST MCQ WITH FACTS FEBRUARY 2023 472-509
25. BEST MCQ WITH FACTS JANUARY 2023 510-559
26. G20 SUMMIT MCQ WITH FACTS 560-586
27. ₹2000 Note MCQ WITH FACTS 587-595
28. New Parliament Building MCQ WITH FACTS 596-604
29. GOVERNMENT SCHEME MCQ WITH FACTS 605-657
30. BEST MCQ STATIC BANKING AWARENESS 658-683
31. BUDGET 2023-24 KEY HIGHLIGHTS WITH MCQ 684-721

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APARCHIT SUPAR GA PAID BOOSTER FOR
RBI GRADE B & IDBI
By APARCHIT EXAM WARRIORS
BOOKS AND AUTHORS 2023

JANUARY 2023
Book Name Author
The Poverty of Political Economics Meghnad Desai
Forks in the Road: My Days at RBI and Beyond C. Rangarajan
Breaking Barriers: the Story of a Dalit Chief Secretary Kaki Madhava Rao
The World: A Family History of Humanity Simon Sebag Montefiore
‘Ambedkar: A Life’ Shashi Tharoor
Revolutionaries on role in India’s Freedom Struggle Sanjeev Sanyal
Roller Coaster: An Affair with Banking Tamal Bandyopadhyay
Autobiography ‘Njaan Sakshi’ (me as the witness) K.K. Abdul Gaffar
“Jadunama” written on veteran writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar Arvind Mandloi
Spare Prince Harry
Braving A Viral Storm: India’s Covid-19 Vaccine Story Aashish Chandorkar
‘COACHING BEYOND: My Days with the Indian Cricket Team’ R. Kaushik & R. Sridhar
India’s Knowledge Supremacy: The New Dawn Dr Ashwin Fernandes
Human Anatomy Ashvini Kumar Dwivedi
'Chief Minister's Diary No. 1 Himanta Biswa Sarma
Irrfan Khan: A Life in Movies Shubhra Gupta
FEBRUARY 2023
Book Name Author
Victory City Salman Rushdie
A Chronicle of Central Command – Savdhaan Vivek Kashyap
MARCH 2023
Book Name Author
The Book of Bihari Literature Abhay Kumar
India’s Vaccine Growth Story – From Cowpox to Vaccine Maitri Shri Sajjan Singh Yadav
Mundaka Upanishad: The Gateway to Eternity Dr. Karan Singh

As Good as My Word KM Chandrasekhar
India’s Struggle for Independence – Gandhian Era P. Jyothimani
Bipin: The Man Behind the Uniform Rachna Biswat Rawat
Rajiv Malhotra and Vijaya
Snakes In the Ganga: Breaking India 2.0
Viswanathan
A Matter of the Heart: Education in India Anurag Behar
Ghulam Nabi Azad’s Autobiography ‘Azaad' Pyre Perumal Murugan
Basu Chatterji: And Middle-of-the-Road Cinema Aniruddha Bhattacharjee
Phoolange or “Those Who Scatter Flowers” Lekhnath Chhetri
Why Can’t Elephants be Red? Vani Tripathi Tikoo
War and Women Dr M A Hasan
APRIL 2023
Book Name Author
Courting India: England, Mughal India and the Origins of Empire Nandini Das
Gandhi: Siyasat aur Sampradaiykta Piyush Babele
Pattabhi Ram & Sabyasachee
The Great Bank Robbery: NPAs, Scams and the Future of Regulation
Dash
Sachin@50’- Celebrating A Maestro Boria Majumdar
Tennis legend Jaidip Mukerjea launches his autobiography
Amitav Ghosh
“Crosscourt” Smoke and Ashes
Saurashtra Tamil Sangam Prashasti Somnath Sanskrit University
Reflections Narayanan Vaghul
MAY 2023
Book Name Author
Made in India: 75 Years of Business and Enterprise Amitabh Kant
Droupadi Murmu: From Tribal Hinterlands to Raisina Hills Kasturi Ray
The Golden Years: The Many Joys of Living a Good Long Life Ruskin Bond
Collective Spirit, Concrete Action Shashi Shekhar Vempati
Milk and Honey Rupi Kaur
Supreme Court on Commercial Arbitration Manoj Kumar
The Indian Metropolis: Deconstructing India’s Urban Spaces Feroze Varun Gandhi
My Life as a Comrade K.K. Shailaja
Ringside Vijay Darda
Guts Amidst Bloodbath: The Anshuman Gaekwad Narrative Aditya Bhushan
Ramachandra Murthy
‘NTR: A Political Biography
Kondubhatla
“Droupadi Murmu: From Tribal Hinterlands to Raisina Hills” Kasturi Ray

INDIA'S RANK IN VARIOUS INDEXES 2023
JANUARY 2023
Henley Passport Index 2023
TOP : Japan (193 destination)
Japan is at the top for the fifth year in a row
2nd : Singapore, South Korea (192 destination)
3rd : Germany, Spain (190 destination)
4th : Finland, Italy, Luxembourg (189 destination)
5th : Austria, Denmark, Netherlands, Sweden (188 destination)
INDIA : 85th (59 destination ).
India, Mauritania, Uzbekistan ( 59 destination )
Global Power Index 2023
TOP : USA
2nd : Russia
3rd : China
INDIA : 4th
5th : United Kingdom.
Turkey : most powerful country in the Middle East and North African region.
Egypt : Most powerful Arab country in terms of its military power.
Saudi Arabia : Most powerful country among the Gulf Cooperation Council countries
Lebanon : weakest country in the Middle East
Brand Guardianship Index 2023
TOP : Jensen Huang (CEO of Nvidia )
2nd : Mukesh Ambani
3rd : Satya Nadella ( CEO of Microsoft)
4th : Shantanu Narayen ( CEO of Adobe)
5th : Sundar Pichai ( CEO of Google).
About Brand Guardianship Index
The Brand Guardianship Index consists of an 'equity' factor, which reflects current beliefs, a 'performance'
factor, which reflects the concrete results of these beliefs, and an 'investment' factor, which supports future
performanc
Global 500 – 2023 Published by Brand Finance.
EY : World’s strongest brands.
2nd : Coca Cola
3rd : Accenture
4th : Porsche
5th : Google
6th : YouTube
7th : Deloitte
8th : Instagram
9TH : Reliance Jio (Strongest brand in India)
17th Annual Education Report (ASER), 2022
Released By : NGO Pratham
Enrollment Figures
As per ASER 2022, the number of children enrolled in government schools is expected to increase from
65.6% in 2018 to 72.9% in 2022.
The overall enrollment figure for the age group of 6 to 14 years is expected to increase from 97.2% in 2018
to 98.4% in 2022.
Girls enrolled in school (age group 11-14) who do not go to school have also decreased. The number of such
girls is expected to decrease from 4% in 2018 to 2% in 2022.
Literacy level
The percentage of children in Grade 3 in public or private schools who were able to read at the Grade 2 level
fell from 27.3% in 2018 to 20.5% in 2022.

The percentage of children enrolled in grade 5 in public or private schools who can read at least a grade 2
level text fell from 50.5% in 2018 to 42.8% in 2022.
According to the report, the percentage of students in classes 1-8 taking tuition classes is 30.5% in the year
2022, while this figure was 26.4% in the year 2018.
List of world's richest actors 2023
Released By : Twitter account of World of Statistics
1st - Jerry Seinfeld (American) – (Rs 8200 crore)
2nd- Tyler Perry (American) – (Rs 8200 crore)
3rd - Dan Johnson (American) – (6500 crores)
4th- Shahrukh Khan (Indian) – (6300 crores)
5th - Tom Cruise (American) – (5900 crores)
Top-Performing Global Airports of 2022; According to the Cirium Aviation Analytics study
World’s best-performing airports : Haneda Airport Tokyo, Japan
2nd : Kempegowda International Airport Bangalore, India
3rd : Salt Lake City International Airport Utah, US
7th : Indira Gandhi International Airport Delhi, India.
Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) 1st in Services Sector in Public Enterprises
Survey 2021-22.
Most valuable IT services brands, according to the Brand Finance for the year 2023.
Strongest IT services brand : Accenture; with a brand valued at $39.8 billion.
2nd : TCS ( $17.2 billion)
3rd : Infosys ($13 billion)
FEBRUARY 2023
All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2020-2021
Released By : Ministry of Education.
Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of colleges in the country, followed by Maharashtra and Karnataka.
There are 8,114 colleges in Uttar Pradesh and 32 colleges per one lakh population.
Similarly, Maharashtra is at number two with 4,532 colleges and 34 colleges per lakh population.
Karnataka ranks third with 4,233 colleges and 62 colleges per lakh population, while Rajasthan ranks fourth
with 3,694 colleges and 40 colleges per lakh population.
Tamil Nadu ranks fifth with 2,667 colleges and a college density of 40.
Gender Parity Index (GPI)
The Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) for the age group 18-23 years has increased from 25.6% in 2019-20 to
27.3% in 2020-21.
Gender Parity Index (GPI), the ratio of female GER to male GER, has increased from 1 in 2017-18 to 1.05
in 2020-21.
Global Quality Infrastructure Index (GQII) 2021
TOP : Germany
2nd : China
3rd : USA
4th : UK
5th : Japan
INDIA : 10th
International Intellectual Property Index 2023
TOP : USA
2nd : UK
3rd : France
4th : Germany
5th : Sweden
INDIA : 42
Released By : US Chambers of Commerce.
According to the report, India's size and economic influence is growing on the world stage.
WORLD'S MOST POPULAR LEADER 2023.

PM Modi emerges as world’s most popular leader, with approval rating of 78%.
2nd : Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador with a 68 percent approval rating.
3rd : Switzerland President Alain Berset with a 62 percent approval rating.
7th : US President Joe Biden (40%)
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak ranked 13th on the list with a 30 percent approval rating.
According to a survey by US-based consulting firm 'Morning Consult'.
17th Annual Education Report (ASER), 2022
Released By : NGO Pratham
Enrollment Figures
As per ASER 2022, the number of children enrolled in government schools is expected to increase from
65.6% in 2018 to 72.9% in 2022.
The overall enrollment figure for the age group of 6 to 14 years is expected to increase from 97.2% in 2018
to 98.4% in 2022.
Girls enrolled in school (age group 11-14) who do not go to school have also decreased. The number of such
girls is expected to decrease from 4% in 2018 to 2% in 2022.
Top 3 Business Schools in the world.
1st - London Business School, United Kingdom (UK)
2nd - Wharton- University of Pennsylvania, United States of America
(USA)
3rd - Harvard Business School, USA.
FORTUNE® magazine’s list of the World’s Most Admired Companies.
TCS named to World’s Most Admired Companies List.
Adopt crypto in 2023
TOP : Australia
2nd : USA
3rd : Brazil
4th : United Arab Emirates
5th : Hong Kong
INDIA : 7th
Published By : HedgewithCrypto research
MARCH 2023
World Air Quality Report
TOP : Chad
2nd : Iraq
3rd : Pakistan
4th : Bahrain
5th : Bangladesh
6th : Burkina Faso
7th : Kuwait
INDIA : 8th
9th : Egypt
10th : Tajikistan
Released By : Swiss firm IQAir Report.
Lahore in Pakistan and Hotan in China are the two most polluted cities in the world, followed by Bhiwadi
in Rajasthan at the third place and Delhi at the fourth place.
India has been placed at the eighth position in the latest report with PM2.5 level at 53.3.
According to it, the transport sector is responsible for 20-35% of PM 2.5 pollution in India.
Best sandwiches in the world
Turkey's tombik sandwich tops the list. Second is Peru's Butifara Sandwich and Argentina's De Lomo
Sandwich is third.
Mumbai's famous street food "vada pav" has been ranked number 13.
The list is published by TasteAtlas, a Croatian-based food travel guide website.
Global Terrorism Index (GTI) report 2023.

Afghanistan has remained the most affected country by terrorism for the fourth consecutive year.
India is ranked 13th in this index.
World Happiness Report 2023
TOP : Finland continues to be the happiest country around the world for the sixth consecutive year.
2nd : Denmark
3rd : Iceland
4th : Israel
5th : Netherlands
INDIA : 126
Afghanistan is ranked as the unhappiest nation.
India's neighbors ranked Sri Lanka (63), China (74) and Pakistan (108).
Released By : United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN).
Richest sports owner in the Forbes Billionaires 2023 list.
TOP : Mukesh Ambani is the owner of the world's richest sports team With a net worth of $83.4 billion.
He is a citizen of India and is the owner of the Mumbai Indians, a cricket team.
2nd : Steve Ballmer: The former CEO of Microsoft, Steve Ballmer is an American citizen who owns the
Los Angeles Clippers, a professional basketball team. His net worth has been estimated at $80.7 billion.
3rd : Rob Walton: Heir to the Walmart fortune, Rob Walton is an American citizen who owns the Denver
Broncos, a professional football team. His net worth has been estimated at $57.6 billion.
LITERACY RATE IN INDIA.
Kerala has the highest at 94%.
Bihar has the lowest literacy rate in India at 61.8%.
Apart from Bihar, other states with low literacy rates are Arunachal Pradesh at 65.3% and Rajasthan at
66.1%, while Lakshadweep with 91.85% and Mizoram with 91.33% follow Kerala.
Released By : Ministry of Education.
The literacy rate in rural India is 67.77%, while the literacy rate in urban areas is 84.11%
Stockholm International Peace Research Institute's (SIPRI) 2023 report.
India will become the world's leading arms importer in 2022.
According to this report, between the years 2013-17 and 2018-22, India's arms imports have decreased by 11
percent.
According to the report's findings, over the past five years, the US had the world's largest military
expenditure, accounting for 40% of the global share, followed by Russia (16%), and France (11%).
Electoral Democracy Index 2023
TOP : Denmark
2nd : Sweden
3rd : Norway
INDIA : 108th
M3M Hurun Global Rich List 2023
TOP : China (891 Self-made billionaires)
2nd : USA (496 Self-made billionaires)
3rd : INDIA (105 Self-made billionaires)
4th : UK (99 Self-made billionaires)
5th : Russia (70 Self-made billionaires)
M3M Hurun Global Rich List 2023.
TOP : Elon Musk (205 billion)
2nd : Jeff Bezos (188 billion)
3rd : Bernard Arnault
4th : Bill Gates (124 billion)
5th : Warren Buffett (119 billion)
9th : Mukesh Ambani ( 102 Billion)
Mukesh Ambani, the Chairman of Reliance Industries and the richest man in Asia, is the only Indian to be
ranked among the top 10 billionaires in the world.
Passport Index 2023
TOP : UAE
2nd : Sweden

3rd : Germany
4th : Finland
5th : Luxembourg
INDIA : 144
Released By : Arton Capital
APRIL 2023
Busiest airports in the world 2022 according to data from the Airports Council International (ACI).
1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
2. Dallas Fort Worth Airport
3. Denver Airport
4. Chicago O'Hare Airport
5. Dubai Airport
9th : Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Apart from India, Dubai is the only other airport in Asia in the list.
State Energy Efficiency Index 2021-22.
Released By : Minister for Power and Renewable Energy R. K. Singh.
Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan and Telangana are among the top ranked states in the State
Energy Efficiency Index-SEEI.
Four states Assam, Haryana, Maharashtra and Punjab are in the achiever category with scores between 50
and 60.
Besides, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Assam and Chandigarh are the top performing states in their
respective state groups.
World's 'Most Criminal Countries'.
Venezuela has been ranked first as the most criminal country, followed by Papua New Guinea in second
place and South Africa in third place.
Turkey, Germany and Japan are among the least criminal countries, ranked 92nd, 100th and 135th
respectively.
According to this report, Afghanistan ranks fourth with a crime rate of more than 76 crimes per 100,000
people.
India is ranked 77th.
Freedom in the World Index for 2023.
Tibet as the "world's least free country" along with South Sudan and Syria.
Released By : Global watchdog Freedom House.
Hurun's Global Unicorn Index 2023
Top 5 countries with most Unicorns
1. USA (666)
2. China (316)
3. India (68)
4. UK (49)
5. Germany (36)
Top 5 Cities with Most Unicorns
1. San Francisco (USA) - 181
2. New York (USA) - 126
3. Beijing (China) - 79
4. Shanghai (China) - 66
5. London (UK) - 42.
Ed-tech BYJU'S worth $22 billion topped the list of Indian Unicorns , followed by on-demand delivery start-
up Swiggy and fantasy sports platform travel- stay finder Dream11 ($8 billion each).
Logistics Performance Index (LPI) 2023
TOP : Singapore
2nd : Finland

3rd : Germany
4th : Canada
5th : France
INDIA : 38th
Released By : World Bank
India Justice Report 2022.
TOP : Karnataka
2nd : Tamil Nadu
3rd : Telangana
Bottom : Uttar Pradesh (18th position)
Parameters - This study relies on overall statistics from four pillars of justice delivery:
1. Police
2. Judiciary
3. Prisons
4. Legal aid
Report By : Tata Trusts
This is the third edition.
Tata Trusts launched the India Justice Report (IJR) in 2019.
5 Indian-origin women feature in ‘100 Most Influential Women in US Finance’ list.
1. Anu Aiyengar (J.P. Morgan)
2.Rupal J. Bhansali ( Ariel Investments)
3. Sonal Desai (Franklin Templeton)
4.Meena Flynn (Goldman Sachs)
5. Savita Subramanian ( Bank of America)
World’s cities with Best public transport in the world
Conducted By : Time Out
TOP : Berlin, Germany
2nd - Prague, Czech Republic
3rd - Tokyo, Japan
4th - Copenhagen, Denmark
5th - Stockholm, Sweden
Mumbai, the top-ranked Indian city, secured the 19th spot in the rankings.
MAY 2023
World Press Freedom Index 2023
TOP : Norway
2nd : Ireland
3rd : Denmark
4th : Sweden
5th : Finland
INDIA : 161
Released By : Reporters Without Borders (RSF)
Neighbours have a better rank than India -- Bhutan (90), Nepal (95), Sri Lanka (135), Pakistan (150),
Afghanistan (152).
Best Indian Brands report 2023.
Tata Consultancy Services tops the list of 50 most valuable Indian brands in 2023 with a value of Rs 1.09
lakh crore.
Billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries Ltd is in second place with a brand value of Rs 65,320
crore.
Technology giant TCS and India’s most valuable conglomerate Reliance Industries have topped the list of
the country’s most valuable brands, according to global brand consultancy Interbrand.
HDFC is at No.4 and Jio at No.5.
Other brands in the top 10 include Airtel, Life Insurance Corporation (LIC), Mahindra, State Bank of India
and ICICI.

FMCG giant ITC has overtaken IT giant Infosys in terms of market capitalization to become India’s
sixth most valuable company on the stock exchanges.
ITC’s market cap currently stands at ₹5.11 trillion compared to Infosys’ nearly ₹5.08 trillion.
List of Top 10 companies by market cap
1. RELIANCE INDUSTRIES - ₹1606895.46
2. TCS - ₹1161858.58
3. HDFC BANK - ₹928407.83
4. ICICI BANK ₹637688.17
5. HUL - ₹585048.22
6. ITC - ₹511226.51
7. INFOSYS - ₹508011.92
8. HDFC LTD - ₹505558.17
9. SBI - ₹501250.83
10. BHARTI AIRTEL- ₹430650.07
AI Supercomputer ‘AIRAWAT’, installed at C-DAC, Pune has been ranked 75th in the top 500 Global
Supercomputing List.
The establishment of 'AIRAWAT' at C-DAC Pune is part of the National Program on AI initiated by the
Government of India.
This system is a 130 petaflop.
National Manufacturing Innovation Survey (NMIS) 2021-22.
Dr. S. Chandrasekhar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, released the “National
Manufacturing Innovation Survey (NMIS) 2021-22: Summary for Policymakers" on April 27, 2023.
25.01% of the 8,074 firms surveyed were considered innovative.
The 25% of firms that reported innovation in the survey saw 83% increase in turnover and 80% opening up
new opportunities in the market.
Only 15% of micro firms are innovative while it is 56% in large firms.
NITI Aayog’s Annual Health Index 2020-21.
Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana emerged as the top performers among the ‘larger states’ in the NITI
Aayog’s annual ‘health index’ for the Covid year of 2020-21.
Bihar (19th), Uttar Pradesh (18th) and Madhya Pradesh (17th) are at the bottom of the list.
Among the eight smaller states, Tripura has recorded the best overall performance.
And among the eight UTs, Lakshadweep has been ranked as the top performer.
Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Odisha emerged as the top three performers in 2020-21, as compared to their
performance in 2019-20.
World’s 5 Highest-Paid Athletes 2023
TOP : Cristiano Ronaldo ($136 million)
2nd : Lionel Messi ($130 million)
3rd : Kylian Mbappe ($120 million)
4th : LeBron James ($119.5 million)
5th : Canelo Álvarez ($110 million)
COMMITTEE IN NEWS 2023

JANUARY 2023
Recently a high-powered committee has been formed to discuss measures to protect Ladakh's unique
culture, language & employment in the Union Territory of Ladakh.
A 17 member committee has been constituted under the Chairmanship of Minister of State for Home Affairs
Nityanand Rai.
Central government has appointed a working group headed by former Law Secretary PK Malhotra to suggest
a way forward and frame rules for the proposed Mediation Bill, 2021.
FEBRUARY 2023

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways(MoPSW) has constituted a High-Level Committee headed
by Sanjay K. Mehta
Anapex panel comprising seven secretaries has been constituted under the leadership of Cabinet
Secretary Rajiv Gauba to oversee the implementation of the Karmayogi programme, the government's
ambitious mission for training government employees.
About Mission Karmayogi Scheme
Mission Karmayogi Yojana was launched on 2nd September 2020.
This scheme is operated under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The main objective of the Mission Karmayogi scheme is to develop the capabilities of government
employees.
Under the Mission Karmayogi scheme, a budget of Rs 510.86 crore has been set by the government for a
period of 5 years for about 46 lakh central employees.
Union Cabinet has approved the extension of the tenure of the 22nd Law Commission of India which has
been extended till August 31, 2024.
Union ministry of Law and Justice constituted the 22nd Law Commission on 7 November 2022 and
appointed former Karnataka High court chief justice Rituraj Awasthi as the chairperson of the Law
Commission.
The five member 22nd Law Commission will have a term of three years.
MARCH 2023
Supreme Court on March 2 constituted an expert panel to probe the regulatory failure on the Adani issue.
The committee will be headed by former Supreme Court judge A M Sapre.
Adani-Hindenburg issue
In late January, Hindenburg published a report critical of the finances of the Adani group.
It said the major listed companies of the group had "substantial debt" which has put the entire group in a
"precarious financial position".
Hindenburg accused the Adani-led group of "stock manipulation and accounting fraud over the course of
decades".
Seven listed firms of the Adani group lost nearly half their market value (over USD 100 billion) following
the report.
The combined market value of the listed Adani firms is now at US$108 billion, up from US$218 billion
before the Hindenburg report.
Department of Consumer Affairs on 27 March constituted a committee to monitor the stock of Tur
(Arhar) held by importers, millers, traders, and other such entities.
This committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of Nidhi Khare.
Hike of Toor prices
According to the ministry’s data, the all-India daily average retail price of Tur was recorded at Rs 114.44 per
kg on 27 March, 2023, which was 11.47 per cent higher than a year ago.
The all-India daily average wholesale price of Tur was recorded at Rs 10,462.03 per quintal, which was 12.48
per cent higher than a year ago.
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has constituted a nine-member task force
to make India a ‘product developer and manufacturing nation.
The task force will be chaired by additional secretary (MeitY), Bhuvnesh Kumar .
International Financial Services Centre Authority (IFSCA) has formed a committee to onshore the
Indian innovation to GIFT International Financial Services Centre (IFSA) to better understand the
nuances from regulatory, tax, legal and other perspectives and identify measures required to make in India.
The committee will be chaired by G. Padmanabhan.
A five-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court has ruled that the appointment of the Chief Election
Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs) will now be made by a high-power committee
consisting of the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and the Chief Justice of India.
The five-judge Constitution Bench was headed by Justice K M Joseph.
APRIL 2023

Finance Ministry on 6 April constituted a four-member committee headed by Finance Secretary T V
Somanathan to review the pension system for government employees under the National Pension System
(NPS).
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has set up a 14-member committee to examine
stalled real estate projects and recommend ways to complete them, and hand them over to homebuyers
in a time-bound manner.
It will be headed by Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 (Group of Twenty) Sherpa for 2023 and the former Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) of National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog.
Razorpay forms 4-member advisory board to strengthen corporate governance; Head-former RBI deputy
governor NS Vishwanathan.
MAY 2023
Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has recently constituted a five-
member expert committee comprising medical experts and insurers to advise on matters related to mental
health and insurance.
The panel has been constituted for two years to advise on matters related to mental health and insurance.
Pratima Murthy, director of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), has
been made the chairperson of the committee.
Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has recently constituted a five-member
expert committee comprising medical experts and insurers to advise on matters related to mental health and
insurance.
Pratima Murthy has been made the chairperson of the committee.
National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has established an 11-member Cheetah Project Steering
Committee under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Rajesh Gopal has been
appointed as its chairman.
GOVERNMENT SCHEME IN NEWS 2023

JANUARY 2023
50 Electric Buses launched in Delhi with support under FAME India Phase II scheme of the Ministry of
Heavy Industry.
In 2019, the government approved Rs 10,000 crore for a period of three years.
FAME India Scheme
To improve the infrastructure required for the large-scale use of electric vehicles, the Government formulated
a Scheme namely FAME India (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) in
2015.
Under this scheme, by the year 2022, 60-70 lakh hybrid and electric vehicles are targeted to be put on the
roads across the country.
The main objective of this scheme is to reduce pollution and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Phase-II of FAME India Scheme is being implemented for a period of 3 years from April 1, 2019.
The Phase-I of this Scheme was launched for a period of 2 years from 1st April 2015, which was extended
from time to time and the last extension was allowed up to 31st March 2019.
Naveen Patnaik government in Odisha will provide free 5 Kg rice per month to the beneficiaries under
the State Food Security Scheme for one year.
According to the Chief Minister’s Office the total expenditure for the scheme will be Rs 185 crore which will
be borne by the state government.
Earlier the Government of India made the foodgrains provided under the National Food Security Act 2013
to the beneficiaries free for one year from 1 January 2023.
Under the National Food Security Act the Antodaya Anna Yojana beneficiaries get 35 kg of food grains
(rice or wheat or coarse cereals) per month and the Priority Household gets 5kg per person per month

Central Government has approved Central Sector Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network
Development (BIND) Scheme with an outlay of over two 2,539 crore rupees up to 2025-26.
The scheme will financially assist Prasar Bharati in expansion and upgradation of its broadcasting
infrastructure, content development and civic works.
The scheme will broaden the reach in Left Wing Extremism, border and strategic areas.
The scheme is a means of providing financial assistance to Prasar Bharati for expenses related to expansion
and upgradation of its broadcasting infrastructure, content development and civic work related to the
organisation.
The scheme will enable the public broadcaster to upgrade facilities with better infrastructure.
Union Cabinet headed by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 4 January 2023 approved the National
Green Hydrogen Policy which aims to make India a Global Hub for the production, utilisation and export
of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives.
Green Hydrogen refers to the breaking down of the water molecule into hydrogen and oxygen using
renewable sources of energy.
Outlay for the Scheme
The initial outlay for the Mission is Rs.19, 744 crore, including an outlay of Rs.17, 490 crore for the Strategic
Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition Programme (SIGHT), Rs.1, 466 crore for pilot projects, Rs.400
crore for Research and Development, and Rs. 388 crore towards other Mission components.
Main Objective of the National Green Hydrogen Mission
The aim of the National Hydrogen Mission is to enable India to meet its climate change target of net zero
carbon emission by 2070 and make India a production and export hub of hydrogen fuel.
Achieve the capacity to produce 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen per year by 2030 ,
Capacity addition of 125 GW of renewable energy by 2030.
Reduction in carbon dioxide emission of nearly 50 Million Metric Tonne per annum by 2030.
Reduction in fossil fuel imports worth Rs 1 lakh crore by 2030.
To attract investment over Rs.8 lakh crore in the sector.
Target of creation of over 6 lakh jobs in the sector by 2030.
A new initiative called the Aspirational Blocks Program was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi
on 7 January with an aim to improve the performance of blocks within backward districts in various
development parameters.
The Aspirational Block Program (ABP) was announced in the Union Budget 2022-23.
Under this programme, 500 blocks across states have been identified for quarterly ranking based on their
performance in areas such as health, education and nutrition.
It will initially cover 500 districts across 31 states and union territories, of which more than half of the blocks
are located in six states – Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal.
ABP is based on the Aspirational District Program (ADP).
Aspirational District Program
The program was launched in January 2018 with an aim to rapidly and effectively transform some of the
most underdeveloped districts in the country.
The scheme is implemented along with the Central and State schemes.
At the Government of India level, the program is administered by NITI Aayog.
Parameters for Best Aspirational District.
It envisages rapid development of selected districts on the basis of a composite index based on five parameters
1. Health and Nutrition
2. Education
3. Financial Inclusion and Skill Development
4. agriculture and water resources
5. Basic Infrastructure.
A total of 112 Aspirational Districts (AD) across 27 states.
Centre named new Integrated Food Security Scheme as Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana.
The new integrated food security scheme has been named as PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana ((PMGKAY)
to provide free food grains to Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Primary Household (PHH) beneficiaries.
This integrated scheme will strengthen the provisions of NFSA, 2013 in terms of access, affordability and
availability of food grains to the poor.

The implementation of this new scheme has started from January 1, 2023, which is benefiting more than 80
crore poor people.
The central government will spend over Rs 2 lakh crore in 2023 as food subsidy under NFSA and other
welfare schemes to ease the financial burden of the poor.
PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana ((PMGKAY).
It is a part of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP) to help the poor fight the battle against
Covid-19.
Its nodal Ministry is the Ministry of Finance.
Under this scheme, the government provides additional free of cost 5 kg per person per month food-grains
(rice/wheat) to around 80 crore beneficiaries of National Food Security Act (NFSA) including the Direct
Benefit Transfer (DBT) beneficiaries.
The PMGKAY has now been linked with One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) plan where migrant
workers can get the benefit of the scheme through any ration shops in India.
Jharkhand Agriculture Minister Badal Patralekh launched a water conservation scheme with an outlay
of Rs 467.32 crore to benefit farmers who faced drought last year in the state.
Under the scheme, 2,133 ponds will be renovated and 2,795 percolation tanks will be built in all blocks of
24 districts of the state
Monument Mitra Scheme.
The Culture Ministry will launch a new version of the Monument Mitra scheme by partnering with
private industries for the maintenance of one thousand ASI monuments.
The revised scheme will be based on the Corporate Social Responsibility model and a new website with the
names of all the heritage sites will also be launched.
Monument friend scheme.
The Monument Mitra scheme was launched under the Ministry of Tourism.
Recently the Monument Mitra scheme was shifted from Ministry of Tourism to Ministry of Culture.
The objective of the project is to develop monuments, heritage and tourist places across India by inviting
corporate entities, public sector companies or individuals to 'adopt' them.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced the implementation of Ladli Bahna
Yojana.
Through this scheme, ₹ 1000 per month will be given to the sisters of poor and middle class families of
Madhya Pradesh.
Scheme Benefits / Eligibility
To get the benefit of the scheme, the woman must be a resident of Madhya Pradesh.
Women of all castes of the state – General, Backward, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes will be able to
get the benefit of this scheme.
Through the scheme, an amount of ₹ 60000 will be added to each sister's account by the government in 5
years
FEBRUARY 2023
PMAY-U scheme extended up to next year.
The PMAY-Urban scheme has been extended till December 31, 2024, for completion of houses sanctioned
up to March 31, 2022.
Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri said the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-
Urban (PMAY-U) scheme has been extended up to next year, to complete all the houses sanctioned during
the last financial year.
Around 123 lakh houses were sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) during
the last financial year, of which 68 lakh houses were completed till last month.
The central government has sanctioned Rs 2 lakh crore under the scheme, out of which Rs 1.36 lakh crore
has been released so far.
The survey conducted by the States and Union Territories shows that there is a demand of 112 lakh houses
under PMAY-U in the country.
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U)
It was launched on 25 June 2015 by the Government of India and it is being implemented by the Union
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

The scheme aims to provide pucca houses to all the eligible beneficiaries by 2022.
Around 1.12 crore houses are to be constructed under the scheme.
Maritime India Vision 2030.
To boost the waterways network, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has planned several
initiatives to develop ports in India at par with global standards.
This project has been made under the Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030.
The ministry has planned an investment of Rs 1,00,000 to Rs 1,25,000 crore for capacity enhancement and
development of world-class infrastructure at ports.
Under the Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 the government aims to make world-class mega ports,
transshipment hubs.
The container throughput of Indian ports was 17 million TEUs (Twenty Equipment Unit) in the period
2020, while that of China was 245 million TEUs in the same period.
Maritime India Vision 2030
It is the master plan to ensure coordinated and accelerated development of India's maritime sector over the
next decade.
It identifies over 150 initiatives across 10 themes covering all aspects of the Indian Maritime Sector.
It is a comprehensive effort to define and meet the National Maritime Objectives.
It envisages an overall investment of Rs 3,00,000 - 3,50,000 crore in the ports, shipping and inland waterways
categories
Government of India has signed loan agreements worth Rs 13,879 crore from international agencies to
strengthen health infrastructure.
With whom the loan agreement has been signed are-
1. Asian Development Bank (ADB) ($300 million or Rs 2,474 crore).
2. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) (50 billion Japanese yen or Rs 3,162 crore)
3. World Bank ($1 billion or Rs 8,243 crore).
This loan has been taken to strengthen the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Infrastructure Mission
(PMABHIM) which is the largest health mission in India.
PMABHIM was launched to fill the gaps in the field of health infrastructure, especially critical and primary
care facilities.
Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Infrastructure Mission
It is one of the biggest health schemes to strengthen the health care infrastructure in India.
The mission was announced in the Budget 2021-22 with an outlay of Rs 64,180 crore.
It was launched in October 2021 with an aim to provide comprehensive health services across the country.
It aims to fill gaps in public healthcare infrastructure, especially in critical care facilities and primary care in
urban and rural areas.
Union Cabinet on 15 February approved the Centrally Sponsored Scheme- “Vibrant Villages
Programme” (VVP) for the Financial Years 2022-23 to 2025-26 with financial allocation of Rs 4800
Crore.
This will help encourage people to stay in their native places in border areas.
This will stop migration from villages and improve border security.
Funds will be provided under the scheme for development of essential infrastructure and creation of
livelihood opportunities in 19 districts and 46 border blocks, 4 states and 1 union territory along the northern
land border of the country.
In the first phase, 663 villages will be included in the programme.
The District Administration will prepare a Vibrant Village Action Plan with the help of Gram Panchayats.
100 percent saturation of Central and State schemes will be ensured.
About Vibrant Villages Programme.
This program was announced in the budget speech 2022.
It aims to improve infrastructure in villages along India’s border with China.
Under the programme, states such as Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh will improve
infrastructure and build residential and tourism hubs.
The focus areas of the programme are livelihood, road connectivity, housing, rural infrastructure, renewable
energy, television and broadband connections.
Namami Gange Executive Committee approves 9 projects worth over 1,200 crore rupees

National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) held the 47th meeting of the Executive Committee of NMCG
on 22nd February under the chairmanship of G. Ashok Kumar, Director General, NMCG.
Nine projects worth about Rs 1278 crore were approved in the meeting.
7 of them pertain to abatement of pollution in the Ganges basin and 2 pertain to development of ghats.
National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)
It was registered on 12 August, 2011 as a society under the Societies Registration Act 1860.
It serves as the implementing arm of the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA), which was
constituted under the provisions of the Environment Protection Act (EPA), 1986.
It was established to address pollution challenges in the Ganga river.
The operational area of the project covers the Ganga basin and all the states through which the river flows,
including Delhi.
The objective is to reduce pollution and ensure rejuvenation of the Ganga river.
On February 24, 2023, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana (PM-KISAN) completed 4
years.
About Prime Minister Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan)
It was launched by Prime Minister Modi on February 24, 2019 to meet the financial needs of land holding
farmers.
Under this scheme a financial benefit of Rs 6000 per year in three equal instalments is transferred every four
months to the bank accounts of farmer families across the country through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
mode.
It is a Central Sector Scheme with 100 per cent funding by the Government of India.
It is being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
So far eligible farmer families have received benefits of more than Rs 2 lakh crore in 12 instalments under
PM-Kisan.
Government Revised Guidelines for MPLADS
Minister of State for Statistics and Program Implementation Rao Inderjit Singh (Independent Charge)
released the Revised Guidelines on Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS)-
2023.
The new MPLADs guidelines and the web portal will come into effect from 1-4-2023.
MPLADS Scheme:
The MPLADS is a Central Sector Scheme fully funded by the Government of India.
It was introduced in December 1993.
The objective of the scheme is to enable MPs to recommend works of developmental nature with emphasis
on the creation of durable community assets in the areas of drinking water, primary education, public health,
sanitation and roads, etc. primarily in their Constituencies.
The annual MPLADS fund entitlement per Member of Parliament (MP) constituency is Rs.5 crore, released
in two instalments of Rs.2.5 crore each, subject to the fulfilment of conditions as per the MPLADS
Guidelines
MARCH 2023
Madhya Pradesh govt launches Ladli Bahna scheme.
Madhya Pradesh Government on 5 March launched Ladli Bahna scheme under which each woman will be
given one thousand rupees per month.
This scheme is being launched with the aim of increasing the economic independence of women in the state,
improving their health and nutritional status and increasing their influence on family decisions.
Under the scheme, Rs 1,000 per month will be deposited in the accounts of the native women of the state
in the age group of 23 to 60 years.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the post-budget webinar on 'PM Vishwakarma Kaushal
Samman (PM VIKAS)'.
According to the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, this is part of the series of 12 post-
budget webinars being organized by the Government of India for ideas and suggestions for effective
implementation of the initiatives announced in the Union Budget.
The Prime Minister said that through these schemes, the youth of the country are getting a lot of employment
opportunities.

PM Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman Scheme.
This scheme has been announced for traditional artisans and craftsmen in the budget 2023-24.
The objective of the scheme is to improve the quality and accessibility of artisans/craftsmen by integrating
them with domestic and global value chains of their products/services.
The scheme includes financial support as well as access to advanced skills, training, knowledge of modern
digital technologies and efficient green technologies, brand promotion and social security.
In this scheme, more attention has been given to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward
Classes, Women and Weaker Sections.
Under the Vishwakarma community, more than 140 castesof the country come, which cover a large
population of the country
Union Minister for MSME Narayan Rane launched theMSME Competitive (LEAN) Scheme.
It aims to provide a roadmap to global competitiveness for the MSMEs of India.
The scheme will not only strive to improve quality, productivity and performance, but also change the
mindset of manufacturers and provide them the ability to become world class manufacturers.
Under this scheme, MSMEs will implement LEAN manufacturing tools like 5S, Kaizen, Kanban, Visual
Workplace, Poka Yoka etc. under the able guidance of trained and competent LEAN consultants to acquire
LEAN levels like Basic, Intermediate and Advanced.
To assist MSMEs, the government will contribute 90 per cent of the implementation cost and consultancy
fee for providing initial support.
There will be an additional contribution of 5 per cent for MSMEs which are owned by women/SC/ST and
are part of Scheme of Fund for the Upliftment of Traditional Industries (SFURTI) clusters located in North
Eastern States.
Nodal Agency of the scheme will be the National Productivity Council (NPC).
Over 38 crore loans provided since launch of Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana.
He informed that out of this, more than 26 crore loans have been given to women entrepreneurs.
About 20 crore loans have been disbursed to SC, ST and OBC borrowers.
The Ministry of Labor and Employment had conducted a large sample survey at the national level to assess
the employment generation under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana.
According to the results of the survey, 1 crore 12 lakh net additional employment has been generated in the
country from2015 to 2018 by this scheme.
Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana
It was launched on 8 April 2015.
Under the scheme, the people of the country are given loans up to a maximum of 10 lakhs to start their own
small business.
Any person who wants to further his business can take a loan under this scheme.
People are issued a Mudra card to avail loans under this scheme.
The loans are provided through Banks, Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), Micro Financial
Institutions (MFIs), and other financial intermediaries.
More than64 per cent of the loan accounts opened under the scheme are of women.
Three types of loans under Mudra Yojana
1. Shishu- Loans up to Rs.50,000.
2. Kishor - Loans above Rs.50,000 and less than Rs.5 lakh.
3. Tarun- Loans above Rs.5 lakh and up to Rs.10 lakh.
3 lakh 61 thousand crore rupees loan given to MSMEs under Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme.
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have so far been given a loan of Rs 3 lakh 61 thousand
crore under the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS).
About Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme
It was announced as part of the Atma Nirbhar Bharat Package in 2020.
Its objective is to help businesses including MSMEs to meet their operational liabilities and resume business
in view of the distress caused by the COVID-19 crisis.
It provides 100 percent guarantee to lending institutions for any losses incurred due to non-payment of
ECLGS funding by borrowers.
The scheme is under the operational domain of the Ministry of Finance, Department of Financial Services
(DFS).
Green national highway corridor project to be implemented in four states.

India and the World Bank have signed aloan agreement for the construction of the Green National Highway
Corridors Project (GNHCP) in four States.
These four states are-Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.
Agreement has been signed for construction of 781 kilometer green national highway corridor in these states
with a line of credit of $500 million.
About Green National Highways Corridor Project.
It will assist the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to construct 781 km of highways.
It will integrate safe and green technology designs such as local and marginal materials, industrial by-
products and other bioengineering solutions.
It will also support the Bharatmala Pariyojana programme.
According to the government, 2 crore 18 lakh pucca houses have been built till March 11, 2023, under
the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G).
The government has set a target of constructing two crore 95 lakh pucca houses with basic facilities by March
2024.
About Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation launched the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana rural
in 2016.
The scheme was initiated with the objective of ‘Housing for All by 2022’.
The scheme has 2 Components - Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana
(Rural).
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin was earlier called Indira Awas Yojana which was renamed in March
2016.
New India Literacy Program
The government has recently launched a new centrally sponsored scheme named 'New India Literacy
Programme' with a financial outlay of over Rs 1000 crore for implementation during the financial years
2022-23 to 2026-27.
The scheme aims to cover five crore illiterates in the age group of 15 years and above.
Beneficiaries under this scheme are identified through door to door survey on mobile app by the surveyors
in the States and Union Territories.
About New India Literacy Program
The program has been launched for the period FY 2022-2027 to align with the National Education Policy
2020 and cover all aspects of adult education.
The scheme has been approved with a financial outlay of Rs 1037.90 crore, which includes central share
of Rs 700.00 crore and state share of Rs 337.90 crore.
The center and state share for all states is in the ratio of 60:40 while for North Eastern Region (NER) and
Himalayan states the share between center and state is in the ratio of 90:10.
The scheme will cover non-literates in the age group of 15 years and above in all the States/UTs of the
country.
It aims to cover 1 crore learners per year (total target of 5 crore) using "Online Teaching, Learning and
Assessment System (OTLAS)" in collaboration with National Informatics Centre, NCERT and NIOS.
Five components of the scheme
Foundational Literacy and Numeracy
Critical Life Skills
Vocational Skills Development
Basic Education
Continuing Education.
Objectives of the Scheme
To impart basic literacy and numeracy.
Union Minister for Rural Development Giriraj Singh initiates ‘Captive Employment’ initiative under
Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY).
19 captive employers have been included in the unique initiative.
19 captive employers signed MoU with the Ministry of Rural Development to train and place over 31,000
rural youth in subsidiary companies under the DDU-GKY scheme.
Captive employers will train rural poor youth and provide employment to the trained youth in their company
or subsidiary.

About Captive Employment
It aims to create a dynamic and demand-driven skilling ecosystem that caters to the needs of industry partners
ensuring sustainable placements for rural poor youth.
The initiative is an initiative for the DDU-GKY scheme, which assures placement after training the
candidates for at least six months with a minimum CTC of Rs 10,000.
Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Kaushalya Yojana
DDU-GKY is a placement linked skilling program of the Ministry of Rural Development under the aegis of
National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM).
It was launched on 25 September 2014.
It is funded by the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRG), Government of India.
The scheme is currently being implemented in 27 States and 4 Union Territories with emphasis on placement
for rural poor youth.
Under this, demand based skill training is provided to rural poor youth in the age group of 15 to 35 years.
The upper age limit for female candidates is 45 years.
It is mandatory that one-third of the total candidates to be trained under this scheme should be women.
APRIL 2023
Government has sanctioned loans of more than 40,600 crore rupees to over 1.8 lakh women
entrepreneurs under the Stand Up India Scheme.
Speaking on the 7th anniversary of the Stand-up India scheme, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
said that over 1.8 lakh women and SC/ST entrepreneurs received loans under the scheme.
The scheme has created an eco-system which provides a supportive environment for setting up green field
enterprises by availing loans from bank branches of all scheduled commercial banks.
About Stand Up India Scheme
It was launched on April 5, 2016, to promote entrepreneurship among women, Scheduled Caste (SC) and
Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories.
It has been launched to help them start a greenfield venture in manufacturing, services or business sector and
agriculture allied activities.
The objective is to encourage all bank branches to extend loans to SC, ST and women for setting up their
own greenfield enterprises.
The Stand-up India scheme is based on the third pillar of the National Mission for Financial Inclusion
namely "Funding the Unfunded".
More than 80 per cent of the loans given under the scheme have been given to women.
Eligibility for the scheme
SC/ST women entrepreneurs above 18 years of age.
Loans under the scheme are available only for greenfield projects.
Borrower should not be in default to any bank or financial institution.
Since the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) eight years ago, more than 40.82 crore
loans worth Rs 23.2 lakh crore have been sanctioned so far.
According to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, since the launch of the scheme on April 8, 2015, till
March 24, 2023, about Rs 23.2 lakh crore has been sanctioned in 40.82 crore loan accounts.
About 68 per cent accounts under the scheme are for women entrepreneurs and 51 per cent accounts are for
SC, ST and OBC categories of entrepreneurs
Govt launches 'Sangathan se Samriddhi' scheme to bring marginalised rural women into SHGs network.
It will empower marginal rural households by bringing all eligible rural women into Self Help Groups
(SHGs).
The government is targeting to bring the existing 9 crore to 10 crore women under the ambit of SHGs.
The number of members, which was only 2.35 crore in May 2014, has now crossed nine crore.
The government has set a target that every woman associated with self-help groups should be able to earn
one lakh rupees annually.
What are SHGs?
Self-help groups (SHGs) are informal associations of people who choose to come together to find ways to
improve their living conditions.

48th meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) was held
on 18th April under the chairmanship of Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)
G. Asok Kumar.
Eight projects worth around Rs. 638 crore were approved in the meeting.
About Namami Gange
It was approved as a 'Flagship Programme' by the Central Government in June 2014.
It was launched to serve the twin objectives of effective abatement of pollution and conservation and
rejuvenation of the national river Ganga.
It is being operated under the Ministry of Water Resources, Department of River Development and Ganga
Rejuvenation and Ministry of Jal Shakti.
The program is being implemented by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and its State Program
Management Groups (SPMGs).
Union Cabinet Approves National Quantum Mission.
Union Cabinet on 19th April approved the National Quantum Mission to nurture and scale up scientific and
industrial research and development in quantum technology.
The Union Cabinet approved Rs 6,003.65 crore for the mission from 2023-24 to 2030-31.
The Mission will accelerate quantum technology-led economic growth and nurture the ecosystem in the
country.
India will be the sixth country to have a dedicated quantum mission after the US, Austria, Finland, France
and China.
What is Quantum Technology?
Quantum technology is based on quantum theory, which explains the nature of energy and matter at the
atomic and sub-atomic level.
Ministry of Civil Aviation Launches UDAN 5.0.
Ministry of Civil Aviation has launched the 5th phase of Regional Air Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – Ude
Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) to further enhance connectivity in remote and regional areas of the country
and achieve last mile air connectivity.
Key Features of Udaan 5.0
This phase of UDAN focuses on Tier-II (20-80 seats) and Tier-III (80 seats).
The 600 km limit of the first phase has been done away with and there is no restriction for the distance
between the origin and destination of the flight.
The Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to be provided will be capped at a distance of 600 km for priority and
non-priority areas, which was 500 km.
About UDAN scheme
Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) was launched in 2016 as a Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) under
the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Its objective is to provide affordable, economically viable and profitable air travel on regional routes to the
common man even in small towns.
Total enrolment under Atal Pension Yojana crossed 5.20 crore mark.
Finance Ministry has said that the total enrollment under the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) has crossed the
figure of five crore 20 lakh till March 31 this year.
The scheme envisages enrollment of more than one crore 19 lakh new subscribers in the financial year 2022-
23 as compared to 99 lakh in the previous financial year, showing a growth of over 20 per cent.
According to the ministry, the total assets under management in APY is more than Rs 27 thousand 200 crore
and the scheme has earned an investment return of 8.69 per cent since the inception of the scheme.
In the public sector banks (PSBs) category, nine banks achieved the annual target, while Bank of India, State
Bank of India and Indian Bank opened more than a hundred APY accounts per branch, according to ministry
data.
Under the category of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), 32 banks achieved the annual target, while Jharkhand
State Gramin Bank, Vidarbha Konkan Gramin Bank, Tripura Gramin Bank and Baroda Uttar Pradesh
Gramin Bank opened more than 160 APY accounts per branch.
About Atal Pension Yojana
Atal Pension Yojana is a guaranteed pension scheme of the Government of India administered by the
Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).

The scheme allows any citizen of India between the age group of 18-40 years to join through bank or post
office branches where the person has a savings bank account.
Under this scheme, a subscriber will receive a minimum guaranteed pension of Rs 1000 to Rs 5000 per
month from the age of 60 years, depending on his contribution.
On the death of the subscriber, the pension is guaranteed to the spouse for life.
In the event of death of both the subscriber and his/her spouse, the full pension amount is paid to the
nominee.
MAY 2023
Maharashtra Government launched Namo Shetkari Mahasanman Yojana.
The Maharashtra government has approved a new financial scheme under which Rs 6,000 will be paid
annually to over one crore farmers in the state.
Maharashtra cabinet also approved the implementation of 'Gender Inclusive Tourism Policy' named 'Aai' to
empower women in the tourism sector.
About Stand Up India Scheme
It was launched on April 5, 2016, to promote entrepreneurship among women, Scheduled Caste (SC) and
Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories.
It has been launched to help them start a greenfield venture in manufacturing, services or business sector and
agriculture allied activities.
The objective is to encourage all bank branches to extend loans to SC, ST and women for setting up their
The Stand-up India scheme is based on the third pillar of the National Mission for Financial Inclusion
More than 80 per cent of the loans given under the scheme have been given to women.
Eligibility for the scheme
SC/ST women entrepreneurs above 18 years of age.
Loans under the scheme are available only for greenfield projects.
Borrower should not be in default to any bank or financial institution.
Union Minister Giriraj Singh launched the SAMARTH campaign to promote digital transactions at the
Gram Panchayat level.
The campaign aims to empower women and promote digital transactions in rural areas.
The campaign was launched in Lucknow as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
It is an initiative of the Ministry of Rural Development.
It aims to promote digital transactions in 50,000 gram panchayats across India.
The campaign is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to mark
75 years of India's independence.
The campaign started on February 1, 2023 and will run till August 15, 2023.
Ministry of Civil Aviation launches UDAN 5.1
Ministry of Civil Aviation in India has launched UDAN 5.1 on 24 May, a special edition of the UDAN
(Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, with a special focus on helicopter routes..
For the first time under Regional Connectivity Scheme RCS-UDAN, this round is designed specifically for
helicopter routes.
The airfare ceiling has been reduced by 25% to make flying in helicopters more affordable for passengers.
The Viability Gap Funding (VGF) cap for single and twin-engine helicopter operators has been substantially
increased to enhance the financial viability for operating the routes.
So far 46 helicopter routes have been operationalized under the scheme, benefitting many hilly and North
East states and UDAN 5.1 is targeting coverage of a much larger number of routes.
More than 90% of funds allocated under Smart Cities Mission utilised.
Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has announced that more than 90% of the
funds allocated under the Smart Cities Mission are being utilized and 73% of the projects have already been
completed..
The smart city project was to be completed within five years of the selection of the city.
However, in 2021, the ministry changed the deadline to June 2023 for all cities.
About Smart Cities Mission

Smart Cities Mission is an initiative of the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs which was
launched in 2015.
It aims to transform urban areas into sustainable, citizen-friendly and technologically advanced cities.
The mission's primary objective is to enhance the quality of life for citizens by providing them with improved
infrastructure, better governance, and increased economic opportunities.
Between January 2016 and June 2018 (when the last city, Shillong, was selected), the ministry selected 100
cities for the mission in five rounds.
Till 1 May 2023, a total of Rs 38,400 crore was released for the Smart Cities Mission.
Out of this amount, ₹35,261 crore has already been utilized for various projects.
Project Completion
The Smart Cities Mission includes around 7,800 projects worth Rs 1.8 lakh crore.
Of these projects, more than 5,700 projects worth Rs 1.1 lakh crore have been completed.
The remaining projects are expected to be completed by June 30, 2024.
Currently, only 22 out of 100 designated cities have successfully completed all the projects under the mission.
Madhya Pradesh cabinet approves 'Mukhya Mantri Sikho Kamao Yojana' for unemployed youth.
It was decided in the meeting that the name of Mukhya Mantri Kaushal Kamai Yojana will be
'Mukhyamantri Sikho-Kamao Yojana' (Chief Minister Learn-Earn Scheme).
Jal Jeevan Mission Achieves Milestone Of 12 Crore Tap Water Connections.
Jal Jeevan Mission, a flagship program launched by the Government of India, has achieved a significant
milestone by providing 12 crore tap water connections across the country.
This achievement marks a major step towards ensuring access to clean drinking water for every household.
At the time of announcement of launch of JJM only 3.23 Crore (16.64%) households in villages had access
to piped water connection.
Himachal Pradesh at 98.35%, followed by Bihar at 96.05%, are also set to achieve saturation in the near
future.
Goa, Haryana, Punjab, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Puducherry, D&NH and D&D are 'Har Ghar Jal'
certified States/UTs.
About Jal Jeevan Mission
It is a flagship programme of the Government of India which was announced from the ramparts of Red Fort
by the Prime Minister on August 15, 2019.
The objective of the mission is to supply potable tap water in adequate quantity, prescribed quality and on a
regular and long-term basis to every rural household of the country by 2024.
It is implemented by the Government of India in partnership with the States/Union Territories.
This mission comes under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
The fund sharing pattern between the Center and the states under the mission is 90:10 for Himalayan and
North-Eastern states and 50:50 for other states.
In the case of Union Territories, 100% contribution is made by the Centre.
Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Atal Pension
Yojana completed eight years on 9th May.
These schemes are playing a vital role in providing social security and affordable insurance to the people.
These three schemes were started by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on this day on May 9, 2015 from
Kolkata in West Bengal.
The government had launched two insurance schemes Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana and Pradhan
Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana to make the people belonging from unorganised sections financially
secure.
The government also introduced Atal Pension Yojana to cover the exigencies in the old age..
Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana
This plan is a one-year life insurance plan that is renewable from year to year to offer coverage for death due
to any reason.
The plan provides life cover of Rs 2 lakh in case of death due to any reason for a premium of Rs 436 per
annum.
Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana
This is a one-year accidental insurance scheme renewable from year to year offering coverage for death or
disability due to an accident.

The scheme provides accidental death cum disability cover of two lakh rupees against a premium of 20
rupees per annum.
Atal Pension Yojana
Under this scheme subscribers would receive the guaranteed minimum monthly pension ranging from one
thousand to five thousand after the age of 60 years, based on the contributions made by the subscriber.
Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar launches Phase-III of Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojana.
Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare on 8th May launched the
third phase of Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojana (TBSY) of the Health Ministry.
She also launched the Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojana Portal.
Dr Pawar also released the Standard Treatment Workflow for Sickle Cell Disease on the occasion. This has
been developed by ICMR.
Phase-III of Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojana
The third phase of the program will continue to provide financial assistance towards the package cost of 10
lakh per HSCT, which will be directly transferred from CIL to the institutions performing HSCT.
Government launches Vivad se Vishwas scheme.
Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, has launched the scheme, “Vivad se Vishwas I – Relief to
MSMEs” for providing relief to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for COVID-19 period.
The scheme was announced in the Union Budget 2023-24 by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
The relief provided under this scheme is in continuation to the efforts of the government in promoting and
sustaining the MSME sector.
Additional benefits to eligible MSMEs, affected during the COVID-19 period
95% of the performance security forfeited shall be refunded.
95% of the Bid security shall be refunded.
95% of the Liquidated Damages (LD) deducted shall be refunded.
95% of the Risk Purchase amount realized shall be refunded.
RBI, has proposed a modification to the Foreign Exchange Management (Current Account Transaction)
Rules. This amendment involves including credit card transactions within the limit of $250,000 under the
Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS).
Union Cabinet approves Rs 17,000 crore PLI Scheme for IT hardware, leveraging India's growth in mobile
manufacturing and boosting exports.
AWARDS AND HONOURS 2023

JANUARY 2023
America's R'Bonnie Gabriel won the Miss Universe 2022 title at the 71st Miss Universe pageant.
The 71st Miss Universe pageant was held in the city of New Orleans in the US state of Louisiana.
The Rabindranath Tagore Literary Prize 2021-22 jointly won by Sudeep Sen and Shobhana Kumar.
Rabindranath Tagore Literary Prize 2021-22 has been jointly won by Sudeep Sen for his genre and
formbender Anthropocene : Climate Change, Contagion, Consolation (Pippa Rann Books & Media, 2021)
and Shobhana Kumar for her haibun collection 'A Sky Full of Bucket Lists' (Red River, 2021).
The Rabindranath Tagore Literary Award was instituted in 2018 to annually recognize literary and social
achievements.
Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has won key recognition in Wharton-QS Reimagine
Education Awards, referred to as ‘the Oscars of Education’.
'Nijat' campaign selected for International IACP Awards 2022.
US-based international organisation International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) has selected
Chhattisgarh Police's anti-drug and illicit liquor campaign 'Nijat' for 'Leadership in Crime Prevention' in the
institutional category.
Odisha wins World Habitat Award 2023 for its JAGA Mission.
Odisha government’s slum improvement and land titling programme, JAGA (Odisha Liveable Habitat
Mission) Mission has won the UN-Habitat’s World Habitat Awards 2023. This year it was awarded the
bronze medal.
This is the second time that the programme has received the UN-Habitat’s World Habitat Award.

Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud has been selected for the "Award for Global Leadership" by
the Harvard Law School Center.
RRR's Naatu Naatu wins historic Golden Globe for best original song.
South Cinema's film RRR has created history at the 80th 'Golden Globe Awards 2023' award ceremony, the
film's Telugu song 'Naatu Naatu' has won the Best Song award.
The song was composed by MM Keeravani and sung by Kaala Bhairava and Rahul Sipligunj.
It stars famous actors Ram Charan and Jr. NTR in lead roles.
The two play real-life Indian revolutionaries Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem in the film.
RRR' directed by Rajamouli is based on nationalism and brotherhood.
SS Rajamouli's film 'RRR' won the 28th Critics' Choice Awards 2023 for Best Foreign Language Film
and Best Song.
K Venu was awarded the Federal Bank Literary Award 2022 for his autobiography 'Oarnavashanthinte
Katha'.
A Rajasthani film "Nanera" directed by Dipankar Prakash was awarded the 'Golden Kailasha' award
for the best film at the Ajanta-Ellora Film Festival.
The Rajasthani film Nanera (Nanaji's house) revolves around the main character Manish.
Himalayan Cataract Project Co-Founder and noted Nepali ophthalmologist Dr Sanduk Ruit has won the
Isa Award-2021-2022 for Service to Humanity, a top civilian award of Bahrain.
Goa Manohar International Airport wins Best Sustainable Greenfield Airport Award.
Goa Manohar International Airport (MIA) has been awarded the prestigious "Best Sustainable Greenfield
Airport" award.
The award was presented for "outstanding initiatives" taken by Goa International Airport Limited (GGIAL)
in implementing sustainability.
The Union Cabinet on 04 December 2022 approved the renaming of the Greenfield International Airport at
Mopa as 'Manohar International Airport.
Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) and Lunglei Fire Station (LFS) Mizoram selected
for Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar-2023.
In this award, Rs 51 lakh cash and a certificate is given to the selected organisation in the institutional
category and Rs 5 lakh cash and a certificate to the winner in the individual category.
President of India, Droupadi Murmu conferred the “Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar” instituted
by the Ministry of Women and Child Development to 11 exceptional children
Out of 11 awardees, 5 are girls and 6 are boys.
Every year, the Government of India presents the 'Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar' for exceptional
achievement to children in the age group of 5 to 18 years.
Each awardee receives a medallion, a cash prize of Rs.1,00,000/-, a certificate and a citation.
R Vishnu Prasad Honoured as Most Eminent Scientist of the Year 2022.
The Centre has announced the Padma Awards on the eve of Republic Day 26 January.
Of the total 106 Padma Awards announced, six are Padma Vibhushan, nine are Padma Bhushan and 91 are
Padma Shri.
ICC awards winners for 2022.
Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy: Babar Azam (Pakistan)
Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy: Nat Sciver (England)
Men's Test Cricketer of the Year: Ben Stokes (England)
Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year: Babar Azam
Women's ODI Cricketer of the Year: Nat Sciver
Men's T20 International Cricketer of the Year: Suryakumar Yadav (India)
Women's T20 International Cricketer of the Year: Tahlia McGrath (Australia)
Women's Emerging Cricketer of the Year: Renuka Singh (India)
David Shepherd Trophy: Richard Illingworth (England)
Spirit of Cricket Award: Aasif Sheikh (Nepal)
Tableau for 74th Republic Day Parade.
Best tableaux : Uttarakhand (Manaskhand)
2nd : Maharashtra (Sade Tin Shaktipeeth and Nari Shakti)
3rd : Uttar Pradesh (Ayodhya Deepotsav)

Bank of Baroda, the second largest public sector bank in India after State Bank of India (SBI), won EAG
Laureate award.
1171 Indian Peacekeepers were honoured with the prestigious United Nations (UN) medals for their vital
work in the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in Upper Nile, South Sudan.
FEBRUARY 2023
Former prime minister of India Dr Manmohan Singh was conferred a Lifetime Achievement Honour by
the India-UK Achievers Honours in London for his contribution to economic and political life.
65th Grammy Awards (Music)
Organized - Los Angeles, US.
India's music composer Ricky Kej along with rock legend Stewart Copeland has won the Grammy Award
for Best Immersive Audio Album for the album Divine Tides.
India's Ricky Cage wins his third Grammy Award.
Album of the Year - Harry Styles (Harry's House)
Song Of The Year - Bonnie Raitt (Just Like That)
Record of the Year - Lizzo (About Damn Time)
Author Dr Peggy Mohan has won the 'Mathrubhumi Book of the Year' award during the 4th edition of
Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters (MBIFL 2023).
He has been given this award for his book 'Wanderers, Kings and Merchants',
NTPC bags ‘ATD Best Awards 2023’ for 6th consecutive year.
Country's largest power generation company NTPC Limited has been conferred with 'ATD Best Awards
2023' by Association for Talent Development (ATD), USA.
Indian-American schoolgirl Natasha Periyanayagam has been named in the Johns Hopkins Center for
Talented Youth's list of "world's most talented" students for the second year in a row.
Indian origin Karthik Subramaniam wins National Geographic's 'pictures of the year' contest.
His photograph, titled "Dance of the Eagles", was taken at the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve in Alaska.
76TH BRITISH ACADEMY FILM AWARDS ( BAFTAs)
Best Film : All Quiet on the Western Front
Best Actress : Cate Blanchett, (Tar)
Best Actor : Austin Butler, (Elvis)
Best Director : Edward Berger, (All Quiet on the Western Front).
Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Awards - 2023.
Best Film: The Kashmir Files
Best Actor: Ranbir Kapoor for Brahmastra: Part 1
Best Actress: Alia Bhatt for Gangubai Kathiawadi
Best Director: R Balki for Chup: Revenge of The Artist
Film of The Year : RRR.
Computer scientist Hari Balakrishnan has been awarded the 2023 Marconi Prize.
Sajjan Jindal with the Best Entrepreneur of the Year Award for the year 2022.
RRR has bagged three big awards at the Hollywood Critics Association (HCA) Film Awards 2023.
Directed by SS Rajamouli, the film has been given the HCA Film Award for Best Action Film, Best Stunts,
Best International Film and Best Song for the song Natu Natu.
Angela Merkel, former Federal Chancellor of Germany, received the Félix Houphouët-Boigny-
UNESCO Peace Prize 2022.
VP Nandakumar, Managing Director and Chief executive officer (CEO) of Manappuram Finance Limited,
received The Hurun Industry Achievement Award 2022 for his remarkable achievements in the world of
business.
Veteran journalist Dr Anne Bhavani Koteswara Prasad, popularly known as ABK, has been chosen for the
‘Raja Ram Mohan Roy National Award for excellence in Journalism-2020’ for his outstanding contribution
to the field of journalism.
Dr. Mahendra Mishra awarded the International Mother Language Award in Dhaka.

Kollam district panchayat of Kerala has won the Swaraj Trophy for the best district panchayat in the State
for the 2021-22 financial year.
MARCH 2023
Union Health Ministry has been awarded the Porter Prize 2023 for successfully combating the COVID-19
crisis.
Chhattisgarh's senior writer and eminent Hindi litterateur Vinod Kumar Shukla was awarded the prestigious
PEN/Nabokov Award for 2023 for achievement in international literature.
British architect Sir David Chipperfield has won the 2023 Pritzker Architecture Prize.
David Chipperfield is the 52nd winner of the award, established in 1979.
It is the highest international honor for architects.
Ukrainian Rights Group Truth Hounds wins Norway's Sakharov Freedom Award.
The song 'Naatu Naatu' from the Indian film RRR has won the Oscar in the Best Original Song category at
the 95th Oscar Awards.
95TH ACADEMY AWARDS (OSCARS AWARDS 2023)
Best Picture : Everything Everywhere All At Once
Best Actress : Michelle Yeoh (Everything Everywhere All at Once)
Best Actor : Brendan Fraser (The Whale)
Best Director : Daniel Kwan and Daniel Schienert (Everything Everywhere All at Once)
Best Original Song : “Naatu Naatu” (RRR)
Best Documentary Short Film : ‘The Elephant Whisperers’ by Kartiki Gonsalves and Guneet Monga.
President Draupadi Murmu presented the "President's Colour" to INS Dronacharya at Kochi.
Reserve Bank Governor Shaktikanta Das has been honoured with the 'Governor of the Year 2023
Award' by the international publication Central Banking.
Das has become the second governor to get this award after Raghuram Rajan, who was awarded back in
2015.
Noted Tamil writer Sivasankari has been conferred with the prestigious Saraswati Samman for the year
2022.
The award is for his book "Surya Vamsam", a memoir published in Tamil in 2019.
About Saraswati Samman
It is given annually to an outstanding literary work written in any Indian language and published during the
last 10 years.
The award carries a cash prize of Rs. 15 lakh, a citation and a plaque.
Renowned Carnatic vocalist and Padma Shri awardee Bombay Jayashri has been selected for the Sangita
Kalanidhi award for 2023 by the Music Academy.
Sangeeta Kalanidhi Award
It is considered the highest honor in the field of Carnatic music.
Nepali wicketkeeper-batsman Asif Sheikh wins 2022 Christopher Martin-Jenkins Spirit of Cricket Award.
The award is presented annually by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), UK in association with the BBC.
Luis Caffarelli of Argentina has been awarded the 2023 Abel Prize.
Caffarelli has been awarded the prize for his contributions to the field of nonlinear partial equations and free-
boundary problems in mathematics.
Caffarelli was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, making him the first Abel Prize laureate from
South America.
Currently, he is a professor at the University of Texas, Austin.
About Abel Prize
First awarded in 2003, the Abel prize “recognises pioneering scientific achievements in mathematics”.
The prize is awarded by the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters on behalf of the Ministry of
Education.
Foundation of SAARC Writers and Literature (FOSWAL) honoured Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur
Rahman with a special literary award for his trilogy - Unfinished Memoirs, The Prison Diaries and The
New China 1952.

M T Vasudevan Nair was awarded the "Kerala Jyoti", the highest civilian honour in Kerala..
Kashmir's Aliya Mir honoured with Wildlife Conservation Award 2023..
Naveen Jindal conferred with 'Lifetime Achievement Award' by University of Texas.
Assam-based Tapoban NGO with the Children's Champion Award 2023.
Sashidhar Jagdishan, Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of HDFC Bank has
been named the Business Standard (BS) Banker of the Year 2022.
Hindi author Dr. Gyan Chaturvedi, has been chosen for the 32nd Vyas Samman for ‘Pagalkhana
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has been awarded the Central Board Of Irrigation And Power
(CBIP) Award 2022 for ‘Best Contribution in Solar Energy’.
Groupe Speciale Mobile Association (GSMA) has conferred Government Leadership Award 2023 to India
for implementing best practices in telecom policy and regulation.
The India Today Tourism Survey has chosen Jammu & Kashmir Tourism for best adventure tourism award.
APRIL 2023
Dr. Nitya Abraham, an Indian-American physician and professor, has been honored with the Young
Urologist of the Year Award by the American Urological Association (AUA).
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky was awarded the Order of the White Eagle, Poland's highest
award.
Kalyampudi Radhakrishna Rao, an Indian-American statistician won the 2023 International Prize in
Statistics.
The International Prize in Statistics is considered equivalent to the Nobel Prize in Statistics.
Aditya Birla Group Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla was honoured with the 'Business Leader of the
Decade Award' at the 13th Management India Awards ceremony organised by the All India Management
Association (AIMA).
Tata's T Viren was also presented with the Workman- J Worker Partnership Award at the ceremony and
ABB India won the 'MNC in India of the Year' award.
Rahul Kanwal, News Director of India Today and Aaj Tak and Executive Director of Business Today,
received the 'Outstanding Contribution to Media' award at the same event.
National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), which operates the retail payment and settlement system
in India, was awarded the 'Outstanding PSU of the Year' award.
Dr. Appasaheb Dharmadhikari has been awarded the "Maharashtra Bhushan" for the year 2022.
Nandini Gupta of Rajasthan won the title of Femina Miss India World 2023.
The 59th edition of India's most prestigious pageant marked the Grand Finale of Femina Miss India World
2023 in a historic ceremony at the Indoor Stadium, Khuman Lampak, Imphal, Manipur.
Nandini Gupta will represent India at the 71st Miss World pageant, which is going to be held in the United
Arab Emirates
Economist Utsa Patnaik was selected for the 2023 Malcolm Adiseshiah Award.
FedEx CEO Raj Subramaniam received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, India's highest civilian
honour for persons of Indian origin and the diaspora.
Legendary singer Asha Bhosle will be honoured with the Lata Dinanath Mangeshkar Award.
Innovator Sonam Wangchuk conferred with prestigious Santokba Humanitarian Award.
Wing Commander Deepika Mishra became the first woman officer of the Indian Air Force to receive a
gallantry award.
Karnataka received the National Award for Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.
Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL), a Maharatna CPSU of the Ministry of Power,
Government of India, has been conferred with the Global Gold Award by The Green Organisation.
Dalai Lama personally received the 1959 Ramon Magsaysay Award from members of the Ramon
Magsaysay Award Foundation at his residence.
The award was given in August 1959 by the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation in the Philippines.

The award has recognized individuals and organisations from various fields and is known as the "Nobel
Prize of Asia".
Dalai Lama:
He is the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people and is considered one of the most important figures in Tibetan
Buddhism.
The current 14th Dalai Lama is Tenzin Gyatso, who was born in Tibet in 1935.
Breast surgeon Dr. Raghu Ram Pillarisettiwas presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the
Telugu Association of London.
Tata Sons Chairman Emeritus Ratan Tata has received the Order of Australia (AO), Australia's highest
civilian honour.
The award was given to Ratan Tata for his contribution in strengthening bilateral relations between India
and Australia.
Rajasthan Housing Board got National Award for Real Estate.
National Real Estate Award was presented to the Rajasthan Housing Board by the Central Government
Agency National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO).
Maria Stepanova, a Russian author currently living in Berlin, has won the prestigious Leipzig Book
Prize for European Understanding in 2023.
The Leipzig Book Prize was awarded to Stepanova for her poetry collection 'Girls Without Clothes'.
Kiran Nadar, Philanthropist and an art collector, was conferred with “Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur”
(Knight of the Legion Honour) the highest French civilian award.
68TH FILMFARE AWARDS, (also known as HYUNDAI FILMFARE AWARDS 2023)
Best Film: Gangubai Kathiawadi
Best Actor : Rajkummar Rao for Badhaai Do
Best Actress : Alia Bhatt for Gangubai Kathiawadi
Best Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali for Gangubai Kathiawadi.
Indian Weightlifter, Padma Shri Saikhom Mirabai Chanu, who became the 1st Indian weightlifter to win
the silver medal at Tokyo Olympic Games, has won the 4th edition of the “British Broadcasting Corporation
(BBC) Indian Sportswoman Of The Year (ISWOTY) 2022”.
Pritam Siwach, a former captain of the Indian women’s hockey team and coach, received the “BBC Lifetime
Achievement Award 2022” in recognition of her contributions to Indian sports and for inspiring generations
of players.
Pagalkhana, a satirical Hindi novel authored by Dr Gyan Chaturvedi, a renowned Hindi Writer and Padma
Shri Awardee (2015), has been selected for the 32nd Vyas Samman (2022).
Dhanya Rajendran, Co-founder and editor of the news website “The News Minute”, was awarded the
Chameli Devi Jain Award for ‘Outstanding Woman Mediaperson 2022.
Shakira, the renowned Colombian singer, will be recognized with the prestigious 'Latin Women of the Year'
award.
Former Chancellor Angela Merkel received Germany’s highest Order of Merit.
Nilesh Sambare honoured with the ‘Maratha Udyog Ratna 2023’ award.
Nilesh Bhagwan Sambre, the founder of Jijau Educational and Social Foundation, was recently honored
with the "Maratha Udyog Ratna" award at the "Maratha Entrepreneurs Conference 2023".
Bharat Biotech wins award at World Vaccine Congress 2023.
Indian-American physician Dr. Nitya Abraham honoured with young urologist of the year award.
MAY 2023
Bulgarian author Georgi Gospodinov won the 2023 International Booker Prize for his novel "Time Shelter".
The novel was translated into English by Angela Rodel and is the first Bulgarian novel to win the
International Booker Prize..
International Booker Prize:
It is an international literary award held in the United Kingdom.
It was introduced in June 2004 as a complement to the Man Booker Prize

Goan writer Damodar Maujo has been honoured with the 57th Jnanpith Award, India's highest literary
honour.
He is a renowned short story writer, novelist, critic and screenwriter in Konkani language.
Damodar Maujo is the second Goan to receive the Jnanpith Award after Ravindra Kelekar in 2008.
Jnanpith Awards It is the oldest and highest Indian literary award presented annually by Bharatiya Jnanpith.
Maria Stepanova, a Russian author currently living in Berlin, has won the prestigious Leipzig Book Prize
for European Understanding in 2023.
The Leipzig Book Prize was awarded to Stepanova for her poetry collection 'Girls Without Clothes'.
Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti will
organize the 4th National Water Awards Distribution Ceremony on June 17, 2023 at Vigyan Bhawan, New
Delhi.
41 winners including joint winners have been selected for the 4th National Water Awards, 2022.
The awards include 11 categories including 'Best State', 'Best District', 'Best Gram Panchayat', 'Best Urban
Local Body'.
The award winners will be awarded a citation, trophy and cash prize.
An amount of Rs 2 lakh has been kept for the first prize, Rs 1.5 lakh for the second prize and Rs one lakh
for the third prize.
Prime MinisterNarendra Modi was conferred with the highest honor by Fiji and Papua New Guinea.
PM Modi was awarded "The Companion of the Order of Fiji" by his Fijian counterpart Sitweni Rabuka.
Papua New Guinea conferred its highest civilian honour, Grand Companion of the Order of Loghu (GCL)
on PM Modi for his efforts towards unity of the Pacific island nation..
Cochin Port bags Sagar Shreshta award 2023.
Cochin Port has been awarded the prestigious Sagar Shreshta award for the year 2023 by the Ministry of
Shipping in recognition of its outstanding performance in the maritime sector.
Laureus World Sports Awards 2023
World Sportsman of the Year Award: Lionel Messi
World Sportswoman of the Year Award: Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce
World Team of the Year Award: Argentina Men's Football Team
World Breakthrough of the Year Award: Carlos Alcaraz
World Comeback of the Year Award: Christian Eriksen.
Three jailed Iranian women journalists win UN press freedom prizes.
Award winners include Niloufer Hamidi, Elaheh Mohammadi and Nargis Mohammadi.
The award is formally presented by UNESCO on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day on 3 May..
Meera Syal, who starred in the hit BBC comedy, Goodness Gracious Me and The Kumars at No 42, will be
honored at the BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) Television Awards on May 14 at the
Royal Festival Hall.
Department of Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, Chandigarh Awarded Skoch SILVER Award 2023 .
76th Cannes Film Festival 2023
Palme d’Or: Anatomy Of A Fall, directed by Justine Triet.
Best Director: Tran Anh Hung for The Pot-Au-Feu.
Best Actress: Merve Dizdar, About Dry Grasses
Best Actor: Kōji Yakusho, Perfect Days
IIFA Awards 2023
Best Film : Drishyam 2
Best Director : R Madhavan for Rocketry: The Nambi Effect
Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female) : Alia Bhatt for Gangubai Kathiawadi
Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male) : Hrithik Roshan for Vikram Vedha
India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, received the Dag
Hammarksjold Medals on behalf of Head Constables Shishupal Singh and Sanwala Ram Vishnoi.
Tata Group Chairman N Chandrasekaran has been given France's highest civilian award Chevalier de la
Legion d'honneur for his contributions to strengthen the trade relationship between India and France.
South Asian Film Festival of Montreal honors ‘Gauri’ with ‘Best Long Documentary Award’.
Jayant Narlikar awarded Govind Swarup Lifetime Achievement Award 2022.

CM Yogi Adityanath honoured Bharat Ratna Dr Ambedkar Award for his efforts in creating a fear-free
Uttar Pradesh.
Former Lok Sabha MP Pandit Ramkishan was recently awarded the title of “Shatabdi Purush” (Man of the
Century) .
APPOINTMENT IN NEWS 2023

JANUARY 2023
Inacio Lula da Silva sworn in as the President of Brazil for the 3rd time.
Lula, who belongs to the Worker Part.
Surinder Chawla appointed as MD & CEO of Paytm Payments Bank.
Chawla will replace Paytm Payments Bank CEO Satish Kumar Gupta.
Vinay Prakash Singh assumed the charge as the Secretary General of the Asian Pacific Postal Union (APPU)
on 1 January 2023.
The headquarters of the Asian Pacific Postal Union is in Bangkok, Thailand.
APPU is an intergovernmental organization of 32-member countries of the Asian-Pacific region.
Captain Shiva Chauhan becomes the first women officer to be operationally deployed in Siachen.
Shanti Kumari' becomes first woman Chief Secretary of Telangana.
Meta India has appointed Vikas Purohit as the Director of Global Business Group for its business operations
in India.
The first woman officer to be posted on foreign assignment in the Border Roads Organization (BRO) -
Captain Surabhi Jakhmola.
Cognizant Appoints Ravi Kumar S as Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Ravi Kumar S has replaced Brian Humphries.
Ravi Kumar S has worked in Infosys for 20 years.
Central Government has extended the tenure of Dr. Michael Debabrata Patra as Deputy Governor of the
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for one more year with effect from January 15, 2023.
Aruna Miller has become the first Indian-American politician to be elected as the lieutenant governor of the
US state of Maryland.
Jacinda Ardern announced her resignation as Prime Minister of New Zealand.
Retired DG of BSF Pankaj Kumar Singh appointed Deputy National Security Adviser.
UK's Claire Lombardelli has been appointed as the new Chief Economist of the Organization for Economic
Co-operation and Development (OECD).
He has replaced Lawrence Boon of France.
Headquarters – Paris (France)
India is not a member of OECD
NMDC signs up Champion Boxer Nikhat Zareen as its Brand Ambassador.
Naresh Lalwani took over as the new General Manager of Central Railway.
US President Joe Biden has nominated Julie Turner as special envoy for human rights in North Korea.
Vikram Dev Dutt as the next director general in the Directorate of General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
He will replace DGCA chief Arun Kumar.
Egypt President Abdel Fattah El Sisi will be the chief guest at the 74th Republic Day celebrations.
New Zealand's ruling Labor Party elected Chris Hipkins as its leader and the country's 41st prime minister,
replacing Ms Jacinda Ardern.
Nick Walker is the new CEO of Vedanta Cairn Oil & Gas.

Air Marshal Amanpreet Singh has been appointed as the new Vice Chief of the Air Staff.
He will replace Air Marshal Sandeep Singh.
Puma India signs Harmanpreet Kaur as brand ambassador.
Madhvendra Singh appointed as the first CEO of Gujarat Maritime Cluster.
Petr Pavel Became the President of the Czech Republic.
on 1 January 2023.
in India.

on 1 January 2023.
in India.

Unilever appoints Hein Schumacher as new CEO.
Shamalbhai B Patel appoints as chairman of Amul.
Herbalife Nutrition India signed Smriti Mandhana as sponsored sports athlete.
ICICI Prudential Life Insurance has announced the launch of its ‘360° Financial Protection with ICICI
Prudential Life Insurance’ digital-first campaign featuring cricketer Suryakumar Yadav.
Ajay Kumar Srivastava has been elevated as Managing Director and CEO of Indian Overseas Bank.
FEBRUARY 2023
Equatorial Guinea appoints Manuela Roka Botey as first female PM.
Former Indian cricketer Monty Desai appointed coach of Nepal cricket team.
Mohammad Shahabuddin elected President of Bangladesh.
He will be the 22nd President of Bangladesh.
Nikos Christodoulides elected as the new president of Cyprus
Capital: Nicosia
Currency: Euro
Central Government has approved Justice Rajesh Bindal and Justice Arvind Kumar as judges of the
Supreme Court.
The total number of judges in the Supreme Court has gone up to 34, which is also the sanctioned number of
34 judges.
Satyanarayana Raju appointed as the new MD & CEO of Canara Bank.
He will replace LV Prabhakar.
BVR Subrahmanyam appointed new CEO of Niti Aayog.
He will be the fourth CEO of NITI Aayog.
Subrahmanyam will replace Parameswaran Iyer.
Ayushmann Khurrana was appointed as the National Ambassador of Child Rights for UNICEF India.
Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar is new Army Vice Chief.
Neil Mohan has been appointed as the new CEO of YouTube.
He will replace Susan Wojcicki.
Lt. Gen. M.V. Suchindra Kumar took over as Vice Chief of the Army Staff.
Comptroller and Auditor General, Girish Chandra Murmu has been selected as the External Auditor of the
International Labor Organization in Geneva for a period of four years from 2024 to 2027.
Sangam Sir (Kumar Kaushal Sir), [25-05-2023 07:06]
Shailesh Pathak has been appointed as the new Secretary General of Federation of Indian Chambers of
Commerce & Industry (FICCI).
MARCH 2023
Rajesh Malhotra appointed as new Principal Director General of Press Information Bureau.
Bola Tinubu elected as the new President of Nigeria.
Lt Gen RS Reen took over as Director General Quality Assurance.

Jishanu Barua has been appointed as the new chairman of the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission
(CERC).
Hockey India appoints South African Craig Fulton as new Chief Coach of Indian men's hockey team.
Shalija Dhami becomes first woman officer to command a fighter unit in Indian Air Force (IAF).
Manik Saha became the Chief Minister of Tripura for the second time in a row
Neiphiu Rio became the Chief Minister of Nagaland for the fifth time.
Konrad Sangma became the Chief Minister of Meghalaya for the second time.
Colonel Geeta Rana became the first woman officer to command a field workshop.
Ram Chandra Paudel elected as the new President of Nepal.
He will succeed Bidya Devi Bhandari.
Arun Subramanian becomes first Indian-American to be Judge of Manhattan Federal District Court in New
York.
Rohit Jawa has been appointed as the new CEO and MD of Hindustan Unilever Ltd.
Rohit Jawa will succeed Sanjiv Mehta.
Li Qiang was appointed as the new Premier or Prime Minister of China.
Tech Mahindra names former Infosys President Mohit Joshi as MD and CEO.
He will take over when CP Gurnani retires.
Surekha Yadav becomes Asia's first woman loco pilot to operate Vande Bharat Express.
She piloted a semi-high speed train between Solapur station and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
(CSMT) in Mumbai.
Shreya Ghodawat appointed as India's ambassador for She Changes Climate.
In honour of International Women's Day, a global non-profit organisation launched a special initiative called
'Embrace Equity'.
Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has announced the appointment of Tablesh Pandey and M
Jagannath as Managing Directors of the corporation.
Tablesh Pandey will take over from 1 April 2023, M Jagannath will take over from 13 March 2023.
The two managing directors retiring from the corporation this week are Raj Kumar and BC Patnaik.
Tim Mayopoulos has been appointed CEO of Silicon Valley Bank by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation (FDIC).
US Senate appointed of Eric Garcetti as the United States Ambassador to India.
Kriti Krithivasan has been appointed as the CEO of the country's largest IT services firm Tata Consultancy
Services (TCS) after the current CEO and MD Rajesh Gopinathan stepped down.
Ram Sahai Prasad Yadav has been elected as the third Vice President of Nepal.
Luxor signs Virat Kohli as its new brand ambassador.
Lalit Kumar Gupta has been appointed as the new Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Cotton
Corporation of India (CCI).
G Krishnakumar has been appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Petroleum
Corporation Limited (BPCL).
Former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff has been elected as the new President of the New Development
Bank (NDB), also known as the BRICS Bank.
She replaced Marcus Troyjo as the President of NDB.
About New Development Bank (NDB)
It is a multilateral development bank established in 2014 by the BRICS countries - Brazil, Russia, India,
China and South Africa.
Indian-origin Sikh woman Lieutenant Manmeet Kolan has become the assistant police chief in the US state
of Connecticut.
Ironman’ Krishna Prakash becomes first person to swim from Gateway of India to Elephanta Caves.
U K Sinha and Dipali Goenka have been appointed Independent Directors of NDTV for a period of two
years.
Manmeet K. Nanda appointed new managing director & CEO of Invest India.

Hero MotoCorp's board appointed Niranjan Gupta as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the
company..
Tata Power approves reappointment of Praveer Sinha as CEO and MD.
Sinha's reappointment is for a period of four years from May 1, 2023 to April 30, 2027.
Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan appointed as Vice-President of UAE.
SpiceJet CEO Ajay Singh has been appointed as the new president of the Associated Chambers of
Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM).
He succeeds Sumant Sinha.
Pranav Haridasan appointed as new MD & CEO of Axis Securities for the next three years.
Indian hockey player Salima Tete has been appointed as the Athlete Ambassador of the Asian Hockey
Federation (AHF).
Star Sports signed Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh as its brand ambassador.
Manmeet K Nanda appointed as MD & CEO of Invest India.
Lalit Kumar Gupta named as CMD of Cotton Corporation of India (CCI).
Luxor Writing Instruments Pvt Ltd, a stationery manufacturer, has appointed renowned cricketer Virat
Kohli as its latest brand ambassador.
Viacom18 announces former captain MS Dhoni as their brand ambassador.
Group Captain Shaliza Dhami 1st woman to command frontline IAF combat unit.
Sachin Tendulkar as its world’s first ‘Hand Ambassador’ for its Swasth India Mission..
S.S. Dubey took charge as the new Controller General of Accounts (CGA). He is the 28th officer to hold the
position of CGA.
Jishnu Barua has become the new chairperson of power regulator Central Electricity Regulatory
Commission (CERC).
APRIL 2023
Sudha Shivakumar has been appointed as the 40th National President of Federation of Indian Chambers of
Commerce and Industry Ladies Organization (FLO).
Sheenu Jhawar becomes first woman president of TiE Rajasthan.
He succeeds Dr. Ravi Modani.
Sumil Vikamsey appointed as MD of Hitachi Payment Services.
He takes over from Rustam Irani.
Dr. RG Patel has been appointed by the Union Health Ministry as an expert member of the National Assisted
Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy Board .
Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh has taken over as the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff in the Indian Navy .
Rajeev K. Mishra has been appointed as the new Chairman and Managing Director of Power Trading
Corporation of India (PTC) Limited.
Justice Apresh Kumar Singh was appointed as the new Chief Justice of Tripura High Court by the Central
Government.
Indian-origin man Subby Subramaniam has been commissioned as a Warrant Officer in the Royal Air Force
of the United Kingdom.
Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo assumed charge as the President of the National Rifle Association of India
(NRAI).
He replaced Raninder Singh.
Honda Motor Company Limited appointed Tsutsumu Otani as the new President, CEO and Managing
Director of Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India.
About Honda Motor Company Limited
It is a multinational conglomerate manufacturer based in Japan and this company manufactures
automobiles, motorcycles and power equipment.
Headquarters - Minato, Tokyo, Japan

Aleksandar Ceferin was re-elected as the President of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA)
.
UEFA : Headquarters - Nyon, Switzerland
New Zealand’s Kim Cotton becomes first woman on-field umpire in full-member men’s T20Is during New
Zealand’s second match against Sri Lanka in Dunedin.
Arun Sinha was appointed as the new chairman of the National Technical Research Organization (NTRO)
by the Government of India.
NTRO is a technical intelligence agency based in India.
Rowan Wilson was appointed as the first black Chief Justice of New York by the State Senate.
Miguel Díaz-Canel has been re-elected as President of the Republic of Cuba for a second five-year term.
Capital - Havana
Currency – peso
Ratnakar Patnaik appointed as new Chief Investment Officer of LIC.
Shrikant M Bhandiwad has taken charge as the new chairman of Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank (KVGB).
Microsoft India president Anant Maheshwari appointed Nasscom chairperson for 2023-24.
Maheshwari, who was NASSCOM's vice-chairperson, succeeds Krishnan Ramanujam, the president of
business and technology services at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).
Nasscom also announced the appointment of Rajesh Nambiar, chairman and managing director of
Cognizant India as its vice-chairperson for 2023-24.
Renowned wrestler and coach Mahavir Singh Phogat was appointed as the President of MMA-1 Federation.
Rajesh Kumar Singh assumed the charge of secretary in the Department for Promotion of Industry and
Internal Trade (DPIIT).
Singh has replaced Anurag Jain.
Tata Electronics Pvt Ltd (TEPL) has appointed Dr Randhir Thakur as CEO and Managing Director.
Walt Disney Company owned Star Sports signed Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant as its latest 'Believe
Ambassador'.
Rajneesh Karnataka appointed as new MD & Chairman of Bank of India.
He replaces Atanu Kumar Das.
Rajneesh Karnataka is currently serving as the Executive Director of Union Bank of India.
Debadatta Chand has been appointed as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
of the Bank of Baroda.
He succeeds Sanjiv Chadha.
The government has appointed Siddharth Mohantyas the chairman of Life Insurance Corporation of India
(LIC) till June 2024.
Pankaj Singh elected president of Indian Cycling Federation (CFI).
Shivangi Singh, the first woman pilot of the Indian Air Force to fly the Rafale fighter jet, is part of the Indian
Air Force (IAF) team that will take part in the multinational exercise 'Orion' in France.
Shivangi hails from Fetehabad Village of Muzaffarpur District, Bihar .
Hari Hara Mishra has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Association of Asset
Reconstruction Companies (ARCs).
A Madhavarao set to be next CMD of Bharat Dynamics Ltd.
MAY 2023
Celeste Saulo of Argentina has been appointed as the first female Secretary-General of the World
Meteorological Organization (WMO).
Headquarters – Geneva, Switzerland.
Mission Olympic Cell approved Neeraj Chopra's proposal to train in Kuortane, Finland.
Amarendu Prakash took charge as the new Chairman and Managing Director of Steel Authority of India
Limited (SAIL) .
Bidyut Bihari Swain takes Oath of Office and Secrecy as Member, UPSC.

Ashwani Kumar, Executive Director, Indian Bank, as the Managing Director and CEO of UCO Bank.
Ashwini Kumar will replace Soma Shankar Prasad.
Parminder Chopra was appointed as the next Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Power Finance
Corporation (PFC)..
Parminder Chopra is the first woman appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of a
Maharatna company..
Power Finance Corporation (PFC) Maharatna' status, 11th PSU to receive this recognition.
Justice and Development Party (AK Party) leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan became the President of Turkey.
Justice Augustine George Masih was sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court.
Bola Tinubu was sworn in as the President of Nigeria
Indian business tycoon Mukesh Ambani has been nominated to the Consultative Committee for the 28th
session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change (UNFCCC).
The COP28 conference will be held in Dubai from 30 November to 12 December 2023.
CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) Girish Chandra Murmu has been re-elected as the external auditor
of the World Health Organization (WHO) for a period of four years from 2024 to 2027.
Praveen Kumar Srivastava has been appointed as the new Central Vigilance Commissioner.
Their tenure is for 4 years or 65 years (whichever is earlier).
Srikrishnan Harihar Sarma appointed as MD & CEO of Karnataka Bank.
Dr. Jagadish Pillai of Varanasi created a Guinness World Record by singing Shri Ramcharitmanas for 138
hours, 41 minutes and two seconds.
Suman-Sharma took oath as a member of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
R. Dinesh was appointed as the President of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) for 2023-24.
Harsh Jain, CEO of online gaming platform 'Dream11', has been appointed as the new chairman of 'Internet
and Mobile Association of India' (IAMAI) for two years (2023-2025).
Dr. Govindraj has been elected as the President of the Basketball Federation of India.
Hari Budha Magar, a double-amputee ex-British Gurkha soldier from Nepal, scaled Mount Everest with
prosthetic legs.
Sourav Ganguly named as brand ambassador of Tripura Tourism
Amy Pope of the United States has been selected as the first female Director-General of the United Nations
Migration Agency.
Congress leader Siddaramaiah was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Karnataka for his second term and
Karnataka Congress President DK Shivakumar was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister
Arjun Ram Meghwal was appointed as the new Law and Justice Minister and the previous Law and Justice
Minister Kiren Rijiju was assigned the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
AK Jain was appointed as the new chairman of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB)
by the government.
Dr Manoj Soni took the oath of office and secrecy as the Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission
(UPSC)
One97 Communications Ltd, the parent company of Paytm, appointed Bhavesh Gupta as the President and
Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the fintech company.
Nepal's mountaineer Kami Rita Sherpa scaled Mount Everest for a record 27th time.
The government has appointed Ravneet Kaur as the new chairperson of the Competition Commission of
India (CCI).
She will replace CCI member Sangeeta Verma.
Duroflex ropes in Virat Kohli as brand ambassador.
Vedanta Limited has appointed Sonal Srivastava as its Chief Financial Officer with effect from June 1, 2023.
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit was appointed as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff
Pasang Dawa Sherpa ( From Nepal)has become the second person to climb Mount Everest for the 26th time.

Praveen Sood has been appointed as the next director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Geeta Rao Gupta appointed US Ambassador for Global Women's Issues.
Former NBCUniversal ad chief Linda Yaccarino named CEO of Twitter.
Twitter was founded in March 2006 by Jack Dorsey, Biz Stone, and Evan Williams.
Olympian and World Championship silver medallist archer Atanu Das has been reincluded in the Target
Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) following his impressive performances at the domestic circuit and the
Archery World Cup in Antalya this year.
Badminton Asia appointed Umar Rasheed, joint secretary of the Badminton Association of India (BAI), as
the chairman of the Technical Officials Committee.
Wakefit signs Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana as brand ambassador.
Ajay Vij has been appointed as Country Managing Director of Accenture.
Mark Nicholls has been elected as the next President of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).
Delhi High Court has appointed former Karnataka High Court Justice P Krishna Bhat as the Administrator
of the Basketball Federation of India (BFI).
Indian-American Neera Tandon has been appointed as the domestic policy advisor in US President Joe
Biden's team.
Ajay Banga appointed as new President of World Bank.
Vanessa Hudson has been named as the new CEO of Qantas Airways Ltd, becoming the first woman to
hold the position in the airline's history.
Paraguay's Colorado Party's Santiago Peña wins presidential election.
Ajit Kumar Mohanty has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission.
Mohanty will replace KN Vyas.
Rajneesh Karnataka appointed as new MD & Chairman of Bank of India.
Debdutt Chand appointed as the new Managing Director of Bank of Baroda.
SN Subrahmanyan new CMD of L&T, AM Naik steps down.
Indian origin Ajay Banga confirmed as the 14th President of World Bank.
SUMMIT AND CONFERENCE 2023

JANUARY 2023
PM to address 108th Indian Science Congress to be held in Nagpur, Maharashtra (Rashtrasant Tukadoji
Maharaj Nagpur University).
Theme of the 108th Indian Science Congress 2023: Science and Technology for Sustainable Development
with Women Empowerment.
The first G-20 Environment meeting under the G-20 India Presidency will be held at the Taj West End in
Bengaluru.
Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, is participating in FITUR, the world's largest international travel
exhibition in Madrid, Spain.
The first Global Tourism Investors Summit will be organised by the Union Ministry of Tourism from 10 to
12 April 2023 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
Think-20 group meeting was organised under the G-20 on 16-17 January 2023 in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
The five-day annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) begins on 16 January 2023 in Davos,
Switzerland.
It is the 53rd edition of the World Economic Forum which will be organised till 20 January 2023.
The theme of the meeting of the 53rd edition of the World Economic Forum is 'Cooperation in a Fragmented
World'.
PM Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the 7th edition of Global Investors Summit', a flagship event of
the state government in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
The theme of the two-day summit is 'Madhya Pradesh-The Future Ready State'.

India will host a special virtual Summit on 12th and 13th of January 2023 called 'Voice of Global South
Summit.
The theme of the Summit is 'Unity of Voice, Unity of Purpose.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair the 2nd National Conference of Chief Secretaries on January 6
and 7, 2023 in Delhi.
President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the 18th National Scout and Guide Jamboree, at Rohat in the Pali
district of Rajasthan.
Theme of the 18th National Scout and Guide Jamboree: Progress with Peace.
1st All India Annual State Ministers Conference on Water to be held in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
The Government is deliberating on the preparation of the Action Plan and Vision Document of India@2047.
Water Vision@2047 is part of PM’s India@2047 plan.
India’s G-20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant on 30 January inaugurated India’s first Model G-20 Summit organised
by Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini’s Indian Institute of Democratic Leadership.
The third edition of the Interpol Young Global Police Leaders Program has been launched in New Delhi
with the theme 'Trust'.
It is being organised by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the National Summit
on Quality of Biologicals, organised by the National Institute of Biologicals (NIB), in New Delhi.
The 30th National Child Science Congress began at Science City in Ahmedabad.
The first India Stack Developers Conference has been organised to focus on ways and means to ensure wider
adoption of India's digital goods across the globe in New Delhi.
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has inaugurated an ‘International Craft Summit’ in Jajpur.
The first meeting of the Youth 20 group as part of the G20 summit will be held in Guwahati from February
6 to 8, 2023
FEBRUARY 2023
The first G20 Employment Working Group meeting began in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
The meeting will be held from February 2 to 4 where guest nations including Spain, the Netherlands and
Singapore will take part.
A meeting of the Quad Senior Cyber Group was held in New Delhi to strengthen cyber security
cooperation on 30-31 January.
Quad or Quadrilateral Security Dialogue is a group of four countries US, Japan, Australia and India.
The 2022 Quad summit meeting was held in Japan and next will be held in Australia in 2023.
DHARA - Annual Meeting of Members of the River Cities Alliance to be held In Pune.
DHARA stands for -Driving Holistic Action for Urban Rivers.
The three-day 12th World Hindi Conference will be held in Fiji.
The main theme of the conference is "Hindi - Traditional Knowledge to Artificial Intelligence'.
The Conference will be inaugurated by Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka along with External Affairs
Minister Dr S Jaishankar.
The first World Hindi Conference was held in Nagpur in 1975 .
The two-day establishment meeting of the G-20 EMPOWER Group of the Ministry of Women and Child
Development began in Agra.
The theme of the meeting : Empowering Women to Lead across Sectors: Role of Digital Skilling and Future
Skills.
The Ministry of Women and Child Development is the nodal ministry of India for G20 EMPOWER.
Urban-20 City Sherpas’ meet begins at Ahmedabad in Gujarat.
Gujarat is hosting the first Tourism Working Group (TWG) meeting at Dhordo Tent City in the Rann of
Kutch .
6th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Supreme Audit Institutions (SAI) Leaders' Meeting is being
hosted by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India in Lucknow on 6 February.
Girish Chandra Murmu, Comptroller and Auditor General of India, will deliberate on the main theme of
the meeting - 'Integrating Emerging Technologies in Audit'..

NTPC hosts an international seminar on ‘Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage’ (CCUS) at First Energy
Transitions Working Group meeting in Bengaluru under the aegis of G20 India Presidency.
CCUS aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2070.
The first meeting of the three-day Youth-20 Engagement Group under India's G20 chairmanship began in
Guwahati, Assam.
The first meeting of the G-20 Energy Transition Working Group under the chairmanship of India will be
held in Bengaluru from 5 to 7 February.
International Conference on Trade and Marketing of Coconut Products at Hyderabad, Telangana.
The theme of the conference is “Global Coconut Industry - Cruising to the Pinnacle”.
18th World Security Congress is being organised by the International Union of Railways (UIC) and Railway
Protection Force (RPF) from 21 to 23 February in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
The 18th edition of this Congress is focused on the theme of "Railway Safety Strategy: Responses and Vision
for the Future".
Union Internationale des Chemins de Fer (UIC) or International Union of Railways (UIC) is headquartered
in Paris, France.
Minister for Communications, Electronics & Information Technology and Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw
inaugurated the ‘SemiconIndia Conference of Electronics Manufacturing Supply Chain Ecosystem’, on 18
February in New Delhi.
The 12th World Hindi Conference concluded on 17 February in Nadi, Fiji.
The main theme of the conference was "Hindi - Traditional Knowledge of Artificial Intelligence".
The Economic Times Global Business Summit 2023 was held in New Delhi.
The theme of the two-day Summit is 'Resilience, Influence and Dominance'.
The Global Business Summit is hosted by The Times Group every year.
Global Business Summit 2023 is the 7th edition.
Ministry of Culture is organising the first G20 Culture Group (CWG) meeting from 22 to 25 February 2023
in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.
'Protection and restitution of cultural heritage' will be the theme for the first G20 Culture Group (CWG)
meeting.
First Agriculture Representatives Meeting (ADM) of the Agriculture Working Group (AWG) under the G20
chairmanship of India was held in Indore.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 14th edition of Aero India show in Bengaluru.
The 14th edition of Aero India 2023 is being organised by the Indian Department of Defense Production
from February 13 to 17 at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
The theme of the five-day event is ‘The Runway to a Bllion Opportunities’.
Digital economy working group meeting of G20 to be held in Lucknow.
As part of India's G20 chairmanship, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) will
organise the first Digital Economy Working Group meeting in Lucknow from February 13-15.
The global digital economy is currently estimated at US$11 trillion and is expected to reach US$23 trillion
by 2025.
The 22nd World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) was held on 22-24 February 2023 in New
Delhi.
It is primarily the flagship annual event of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).
Theme: “Mainstreaming Sustainable Development and Climate Resilience for Collective Action”.
UAE Hosted First I2U2 Vice-Ministerial Meeting to Discuss Investment Opportunities.
I2U2 countries including Israel, India, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates.
MARCH 2023
The Women-20 (W20) Inception meeting was held at Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (Aurangabad),
Maharashtra.
Which was inaugurated by Union Minister of Women and Child Development and Minority Affairs Smriti
Zubin Irani.
The main theme of the W20 meeting is 'The pursuit of gender equality, equity and dignity for women-led
development'.
Three meeting of Women-20

The first meeting was held from February 27-28, 2023 at Aurangabad, Maharashtra.
The second meeting will be held in Jaipur, Rajasthan on 13-14 April.
The third meeting will be held on June 15-16 at Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu
Aizawl is hosting the second of the four Business-20 (B20) India events scheduled in the Northeast from
March 1-3, 2023.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the eighth edition of the Raisina Dialogue on Geopolitics and
Geostrategy in New Delhi.
The theme of the eighth edition of the Raisina Dialogue is “Provocation, Uncertainty, Turbulence:
Lighthouse in the Tempest.”
The 8th edition of the National Conference on Economics of Competition law was held in New Delhi.
The theme of this year's conference is 'Antitust and Regulation: Interface and Synergy'.
President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the 7th International Dharma-Dhamma Conference at Bhopal
in Madhya Pradesh.
The theme of the conference is 'Eastern Humanism for the New Era'.
An international conference on "Shared Buddhist Heritage" will be held on March 14-15 at Vigyan Bhawan
in New Delhi..
The 1st Supreme Audit Institution 20 (SAI20) Senior Officers' Meeting (SOM) began on 13 March 2023 in
Guwahati, Assam.
The themes of this meeting are 'Blue Economy' and 'Responsible Artificial Intelligence'.
Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav chaired the 1st General
Body Meeting of National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) on 22 March in New
Delhi.
The sixth pitching session of the second season of Elevate concluded in Dubai 22 March.
The Startup 20 Engagement Group under India's G-20 Presidency began a two-day meeting in Gangtok,
Sikkim.
The 2nd Sustainable Finance Working Group (SFWG) meeting under India's G20 chairmanship began in
Udaipur, Rajasthan.
The Global Millets Conference will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 19, 2023
in New Delhi.
India is the largest producer of millets in the world and the second largest exporter of these grains..
Rajasthan, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana being the top 5 states in terms of millet
production.
The 16th meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Youth Council was held in hybrid mode
in New Delhi on 14 March, under the chairship of India.
India to showcase organic farming of Sikkim at B20 conference in Gangtok, Sikkim.
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) is organizing four B20 conferences
in the North Eastern Region to showcase the untapped potential and opportunities within the region.
G20 Tracks
G20 has two Tracks- Sherpa Track and Finance Track.
Sherpa Track has 13 working groups and 11 engagement groups.
DPIIT is the nodal ministry for two working groups namely Startup 20 and Business 20 (B20).
The Startup 20 Summit will be held in Gurugram from 2 -4 July 2023.
The Second G20 Sustainable Financial Working Group (SFWG) meeting will be held at Udaipur in
Rajasthan from 21 to 23 March.
The Ministry of Education is hosting the second Education Working Group meeting on March 15 in
Amritsar, Punjab.
The first meeting of G20 Education Working Group (G20 EWG) 2023 was held in Chennai on 1st and 2nd
February.
The first G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group meeting was held under India's G20 chairmanship
in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
The meeting was inaugurated by Dr PK Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister .
The second agriculture representative meeting of the Agriculture Working Group (AWG) is being held in
Chandigarh from 29 to 31 March 2023.

First meeting of the G20 Trade and Investment Working Group began in Mumbai and the conference
was inaugurated by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal.
The first joint conference of army chiefs of India and African countries was held in Pune.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired the Regional Conference on 'Drug Trafficking and National
Security' in Bengaluru .
The first G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group meeting was held under India's G20 chairmanship
in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
APRIL 2023
Ministry of Women and Child Development has launched the 2nd G20 Empower meeting in
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala under the theme “Women Empowerment: Win-win for Equality and
Economy”.
The second meeting of the G20 Development Working Group was held in Kumarakom, Kerala.
The session focused on "Transformative Change through Data for Development".
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the three-day International Conference on Defense Finance
and Economics in New Delhi.
The conference is organized by the Ministry of Defence.
The sixth meeting of the Steering Committee on matters relating to the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 was
held in New Delhi .
About Indus Water Treaty (IWT)
The Indus Water Treaty (IWT) is a water-distribution treaty between India and Pakistan, arranged and
negotiated by the World Bank, to utilise the water available in the Indus River and its tributaries.
The treaty was signed in Karachi on 19 September 1960by the then Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru
and the then Pakistani President Ayub Khan.
The treaty gives control over the waters of three "eastern rivers' ' – the Beas, the Ravi and the Sutlej with an
average annual flow of 41 billion m3 (33 million acre feet)– while controlling the waters of all three. The
"Western Rivers" – the Indus, the Chenab and the Jhelum, with an average annual flow of 99 billion cubic
metres – flow to Pakistan.
India has about 20% of the total water carried by the Indus system while Pakistan has 80%.
Union Minister of Steel Jyotiraditya Scindia will inaugurate India Steel 2023 on 19th April at the Mumbai
Exhibition Centre in Goregaon, Mumbai.
The Union Ministry of Steel, in association with the Department of Commerce, Union Ministry of
Commerce and Industry, and FICCI is organising India Steel 2023.
The G20 Second Digital Economy Working Group meeting began on April 17 in Hyderabad, India.
The second Health Working Group meeting under the chairmanship of the Indian G20 began in Goa.
The Digital Health Summit 2023 was organized jointly by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and
the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on 16 April in Goa.
The theme of the event was ‘Building One Health together – Improving Health equity’.
According to the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas a two-day Global Conference on Compressed
Biogas will be held in New Delhi.
The theme of the conference is - Towards Progressive Policy Framework for a Robust CBG Foundation and
Growth.
Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Young Writers' Conference on the theme "Civilizational
Dialogue among SCO Member States" with representatives of SCO member states concluded on April 13,
2023 at The Leela Palace, New Delhi.
Theme: Civilizational Dialogue among SCO Member States.
The second Women 20 (W20) international meeting was held on 13 April in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar on 27th April inaugurated the
Summit on Farm Machinery Technology, organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the
Tractor and Mechanisation Association (TMA) in New Delhi.
Australia will host the third in-person Quad summit in Sydney on 24 May.

The Quad summit is a meeting between the leaders of four countries: the United States, Japan, India, and
Australia.
The Quad Summit will be attended by the leaders of the four member countries –US President Joe Biden,
Japanese PM Fumio Kishida, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister
Anthony Albanese.
The Quad leaders pledged to work together to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 6th edition of Advantage Healthcare India (AHCI) 2023
on 26th April at Pragati Maidan New Delhi.
The program is in line with India's G20 Presidency theme 'One Earth, One Family, One Future' and is aptly
named 'One Earth, One Health - Advantage Healthcare India 2023'.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in association with the Federation of Indian Chambers of
Commerce and Industry (FICCI) co-branded the 6th edition of One Earth One Health, Advantage
Healthcare India 2023 with the G20 Presidency of India.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare organisd the Asia Pacific Leaders’ Conclave on Malaria
Elimination in New Delhi on 24 April in partnership with the Asia Pacific Leaders Malaria Alliance
(APLMA).
The purpose of the conclave is to reaffirm political commitment to inspire action to eliminate malaria by
2030.
The conclave will provide a forum for leaders from the Asia Pacific region to discuss ongoing efforts towards
malaria elimination and revive national and regional momentum towards the goal of a malaria-free Asia
Pacific by 2030.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on 20th April attended the Indian Air Force
Commanders’ Conference at Air Headquarters (Vayu Bhavan) in New Delhi.
The theme of this year's three-day conference, which began on April 19, is 'Beyond Boundaries: Robust
Foundations'.
The two day European Union (EU)-India Aviation Summit began in New Delhi on 20th April.
The European Union is a group of 27 European countries.
Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium.
Culture Working Group (CWG) under India’s G20 Presidency organised a Global Thematic Webinar on
the “Promotion of Cultural and Creative Industries and Creative Economy”.
The first G20 Culture Group (CWG) meeting was held from 22 to 25 February 2023 in Khajuraho, Madhya
Pradesh.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first Global Buddhist Summit in New Delhi.
Theme: "Responses to Contemporary Challenges: Philosophy to Praxis".
Summit was hosted by the Ministry of Culture in association with the International Buddhist Confederation.
Home Minister Amit Shah chaired the meeting of Heads of Departments of Shanghai Cooperation
Organization (SCO) member-states in New Delhi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the first Global Buddhist Summit in New Delhi.
The theme of the Global Buddhist Summit is ‘Responses to Contemporary Challenges: Philosophy to
Praxis’.
India will host the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in New Delhi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and addressed the One Earth One Health – Advantage
Healthcare India – 2023 conference at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi .
The first trilateral consultations between the Foreign Affairs Ministry of India, Armenia, and Iran took place
in Yerevan.
The India-UK Financial Markets Dialogue’s second meeting took place in London with the aim of
discussing the possibility of cooperation in financial regulation between the two countries.
Special Secretary from India to co-chair the 8th India-Thailand Defence Dialogue in Bangkok.
Special Secretary of India’s Ministry of Defence, Smt Nivedita Shukla Verma, has been invited by the
Government of Thailand.
The inaugural session of the "India-Russia Business Dialogue" 2023 took place in New Delhi.
it was attended by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis
Manturov.
12th Session of India-Spain Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation in New Delhi.

The G20 Meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientists (MACS), is scheduled to take place in Varanasi from 17
to 19 April.
The meeting’s theme is Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems for Healthy People and Planet.
United Nations 2023 Water Conference was held in New York.
The United Nations 2023 Water Conference was held after a 46-year gap, coinciding with the review of the
implementation of the UN Decade for Action on Water and Sanitation (2018-2028).
The theme of the conference was “Our watershed moment: uniting the world for water.”
MAY 2023
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair the 22nd Summit of the SCO Council of Heads of State.
The theme of the summit is 'Towards a Secure SCO'.
The three-day Anti-Corruption Working Group meeting under the G20 India Presidency concluded in
Tehri, Uttarakhand.
PM Modi attended the third India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit in Papua New Guinea 23
May. 14 countries from the Pacific Islands (PICs) attended the summit.
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya will represent India in the 76th World Health Assembly at
Geneva, Switzerland to be held from 21st to 30th May 2023.
The second Trade and Investment Working Group meeting under the G20 India Presidency began in
Bengaluru.
The second meeting of the G-20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group (DRRWG)began on 23 May in
Mumbai
The third meeting of the G-20, Tourism Working Group began on 22 May in Srinagar, Jammu and
Kashmir.
India will host the 44th edition of the annual ISO COPOLCO Plenary from May 23-26, 2023, by the
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
The event to be held in New Delhi will be inaugurated by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.
Union Minister of Health, Chemicals and Fertliser Dr Mansukh Mandaviya presided over the Asia
Petrochemical Industry Conference 2023 in New Delhi .
The theme of the event was “Ushering in a Sustainable Future”.
The third G20 Tourism Working Group (TWG) meeting will be held in Srinagar from 22 to 24 May..
Second G20 Culture Group meeting, also known as the CWG meeting, took place on 14 May in
Bhubaneswar, Odisha..
Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya addressed the G7 Health
Ministerial meeting on Global Health Architecture in Nagasaki, Japan.
The health ministers of the G7 countries and the "Outreach 4" countries of India, Indonesia, Vietnam and
Thailand were invited to the meeting.
The G7 is a group of seven major industrialized countries, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan,
the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The first ministerial meeting of the India and the European Union Trade and Technology Council (TTC)
will be held in Brussels.
The 6th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) is taking place in Dhaka, Bangladesh from May 12-13, 2023.
The theme of this year's conference is 'Partnership for Peace, Prosp erity and a Resilient Future.
The UAE government launched the 'Machines Can See 2023' summit in Dubai, one of thefirst international
conferences in Artificial Intelligence (AI) across the region.
Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar inaugurated the National Conference on Agriculture for
Kharif Campaign 2023-24 on 3rd May at NASC Complex New Delhi.
In the conference, a national target of 3320 lakh tonnes has been fixed for the total food grain production for
the year 2023-24.
The target of pulses production has been set at 292.5 lakh tonnes as against 278.1 lakh tonnes this year.
Oilseeds production will be increased from 400 to 440 lakh tonnes in 2023-24.

Shri Annaaims to increase the total production from 159.1 lakh tonnes in 2022-23 to 170.0 lakh tonnes in
2023-24.
The Science 20 Engagement Group meeting on Universal Holistic Health began under India's G20
chairmanship in Lakshadweep, Bangaram Island
SPORTS IN NEWS 2023

JANUARY 2023
Talon Grikspoor of the Netherlands won the singles title at the Maharashtra Open tennis tournament in
Pune.
India's star female tennis player Sania Mirza has announced her retirement in January 2023.
This year's Australian Open and Dubai Tennis Championships will be her last tournaments.
International Tennis Career of Sania Mirza
Sania has won the mixed doubles title of Australian Open in 2009, French Open in 2012, US Open in 2014.
Apart from this, she has won the 2016 Australian Open, 2015 Wilmington, 2015 US Open title in women's
doubles.
Sania Mirza has won many titles and honours in her career. She has been awarded the Arjuna Award in
2004, Padma Shri in 2006, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna in 2015 and Padma Bhushan in 2016.
State Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the mascot and theme song for the fifth edition
of Khelo India Youth Games to be hosted by Madhya Pradesh.
The mascot of Khelo India Youth Games 2022 is 'Asha'. While the theme song is 'Hindustan Ka Dil Dhadka
Do...' sung by famous singer Shaan.
The torch of Khelo India Youth Games was named Amarkantak, on which the figure of Maa Narmada is
also engraved.
The eight host cities designated are Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Gwalior, Ujjain, Maheshwar, Mandla and
Balaghat.
For the second year in a row, the State Bank of India (SBI) has extended its sponsorship for Khleo India
Youth Games (KIYG) in Madhya Pradesh and remained as KIYG's Principal sponsor for KIYG 2022
edition.
Top seeded Indian pair of Yuki Bhambri and Saketh Myneni won the Bangkok Open title. This is their
sixth title together on the ATP Challenger Tour.
Bhambri-Saket, playing their seventh final as a pair, beat Indonesian Christopher Rungkat and Australian
Akira Santillan.
India's Anahat Singh won the Girls Under-15 squash title at one of the most prestigious tournaments of the
season, the British Junior Open, in Birmingham, UK.
Delhi's Anahat Singh defeated Egypt's Sohela Hazem.
Laxman Rawat 'Boulkline' emerged winner at the NSCI All India Snooker Open, defeating Aditya Mehta
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Dhaka Marathon 2023 was held in the capital city Dhaka.
Kenyan runner Stanley Kiprotich Bett became the champion of the marathon with a timing of 2 hours 8
minutes and 10 seconds.
In the women's sprint category, Bashanke Imoshe Billo (Ethiopia) emerged champion with a timing of
2:35:25 while Tekla Kirongo of Kenya came second in 2:35:29.
Indian marathon runner Bangaria Vikram Bharatsingh clocked 2:18:28 in the South Asian men's section.
India's young batsman Shubman Gill has become the 5th Indian to score a double century in ODIs against
New Zealand.
Shubman Gill has joined an exclusive club of five Indian batsmen to score a double century along with
Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan.
India's Sachin Tendulkar is the first batsman to score a double century in ODI format.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the second phase of Sansad Khel Mahakumbh 2022-23
organised in Basti (Uttar Pradesh).
Barcelona beat Real Madrid 3-1 in Riyadh to win their 14th Spanish Super Cup title.
Real Madrid has won the Supercup 12 times so far.
The Supercopa de España or Spanish Super Cup is a super cup tournament in Spanish football.
Viacom18 gets ' Women's Indian Premier League (WIPL)' media rights for Rs 951 crore.

Viacom18 has bought the media rights of the women's IPL for five years from 2023 to 2027 for Rs 951 crore.
Tata group bags title sponsorship rights for Women's Premier League.
Malaysia Open Badminton 2023
Men’s singles : Viktor Axelsen of Denmark defeating Kodai Naraoka of Japan.
Women's singles : Akane Yamaguchi (Japan) defeated Ahn Se-young of South Korea.
In the first edition of the Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup, India defeated England.
Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup
Host - South Africa.
Player of the match in the final - Tita Sadhu
Player of the Tournament - Grace Scrivens (Captain England)
Indian Captain - Shafali Verma.
Germany has won the Men's Hockey World Title 2023.
Germany defeated defending champions Belgium 5-4 in a shootout in the final played at the Kalinga
Stadium in Bhubaneswar on 29 January.
With this, Germany has won the World Cup three times, first in 2002 and second in 2006.
Best Player- Niklas Wellen (Germany)
Best Goalkeeper- Vincent Vanasch (Belgium).
Novak Djokovic won the Australian Open title for the 10th time by defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas in the first
Grand Slam Australia Open of 2023.
With this victory, Novak Djokovic has equaled Spain's Rafael Nadal's record of winning 22 Grand Slam
titles.
Djokovic won the first Australian Open title in the year 2008. After that he has won this title in the years
2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2023.
In the Australian Open 2023, Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus has won the women's singles title by defeating
Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan.
Rybakina won the Wimbledon title last year..
India Open Badminton Championship 2023.
Men's singles : Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand defeated World No.1 Denmark's Viktor Axelsen
Women's singles : An Seyoung of South Korea defeated World No.1 Japanese Akane Yamaguchi.
International Cricket Council’s most followed international sports federation on social media.
Pranesh M became India’s 79th Grandmaster.
Koustav Chatterjee becomes India’s 78th Grandmaster .
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has inaugurated one of the largest hockey stadiums in India in
Rourkela ahead of the Men’s Hockey World Cup 2023.
Built at an estimated cost of ₹261 crore, the stadium, located in Sundargarh district, has been christened as
Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium Complex.
FEBRUARY 2023
Saudi Arabia to host 2027 Asian Cup football tournament.
The host country of the 2023 Asian Football Cup is Qatar.
Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has won the National Ice Hockey Championship 2023 title.
The12th edition of the competition has been organized in Ladakh, Leh..
The ITBP team won the title for the third consecutive time by defeating Ladakh Scouts.
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Singh Thakur inaugurated the Khelo India Winter
Games at Gulmarg in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir.
President Draupadi Murmu attended the 2nd Indian Rice Congress at the National Institute of Rice
Research (ICAR) in Cuttack, Odisha.
The fifth edition of the Khelo India Youth Games culminated on February 11.
Maharashtra topped the medal tally by winning 161 medals including 56 gold. While Haryana stood second
with 128 medals including 41 gold.
Host Madhya Pradesh finished third with 96 medals including 39 gold

World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz (Spain) defeats Cameron Norrie (British) to win Argentina Open Title 2023.
Spain legend Sergio Ramos on 23 February announced his retirement from international football.
Ramos was part of the Spain squad that won the 2010 World Cup and the Euro Championships in 2008 and
2012.
In Shooting, India's Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar on 22 February claimed the gold medal in the men's
individual 50m rifle 3 positions competition at the ISSF World Cup in Cairo.
Saurashtra won the Ranji Trophy 2022-23 title by defeating Bengal by 9 wickets.
Saurashtra won their second Ranji Trophy title at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Saurashtra won the Ranji
Trophy title for the first time in 2019-20..
Akshdeep Singh and Priyanka Goswami have won the National Race Walking Championships in
Morabadi, Jharkhand.
India's star opener Smriti Mandhana has become the costliest player in the ongoing player auction for the
Women's Premier League (WPL).
She joined Royal Challengers Bangalore for Rs 3.4 crore after winning the highest bid in the ongoing
Women's Premier League 2023 auction in Mumbai.
Ashley Gardner (Australia) was at number two in the list of expensive players. He was bought by Gujarat
Giants for Rs 3.20 crore.
Jean Eric Vergne of DS Penske automobiles won an action-packed Formula E Prix in Hyderabad.
Australia has won the Women's T20 World Cup 2023 title for the sixth time by defeating South Africa .
It was the eighth edition of the ICC Women's Twenty20 World Cup tournament, held in South Africa .
The Australian team has become champions in 2010, 2012, 2014, 2018, 2020 and now in 2023..
FIFA awards 2022
The Best FIFA Men’s Player 2022 : Lionel Messi (PSG/Argentina)
The Best FIFA Women’s Player 2022 : Alexia Putellas (Barcelona/Spain)
The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper 2022 : Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa/Argentina)
The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper 2022 : Mary Earps (England/Manchester United).
Hockey Madhya Pradesh was named the winner of the 13th Hockey India Senior Women National
Championship in 2023 after defeating Hockey Maharashtra .
Daniil Medvedev won the Qatar Open 2023 in his professional tennis debut by defeating Andy Murray.
Indian chess player Vignesh NR became the 80th Grandmaster of India
Adidas will sponsor the India cricket team kit as part of a Rs 350 billion deal.
Indian Golfer Aditi Ashok Won Kenya Ladies Open Title 2023.
Kerala wins inaugural champions of National Beach Soccer Championships.
Gymnast Dipa Karmakar has been handed a 21-month ban for failing a dope test conducted by the
International Testing Agency..
Dipa Karmakar is an Indian Gymnast from Tripura State.
She is the first gymnast from India who competed in the Olympics. In her debut 2016 Summer Olympics in
the final, she reached 4th position.
Saudi Arabia to Host Football’s 2027 Asian Cup.
MARCH 2023

India's triple jumper Aishwarya Babu and sprinter MV Jilna have been banned by India's National Anti-
Doping Agency (NADA) and Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) respectively after they tested positive for banned
drugs by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
Jesvin Aldrin created a new national record by winning the gold medal in the men's long jump event at the
Indian Open Jump Competition 2023 held in Bellary, Karnataka.
Women's Winner:.Shrutilakshmi (6.11 m) - Gold Medal
Hockey India has appointed Craig Fulton of South Africa as the new head coach of the Indian men's hockey
team.
Craig Fulton will replace Graham Reid.
National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and the National Anti-Doping Agency
(NADA) tie up to strengthen value based sports education.
Karnataka won the Santosh Trophy (Football) for the first time in 54 years after sealing a commanding 3-2
win over Meghalaya in the final at the King Fahd International Stadium in the Saudi Arabia capital, Riyadh.
The Khelo India Dus Ka Dum tournament began on 10 March in New Delhi.
Prithviraj Tondiman of India won the bronze medal at the ISSF Shotgun World Cup 2023 on March 11,
2023 in Doha, Qatar.
Two-time world champion Oguzhan Tuzun of Turkey won gold .
India's Lovlina Borgohain defeated Australia’s Caitlin Parker in the 75kg final to win the gold medal at the
World Women’s Boxing Championship in New Delhi.
Nikhat Zareen defeated Vietnam’s Nguyen Thị Tam to become the world champion in the 50kg category at
the World Women’s Boxing Championship in New Delhi.
Pankaj Advani has won the Asian Billiards Championship title held in Doha, Qatar.
Pankaj defeated the defending national champion Brijesh Damani.
Advani has won gold medals in English Billiards singles in the 2006 and 2010 Asian Games..
Rae Bareli's hockey stadium is named after Rani Rampal, the star hockey player of the Indian team.
She has become the first woman player from India to achieve this feat.
Madhya Pradesh, India's Sarabjot Singh bagged the first gold Medal of the ISSF World Cup Shooting
Championship.
He won gold in the Men's 10m air pistol category.
ISSF Shooting World Cup was inaugurated on March 21 in Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh.
India's Rohan Bopanna becomes the oldest tennis player to win an ATP Masters 1000 title.
Rohan Bopanna, 43, and Matthew Ebden, 35, defeated Wesley Koolhof of the Netherlands and Neil Skupski
of Britain 6-3, 2-6, 10-8 in the final in California, United States.
Bopanna has so far won 24 ATP titles, including five ATP Masters 1000 titles..
IBA Women's World Boxing Championships began on 15 March in New Delhi.
Mahindra Automotive is title sponsor of IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships.
Indian women's hockey team midfielder Salima Tete has been appointed as the Athlete Ambassador from
India by the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) for two years.
Asian Hockey Federation (AHF)
Headquarters - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Olympian shooter Manu Bhaker won the bronze medal in the 25m pistol event at the ISSF Pistol/Rifle
World Cup held in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
Sarabjot Singh won the gold medal for India in the men's 10m air pistol event.
Indian weightlifters Dhanush Loganathan and Jyoshna Sabar won bronze medals in their respective
categories at the IWF World Youth Championships in Durres, Albania.
The team of Mumbai Indians has won the title of the first season of the Women's Premier League played at
the Brabourne stadium, Navi Mumbai.
The team of Mumbai Indians defeated Delhi Capitals by seven wickets in the final.
Harmanpreet Kaur named Mumbai Indians.
Delhi captain Meg Lanning won the toss and decided to bat first.
Emerging Player of the Season: Yastika Bhatia (Mumbai Indians).
Purple Cap Winner: Hayley Matthews (Mumbai Indians)
Orange Cap Winner: Meg Lanning (Delhi Capitals)
Swiss Open 2023 (Badminton)
Men’s Singles : K. Watanabe beat T.C. Chou

Women’s Singles : P. Chochuwong beat M. Blichfeldt
Men’s Doubles : C. Shetty & S. Rankireddy.
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, the popular Indian doubles badminton pair, secured their first
doubles title of 2023 by winning the Swiss Open Super 300 finals.
Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger inducted into Premier League Hall of Fame.
India emerged as a dominant force at the 13th edition of the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championship
2023, held in New Delhi. The event concluded with four Indian female boxers securing gold medals in
different weight categories.
Middleweight - Lovlina Borgohain (75 kg) - Gold
Minimumweight - Nitu Ghanghas (48 kg) - Gold
Light flyweight - Nikhat Zareen (50 kg) - Gold
Light heavyweight - Saweety Boora (81 kg) – Gold
IPL India’s first unicorn with a $1.1 billion valuation.
Jaipur to get India’s 2nd largest cricket stadium named after Anil Agarwal.
Vedanta's Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL) has signed an MoU with the Rajasthan Cricket Association to
build the world's third-largest cricket stadium in Chonp village, Jaipur.
The stadium will be named the Anil Agarwal International Cricket Stadium, Jaipur.
a seating capacity of 75,000, making it one of the biggest cricket stadiums globally and the second-largest in
India.
Irani Cup 2022-23 (Cricket) final: Rest of India crowned champions, defeated Madhya Pradesh.
Indian Premier League (IPL) team Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) partnering with Equitas Small
Finance Bank as their banking partner for the IPL 2023 season.
Gianni Infantino was re-elected as FIFA president until 2027.
Giovanni Vincenzo "Gianni" Infantino is a Swiss football administrator and the current president of FIFA.
The Indira Gandhi Sports Complex in New Delhi will host the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championship
2023 from March 15–26.
Mahindra has been named the title sponsor of this competition by the Boxing Federation of India (BFI),
while MC Mary Kom and Bollywood actor Farhan Akhtar have been named as brand ambassadors.
Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh has been honoured with Player-of-the-Year award by the Asian Chess
Federation (ACF).
APRIL 2023
Indian weightlifter and two-time Commonwealth Games winner Sanjita Chanu has been banned for four
years by India's National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA)..
Unity Cup Cricket Tournament 2023 organized jointly byHUDCO and NBCC on 1st April, 2023 at Siri
Fort Sports Complex, New Delhi.
Recently the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) of the Sports Ministry has approved financial assistance to 12
Para-Badminton players including Pramod Bhagat and Manasi Joshi to participate in the upcoming Brazil
Para-Badminton International Tournament.
The funding has been approved under the Ministry's Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and will
provide financial assistance to athletes and their support staff.
Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)
It was created in July 2014 under the auspices of the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) with the
objective of identifying and preparing potential medal prospects for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
It is a flagship program of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
The idea of the scheme is to look to the future and fund a developmental group of athletes who have the
potential to bring medals to the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024 and Los Angeles in 2028.
Shaili Singh won the women's long jump event at the Indian Grand Prix-4 held in Bengaluru.
Shelly became the second highest female long jumper after her idol and mentor Anju Bobby George.
Presently the construction of Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at Polo in Shillong, Meghalaya started and it is the
largest stadium of its kind in the North Eastern region.
Wisden Cricketers Almanack has released the list of top-5 cricketers of the year 2022.
It also includes India's women's team captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Suryakumar Yadav of the men's team.

Apart from Kaur, the list also includes the names of Tom Blundell (New Zealand), Ben Foakes (England),
Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand) and Matthew Potts (England).
Suryakumar Yadav has been selected as the T20 Cricketer of the Year.
Harmanpreet Kaur created history by becoming the first Indian woman to be named in Wisden Cricketers
of the Year.
India participated in the 36th edition of Asian Wrestling Championship to be held in Astana, Kazakhstan.
Indian wrestlers were successful in winning a total of 14 medals in the championship. This includes one
gold, three silver and ten bronze medals.
With these achievements, India secured the 7th position in the medal tally.
The top three nations in the medal table based on gold medals were Kazakhstan, Japan and Iran.
Aman Sehrawat (Men's 57kg Freestyle) - Gold.
Rupin (Greco-Roman 55 kg) - Silver.
Antim Panghal (Women's 53kg Freestyle) - Silver.
Nisha Dahiya (Women's 68 kg Freestyle) - Silver.
Sports Authority of India has integrated Khelo India Games certificates with DigiLocker for the first time..
Athletes, support staff, technical officers, mission heads, competition managers, etc. can access their Khelo
India certificates through the digital platform.
What is Khelo India Games Certificate?
It is a document that is provided to the athletes participating in the Khelo India Games.
What is DigiLocker?
It is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY).
It is a secure cloud-based platform for storage, which enables easy sharing and verification of documents and
certificates.
Aleksandar Ceferin was re-elected as the President of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA).
Argentina becomes number one football team in the world in FIFA rankings 2023.
The top five teams in the FIFA rankings as of April 2023 are Argentina, France, Brazil, Belgium and
England..
India have climbed up to the 101 position in the latest FIFA World Rankings.
The prestigious Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), based at cricket's mecca Lord's, on April 5 conferred its
Honorary Life Membership to five Indian cricketers, including former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Apart from Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami have been given this
honour.
MCC CEO Guy Levander gave this membership to a total of 19 cricketers keeping in mind their contribution
to international cricket.
New Zealand’s Kim Cotton became the first woman on-field umpire in a full-member men’s T20I during
New Zealand’s second match against Sri Lanka in Dunedin.
Carlos Alcaraz (Spain) won his second consecutive Barcelona title, defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas (Greece) in
straight sets.
Football Club Barcelona:
It is a professional football club based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
Kelvin Kiptum, a 23-year-old Kenyan athlete, won the London Marathon and set the second fastest time in
history for the distance.
Kiptum finished the race with a time of 2 hours, 1 minute and 25 seconds, breaking the course record but
only 16 seconds short of Eliud Kipchoge's world record..
The sponsors and partners of the TCS London Marathon.
Indian men's recurve team comprising Atanu Das, Dheeraj Bommadevra and Tarundeep Rai won the silver
medal at the Archery World Cup 2023 Stage 1 held in Antalya, Turkey .
The Indian trio lost 4-5 to China's Li Zhongyuan, Qi Jiangshuo and Wei Shaoxuan in the final.
Jaden Pariat Becomes First Indian to Finish on Podium in British F4 Championship.
Jaden Pariat, a young Indian racing talent representing Argenti Motorsport.
Odisha FC won the Hero Super Cup 2023 Final by defeating Bengaluru FC 2-1.
Diego Mauricio scored both goals for Odisha FC.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the National Games in Goa in October 2023..
In honor of Sachin Tendulkar's 50th birthday, the West Stand at the renowned Sharjah cricket stadium has
been renamed as the 'Sachin Tendulkar Stand.'

FIFA has selected Argentina to host the under-20 soccer World Cup after revoking the hosting rights from
Indonesia.
Four-team Intercontinental Football Cup will be held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha from June 9 to 18 .
This will be the third edition of the tournament with the previous two being held in Mumbai (2018) and
Ahmedabad (2019).
Evans Chebet and Hellen Obiri stormed to victory in the men's and women's races won 127th Boston
Marathon in Boston, Massachusetts.
Aman Sehrawat, a freestyle wrestler, won India’s 1st gold medal, under the men’s 57kg freestyle category,
at the Asian Wrestling Championships 2023.
Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh Wins Title At World Chess Armageddon Asia And Oceania Event.
Brazilian artist Dante Akira Uwai has won the Winter Youth Olympic Games Gangwon 2024 medal design
competition.
Peru removed as host of 2023 FIFA Under-17 World Cup.
Madrid Spain Masters 2023
Men’s Singles : Kenta Nishimoto (Japan) defeated Kanta Tsuneyama (Japan)
Women’s Singles : Gregoria Mariska Tunjung (Indonesia) defeated PV Sindhu (India).
India emerged as the winners in both men’s and women’s categories at the 4th Asian Kho Kho
Championships held in Tamulpur, located in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) of north-central
Assam’s Baksa district.
Russian superstar Daniil Medvedev Wins Maiden Miami Opens Title 2023 defeating Jannik Sinner.
Lashinda Demus, a runner from the United States, has been awarded an Olympic gold medal at the age of
40, more than a decade after the 2012 London Games.
MAY 2023
Prannoy won his maiden BWF World Tour title on 28 May 2023 by emerging victorious at the Malaysia
Masters Super 500 tournament held in Kuala Lumpur.
Prannoy captured the championship title by defeating Weng Hong Yang of China in a thrilling men's singles
final.
Savitribai Phule Pune University won its first gold medal in the women's tennis event at the Khelo India
University Games.
The tournament took place at the Ekana International Tennis Stadium in Lucknow.
India won the NSC-CAVA Women's Volleyball Challenge Cup title held in Kathmandu.
India became the champion by defeating Kazakhstan in the final.
Chennai Super Kings won their fifth IPL title by defeating defending champions Gujarat Titans by 5 wickets
in a rain-curtailed match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Indian long jumper Murali Sreeshankar won the gold medal at the International Jumping meeting in Greece.
Sreeshankar jumped a season's best of 8.18m
Indian Long jumper Murali Sreeshankar won gold while compatriot Jeswin Aldrin finished bagged silver at
the International Jumping Meeting 2023 at Kallithea in Greece.
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced Adidas as the new kit sponsor of the Indian cricket
team, replacing interim sponsor Kewal Kiran Clothing Limited.
The third Khelo India University Games will begin with a Kabaddi event on May 23 in Gautam Budh Nagar
district of Uttar Pradesh.
Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Neeraj Chopra on May 22 achieved the number one ranking in men's javelin
throw for the first time.
Neeraj Chopra is on top with 1455 points, 22 ahead of Anderson Peters of Granada.
Top 3 in Men's javelin throw
1. Neeraj Chopra (India) -1455 points
2. Anderson Peters (Granada) - 1433 points
3. Jakub Vadlejch (Czech Republic)- 1416 points
Italian Open Tennis 2023, Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan won the women's singles title defeating Ukraine’s
Anhelina Kalinina.

In the Italian Open final, world number three tennis star Daniil Medvedev defeated Holger Roon on 21 May
to win his first claycourt title.
India bags 16 gold medals at the South Asian Youth Table Tennis Championship 2023
Chess player Vuppala Praneeth from Telangana has become the 82nd Grandmaster of India.
Sumit Mukherjee, a metro employee from Kolkata, won four gold medals at the Bridge Federation of Asia
and Middle-East Championship (BFAME) held in Lahore, Pakistan.
Olympian and World Championship silver medallist archer Atanu Das has been reincluded in the Target
Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) following his impressive performances at the domestic circuit and the
Archery World Cup in Antalya this year.
A total of 27 new names were added to the TOPS Core and Development lists, taking the total number of
TOPS athletes to 270 (101 in Core, 269 in Development).
Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)
It was created in July 2014 under the auspices of the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) with the
objective of identifying and preparing potential medal prospects for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
It is a flagship program of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
In Weightlifting, Indian weightlifters finished the Asian Weightlifting Championships 2023 in Jinju, South
Korea, with three silver medals.
Bindiarani Devi (Women's 55kg) - Silver Medal in Overall (Combining Clean & Jerk and Snatch).
Bindiarani Devi (Women's 55kg) - Silver Medal in Clean and Jerk.
Jeremy Lalrinnunga (Men's 67kg) - Silver medal in snatch.
Pakistan's Babar Azam becomes fastest player to reach 5000 runs in ODIs.
India has bagged 14 medals at the Asia Cup Stage 2 World Ranking Tournament to top the event in Tashkent
on 5th May.
In 14 medals seven were gold, five were silver and two bronze
India's Neeraj Chopra has started the 2023 season on a bright note by winning the javelin throw title at the
ongoing Diamond League in Doha with a best throw of 88.67m.
The Global Chess League (GCL) announced Dubai as the inaugural edition of the world's largest and first
franchise-based chess league.
The league is a joint venture between FIDE and Tech Mahindra, and will be organised in association with
the Dubai Sports Council as the host partner.
Star athlete Tori Bowie's management company informed on 3 May 2023 that the US sprinter and long
jumper, who won three Olympic medals and two world titles, died at the age of 32
Bowie also took silver in the 100m, bronze in the 4x100m relay and gold in the 200m at the 2016 Rio
Olympics..
Ding Liren became China's first world chess champion after defeating Russia's Ian Nepomniachtchi in a tie-
breaker.
Shooters Mairaj Ahmad Khan and Ganemat Sekhon won India its first medal in the ongoing International
Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Shotgun World Cup in Cairo, Egypt.
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty created history by becoming the first Indian men's doubles pair
to win a gold medal at the Badminton Asia Championships.
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty defeated Malaysian pair of Ong Yew Sin and Teo Ee Yee in a
three-game match
DEFENCE IN NEWS 2023

JANUARY 2023
India and Japan will conduct their first bilateral combat air exercise 'Veer Guardian 23' for 10 days in Japan
in January 2023.
The exercise will be conducted at Hyakuri Air Base north-west of Tokyo.
Indian Army inaugurated its first 3-D Printed House Dwelling Unit (with Ground plus One configuration)
for soldiers at Ahmedabad Cantt .
The dwelling unit has been constructed by Military Engineering Services (MES) in association with MiCoB
Pvt Ltd.

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched the Mobile App ‘Prahari’ of the Border
Security Force (BSF) in New Delhi.
Indian Air Force successfully tested the extended range version of the Brahmos Air Launched missile against
a ship target in Bay of Bengal from Su-30 MKI fighter jet, targets in sea 400 km away.
Defense Ministry has initiated the process to procure 100 more K-9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers, which
are made in India by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) using technology transferred from South Korean defence
major Hanwha Defence.
About K9-Vajra
The K-9 Vajra is a 155 mm, 52-calibre tracked self-propelled howitzer manufactured by L&T.
It is based on the K-9 Thunder with technology transferred from South Korean defence major Hanwha
Defence.
The K-9 Vajra was primarily procured for use in the desert.
Captain Shiva Chauhan became the first woman officer to be operationally deployed at the highest
battleground in Kumar Post on the Siachen glacier..
Siachen Glacier.
The Siachen glacier lies in the Karakoram Range .It is 75 km (47 miles) long.
The Siachen Glacier is the highest battleground on earth, where India and Pakistan have fought
intermittently since 1984.
Military Tattoo & Tribal Dance Festival to be held in New Delhi on 23rd & 24th January.
As part of the Republic Day celebrations 2023 and to mark the 126th birth anniversary (Parakram Diwas)
of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, a military tattoo and tribal dance festival 'Adi Shaurya - Parv Parakram
Ka' will organise at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.
Indian Air Force is going to conduct a major exercise in Northeast India from February 1 to 5. This war
exercise has been named 'Pralay'.
The 'Pralay' will be organised by the Air Force from all major air bases in the Northeast.
The exercise will be conducted in preparation for another Air Force exercise named 'Eastern Akash', an
annual command-level exercise, to be held in the first week of February.
The first ever joint exercise between Indian and Egyptian armies “Cyclone-I” is being conducted in
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan from January 14, 2023.
The fifth Kalvari class submarine "Vagir" will be commissioned (commissioned) by the Indian Navy on 23
January 2023.
The 6 Kalvari class submarines are being built in India by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL)
Mumbai in collaboration with M/s Naval Group, France..
Five other Kalvari class submarines
INS Kalvari - It was launched on 27 October 2015 and commissioned on 14 December 2017.
INS Khanderi - It was launched on 12 January 2017 and commissioned on 28 September 2019.
INS Karanj - It was launched on January 31, 2018 and commissioned on March 10, 2021.
INS Vela - It was launched on 6 May 2019 and commissioned on 25 November 2021.
INS Vagsheer - It was launched in April 2022.
Indo-Russian joint venture has started manufacturing Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifles in India.
The manufacturing of Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifles has recently started in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh by
an Indo-Russian joint venture.
About AK 203 Rifles.
The AK-203 assault rifle is considered to be the latest and most advanced version of the AK-47 rifle.
It is a 7.62×39mm variant from the AK-100 rifle family.
The 21st edition of the bilateral naval exercise "Varuna" between India and France began off the western
seaboard.
To promote tourism in border areas, the defence minister Rajnath Singh launched the “Soul of Steel" Alpine
Challenge .
Rajnath Singh also flagged off the 460 km long car rally 'Road to the End', a joint operation by the Indian
Army and CLAW.
About ‘Soul of Steel’ challenge.
It will test the high altitude endurance of an individual and will initially feature 12 Indian participants and
six international teams between the ages of 18 and 30.
This challenge will run for three months.

Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) ICG ship 'Kamala Devi' was commissioned on 12 January in Kolkata, the capital
of West Bengal.
This Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) designed, built and delivered by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers
(GRSE) Ltd to the Indian Coast Guard.
ICG Kamla Devi is 48.9 meters long and 7.5 meters wide with a displacement of 308 tonnes.
ICGS Kamla Devi will patrol the seas and undertake anti-smuggling, anti-poaching and search and rescue
operations when required.
Prithvi-2 was successfully trained on 10 January 2023 from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur off
the Odisha coast.
Prithvi-II is an indigenously developed surface-to-surface short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) with a range
of approximately 250-350 km. and it can carry one ton payload.
The Prithvi-II class is a single-stage liquid-fueled missile with a payload of 500–1000 kg. has warhead
mounting capability.
Exercise ‘Veer Guardian 2023’ between the Indian Air Force and the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force
(JASDF) will be conducted from January 12 to 26 at Hyakuri air base and Iruma air base in Japan.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh felicitated 25 winners of Veer Gatha 2.0 at an event in New Delhi on the
eve of Republic Day.
Rajnath Singh gave away the winners a cash prize of Rs 10,000, a medal and a certificate, in the presence of
Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan and Raksha Rajya Mantri Ajay Bhatt.
Veer Gatha project
The 'Veer Gatha Project' has been launched by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) for
students of grades 3-12
President Droupadi Murmu on 25 January approved 412 Gallantry awards, including six Kirti Chakras and
15 Shaurya Chakras for Armed Forces personnel and others on the eve of the 74th Republic Day. .
These include six Kirti Chakras, including four posthumous, and 15 Shaurya Chakras including two
posthumous.
The Kirti Chakra is India's second highest gallantry award after the Ashoka Chakra. The Shaurya Chakra is
the country's third highest gallantry award.
The Border Security Force (BSF) has started an "Operations Alert'' exercise to enhance security along the
Indo-Pak border in Kutch district of Gujarat and Barmer in Rajasthan in view of the upcoming Republic
Day celebrations.
Amaritime exercise called TROPEX is being conducted by the Indian Navy in the Indian Ocean region.
TROPEX-2023 is being organised over a period of three months from January to March.
The TROPEX exercise is held once every two years.
The biggest tri-services exercise 'AMPEX' 2023 was conducted from January 17 - 22 near Kakinada in
Andhra Pradesh.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Headquarters in New Delhi has marked the
65th Foundation Day of the Organisation, which is celebrated on 1st January every year.
FEBRUARY 2023
4th edition of the joint military exercise between India and Japan, "X Dharma Guardians" will be conducted
from 17 February to 2 March 2023 at Camp Imazu, Shiga Prefecture, Japan.
6th edition of joint exercise Tarkash was recently concluded in Chennai by the National Security Guard
(NSG) and the US Special Operations Force (SOF).
Asia's largest helicopter manufacturing unit inaugurated.
The helicopter manufacturing unit of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Tumkuru, Karnataka has
been dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
It is the largest helicopter manufacturing facility in Asia.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation stone of this manufacturing unit in the year 2016
with an aim to promote the vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Indian Army has named Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar as the new Vice Chief of the Indian Army, while
current Vice Chief Lt Gen BS Raju.

India, Uzbekistan hold 4th Joint Military Exercise- ‘Dustlik’.
The exercise will be held at Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand till March 5, 2023.
Indian submarine INS SindhuKesari docks Jakarta, Indonesia for the first time amid the conflict between
China and Indonesia in the South China Sea.
Germany to pursue $5.2-billion deal with India to build 6 submarines.
Germany will sign a $5.2 billion deal to jointly build six conventional submarines with India during German
Chancellor Olaf Scholz's visit to India.
An Indian Air Force contingent of 110 Air Warriors reached Al Dahfra airbase of United Arab Emirates
on 25 February for participating in Exercise 'Desert Flag VIII'.
Tejas, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) made in India, will make its first appearance at a multinational
exercise in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
TEJAS fighter aircraft
It is an 'Indigenous Light Combat Aircraft'.
It has been jointly developed by 'Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA)' and 'Hindustan Aeronautics
Limited' (HAL).
In a major achievement, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has launched the indigenously built jammer-proof
communication platform 'Vayulink'. This will help in maintaining contact with the base station even in bad
weather.
At Aero India 2023, IAF has given information about this and also organised a gallery for detailed
information about this 'Vayulink platform.
The jammer-proof platform 'Vayulink' data link communication uses the Indian Regional Navigation
Satellite System (IRNSS), also known as Navigation in Indian Constellation (NAVIC).
Indian Air Force departs for the British Royal Air Force to participate in Exercise Cobra Warrior at
Waddington Air Force Base.
Exercise Cobra Warrior is a multilateral air military exercise in which air forces from Finland, Sweden,
South Africa, USA and Singapore are also participating along with the Royal Air Force and Indian Air
Force.
In commemoration of India’s late Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, a bell has been placed at
Nepal’s revered Shree Muktinath Temple. The bell named “Bipin Bell,” .
PSU Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) has signed an MoU with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) for the
domestic manufacture and supply of its Long-Range Artillery Weapon System (LORA) for the Indian Tri-
services..
Drone startup Garuda Aerospace has unveiled its solar-powered drone "SURAJ", designed specifically for
surveillance operations, at Aero India 2023.
Indian Army Gets ‘World’s First’ Fully Operational SWARM Drone System.
NewSpace Research, a Bengaluru-based start-up has delivered SWARM drones to Indian Army.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has unveiled the Hindustan Lead-in Fighter Trainer (HLFT-42)
design of the scale model at the 14th edition of Aero India held in Bengaluru..
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is celebrating its 47th Raising Day on 1st February 2023.
Defence Ministry Approves Proposals Worth Rs 4,276-cr for Anti-tank, Air Defence Missile Systems.
The DAC has accorded approval for procurement of HELINA Anti-Tank Guided Missiles.
Avani Chaturvedi, India’s first female pilot, to pilot Sukhoi fighter jet.
Su-30MKI pilot Squadron Leader Chaturvedi will be assigned to the Veer Guardian 2023 in Japan.
MARCH 2023
Indian Air Force (IAF) along with the Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) participated in Exercise
Shinyuu Maitri.
This air exercise was organised along with the Indo-Japanese joint military exercise Dharma Guardian.
The Dharma Guardian air exercise was conducted from 13 February 2023 to 02 March 2023 at Komatsu,
Japan.
Union Cabinet has approved the procurement of 70 HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft from Hindustan
Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force at a cost of Rs 6,828.36 crore.
These aircraft are to be supplied by HAL over a period of next six years.

The HTT-40 is a turbo prop aircraft and is designed to provide good low speed handling qualities and
improved training effectiveness.
A successful flight-test of power take off (PTO) shaft was conducted by Defence Research and Development
Organisation (DRDO) on the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas in Bengaluru.
First successful flight test of PTO shaft on LCA Tejas Limited Series Production (LSP)-3 aircraft.
The PTO shaft has been indigenously designed and developed by the Combat Vehicles Research &
Development Establishment (CVRDE), Chennai of the Defense Research and Development Organization
(DRDO).
About Light Combat Aircraft Tejas.
It is a single-engine multirole light combat aircraft.
It was designed and developed by India’s HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited).
Centre signs Rs 934 crore deal with HSL to Refit INS Sindhukirti Submarine in Visakhapatnam.
In a further boost to achieve 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', the Ministry of Defense on March 13, 2023 signed a
contract for General Refit of Sindhukirti Submarine at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam
at a total cost of Rs 934 crore .
Sindhukirti is the third Kilo class Diesel Electric Submarine.
INS Sindhukirti Submarine
It is a diesel-electric submarine.
The third edition of the multilateral exercise 'La Perouse' was held from 13 to 14 March 2023 in the
Indian Ocean region.
Indian Navy's indigenously built guided missile frigate INS Sahyadri and fleet tanker INS Jyoti participated
in the exercise.
About Exercise 'La Perouse'
The first edition of this joint exercise was initiated by France in 2019.
The biennial exercise La Perouse is organized by the French Navy.
Due to the crash of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv fleet of the Indian Navy, the defense
forces have halted the operation of ALH Dhruv helicopters till the investigation report comes.
The Army, Navy and Air Force along with the Indian Coast Guard operate the ALH helicopter..
Advanced Light Helicopter or ALH-DHRUV is an indigenously developed aircraft by Hindustan
Aeronautics Limited (HAL) with a twin-engine.
Indian Navy's indigenously built Guided Missile Frigate, INS Sahyadriparticipated in the Maritime
Partnership Exercise (MPX) with French Navy (FN) ships in the Arabian Sea.
Colonel Geeta Rana became the first woman officer to command a field workshop on the forward front
in eastern Ladakh.
Ms. Rana is currently a Colonel in the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME).
Shalija Dhami becomes first woman officer to command a fighter unit in Indian Air Force (IAF).
Dhami is the second deployment after Captain Shiva Chauhan of the Fire and Fury Corps of the Indian
Army.
The first Naval Commanders' Conference for the year 2023 began on 6 March 2023.
For the first time, the conference is being organized on board India's first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS
Vikrant.
INS Trikand is participating in the International Maritime Exercise/ Cutlass Express 2023 (IMX/CE-23)
being held in the Gulf region from 26 February to 16 March 2023.
Lt. Gen. M.V. Suchindra Kumar took over as Vice Chief of the Army Staff.
General Officer Suchindra Kumar, Lieutenant General B.S. Raju.
The INS Androth, second in a series of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC),
was launched in Kolkata on 21 March.
It is built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd for the Indian Navy.
The annual bilateral maritime exercise 'Konkan' between the Indian Navy and UK's Royal Navy was held
off the Konkan coast in the Arabian Sea from March 20-22.
India and 23 African nations on 21 March began a nine-day mega military exercise Africa-India Field
Training Exercise (AFINDEX) in Pune.
The theme of the exercise is “humanitarian mine action and peacekeeping operations,”.
NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd has signed an MoU with the Indian Army for setting up Green Hydrogen
Projects in its establishments on Build, Own and Operate (BOO) model.

It aims toreduce complex logistics, dependence on fossil fuels and accelerate decarbonisation.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the first submarine base of Bangladesh ‘BNS Sheikh Hasina’ at
Pekua in Cox’s Bazar.
Bangladesh Navy has completed construction of five patrol vessels at Khulna Shipyard.
INS Sujatha, a ship based at Southern Naval Command, Kochi, visited Port Maputo, Mozambique from 19
to 20 March 2023 as a part of overseas deployment.
Union Home Ministry has announced a 10% reservation for former Agniveers in the Central Industrial
Security Force (CISF).
The Agnipath scheme has been launched by the central government for recruitment in the Armed Forces.
The Agnipath scheme was approved by the Indian Government in June 2022.
The scheme aims to induct youth between 17-and-a-half years of age and 21 years of age on a four-year
short-term contractual basis.
The scheme has been designed to ensure a youthful profile of the Armed Forces.
President Draupadi Murmu presented the "President's Colour" to INS Dronacharya at Kochi..
He also visited India's first indigenously built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant at the Cochin Shipyard.
About President's Color Award
The President's Color is the most prestigious decoration awarded by the President to a unit for outstanding
service to the nation.
The highest military honour is an award given to military units for exceptional dedication and bravery in
service.
Indian Navy's long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft P8I will participate in the third edition of the
coordinated multilateral anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercise 'Sea Dragon 23'.
The exercise, scheduled for March 15-30, hosted by the US Navy.
The P8I aircraft of the Indian Navy arrived at Guam, US on 14 March.
The Singapore Army and Indian Army participated in the 13th edition of Exercise 'Bold Kurukshetra', a
bilateral exercise at Jodhpur Military Station, India .
Defense Ministry signed a Rs 1,700 crore contract with BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd (BAPL) for the
procurement of next generation marine mobile coastal batteries and BrahMos missiles..
The systems will be armed with supersonic BrahMos missiles, which are known for their speed and accuracy.
About BrahMos Missile.
BrahMos missiles are medium-range ramjet supersonic cruise missiles that can be launched from
submarines, ships, aircrafts or land. These missiles are capable of travelling at a speed of Mach 2.8 and can
carry conventional or nuclear warheads.
It is named after two rivers, the Brahmaputra of India and the Moskva of Russia.
Defense Ministry on 30 March signed contracts with Indian shipyards worth Rs 19,600 crore for the
acquisition of 11 next-generation offshore patrol vessels .
The contract for the acquisition of 11 OPVs under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category was signed with Goa
Shipyard Limited (GSL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) of Kolkata for a total of Rs
9,781 crore.
Out of 11 next generation offshore patrol vessels, 7 vessels will be built by GSL and 4 vessels by GRSE.
These ships will be indigenously designed, developed and manufactured. Delivery of the vessels will begin
in September 2026.
A contract was signed with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for the acquisition of six Next Generation
Missile Ships (NGMVs) at a cost of Rs 9,805 crore. The deliveries of these ships will commence from March
2027.
efense Ministry has signed three contracts with domestic manufacturers at a total cost of about Rs 5400 crore
to enhance the country's defense capabilities.
First Contract
The first contract has been signed with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) which pertains to the procurement
of Project Akashtir, an automated air defense control and reporting system worth Rs 1982 crore for the
Indian Army.
Second Contract
The second contract with BEL pertains to the acquisition of Sarang Electronic Support Measure System for
the Indian Navy at a total cost of Rs 412 crore.
Sarang is an advanced electronic support measure system for helicopters of the Indian Navy.

Third Contract.
The third contract with New Space India Limited pertains to procurement of GSAT 7B, an advanced
communication satellite for the Indian Army at a total cost of Rs 2963 crore.
Indian Air Force (IAF), the Defense Ministry on March 23 signed two separate contracts with Bharat
Electronics Limited (BEL) at a total cost of over Rs 3,700 crore..
The first contract, worth over Rs 2,800 crore, pertains to the supply of Medium Power Radar (MPR)
'Arudhra' to the IAF.
The second contract, at a total cost of about Rs 950 crore, pertains to 'Radar Warning Receivers' (RWR).
The radar has been designed and developed by the Defense Research and Development Organization
(DRDO) and will be manufactured by BEL.
The RWR has been designed to also enhance the capabilities of Su-30 MKI aircraft.
About Arudhra Radar
This 4D radar is capable of automatic detection and tracking of slow moving aerial targets ranging from
fighter jets.
The system has an instrumented range of 400 km.
Indian Army and Air Force conducted a 96-hour multi-domain air and land exercise named 'Vayu Prahar'
in the eastern sector.
The exercise took place in the second week of March amid the ongoing standoff between India and China
on the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
About Vayu Prahar Exercise
Exercise Vayu Prahar is a joint military exercise conducted by the Indian Army and Air Force and aims to
enhance coordination and rehearsal between various agencies for rapid mobilisation, transport and
deployment of forces
Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), a shipbuilding company in India, has launched INS
Androth, a vessel claimed to be the “most silent ship in the country” for the Indian Navy.
54th CISF Raising Day 2023 observed on March 10 in India.
Rashmi Shukla has been appointed as the Director-General of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)..
The Tawazun Council signed 11 deals, worth Dhs5.8bn ($1.579bn), on the third day of the International
Defence Exhibition (IDEX) and the Naval Defence Exhibition (NAVDEX) 2023..
APRIL 2023
India’s Defence exports touch all-time high of 15 thousand 920 crore rupees.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on April 1 said that India’s defence exports have reached an all-time high
of 15 thousand 920 crore rupees in Financial Year 2022-2023.
India exported military hardware worth Rs 8,434 crore in 2020-21, Rs 9,115 crore in 2019-20 and Rs 10,745
crore in 2018-19.
The amount was Rs 4,682 crore in 2017-18 and Rs 1,521 crore in 2016-17.
The government has set a target of manufacturing defense hardware worth Rs 1,75,000 crore and taking
defense exports to Rs 35,000 crore by 2024-25.
To achieve a turnover of $25 billion, including exports of $5 billion in aerospace and defence goods and
services by 2025.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Joint Commanders' conference of the three services which is
being held at Kushabhau Thackeray International Convention Center in Bhopal.
The theme of the conference is 'Ready, Resurgent, Relevant'.
10th Edition of the annual India - Sri Lanka Bilateral Maritime exercise SLINEX-2023 began in Colombo,
Sri Lanka.
Former Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Sandeep Singh (Retd) has been appointed as the new Military
Advisor to the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS).
He will replace General Anil Chauhan, who was appointed Chief of Defense Staff in October last year.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Navy successfully conducted a
maiden flight trial of sea-based endo-atmospheric interceptor missile off the coast of Odisha in the Bay of
Bengal on April 21.
The objective of the test was to target and destroy the effect of an enemy ballistic missile threat.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on 20th April attended the Indian Air Force
Commanders’ Conference at Air Headquarters (Vayu Bhavan) in New Delhi.
The theme of this year's three-day conference, which began on April 19, is 'Beyond Boundaries: Robust
Foundations'.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) will be participating in Exercise INIOCHOS-23, a multi-national air exercise
hosted by the Hellenic Air Force, the air force of Greece.
The exercise will be conducted at the Andravida Air Base in Greece from 24 Apr 2023 to 4 May 2023.
The Indian Air Force will be participating with four Su-30 MKI and two C-17 aircraft.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) arrived at the Air Force Base Station of the French Air and Space Force (FASF)
in Mont de Marsan, France to participate in the Orion exercise..
Exercise Cope India 2023, a bilateral air force exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the United
States Air Force (USAF), is being held at Air Force Stations Arjan Singh (Panagarh), Kalaikunda (West
Bengal) and Agra .
The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) conducted a large-scale joint military exercise 'X Kavach'
involving assets of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard.
President of India, Droupadi Murmu took a historic sortie in a Sukhoi 30 MKI fighter aircraft at the Tezpur
Air Force Station in Assam.
Country's second President to fly in fighter jet.
President Draupadi Murmu is the second President of the country to fly in Sukhoi MKI 30 fighter jet and
the fourth President of the country to fly in a fighter aircraft.
Earlier, former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, Pratibha Patil and Ramnath Kovind have flown in Indian
Air Force fighter aircraft.
Before President Draupadi Murmu, country's first woman President Pratibha Patil flew in Sukhoi in 2009.
Sukhoi 30 MKI fighter aircraft
It is a two-seat multirole fighter aircraft.
It is developed by Russian company Sukhoi and manufactured under license by India's Hindustan
Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
Range – 3000 Km.
Bharat Dynamics (BDL) has successfully conducted a field firing test of its latest 3rd generation man-portable
Anti Tank Guided Missile (ATGM), Amogha-III.
The Amogha-III Missile has been developed indigenously under Integrated Guided Missile Development
Programme (IGMDP).
It is a third generation fire-and-forget Anti-Tank Guided Missile.
Developed by the Research and Development Division of BDL, the missile also has a dual-mode IIR seeker
with a range of 200 to 2500 metres.
India and the United Kingdom will soon begin the seventh edition of the bilateral training exercise Ajeya
Warrior 2023.
Shivangi Singh, the first woman pilot of the Indian Air Force to fly the Rafale fighter jet, is part of the Indian
Air Force (IAF) team that will take part in the multinational exercise 'Orion' in France.
Shivangi Singh became the first woman fighter pilot to fly Rafale.
Shivangi hails from Fetehabad Village of Muzaffarpur District, Bihar .
Coast Guard District Headquarters Haldia, under the aegis of Headquarters Coast Guard Region (NE)
conducted the joint Coastal Security Exercise named “Sagar Kavach”, from 25-26 April 23 along the coast
of West Bengal.
The 11th high level meeting between the Indian Coast Guard and the Korean Coast Guard was held in New
Delhi.
The 2023 edition of the annual exercise "Locked Shields" was hosted by the NATO Cooperative Cyber
Defense Center of Excellence in Tallinn (Estonia).
"Locked Shields" is an annual cyber defence exercise hosted by the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defense
Center of Excellence in Tallinn.
It is an annual cyber defence exercise that simulates a large-scale cyber incident.
The 7th edition of the joint military exercise "AJEYA WARRIOR-23" is currently underway at Salisbury
Plains in the United Kingdom.
India initiated Operation Kaveri to evacuate its citizens from the unrest-stricken Sudan.
Wing Commander Deepika Misra is first IAF woman officer to receive gallantry award.

The INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, was presented with a special gift in the form of its
original bell from the first carrier of the same name commissioned in 1961.
MAY 2023
Sapta Shakti Command of the Indian Army conducted exercise 'Sudarshan Shakti 2023' along the western
borders in Rajasthan and Punjab.
The sea phase of the second edition of the bilateral exercise 'Al Mohed Al Hindi- 2023' between the Indian
Navy and the Royal Saudi Naval Force (RSNF) was conducted at Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia from 23-25 May
2023.
Indian head constables Shishupal Singh and Sanwala Ram Vishnoi were posthumously awarded the Dag
Hammarskjold Medal.
The Dag Hammarskjold Medal is the highest award given to United Nations peacekeepers.
The medals were received by Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, Permanent Representative of India to the
United Nations on behalf of the departed Head Constables.
Indian Navy achieved a significant milestone on May 24, 2023 by performing the first-ever night landing of
a MiG-29K onboard INS Vikrant.
The value of defense production in the financial year (FY) 2022-23 has crossed the Rs one lakh crore mark
for the first time..
The value is currently Rs 1,06,800 crore and may increase further once data is received from the remaining
private defense industries.
The present value of defense production in FY 2022-23 is over 12 per cent higher than Rs 95,000 crore in
FY 2021-22.
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.
Samudra Shakti is a joint naval exercise conducted between the Indian Navy and the Indonesian Navy.
The 7th editionof the joint military exercise “AJEYA WARRIOR-23” between India and the United
Kingdom was conducted at Salisbury Plains, United Kingdom from 27 April to 11 May 2023.
India's first Airbus C295 successfully completed its maiden flight .
The aircraft was tested in Seville, Spain and flew for three hours to check various onboard systems.
The first 16 such aircraft are being built in Spain, while 40 are to be built in Gujarat by Tata Advanced
Systems Limited in collaboration with Airbus.
It is a medium tactical transport aircraft that was designed by the Spanish aerospace company CASA.
The manufacturing and final assembly of the C-295 is normally done at the Airbus Defense and Space
facilities at San Pablo Airport in Seville, Spain.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Indian Air Force Heritage Center in Chandigarh on 8 April.
The first ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME-2023) began on 2 May in Singapore.
Phase of the exercise
Harbour Phase - to be conducted at Changi Naval Base.
Sea Phase - to be conducted in the South China Sea.
Indian Army inducts five women officers into its Artillery Regiment.
The Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy conducted the 35th edition of the India-Thailand Coordinated
Patrol (Indo-Thai CORPAT) from May 3 to May 10, 2023.
India’s First female Rafale pilot, Shivangi Singh part of exercise in France
NATIONAL AFFAIRS 2023

JANUARY 2023
First survey of migrants has been started by the Government of Jharkhand.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the ceremony commemorating 1111th ‘Avataran Mahotsav’ of
Bhagwan Shri Devnarayan Ji in Bhilwara, Rajasthan.
January 25 is celebrated as Himachal Pradesh Statehood Day, Himachal Pradesh was granted full statehood
on January 25, 1971.

The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is going to host the Saras Mela 2023 from February 4 to
February 14 for the first time.
The fair would be organised at Bagh-e-Bahu, Jammu.
Uttar Pradesh State Day is celebrated on 24 January.
In Ladakh, the Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation (HCHF) and the Ladakh Tourism Department
organised the annual Ethnic Mamani Festival at the historic Satyang Kung village and Chiktan Shagran.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi symbolically distributed Hakku Patra (land title deeds) to five families of the
Banjara (Lambani) community in the Kalaburagi district of Karnataka.
The city of Pune will soon hold the distinction of having the country's deepest underground metro station..
Pune's Civil Court interchange station will be 108.59 feet deep with a ceiling of 95 feet.
It will be used as an interchange facility for an underground station on the Pimpri-Chinchwad-Swargate
route and one elevated route on Vanaz-Ramwadi route and Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar line.
Kerala's Wayanad becomes the first district in the country to provide basic documents to all tribals.
The foundation day of the three northeastern states Tripura, Manipur and Meghalaya is being celebrated on
21st January.
Kerala's Kollam district has become the first constitution literate district in the country. .
NTPC Renewable Energy Limited (NTPC REL) in New Delhi signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) with the Government of Tripura for development of floating and ground mounted based renewable
energy projects in the state.
Maghi Mela festival is being celebrated from January 14 in Punjab.
The Maghi Mela has been celebrated in the city of Sri Muktsar Sahib in Punjab for centuries in memory of
the 40 Sikh warriors who died fighting the Mughals in the Battle of Khidrana in 1705.
Rajasthan becomes first state to implement blindness control policy.
The Rajasthan Government implemented the Blindness Control Policy on 13th January. Rajasthan is the
'first state' in the country to implement this policy with the objective of 'right to sight vision'.
Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu Festival.
Union Minister of Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on 15 January burn the traditional
Assamese Meji (bonfire) in Guwahati as part of the Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu celebration.
Bhogali Bihu which is also known as Magh Bihu is being celebrated in every province in Assam with great
enthusiasm.
This is a festival of farmers. It is celebrated in the month of 'Magha' in the middle of January.
The 'Soul of Steel' challenge was launched in Uttarakhand on January 14, which aims to test endurance at
high altitude.
Union Minister for Labour and Employment, Forest, Environment and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav
inaugurated the Regional Office of Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) at Alwar, Rajasthan.
India’s First Centre of Excellence in Online Gaming to be set up in Shillong.
Digital India startup hub through software technology parks of India will set up India’s first centre of
excellence for online gaming in Shillong by March, said IT Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar.
Gangasagar Mela 2023.
Lakhs of pilgrims have started flocking to Sagar Island on the southernmost tip of West Bengal for the annual
Gangasagar Mela, held between January 12 and 14 to celebrate Makar Sankranti.
Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board signed MoU with eight country chapters of Global Organization of People
of Indian Origin (GOPIO)..
Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO)
It was founded at the First Global Convention of People of Indian Origin in New York in 1989.
Tripura state government has launched "Saharsh" special education program to promote social and
emotional learning.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel organised the traditional festival 'Chherchera' at Dudhadhari
Math in capital Raipur.
Chherchera festival is celebrated on the full moon night of the Hindu calendar month of 'Paush'.
On this day Lord Shankar begged for alms from Mother Annapurna.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled a 120 feet tall statue of a Polo player at the Merging Polo
Complex in Imphal East district of Manipur.
A 100-day "Uttar Pradesh Global City" campaign has been launched by the 'Uttar Pradesh Government'
ahead of the Global Investors Summit and G-20 Summit.
This campaign will be implemented in all 762 urban bodies of the state.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced that Kerala has become the first state in the country
where the banking sector has now gone completely digital.
The Election Commission of India has made Bihar's folk singer 'Maithili Thakur' the new 'State Icon' of the
state..
Maithili Thakur will conduct an awareness campaign among voters before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Maithili, originally belonging to Madhubani district of Bihar, has been singing folk songs since childhood.
Bihar government has started caste surveys in different parts of the state on 7th January.
In the first phase, the number of all the families of the state will be counted and recorded.
In the second phase of the survey to be held from April 1 to 30, data will be collected regarding the people
living in the houses, their caste and socio-economic status.
The survey will end on 31 May 2023. About five lakh people have been employed to carry out this entire
process.
The state government will spend Rs 500 crore from its contingency fund for this exercise
Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Narendra Singh Tomar inaugurated the three-day
'Northeast Krishi Kumbh-2023' at Umiam in Meghalaya..
Odisha won the UN-Habitat World Habitat Awards 2023 for the state's 5T (Transparency, Technology,
Teamwork, Time, Transformation) initiative Jaga Mission..
The world's first museum of palm leaf manuscripts established in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Purushottam Rupala inaugurated 29 Mobile
Veterinary Units (MVUs) and Centralised Call Center in Thiruvananthapuram.
Union Minister of State for Science and TechnologyDr Jitendra Singh on 5 January inaugurated “National
Genome Editing and Training Centre (NGETC)” at National Agri-food Biotechnology Institute (NABI)
Mohali in Punjab.
Varanasi Cantt Railway Station of the Indian Railways has been awarded the 5-Star 'Eat Right Station'
certification for providing high quality nutritious food to the passengers...
The 'Eat Right Station' certification is provided by FSSAI to railway stations which set the standard in
providing safe and nutritious food to the passengers.
Lieutenant Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan said Puducherry would host the first G20 meeting on January
31.
Union Cabinet approves naming of Mopa airport in Goa after Manohar Parrikar.
Union cabinet in a meeting chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 4 January 2023 has given ex-
post facto approval for naming the Greenfield International Airport at Goa's Mopa as Manohar International
Airport, after former defence minister and Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar.
Manohar International Airport is the second airport in Goa after Dabolim airport.
Union cabinet approves Rs 2,614.51 crore investment in the 382 MW Sunni Dam Hydro Electric Project.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 4
January 2023 approved the investment of Rs 2,614.51 crore for the 382 MW Sunni Dam Hydro Electric
Project by state-owned SJVN Ltd in Himachal Pradesh. .
The 382 MW Sunni Dam Hydro Electric Project is being developed by Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam limited
(SJVN) on Sutlej river in the Shimla and Mandi districts of Himachal Pradesh.
Madhya Pradesh government launched Chief Minister's Residential Land Rights Scheme (Mukhyamantri
Bhumi Adhikar Yojna) launched from Bakpura Panchayat of Tikamgarh district.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurates Siyom bridge in Arunachal Pradesh.
Built at a cost of Rs 724 crore, these projects will vastly enhance India's border infrastructure, mostly along
the Chinese border, from Ladakh to Arunachal.
Uttarakhand government has abolished the revenue/Patwari policing system in the state.
Hyderabad to become India’s first city with 100% sewerage facilities by May 2023.
The Election Commission of India(ECI) has started ‘Mission 929’ in Tripura .

It will focus on 929 polling booths across Tripura with a target to increase the voter turnout to 92 percent in
the next assembly elections.
Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari inaugurated the first phase of the new Zuari bridge
in Goa .
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) with National Centre for Earth Sciences (NCES),
Thiruvananthapuram and Andhra University will jointly set up equipment to forecast rip currents at
Rushikonda and RK beach of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
The first International Financial Architecture Working Group meeting under the G-20 Indian Presidency
was inaugurated in Chandigarh.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 28 January released a special day cover and a commemorative specially
minted coin of Rs 75 denomination on the occasion of 75 successful years of the National Cadet Corps
(NCC).
The Central government on 28 January renamed the Mughal Gardens in New Delhi's Rashtrapati Bhavan
as 'Amrit Udyan'.
The Central Government had last year renamed Delhi’s iconic Rajpath as “Kartavya Path”.
The Mughal Gardens were designed by Edwin Lutyens in 1917, and the first saplings were planted in 1928–
1929.
Manoj Kumar, Chairman, Khadi and Village Industries Commission, inaugurated the Khadi Fest- 23 which
will run from January 27 to February 24, 2023 at the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)
Headquarters in Mumbai.
Luminous to build India's first green solar panel factory in Uttarakhand.
Luminous Power Technologies on 27 January announced its plan to build the country's first green energy-
based solar panel manufacturing factory in Uttarakhand.
The new manufacturing plant located in Rudrapur is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2023.
The plant has been certified as a green facility by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) and will reduce
CO2 emissions by over 70 million tonnes per year.
This solar panel facility is completely robotic and will harness energy from 100 percent solar power.
The 'She Feeds the World' program has been launched by PepsiCo and CARE in India.
The program will be initially implemented in Coochbehar and Alipurduar districts of West Bengal.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 27 January interacted with students during the 6th edition of Pariksha
Pe Charcha program at Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi.
North India's largest floating solar plant in Chandigarh.
Administrator Balwari Lal Purohit inaugurated a 2MWp capacity solar plant on January 23, 2023, with the
aim of making the city self-sufficient in power generation by the Chandigarh administration.
Apart from this, Balwari Lal Purohit also inaugurated a 500 kWp floating solar power plant in Dhansa Lake.
Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on 26 January unveiled world’s first intranasal
COVID-19 vaccine, iNNCOVACC in New Delhi.
It is developed by Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL) in collaboration with Biotechnology Industry
Research Assistance (BIRAC).
India celebrated its 74th Republic Day on 26 January.
The six - day mega event “Bharat Parv” event is going to be organised by the Government of India at the
Lawns and Gyan Path in front of Red Fort, Delhi from 26 to 31 January, 2023, as part of the Republic Day
Celebrations.
The Ministry of Tourism has been designated as the nodal Ministry for the event.
Visakhapatnam Railway Station awarded 'Green Railway Station Certificate'.
Visakhapatnam Railway Station under East Coast Railway has been awarded the 'Green Railway Station
Certificate' with the highest Platinum rating by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) for adopting
green concepts.
The Union Health Ministry has launched the “U-WIN” platform to keep a digital record of vaccination of
women and children in the country..
This platform will be launched as a pilot project in two districts of each state and union territory of the
country.
Indian Railways has introduced 'Ideal Train Profile' for maximum capacity utilisation and income
generation by regularly analysing movement of demand in each train in reserved express trains.

The project has been started on a pilot basis in seven Zonal Railways - Eastern, Central, Northern, Southern,
South Central, Western and West Central Railways.
This project has been implemented in more than 200 trains so far..
National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) and Healthcare Sector Skill
Council (HSSC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding.
Ministry of AYUSH has signed an MoU with India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), Ministry
of Tourism, to promote Medical Value Travel in Ayurveda and other traditional systems of medicine..
The AYUSH based healthcare and wellness economy is estimated to grow to $70 billion by 2025.
Moidams' nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has selected the 'Pyramids of Assam' as the country's sole nomination for
the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site out
of 52 heritage sites.
The Ahom-era 'Moidams' (cemetery of the royal family) in Assam's Charaideo district will be India's only
nomination for recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Modi named 21 islands of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands after 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees on the
auspicious occasion of Parakram Divas organised to mark the 126th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash
Chandra Bose on 23 January..
The Ross Islands were renamed Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Islands in 2018 to honor Netaji's sacrifices.
Aska police station of Odisha's Ganjam district became the country's number one police station.
Gangapur police station in Odisha's Ganjam district has been awarded the second best police station award.
Banbasa police station in Champawat district of Uttarakhand has been selected as the third best station.
The 4th International Trade Fair of Millets and Organics Products began on 20 January 2023 at
Tripuravasini, Bengaluru.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Egypt President Abdel Fattah El Sisi will be the chief guest at
the 74th Republic Day celebrations.
Abdel Fattah Sisi is a former Army officer who was elected as the president of Egypt t in 2014 and was re-
elected in 2018.
President of Indonesia, Sukarno was the first guest at 1950 Republic day parade.
IIT Madras incubated firm has developed an indigenous mobile operating system 'Bharos’ that can benefit
India's 100 crore mobile phone users.
The software, named 'Bharos', can be installed on commercial off-the-shelf handsets.
It was developed by JandK Operations Pvt Ltd (JandKops), a company set up by the IIT Madras Innovative
Technologies Foundation.
Recently an agreement was signed between the Indian Ports Association (IPA) and the Research and
Information System (RIS) for Developing Countries to set up a center for maritime economy and
connectivity..
The proposed Transshipment Port at Galathea Bay in Greater Nicobar in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
will be beneficial for BIMSTEC nations.
The government has condemned the BBC documentary "India: The Modi Question" on Prime Minister
Narendra Modi, terming it a propaganda and an attempt to defame.
This documentary on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)
questions his leadership as the state's chief minister during theGujarat riots.
The Science Literature Festival 'Vigyanika' is being organized at the Indian International Science
Festival (IISF), Bhopal during the period 22 - 23 January, 2023.
Shipping, Waterways and Ports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has launched the initiative ‘Bharat Pravah-
India along its Shores’.
India has 7,500 km of coastline, 14,500 km of navigable potential waterways and strategic locations along
major international maritime trade routes.
About 95% of India's trade by volume and 65% by value is done through sea transport facilitated by ports.
The Major Ports Judicial Board Rules, 2023 have been notified in the Gazette by the Ministry of Ports,
Shipping and Waterways on 17 January 2023.
The Major Port Authorities Act, 2021 was enacted on 03 January 2021.
Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare in association with PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry
(PHDCCI) and National Center for Cold Chain Development (NCCD) organised a one day exhibition
and conference as “Cold Chain Conclave” on 19th January in New Delhi.

World Economic Forum (WEF) has chosen Hyderabad to set up its Center for the Fourth Industrial
Revolution focused on healthcare and life sciences..
Jammu and Kashmir has become the first Union Territory of India to go completely digital.
The first G-20 Health Working Group (HWG) meeting under India’s G-20 presidency began on 18 January
at Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala.
Ministry of Textiles will organise a special handloom exhibition “VIRASAT” - from 20-30 January 2023
at Handloom Haat, New Delhi to showcase home decor products made from handlooms.
The special handloom saree exhibition “Virasat” – a celebration of 75 handwoven sarees of India was
organised by the Ministry of Textiles in two phases from 16 to 30 December and 3 to 17 January 2023 at
Handloom Haat, Janpath, New Delhi.
As part of India's G-20 chairmanship, a Business-20 (B-20) founding meeting will be held in
Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
The main program of the B-20 Founding Meeting prepared by the B-20 India Secretariat in accordance with
the theme of the conference "R.A.I.S.E: Responsible, Accelerated, Innovative, Sustainable and Equitable
Businesses".
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF) has listed Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes
kunthiana) in the list of protected plants under Schedule III of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Neelakurinji is a tropical plant species and is native to the shola forests in the Western Ghats.
It is also found in Shevaroy Hills in the Eastern Ghats, Annamalai Hills in Kerala and Sanduru Hills in
Karnataka.
National Council of Education Research and Training has notified India's first National Assessment
Regulator "PARKH" with the aim of setting up assessment guidelines for all boards.
PARAKH stands for Performance Appraisal, Review and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic
Development.
The Patna Circle of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has discovered two 1200-year-old miniature
stupas during landscaping activities near the Sarai Tila mound within the complex of the world heritage site
'Nalanda Mahavihara' in Nalanda district of the state.
Nalanda was a Mahavihara, a large Buddhist monastery in the ancient kingdom of Magadha (modern Bihar)
in India.
It was established during the Gupta Empire period.
Union Minister of State for Culture Arjun Ram Meghwal has handed over the 9th to 10th century
Nataraja statue to the Archaeological Department of Chittorgarh Fort, Rajasthan.
The statue, which dates back to the 9th to 10th centuries, was stolen from the Shiva temple at Badoli in
Chittorgarh district in 1998 and sold to a museum in London.
Chittorgarh fort is the largest fort in India. It is located in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan.
SPIC MACAY organizes its very popular 'Music in the Park' series this year under the name “Shruti Amrut”
in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the New Delhi Municipal Council.
Entire country to be covered by doppler weather radar network by 2025.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a new ‘Aarogya Maitri’ project on 13th January under which
India will provide essential medical supplies to developing countries affected by natural disasters or
humanitarian crises.
PM announced at the Concluding Session of the two-day virtual ‘Voice of Global South Summit’.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the occasion of Pongal on 15 January, virtually flagged off the Vande
Bharata Express train connecting Secunderabad with Vishakhapatnam.
The first ever Infrastructure Working Group (IWG) meeting of the G20 under India's G-20 presidency will
be held in Pune.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has become the world's first fully digital party.
Vidisha becomes first Indian district to implement state-of-the-art 5G use cases proposed by startups.
This partnership is being done through Telecom Startups and MSME Mission (TSuM) and 5G Vertical
Engagement Partnership Program (VEPP).
Tech startup firm IG Drones has developed India's first 5G-enabled drone capable of vertical take-off and
landing.
This drone has been named Skyhawk.

India will send three men six thousand metres below sea level to search for mineral resources under the
Samudrayaan mission.
Earth Sciences Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said, a vehicle named MATSYA 6000 will carry three people and
this mission is expected to be realized in the next three years.
The vehicle is being designed and developed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology, Chennai.
The cost of the Deep Ocean Mission is about Rs 4,077 crore over a period of five years and will be
implemented in phases.
On the eve of the launch of the world's longest river cruise 'MV Ganga Vilas Cruise' on January 12, a grand
cultural program 'Sur Sarita-Symphony of Ganga' was organised in Varanasi.
The nearly one-hour show ended with Shankar Mahadevan's rendition of 'Kartavya Ganga'.
The world's longest river cruise MV Ganga Vilas will be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on
January 13, in Varanasi.
Ganga Vilas Cruise will cross Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Bangladesh and Assam in a journey of 51 days.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the 'Jai Hind-Naya Prakash Aur Dhvani Program / Light
and Sound Show' at the Red Fort in Delhi.
The first 'Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion' meeting of the G20 began in Kolkata.
India has discovered two lithium mines and one copper mine in Argentina in the South America continent.
Australia is currently the top lithium producer globally. While Argentina is the fourth largest producing
country in the world.
The luxury Cruise Ganga Vilas carrying Swiss tourists on 7 January reached Ghazipur in Uttar Pradesh.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off Ganga Vilas, the world's longest river cruise, on January 13.
The cruise will start from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh and end at Dibrugarh in Assam.
The journey will cover a distance of 3,200 km in 50 days and pass through 27 river systems in India and
Bangladesh.
National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) in association with Nehru Memorial Museum and Library
organised Astro Tourism - A Sky Gazing event at Delhi's India Gate .
The 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) convention is being organised in Indore from 8-10 January 2023
in collaboration with the Government of Madhya Pradesh.
The theme of this PBD Convention is "Diaspora: Reliable partners for India’s progress in Amrit Kaal”.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has declared The Resistance Front (TRF) as a terrorist organisation
under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967.
Ghaziabad-Pt Deen Dayal Upadhyay section (762 KM) becomes the longest fully automatic block signalling
section of Indian Railways.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on 4 January chaired a high-level meeting
with four states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and West Bengal governments to review the elimination
of Kala-Azar from the country by the year 2023.
Health ministers of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and senior officials of West Bengal were present during
the meeting.
India is committed to eliminate Kala-azar from the country by 2023.
Government approves Rs 28.11 crore to provide relief to tobacco farmers of Andhra affected by Cyclone
Mandus.
Cyclone Mandous
The name of Mandous has been suggested by the United Arab Emirates.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 4 January 2023 has given ex-post facto approval for naming the
Greenfield International Airport at Goa's Mopa as Manohar International Airport, after former defence
minister and Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar.
Manohar International Airport is the second airport in Goa after Dabolim airport.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 2nd January chaired the Annual General Meeting of Nehru Memorial
Museum and Library Society in New Delhi.
The PM mentioned that the 200th birth anniversary of Swami Dayanand Saraswati, the founder of Arya
Samaj, is in 2024.
SMART’ (Scope for Mainstreaming Ayurveda Research in Teaching Professionals) program for Ayurveda
professionals launched to regulate and boost R&D in Ayurveda.

The SMART program has been jointly launched by the Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) and the Central
Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS). Both the Institutions come under the Union Ministry
of Ayush.
FEBRUARY 2023
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 27 February 2023 launched the newly built Shivamogga airport along
with various development projects worth over Rs 3,600 crore in Shivamogga, Karnataka.
The Prime Minister also inaugurated multi-village schemes worth over Rs 950 crore under the Jal Jeevan
Mission and 44 smart city projects worth over Rs 895 crore in Shivamogga city.
There were only 74 airports in the whole country till the year 2014, while today the number of airports has
doubled (148) after the inauguration of Shivamogga Airport.
After a gap of seven years, the three-day Ellora-Ajanta International Festival began on February 25 at the
historic Sonari Palace, located on the campus of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University..
Soneri Mahal is decorated with attractive replicas of Ellora and Ajanta. It reflects the rich tradition of
Aurangabad.
Kerala to become first State to use robotics tech extensively for manhole cleaning.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has passed a resolution to rename the Churchgate railway
station in Mumbai after CD Deshmukh, the first governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)..
The name of the station will be 'Chintamanrao Deshmukh Station.
National Institute of High Security Animal Disease (ICAR), Bhopal has confirmed Avian Influenza (H5N1)
in samples received from Government Poultry Farm in Bokaro, Jharkhand.
The presence of the H5N1 variant was confirmed in a protein-rich breed of chicken known as 'Kadaknath'
at a farm in Lohanchal.
Northern India’s first nuclear plant to come up in Haryana’s Gorakhpur.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh on 19 February said that North India's first nuclear power plant is being set
up in Gorakhpur, Haryana.
The 49th Khajuraho Dance Festival began on February 20 in Khajuraho.
Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel inaugurated 'Khajuraho Dance Festival-2023'. The festival will
end on February 26.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has greeted the people of Arunachal Pradesh on the state's 37th statehood
day on February 20.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has greeted the people of Mizoram on the state's foundation day on February
20.
Punjab's first state level 'Prawn Fair' began on February 17 at Enakheda village in Muktsar district.
This mela is an effort of the state government to create more awareness about shrimp farming.
Asia's biggest seafood show, India International Seafood concluded in Kolkata.
India has set a target of $14 billion in marine products exports by 2025 and efforts are on to achieve the
target.
“World Interfaith Harmony Week 2023”, an event recognised by the United Nations (UN) , concluded at
SCD Government College, Ludhiana .
It is organised every year in the first week of February.
India’s first electric AC double-decker bus inaugurated in Mumbai.
The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST) inaugurated the country’s first
electric air-conditioned (AC) double-decker bus on 13 February in Mumbai.
Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav 2023 begins in Mumbai.
ADB approves $130 million loan to promote horticulture in Himachal.
Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $130 million (over Rs 1,072 crore) loan to enhance
agricultural productivity and farmers' income in Himachal Pradesh and promote horticulture agribusiness.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off two new Vande Bharat trains from Mumbai on 10 February..
PM Modi first flagged off the Mumbai-Solapur Vande Bharat Express from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Terminus (CSMT).
The UP government has launched an online portal, "Family ID - One Family One Identity" to make access
to government schemes easier for the families of the state.

Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2023 is being organised in Mumbai (Maharashtra) from 4 -12 February..
Kala Ghoda Kala Mahotsav is an arts festival organised in Mumbai, which was started in 1999 by Kala
Ghoda Foundation
Gujarat government 4 February signed an agreement with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and
Development (OECD) to conduct the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) test for
students of government schools.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and OECD Paris
Director Andreas Schleicher.
Gujarat is the first state in the country to sign such an agreement.
Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on 4 February inaugurated the SARAS
Aajeevika Mela 2023 at Aquaplex Crown at Bagh-e-Bahu, Jammu.
The 11-day fair is the first of its kind in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
SARAS Aajeevika Mela
It is an initiative of the Deen Dayal Dayal Upadhyaya Yojana of the Union Ministry of Rural Development.
Madhya Pradesh government announced that Islam Nagar village located in Bhopal district has been
renamed as Jagdishpur.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on 30 January inaugurated the 46th edition of the International Kolkata
Book Fair..
Around 20 countries from all over the world are participating in the fair. Spain is the focal country for the
second time this year
DMRC plan to start 'Virtual Shopping App.
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is going to start the country's first virtual shopping app soon for its
passengers, so that passengers can shop during their journey and can also provide delivery facility of goods
ordered at destination stations..
‘Grand start-up Conclave’ on Animal Husbandry and Diary in Hyderabad.
A 'Grand Startup Conclave' was organised by the Central Animal Husbandry and Dairy Department on 28
February 2023 for current and emerging startups in livestock, dairy and animal husbandry areas in
Hyderabad.
It was inaugurated by Union Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Minister Purushottam Rupala.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the ‘Barisu Kannada Dim Dimava’ cultural festival at Talkatora
Stadium in New Delhi.
Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud on February 23 announced that the Supreme Court will adopt a
“neutral citation system” for its judgments..
The Delhi, Kerala and Madras High Courts have already introduced neutral citations.
What is a “citation”?
The citation of a case is essentially an identification tag for the decision.
What is a neutral citation?
A neutral citation would mean that the court would provide its own citation, separate from that provided by
traditional law reporters.
Law reporters are periodicals or annual digests that publish judgments.
External Affairs Ministry’s annual flagship event on Geoeconomics, Asia Economic Dialogue began on 23
February in Pune, Maharashtra..
The main theme of the dialogue is 'Asia and the Emerging World Order'.
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed a new variety of wheat which is
'HD-3385'.
ICAR has registered the news variety HD-3385 with the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights
Authority (PPVFRA).
ICAR has also granted a license to Bioseed owned by DCM Shriram Limited to conduct multi-location trials
and seed multiplication.
Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH), Mumbai and Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland have signed
a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 22 February to engage in long-term cooperation in cancer care.
Tata Memorial Hospital is the largest and the most renowned cancer care hospital and research centre in
India.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari laid the Foundation Stone of the world's
largest and unique Divyang Park - Anubhuti Inclusive Park in Nagpur, Maharashtra.

Pangong Tso lake marathon registered as world's highest Frozen Lake Marathon in the Guinness Book.
The Frozen Lake Marathon at Pangong Tso Lake in the Union Territory of Ladakh has been officially
included in the Guinness Book of World Records as the Highest Frozen Lake Marathon for the first time.
The theme of this marathon is 'The Last Run.
India as the Chair of the G-20 will host the Permanent Mission Roundtable at the UN Headquarters ahead
of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Summit to be held in New York this year.
The Election Commission of India on 17 February ordered the Eknath Shinde faction to be renamed the
Shiv Sena, the commission also said that the arrow and bow would be retained as election symbols by Eknath
Shinde's party.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on 19 February said that the 'Chandrayaan-3' lander has
"successfully" underwent the Electro-Magnetic Interference/Electro-Magnetic Compatibility (EMI/EMC)
test at the U R Rao Satellite Centre.
The test was conducted between January 31 and February 2 at the UR RAW Satellite Center in Bengaluru.
Twelve cheetahs from South Africa were brought to Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh on 18
February. Of the 12 cheetahs, seven are male and five are female.
The first group of Namibian cheetahs reached Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh on 17 September
2022 under the cheetah reintroduction programme.
Extinction of cheetahs
The last cheetah of the country was found dead in the year 1947 in Chhattisgarh and in the year 1952 it was
declared extinct in the country.
Indian Railways on 17 February launched Bharat Gaurav Deluxe AC Tourist Train - Shri Ram-Janaki
Yatra: Ayodhya to Janakpur from Safdarjung Railway Station, Delhi.
This train will cover two most important pilgrimage sites Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh and Janakpur in Nepal.
The introduction of Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train is in line with the "Dekho Apna Desh" initiative of the
Government of India to promote domestic tourism.
The central government on 17 February declared Khalistan Tiger Force, and Jammu and Kashmir
Ghaznavi Force as terrorist organisations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Khalistan Tiger Force
It came into existence in 2011 as an offshoot of terrorist organization Babbar Khalsa International.
It is a militant organization whose aim is to revive militancy in Punjab.
Jammu and Kashmir Ghaznavi Force (JKGF)
It has been formed with cadres of terrorist organisations like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.
A national level hackathon KAVACH-2023 was launched on 16 February to identify innovative ideas
and technological solutions to address India's 21st century cyber security and cybercrime challenges.
KAVACH-2023 is a one-of-a-kind national hackathon jointly developed by AICTE, Bureau of Police
Research and Development (BPRD) and Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the Jal Jan Abhiyan in Abu Road in Sirohi district of
Rajasthan.
This campaign has been started by the Brahma Kumaris organisation and the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Chemicals and Fertilizers, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya
inaugurated the IFFCO Nano Urea Liquid Plants at Aonla and Phulpur in Uttar Pradesh.
Union Cabinet on 15 February approved the construction of the 4.1-km Shinkun La tunnel on the Nimu-
Padam-Darcha road link to provide all-weather connectivity to the border areas of Ladakh.
The tunnel will be completed by December 2025 at a cost of Rs 1,681 crore.
Another Zojila tunnel is also under construction which is on Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National Highway.
About Shinku La Tunnel
The Shinku-La tunnel will be constructed over the Shinku La Pass at a height of 16,580 feet.
Shinku La is a mountain pass on the border of Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh.
It connects the Zanskar valley of Leh-Ladakh to Lahaul in Himachal Pradesh.
It is situated to the north of Rohtang Pass.
The length of the tunnel will be 4.1 km.
It will be built by the Border Roads Organization (BRO) under Project Yojkar.
Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Limited (SPMCIL) and the Energy Resources
Institute (TERI) have signed an MoU with an estimated cost of Rs 525.49 lakh for the integrated
development of village Model.

This MoU has been entered into under the CSR initiative of SPMCIL for the development of Model Village
- Sirolia, District Dewas, Madhya Pradesh.
Union Cabinet on 15 February approved the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between
India and South Africa for cooperation in the 'disability sector'..
Cabinet approves signing of MoU between India and Chile for cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the national Aadi Mahotsav on 16th February, 2023 at
Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi.
The Theme of the event “A Celebration of the Spirit of Tribal Crafts, Culture, Cuisine and Commerce”.
About Aadi Mahotsav
It is a national tribal festival and a joint initiative of the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the Tribal
Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED).
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare organised a Cyclothon with the theme 'Cycle for Health'
at Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC).
Khanan Prahari' Mobile app to Curb Illegal Mining launched.
The government on 13 February launched a mobile app namely ‘Khanan Prahari’ and a web app Coal Mine
Surveillance and Management System (CMSMS).
Khanan Prahari' Mobile App
It is a mobile app of the Ministry of Coal to report illegal coal mining.
It is a tool for geo-tagged photographs of any illegal coal mining incident as well as information to any citizen
from the location of the incident.'
CMSMS Application
CMSMS has been developed to take transparent action to curb illegal mining and use of space technology
as an e-governance initiative of Government of India.
Minister for Communications, Electronics & Information Technology and Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw
inaugurated AMRITPEX 2023 - National Philatelic Exhibition on 11 February in New Delhi.
President Droupadi Murmu appointed 13 new Governors while accepting the resignations of Bhagat Singh
Koshyari as Governor of Maharashtra and of Radha Krishnan Mathur as Lt. Governor of Ladakh on 12
February.
The fresh appointments
Lt. General Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik, (Retired) Governor of Arunachal Pradesh.
Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Governor of Sikkim.
C P Radhakrishnan, Governor of Jharkhand.
Shiv Pratap Shukla, Governor of Himachal Pradesh.
S. Abdul Nazeer, Governor of Andhra Pradesh.
Gulab Chand Kataria, Governor of Assam.
Change of states of some current governors.
Justice (Retd) Biswa Bhusan Harichandan, Governor of Andhra Pradesh appointed as Governor of
Chhattisgarh.
Anusuiya Uikye, Governor of Chhattisgarh appointed as Governor of Manipur.
La. Ganesan, Governor of Manipur appointed as Governor of Nagaland.
Phagu Chauhan, Governor of Bihar appointed as Governor of Meghalaya.
Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Governor of Himachal Pradesh appointed as Governor of Bihar.
Ramesh Bais, Governor of Jharkhand appointed as Governor of Maharashtra.
Brig (Dr) B D Mishra (Retd), Governor of Arunachal Pradesh appointed as Lt. Governor of Ladakh.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari unveiled the country's first drone-air traffic
management system "Sky UTM".
What is Sky UTM?
It is developed by "Sky Air".
Sky UTM is a cloud-based air traffic management system that integrates unmanned air traffic with manned
aviation airspace.
India-ASEAN Digital Work Plan 2023 was approved at the third ASEAN Digital Ministers meeting in New
Delhi .
The meeting was held on a virtual platform with the theme of "Synergy Towards a Sustainable Digital
Future".

For the first time in the country, reserves of 59 lakh tonnes of lithium have been found in the Reasi
district of Jammu division.
The Geological Survey of India has discovered lithium deposits in the Salal-Haimana area of Reasi district
in Jammu and Kashmir.
Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Giriraj Singh inaugurated the Mission Antyodaya
Survey (MAS) 2022-23 in New Delhi.
The Rural Development Department is conducting the Mission Antyodaya survey in all the Gram
Panchayats of the country from 2017-18.
Survey will be done in all the 2,69,253 Gram Panchayats whose profiles have been created on e-Gram
Swaraj.
About ‘Mission Antyodaya’
It was initiated in the Union Budget 2017-18.
Gram Panchayats have been kept at its focal point.
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Ministry of Rural Development are its nodal agencies.
It aims to eradicate poverty in various dimensions of rural households.
Presented by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs on 6 February in Lok Sabha revealed that the National
Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) is currently functioning with less than 50% of its sanctioned
strength.
About National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)
It has been established by amending Article 338 and inserting a new Article 338A in the Indian Constitution
through the 89th Amendment Act.
Chairman - Harsha Chauhan.
Indore Municipal Corporation has become the first civic body in the country to issue green bonds..
The corporation plans to raise Rs 244 crore through green bonds.
India's first Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H2-ICE) truck was unveiled by Prime Minister
Narendra Modi during the 'India Energy Week' in Bengaluru.
The ICE in the H2-ICE stands for Internal Combustion Engine.
It is developed by Reliance Industries (RIL) in association with Ashok Leyland.
The combustion principle in H2-ICE is as follows:
2H2 + O2 → 2H2O
Visva-Bharati University to get the status of world's first "Living Heritage University".
Visva-Bharati University is expected to get the status of the world's first "Living Heritage University" from
UNESCO by April-May 2023.
Visva-Bharati University:
It was established in the year 1921 by Rabindranath Tagore. It is located in Santiniketan, West Bengal.
Recently Yaya Tso has been declared as the first Biodiversity Heritage Site of Ladakh.
Yaya Tso is a lake situated at an altitude of 4,820 metres in Ladakh which is known as the paradise of birds.
“Yuva Sangam Portal” launched at Indira Gandhi Kala Kendra, Delhi by Education Minister
Dharmendra Pradhan.
The Ministry of Education has launched a pilot project with the Yuva Sangam portal under Ek Bharat-
Shreshtha Bharat.
Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat:
Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the year 2015 on the
occasion of Sardar Vallabh Patel's 140th birth anniversary and was launched by the Finance Minister in the
budget for the financial year 2016-17.
It is an initiative of the Ministry of Education.
Key energy initiatives will be unveiled by PM Modi during India Energy Week which will be held in
Bengaluru from February 6 to 8.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), India will account for 25 percent of global energy
demand by 2040.
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and Engineers India Limited (EIL) have signed an MoU
for construction of waste-to-energy and bio-methanation projects in million plus cities for "Green Growth"
of India.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's budget speech launched various schemes and policies aimed at
ecological conservation.

The newly introduced schemes are MISHTI, Amrit Dharohar and PM PRANAM.
MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes).
This is a new scheme which will facilitate mangrove plantation on salt lands along the sea coast of India.
Amrit Dharohar
The scheme will be implemented over the next three years to encourage optimum use of wetlands and
enhance biodiversity, carbon stock, ecotourism opportunities and income generation for local communities.
PM PRANAM (Prime Minister Programme for Restoration, Awareness, Nourishment and
Amelioration of Mother Earth).
The program will endeavour to encourage States and Union Territories promoting balanced use of
alternative fertilisers and chemical fertilisers.
National Commission for Women organised a panel discussion on the topic 'Empowering Women
Empowering India' as part of its Foundation Day (January 31) celebrations.
The Commission for Women organised a two-day program to celebrate its 31st Foundation Day from
January 31, 2023 to February 1, 2023.
Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy launched the Visit India Year-2023 initiative in New Delhi on 31 January
and also unveiled its logo.
The Tourism Minister also unveiled the logo of the campaign which is inspired by the image of 'Namaste'.
Focusing on ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, President Droupadi Murmu addressed her maiden joint session (Lok
Sabha and Rajay Sabha) of Parliament on 31st January.
President Murmu said, India has entered the Amrit Kaal by completing 75 years of its independence.
Amrit Kaal is the period of 100 years of independence and the making of a developed India. These 25 years
is a period for all citizens to focus on their duty
MARCH 2023
Haryana becomes first state in India to have 100% electrified railway network.
The electrification project covers the existing broad gauge network of 1,701 route kilometres in Haryana.
The electrification project covers the existing broad gauge network of 1,701 route kilometres in Haryana.
The crucial Z-Morh tunnel that connects Gagangir and Sonamarg on the Srinagar-Leh highway will be
inaugurated in April 2023 according to Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari.
He said nine tunnels were being built between Jammu and Srinagar and Asia's longest tunnel at Zojila would
also be ready by 2024.
About Z-Morh tunnel
Zoji-Morh tunnel is an under-construction tunnel located in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.
It is a 6.5 km long tunnel between Gagangir and Sonamarg on the Srinagar-Leh highway.
World Bank approves $363 million loan for clean drinking water in rural Karnataka.
World Bank has given a $363 million loan to the state of Karnataka in India, which will help provide clean
drinking water to two million rural households.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 25 March inaugurated the much-awaited Whitefield - KR Puram
metro line in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
With this 13.71 km stretch with 12 stations, Bengaluru Metro has a connectivity of 69.66 km with 63 stations,
making it the second largest network in the country after the Delhi Metro.
The Rs 4,249-crore project will reduce travel time between Whitefield and KR Puram.
The Tamil Nadu government declared Thanthai Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary as the 18th wildlife sanctuary
in the state.
The sanctuary covers an area of 80,567 hectares in Anthiyur and Gobichettipalayam taluks of Erode district.
Home Minister Amit Shah e-inaugurated the Mata Sharda Devi Temple near the Line of Control in Karnah
sector of Jammu and Kashmir.
About Maa Sharda Devi Temple:
Maa Sharda Devi Temple is located in Teetwal village of Karnah tehsil of Kupwara district in the Indian
union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Maa Sharda, who is believed to be an incarnation of Saraswati,
the goddess of knowledge and wisdom.
The temple is especially popular during the Navratri festival.
The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly unanimously re-passed the online gambling ban bill.

The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly has re-adopted the Prohibition of Online Gambling and Regulation
of Online Games Bill, 2022.
Tamil Nadu govt to launch five-year Tamil Nadu Millet Mission.
Presenting the state’s Agriculture Budget for FY24 in the Assembly on 21 March, Tamil Nadu Minister for
Agriculture MRK Panneerselvam said the state government will implement the Tamil Nadu Millet Mission
for five years.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has greeted the people of Bihar on 22nd March, Bihar State Foundation
Day.
This is the 111th Foundation Day of the state.
Theme of 2023 Bihar Diwas is “ Yuva Shakti ki Pragati”.
The state of Bihar was carved out from the Bengal presidency on March 22 in 1912.
A butterfly park set up by the forest department in a village near the India-Bangladesh international
border in South Tripura district has become a center of attraction for tourists from across the country
and Bangladesh.
The Butterfly Ecopark at Chhotakhola, close to Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary, is the first butterfly park in the
Northeast.
The Matua Mela is being organized in West Bengal to commemorate the 212th birth anniversary of Sri
Sri Harichand Thakur, the founder of the Matua sect.
West Bengal is hosting the Matua Maha Mela 2023 from March 19 to March 25.
The Matua community has a sizeable population in both West Bengal and Bangladesh.
Asia's largest Tulip Garden opened for the public in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar and Lieutenant
Governor Manoj Sinha also attended the inauguration ceremony of this garden.
Union Home and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah laid the foundation stone of the District Bank
Headquarters and inaugurated the APMC Kisan Bhavan at Krishi Shivir in Junagadh, Gujarat.
The Jharkhand government on 17 March launched ‘Jharniyojan’ portal where all private establishments
have to register themselves.
Its objective is to fulfill the state government's promise of ensuring 75 percent employment to local candidates
in the private sector of the state.
As the three-month deadline set by the Supreme Court for setting up an Inter-State River Water Disputes
Tribunal for the Pennaiyar river has expired, Tamil Nadu is awaiting further action from the Centre.
About Pennaiyar River
It originates in the Nandi Hills in Chikkaballapura district of Karnataka and flows through Tamil Nadu
before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
The major tributaries are Chinnar, Markanda, Vaniyar and Pamban.
It is the second longest river in Tamil Nadu after Cauvery with a length of 497 km.
It covers a large area in the state of Tamil Nadu apart from areas included in the states of Karnataka and
Andhra Pradesh.
Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar on 15 March inaugurated a
5-day cultural program "AgriUnifest" in Bengaluru.
It was organized by Bangalore Agricultural University in collaboration with the Indian Council of
Agricultural Research (ICAR).
Uttarakhand govt approves 10 % horizontal reservation for statehood activists in state govt jobs.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway in Karnataka.
Built at a cost of over Rs 8400 crore, the 10-lane Bengaluru Mysuru Expressway will boost connectivity and
socio-economic development in Karnataka.
The Indian Army installed a 100-foot-high national flag in the mountainous Doda district of Jammu and
Kashmir.
Divya Kala Mela' to be held at Bhopal Haat, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) is organizing ‘Divya Kala Mela’
from 12th to 21st March, 2023 at Bhopal Haat, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
The compilation of over 42 lakh essays on the brave Ahom General Lachit Borphukan has been
recognized by Guinness World Records as the "Largest Online Photo Album of Handwritten Notes".
Maharashtra’s first budget in Amrit Kaal will be based on ‘Panchamrut’ or five major goals.
The budget size is higher by Rs 20,740 crore over the revised estimates for 2022-23.

Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Parshottam Rupala inaugurated the
‘Camel Product Processing Utilisation & Training Wing’ at theICAR center, Bikaner, Rajasthan.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has decided to waive off road tax and registration fee on
the purchase of Electric Vehicles (EVs) for three years from October 14, 2022, to promote electric
vehicles.
According to the Uttar Pradesh Electric Vehicle Manufacturing and Mobility Policy 2022, 100 percent tax
exemption will be given on electric vehicles (EVs) sold and registered in Uttar Pradesh from October 14,
2022 to October 13, 2025.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced on March 4 to make Tehsil Mauganj
of Rewa district the 53rd district of the state.
Hakani Jakhalu of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) became the first female MLA to
be elected to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
Gold mines found in three districts of Odisha.
Surveys by Odisha's Directorate of Mines and Geological Survey of India (GSI) have confirmed gold
deposits in three districts including Deogarh, Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj.
Ministry of Tourism organises first snow-marathon in Jammu
Union Ministry of Tourism in association with Real Sports India in collaboration with local administration,
Amazing Bhaderwah Tourism Association (ABTA) organised Snow-Marathon at Bhaderwah, Jammu.
India's first quantum computing based telecom network link activated.
The first quantum computing-based telecom network link has been activated in India and is located between
Sanchar Bhawan and National Informatics Center (NIC) office at CGO Complex in New Delhi.
Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in New Delhi has imposed a fine of Rs 10 crore
on the Kerala government for failing to protect the Vembanad and Ashtamudi lakes, listed as Ramsar
sites.
The central government on March 30 exempted basic customs duty on all drugs and food for special
medical purposes imported for personal use for treatment of rare diseases.
The import duty exemption will be applicable from April 1, 2023.
The exempted drugs and food items are listed under the National Rare Disease Policy 2021.
The Lok Sabha passed the Competition (Amendment) Bill, 2022. The Bill aims to reduce the time limit
for CCI to pass orders on such transactions from 210 days to 150 days.
For the first time in the country, the Punjab and Haryana High Court used Artificial Intelligence based
ChatGPT (ChatGPT) during the hearing of the bail plea in the murder case.
Justice Anoop Chitkara used ChatGPT to assess the worldwide outlook on bail in a murder case.
He asked AI tool ChatGPT 'What is the jurisprudence on bail when the assailants brutally attack?'
ChatGPT then offered a comprehensive three-paragraph reply on bail jurisprudence in such cases..
What is ChatGPT?
It is a natural language processing tool powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology that allows
chatbots to do much more than just have human-like conversations.
A cheetah named Sasha, brought from Namibia, died on March 27 due to kidney disease.
Sasha was one of eight cheetahs relocated to Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh.
The first batch of cheetahs translocated from Namibia to India were released on 17 September at Kuno
National Park in Madhya Pradesh.
The cheetahs (5 females and 3 males) were brought from Namibia in Africa as part of 'Project Cheetah'.
PM Modi inaugurated the new metro line connecting Whitefield (Kadugodi) to Krishnarajapuram.
The Whitefield (Kadugodi) to Krishnarajapura Metro line is a part of the Namma Metro project in
Bengaluru.
The project was completed at a cost of about Rs 4,200 crore.
Namma Metro is a rapid transit system, also known as Bangalore Metro.
Prime Minister on 22 March launched the ‘Call Before u Dig’ (CBuD) app, to tackle Uncoordinated
digging and excavation.
The mobile application is an initiative of the Department of Telecom, Ministry of Communications.
AFSPA removed from most areas of North Eastern states.
Centre has decided to further reduce the jurisdiction of ‘disturbed areas’ under the Armed Forces (Special
Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) in Assam, Nagaland and Manipur.
What is AFSPA?

Armed Forces Special Powers Act, (AFSPA),1958, gives armed forces the power to maintain public order
in “disturbed areas.”
It came into force decades ago in the context of insurgency in the northeastern states.
It provides "special powers" to the army, air force and central paramilitary forces.
Bhupender Yadav launches Aravalli Green Wall Project.
Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupendra Yadav inaugurated the Aravalli
Green Wall Project on March 26 at Tikli village in Haryana in a program organized on the occasion
ofInternational Forest Day.
The project covers the states of Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Delhi where the Aravalli hills are spread
over an area of 6 million hectares.
About Aravalli Range
It extends from Himmatnagar in Gujarat to Delhi for a distance of about 720 km, which extends to Haryana
and Rajasthan.
Its highest peak is Guru Shikhar (1,722 m) on Mount Abu.
The two-day National Science Center Innovation Festival event was inaugurated in New Delhi.
Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare Dr Mansukh Mandaviya chaired the 36th Board Meeting of
the Stop TB Partnership in New Delhi.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Vedic Heritage Portal on 23 March 2023 at the Indira
Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) in New Delhi..
The portal aims to communicate message enshrined in the Vedas.
Narendra Modi on 24 March addressed the 'One World TB Summit’ at Rudrakash Convention Centre, at
Varanasi.
the 'End TB Summit' held in New Delhi, the Prime Minister called for India to achieve SDG targets related
to TB by 2025, five years ahead of schedule.
A court in Surat in Gujarat has convicted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a criminal defamation case
filed in 2019 over his remarks on Modi's surname.
The court also sentenced him to two years in jail.
The court of Chief Judicial Magistrate HH Verma convicted Rahul Gandhi under sections 499 and 500 of
the Indian Penal Code.
The court granted bail to Rahul Gandhi and stayed the sentence for 30 days so that he can appeal in a higher
court during this period.
Asia's largest 4-meter International Liquid Mirror Telescope was launched in Devasthal in Uttarakhand.
It has been established at the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) located in
Nainital, Uttarakhand.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new International Telecommunication Union (ITU) field
office and innovation center in India on 22 March in New Delhi.
During the event, the Prime Minister also unveiled the India 6G Vision Document and launched the 6G
Research and Development Test Bed.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch OneWeb India-2 mission from Satish
Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on March 26.
Under a commercial agreement with NewSpace India Ltd, will launch 72 satellites of UK-based Network
Access Associates Ltd and place them in low Earth orbit.
NewSpace is the commercial wing of ISRO.
The first set of 36 satellites was launched on 23 October 2022 by an LVM3 M2 launch vehicle.
The 5th Poshan Pakhwada will be celebrated by the Ministry of Women and Child Development from
March 20 to April 3, 2023, with several events across the country.
Thetheme of Poshan Pakhwada 2023 is -Nutrition for All: Together Towards a Healthy India.
This year, Poshan Pakhwada will concentrate on promoting "Shree Anna: the mother of all grains", as a
useful tool to combat malnutrition, in light of the declaration of 2023 as the International Year of Millets.
The fourth phase of Sagar Parikrama began on March 18 covering three coastal districts of Karnataka.
Union Health Ministry has confirmed one death each in Haryana and Karnataka due to H3N2 subtype of
flu virus in March.
What is the H3N2 virus?
Influenza virus, which causes the infectious disease called flu, is of four different types – A, B, C and D.
Influenza A is classified into different subtypes and one of them is H3N2.

Indian Railways to become Net Zero Carbon Emitter by 2030.
The Ministry of Electronics and IT set up a task force for framing a draft roadmap for the artificial
intelligence ecosystem by the end of April.
Estimates suggest that AI could potentially add USD 967 billion to the Indian economy by 2035 and USD
450-500 billion to India's GDP by 2025, which is a significant amount and could account for 10% of the
country's USD 5 trillion GDP target.
DGCI developed an important drug, developed by DRDO technology that has been approved for
radiological and nuclear emergencies..
The drug is called 'Prussian Blue' insoluble formulation and has been developed under the Technology
Development Fund (TDF) scheme.
Atal Innovation Mission - NITI Aayog on 14 March launched 'ATL Sarthi', a comprehensive self-
monitoring framework to strengthen the ecosystem of Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL).
ATL Sarthi will provide a monitoring and evaluation framework to enhance the performance of Atal
Tinkering Labs.
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has announced the launch of 'Learning Science through Standards', a
unique initiative for students to learn science through standards.
The initiative focuses on a range of lesson plans aimed at using scientific concepts, principles and rules.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) recently successfully carried out a controlled descent of its 12-
year-old low earth orbit satellite Megha Tropiques-1 (MT-1) into the Pacific Ocean.
About Megha Tropiques Satellite
This satellite was launched in October 2011 by ISRO in collaboration with the French space agency CNES.
The satellite was designed to provide weather information for three years, but it served for more than 10
years.
The Central Government has launched a High Price Day Ahead Market and Surplus Power Portal
(PUShP)– an initiative to ensure greater availability of power during the peak demand season recently.
This portal is one of its kind initiatives, which reflects the ingenuity of the Ministry of Power and the
regulator.
Distribution companies have entered into long term PPA agreements for power supply.
They have to pay fixed charges even if they do not fix the electricity schedule.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the third session of the National Platform for Disaster Risk
Reduction (NPDRR) in New Delhi.
The main theme of the 3rd session of this Platform is “Building Local Resilience in a Changing Climate”.
The Union Ministry of Food Processing Industries organised a two-day Coarse Cereals Fair-cum-
Exhibition from March 6-7, 2023 in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Youth Affairs, Sports and Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Singh Thakur launched the Youth
Festival - India @ 2047 from Ropar in Punjab.
Deakin University becomes first foreign university to set up its International Branch Campus in India.
Deakin University, a leading university in Australia, has become the first foreign university to receive the
approval of the International Financial Services Centers Authority (IFSCA) to set up an International
Branch Campus (IBC) at GIFT City, Gujarat.
IFSCA was established on April 27, 2020, under the International Financial Services Centres Authority Act,
2019.
It is headquartered in GIFT City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
IFSCA Chairperson - Injeti Srinivas
Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the 5th Jan Aushadhi
Jan Chetna Abhiyan across the country on 1st March.
The theme of Jan Aushadhi Diwas, 2023 was “Jan Aushadhi Sasti Bhi – Achhi Bhi” .
The Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court gave an important judgement on 2 March 2023 that the Chief
Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners would be appointed by the President on the advice of
a committee.
The committee will consist ofthe Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and the
Chief Justice of India.
A five-judge constitution bench headed by Justice KM Joseph.
The Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela, organised every year by theIndian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI),
will be organised inDelhi from 2 to 4 March 2023.

The theme of the Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela is “Nutrition, Food and Environmental Protection with Shree
Anna”.
APRIL 2023
The 100th episode of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's radio program 'Mann Ki Baat' was broadcast live
at the United Nations Headquarters.
India's Permanent Representative and Ambassador to the United Nations Ruchira Kambojsaid that Mann
Ki Baat was aired at the Trusteeship Council of the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
'Mann Ki Baat' program
The program 'Mann Ki Baat' started on 3 October 2014 and is broadcast on thelast Sunday of every month.
It inspires millions of people to participate in India's development journey.
On 30th April it completed its 100th episode.
National Real Estate Award was presented to the Rajasthan Housing Board by the Central Government
Agency National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO).
Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar launched the first of its kind ‘Millets Experience Centre
(MEC)’ at Dilli Haat in New Delhi..
India is poised to become a 'Global Hub' for Millets.
The National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited (NAFED) in association
with the Ministry of Agriculture has set up the Millets Experience Centre.
Union Home Minister and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched IFFCO Nano DAP (Liquid) in
New Delhi.
The launch of IFFCO Nano DAP (Liquid) is a significant step towards making India self-sufficient in the
fertiliser sector.
One 500 ml bottle of IFFCO Nano DAP (Liquid) is equivalent to a 45 kg bag of granular urea in its effect
on the crop.
Cooperatives in India produce 132 lakh metric tonnes of fertilisers, out of which IFFCO produces 90 lakh
metric tonnes.
The cabinet approved setting up of 157 new nursing colleges in co-location with existing medical colleges
and the total cost of the project would be Rs 1,570 crore.
The objective of establishing these nursing colleges is toboost the number of nursing professionals and to
provide quality, affordable and equitable nursing education in India.
Union Cabinet approved the National Medical Devices Policy, 2023 and the Indian medical device sector
has come into prominence due to its contribution in the fight against COVID-19.
The policy aims to bring the medical device sector on an accelerated path of growth with a patient-centric
approach to meet the growing healthcare needs of the patients.
The market size of the medical device sector in India is estimated to be $11 billion in 2020.
The policy is expected to help the medical device sector grow from the current $11 billion to $50 billion
by 2030.
The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
with Art of Living, an NGO run by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
The MoU, as part of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA), was signed by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and
Social Justice Minister Virendra Kumar.
About Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.
Launched - 15th August 2020 across 272 most affected districts.
Objective - To bring down the consumption of drugs and rehabilitate.
Nodal Ministry - Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Other Initiative - National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction for 2018-2025.
The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India in association with the Department of Tourism,
Government of Rajasthan, organised G20 Tourism Expo in Jaipur.
The Ministry of Tourism plans to develop50 new tourist destinations across India and launch promotions in
foreign markets to promote tourism.
India to register 6.19 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2022, a growth of 305% as compared to 1.52 million
in 2021, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has made 51 of the 59 tourist routes recommended under the UDAN scheme
operational.
The stolen idol of Lord Hanuman belonging to the Chola period has been recovered and handed over to
Idol Wing, Tamil Nadu.
The sculpture of Lord Hanuman was stolen from a Vishnu Temple, Shri Varatharaja Perumal, Pottaveli
Vellur, Ariyalur district.
India launches Operation Kaveri to evacuate Indian citizens stranded in Sudan.
Union Minister Bhupender Yadav launches new features in eShram Portal.
Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender
Yadav, launched new features in eShram Portal .
The new features added in eShram portal will enhance the utility of the portal and facilitate ease of
registration for unorganised workers.
The eShram registered workers can now connect with Employment opportunities, Skilling, Apprenticeship,
Pension Scheme, Digital Skilling and States’ schemes through eShram portal.
The Union Minister also formally launched the Data Sharing Portal (DSP) for sharing of eShram data with
the State/ UT Governments.
About e-Shram portal
The Ministry of Labor and Employment has developed an eSHRAM portal to create a national database of
unorganised workers.
It was launched in 2021
For the first time in the country's history, the Ministry of Jal Shaktirecently released the first census report
of water bodies, providing important insights into the country's water resources.
The census provides a comprehensive list of India's water resources, which includes natural and man-made
water bodies such as ponds, tanks, lakes, etc.
Major findings of the census
24,24,540 water bodies have been enumerated in the country, out of which 97.1% (23,55,055) are in rural
areas and only 2.9% (69,485) are in urban areas.
Top 05 States in terms of number of water bodies - West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha
and Assam which constitute around 63% of the total water bodies in the country.
Top 05 States in terms of number of water bodies in urban areas- West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Uttar
Pradesh and Tripura.
55.2% of water bodies are owned by private entities whereas 44.8% of water bodies are in the domain of
public ownership.
Top 05 States which lead in the private owned water bodies - West Bengal, Assam, Andhra Pradesh,
Odisha and Jharkhand.
Top 05 States wherein major use of water bodies is in pisciculture - West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, Uttar
Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh;
Top 05 States wherein major use of water bodies is in irrigation - Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana,
West Bengal and Gujarat.
78% water bodies are man-made water bodies whereas 22% are natural water bodies.
Union Cabinet approved a project to build an advanced gravitational-wave detector in Maharashtra at
an estimated cost of Rs 2,600 crore.
The facility’s construction is expected to be completed by 2030.
This mega-science project includes the construction, commissioning and joint scientific operation of a state-
of-the-art, advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) in India in collaboration
with the NSF-funded LIGO Laboratory, USA.
National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is preparing to develop around 10,000 km of optic fiber
cable (OFC) infrastructure across India by the financial year 2025.
This move is aimed at providing internet connectivity to remote locations and expediting the roll-out of new-
age telecom technologies like 5G & 6G.
The NHAI’s fully-owned special purpose vehicle, the National Highways Logistics Management Limited
(NHLML), will be implementing the network of digital highways by developing integrated utility corridors
along the national highways to develop OFC infrastructure.
The pilot routes for the ‘digital highway’ development have been identified as 1,367 kilometres on the
Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and 512 km on the Hyderabad-Bangalore corridor.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on 22nd April successfully launched its PSLV-
C55/TeLEOS-2 mission, sending two Singapore-made satellites into space..
The launch vehicle lifted off at its scheduled launch time from Isro's Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC)
in Andhra Pradesh's Sriharikota.
About Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle C55 (PSLV-C55) mission
It is a ‘dedicated commercial’ mission undertaken by ISRO through NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the
space agency's commercial arm.
CSIR and Oil India Ltd. (OIL) signed an MoU to collaborate on research in advanced technologies for
energy security..
Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar launches SATHI Portal & Mobile App.
SATHI : Seed Traceability, Authentication and Holistic Inventory.
It has been created by NIC in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare on
the theme of 'Best Seeds - Prosperous Farmer'.
SATHI portal is also an important step in this direction. When its use starts till the bottom, it will prove to
be a revolutionary step in the field of agriculture.
The central government notified the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023 and the rules aim to address the
Supreme Court guidelines in a writ petition by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and People
for Elimination of Stray Troubles.
The Supreme Court has set up a five-judge Constitution bench to hear petitions seeking legal recognition of
same sex marriages.
The bench set up by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud comprises Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul,
Ravindra Bhat, Hima Kohli and PS Narasimha, besides the CJI.
The Supreme Court had on March 13 referred the petitions to the Constitution bench stating the matter
raised questions of “seminal importance”..
A three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud.
What is the Centre's stance on same-sex marriage?
In an affidavit filed before the apex court, the government has opposed the petitions and submitted that
despite the decriminalisation of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, the petitioners cannot claim a
fundamental right for same-sex marriage to be recognised under the laws of the country.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launches ‘YUVA PORTAL.
Union Minister for Science and Technology Dr.Jitendra Singh launched the Youth Portal in New Delhi.
It aims to connect and identify potential youth start-ups.
MRF emerges as ‘second strongest tyre brand in the world’.
MRF Ltd has emerged as thesecond-strongest tyre brand in the world according to the latest report by Brand
Finance on the 'Most Valuable and Strongest Tyre Brands' in the world.
Brand Finance's annual report on the Most Valuable and Strongest Automobile, Auto Component, Tire and
Mobility 2023 analyzes the value of brands across these industries.
MRF (Madras Rubber Factory) is India’s No.1 tyre manufacturing company.
The G20 Meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientists (MACS) began on 17 April in Varanasi.
The theme of the meeting is “Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems for Healthy People and the Planet.
Union Tourism Minister G Krishna Reddy and Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr Virendra
Kumar flagged off the Bharat Gaurav tourist train on the occasion of 132nd birth anniversary of Dr BR
Ambedkar from Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station in New Delhi on 14 April.
National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the
Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana..
About Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve
The Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, located in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, is the largest tiger
reserve in India, covering a total area of 3,728 km (1,439 sq mi).
It was established in 1983.
Kolkata Metro becomes India's first metro train to run under river.
The Kolkata Metro reached Howrah from Kolkata through a river tunnel for the first time in India, carrying
only officers and engineers. This tunnel is built across the Hooghly River.
520 meter long tunnel:
The route from Howrah to Esplanade is about 4.8 km long, of which 520 m will be completed by tunneling
under the Hooghly river. It will take about 45 seconds to cross this tunnel built across the Hubli river.

The tunnel is 32 meters below the surface of the water. The entire length of this tunnel is 10.8 km
underground.
Tunnel built on the lines of Eurostar
This tunnel of Kolkata Metro has been built like the Eurostar trains passing through the Channel Tunnel in
Europe between London and Paris.
The Central Bureau of Narcotics launched the Unified Portal on 11th April and the portal was
inaugurated by Shri Sanjay Malhotra, Revenue Secretary.
The portal has been launched towards strengthening the vision of Digital India during the period of 'Azadi
Ka Amrit Mahotsav'.
This portal is a one-stop solution for licensing and ExIM authorizations issued by the Bureau.
The two-day 'Food Conclave-2023' will be organized on April 28 and 29 in Hyderabad, Telangana.
The event will consist of five thematic tracks covering various aspects of the agri-food sector.
The main focus areas will be agriculture (green), edible oils (yellow), dairy (white), meat and poultry (pink),
and aquaculture (blue).
The event is being organized by the National e-Governance Division under its Capacity Building Scheme
of the Ministry of Electronics & IT, with 22 participants from Central Ministries and States/UTs
It is being organized at the 35th Chief Information Security Officers (CSIO) Intensive Training Program at
the School of Planning and Architecture in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh .
Union Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju released the first edition of the Dogri
version of the Indian Constitution at the University of Jammu.
In 2003, Dogri was recognized as the national language of India in the Indian Constitution..
The Election Commission of India has granted national party status to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
Right now there are only six national parties in the country:
Indian National Congress (INC)
Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M)
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)
National People's Party (NPP)
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA) in Karnataka.
IBCA focuses on the conservation of seven species of big cats, including tigers, lions, leopards, cheetahs,
jaguars, snow leopards, and clouded leopards.
The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) under the Ministry of AYUSH organized a walkthrough for
the 'C20 Working Group on Integrated Holistic Health'.
C-20:
The C-20 is one of the eight official working groups of the G-20 Forum.
The 19 countries in the C-20 are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, France, India,
Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United
Kingdom and the United States.
Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur on 5th April announced a partnership
between the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Amazon India in the field of media,
entertainment and public awareness.
India on 4 April slammed the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for its “communal mindset”
and “anti-India” agenda.
India's strong reaction came after the OIC secretariat issued a statement alleging the targeting of the Muslim
community during Ram Navami processions in several Indian states.
About Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
It is the second largest multilateral body in the world after the United Nations.
Currently it has 57 member countries.
Headquarter: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The 49th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers was held on 16 - 17 March 2023 in Nouakchott, Islamic
Republic of Mauritania.
Banarasi paan among the 4 food items to get GI tag.
Banarasi paan has been awarded the GI tag, which signifies its unique identity and origin.

Three other foods from the Varanasi region, including Banarasi Langda Mango, Ramnagar Bhanta (Brinjal),
and Adamchini rice, have also received the GI tag.
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur will host the Youth20 Consultation under India's G20
chairmanship from 5 to 6 April 2023.
The consultation Y20 Summit 2023 focuses on two main themes: "The Future of Work: Industry 4.0,
Innovation, and 21st Century Skills"; and "Health, Wellbeing and Sport: Agenda for Youth."
In Nagpur, private space vehicle company Skyroot Aerospace test-fired its 3D-printed Dhawan II engine
for a duration of 200 seconds.
This is the second cryogenic rocket that has been successfully test-fired by Skyroot, following the Dhawan-I
engine that was tested in November 2021.
Bandipur completed 50 years as a Project Tiger Reserve 1 April 2023.
About Bandipur Tiger Reserve
This reserve is located in the state of Karnataka and is spread over an area of 912.04 sq km.
It is located in two districts of Karnataka, Mysore and Chamarajanagar.
Bandipur was one of the first nine sanctuaries to be brought under the flagship program of Project Tiger in
1973.
Project Tiger was started by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in the year
1973.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on 2 April successfully conducted the Reusable Launch
Vehicle Autonomous Landing Mission (RLV LEX).
The test was conducted at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR), Chitradurga, Karnataka.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the Vande Bharat Express train between Bhopal and New Delhi
from Rani Kamalapati Railway Station in Bhopal will be the 11th Vande Bharat train of the country.
Gandhisagar Wildlife Sanctuary will be developed as a second home for cheetahs.
Recently the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh has announced that the Gandisagar Wildlife Sanctuary will
be developed as a new home for cheetahs in the next six months.
According to wildlife experts, after the increase in the number of cheetahs in Kuno National Park.
About Gandhisagar Wildlife Sanctuary.
It is located in northwestern Madhya Pradesh (Mandsaur and Neemuch districts) near the Rajasthan border.
The Chambal River flows through the Gandisagar Sanctuary and divides it into two parts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 25th April flagged off Kerala’s first Vande Bharat Express between
Thiruvananthapuram and Kasargod at Thiruvananthapuram Central Station.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan launched the 'One Panchayat, One Playground' project in
Kallikkad on 19 April 2023 with the goal of reviving the sports culture in the state.
The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly passed the Factories (Amendment) Act 2023.
L Murugan becomes 1st Union Minister to visit India’s first village.
Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Fisheries and Animal Husbandry L Murugan on 22nd April
became the first central minister to visit India’s first village Avangkhu, a village along the India-Myanmar
border in Nagaland’s Phek district.
Maharashtra government announces 4% reservation for employees with disabilities in promotions.
National Medical Commission (NMC) approved the setting up of the Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences
and Research, which will become the first medical college in the northeastern state of Nagaland.
The governments of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh have signed an agreement for the settlement of an
inter-state boundary dispute between the two States.
Assam shares an interstate border of 804.10 km with Arunachal Pradesh.
The state of Arunachal Pradesh, created in 1987, claims that some of its residents' land has been given to
Assam.
Kerala becomes the first state to adopt "Water Budget".
Kerala has adopted a water budget, the first of its kind in the country, to deal with the problem of water
scarcity in summer.
The Thawe Festival took place on 15th and 16th April in Gopalganj, Bihar.
Mangrove Pitta birds were counted in two coastal districts of Odisha, Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur, in
which 179 birds were found.

The GI tag was granted to Tamil Nadu's famous Cumbum Paneer Thirachai, also known as Cumbum
Grapes.
The Cumbum Valley on the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu is known as the 'Grape City of South India',
where Paneer Thirachai is cultivated.
Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda on 18th April launched a new scheme “Marketing and Logistics
Development for Promotion of Tribal Products from North -Eastern Region (PTP-NER)” for the benefit of
Scheduled Tribes of Northeastern Region.
TRIFED is a national-level organisation functioning under the administrative control of the Union Ministry
of Tribal Affairs.
The North Eastern Region (NER) comprises eight States - Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur,
Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in
Changsari near Guwahati on 14th April. It is the first AIIMS in the Northeast.
Bihu, a beloved cultural event in Assam, was performed in front of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and
other dignitaries at the Suraszai Stadium in Guwahati .
More than 11,000 folk dancers and drummers performed the Bihu dance and played the dhulia (drum) at
one place, creating two Guinness World Records.
Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao recently unveiled a 125-feet tall bronze statue of BR
Ambedkar in Hyderabad.
This statue is situated near the State Secretariat on the beautiful banks of Hussain Sagar Lake..
Gond painting of Madhya Pradesh gets GI tag.
Gond paintings from Madhya Pradesh have bagged the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, a recognition that
protects and acknowledges the work of tribal artists.
Patangarh village in Dindori district is home to many Gond artists, one in every household whose artwork
is popular in the state and recognized internationally.
Maharashtra government declared 28 May, the birth anniversary of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, as
'Swatantraveer Gaurav Diwas'.
Sanjeevani Project launched by the Government of Himachal Pradesh.
To support small dairy farmers and cattle rearers, the state government launched a project called Sanjeevani
on April 9 to enhance their livelihood..
The Sanjeevani project uses telemedicine and technology to provide convenient and high-quality livestock
care services to farmers' doorsteps, potentially preventing outbreaks and reducing turnaround time for
services.
Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) recently discovered a new species of frog, Amolops siju, in the South Garo
Hills district of Meghalaya.
UP's Suhelwa sanctuary records first photographic proof of tigers.
The recently released report on the census of tigers in the country states that Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary is
a new area where photographic evidence of tigers has been recorded for the first time..
The sanctuary, located in Shravasti, Balrampur and Gonda districts of Uttar Pradesh, was declared a wildlife
sanctuary in 1988.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off Rajasthan’s first Vande Bharat Express train on 12 April..
The inaugural train will run between Jaipur and Delhi Cantt Railway Station.
Nilesh Bhagwan Sambre, founder of Jijau Educational and Social Foundation, conferred with 'Maratha
Udyog Ratna 2023' by Maharashtra State.
Nilesh Bhagwan Sambre is also known as Appa.
Union Home Minister and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on 10 April launched the 'Vibrant Villages
Programme' at Kibithu, a border village in Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh.
'Vibrant Village Programme' approved by the government with a central component of Rs 4800 crore
including Rs 2500 crore specifically for road connectivity for the financial years 2022-23 to 2025-26.
Exquisite Ladakh wood carvings, also known as 'Ladakh Shingskos', have been granted the
Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade
(DPIIT).
This is the first time in the history of GI registration that Jammu region has got GI tag for handicrafts.
PM Modi flagged off the Vande Bharat Express train from Secunderabad to Tirupati at Secunderabad
Railway Station.

This is the second Vande Bharat train for the two Telugu States of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled a 54 feet tall statue of Lord Hanuman at Sarangpur temple in
Botad district of Gujarat.
President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated a two-day 'Gaj Utsav-2023' on April 7 at the Kaziranga National
Park High School’s playground field in Assam..
Meanwhile, President Murmu also enjoyed cultural performances including Bhortal, Jhumur and Bihu
dance forms by Assamese artistes at Kohora.
The President also flag off the ‘Mount Kanchenjunga Expedition-2023’.
President Murmu attended the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of the Gauhati High Court as the chief guest
and also launched a mobile app "Bhoroxa" designed for the safety of women and the elderly.
About Gaj Utsav.
Kaziranga Gaja Utsav is an annual festival held in the national park to promote the conservation and
protection of elephants.
The Government of India started Project Elephant in the year 1992 to protect elephants, their migration
routes and natural habitats.
Assam has the second largest population of elephants in the country after Karnataka.
Kerala Leads in GI Tags for Unique Local Products in FY 2022-23.
According to data shared by the GI Registry, Kerala received the highest number of Geographical Indication
(GI) tags for products among all states in India in the fiscal year 23 (FY23).
Several products from Kerala have been recognized with the GI tag, includingAttappadi Attucombu avara
(beans), Attappadi thuvara (red gram), Onattukara elu (sesame), Kanthalloor vattavada veluthulli (garlic),
and Kodungallur pottuvellari (snap melon).
Chhattisgarh's Nagri Dubraj rice variety gets geographical indication tag.
The Geographical Indications Registry has granted Geographical Indication (GI) tag to Nagari Dubraj, a
fragrant rice from Chhattisgarh, to give a unique identity to the brand.
The Morena and Rewa Mango (both Madhya Pradesh) have also been given the GI Tag.
About Nagri Dubraj Rice
The origin of Dubraj is believed to be from Shringi Rishi Ashram area of Sihawa.
Its reference is found in Valmiki Ramayana.
UP government has decided to set up the Uttar Pradesh Education Service Selection Commission for the
recruitment of teachers in the state..
Recently, a group of researchers discovered a butterfly subspecies from the fringes of Akkulam and
Vembanad lakes in Kerala.
The name of this subspecies of discovered butterfly is Caltoris bromus Sadashiv.
About Vembanad Lake
It is the largest lake in Kerala and the longest lake in India.
The source of the lake is related to four rivers – Meenachil, Achankovil, Pampa and Manimala.
The Vallam Kali (Nehru Trophy Boat Race) is a snake boat race held every year in August in Vembanad
Lake.
Eravikulam National Park in Munnar, Kerala has a new attraction – a fernarium and it is the first fern
collection set up in a hill station.
Eravikulam National Park is located in the Western Ghats of India, within the state of Kerala.
The park was initially established as a game sanctuary in 1975.
National Park Status: In 1978, the sanctuary was declared a National Park.
Himachal Pradesh's Kangra tea gets European GI tag.
European Commission (EC) has recently granted Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status to Kangra
tea, aunique variety of tea grown in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh in India.
MAY 2023
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced that the Bandra-Versova sea route in Mumbai
will be renamed as 'Veer Savarkar Bandra-Versova Sagari Setu'.
The Jammu and Kashmir government has announced making 'life jackets' mandatory for shikara boats in
Dal and Nigeen lakes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Northeast's first and India's 18th Vande Bharat Express on
29 May, connecting Guwahati to New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal.
The state of Telangana achieved 100 percent household coverage of banking services through the Pradhan
Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY).
Every year on the day of Jyestha Ashtami, Kashmiri Pandits visit Mata Ragneya Devi Temple, also known
as Kheer Bhavani Temple, for darshan.
The Kheer Bhavani fair held on Jyestha Ashtami in Kashmir holds a sacred place in the spiritual realm of
Kashmiri Pandits.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu announced on 20 May 2023 that it will
formulate a 'Green Hydrogen' policy to promote the use of green hydrogen and establish the state as a leading
center for its production.
Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India signed a $141.12 million loan agreement for
the development of an industrial corridor in Andhra Pradesh.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel launched the 'Hamar Sughar Laik Abhiyan' in the 'Bharose Ka
Sammelan' program at Sankra in Durg district.
Kerala becomes India's first fully e-governed state.
Eknath Shinde, Chief Minister of the Government of Maharashtra launched the ‘Shasan Aplya Dari’
initiative in Satara district of Maharashtra.
The first ever Urban Climate Film Festival is going to be held in New Town, Kolkata.
Mizoram's flying lizard species has been officially named as Gecko mizoramensis.
Sourav Ganguly named as brand ambassador of Tripura Tourism.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said that a target has been set to completely withdraw
AFSPA from Assam by the end of 2023.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy formally launched the Machilipatnam port works
worth Rs 5,156 crore recently.
About Machilipatnam Port
It is a proposed deep sea port on the Bay of Bengal coast located at Machilipatnam, the district headquarters
of Krishna district in Andhra Pradesh.
The port has been developed by the state government under the landlord model at a cost of Rs 5,156 crore.
The project is being implemented by the Machilipatnam Port Development Corporation Limited (MPDCL).
Maharashtra becomes the first state in the country to approve Good Governance Regulations.
Uttar Pradesh has overtaken Maharashtra in sugar production in the current season, with 118 sugar mills
operating in UP during the period as compared to 210 mills in the western state.
Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav inaugurated the Center of Excellence on Sustainable Land Management
(CoE-SLM) at the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) in Dehradun .
Madhya Pradesh cabinet approves 'Mukhya Mantri Sikho Kamao Yojana' for unemployed youth.
UP holds 2nd position in GI tagged products.
After getting GI tag for three more One District One Product (ODOP) crafts, Uttar Pradesh has now come
second in the country in terms of maximum number of items with Geographical Indication tag.
The ODOP crafts which have got GI tag include Mainpuri Tarkashi, Mahoba Gaura Stone Craft and
Sambhal Horn Craft.
Tamil Nadu leads with 55 GI-tags, followed by UP and Karnataka with 48 and 46 GI products, respectively.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and dedicated several railway projects worth over
8,000 crore rupees in Odisha.
Odisha government has expanded the jurisdiction of Special Development Councils (SDCs) from nine to 23
districts to improve the lives of 84 lakh tribal people
Indian Army’s Gajraj Corps, along with other disaster management groups, conducted a joint flood relief
drill, 'Exercise Jal Rahat', at Hagrama Bridge on Manas River in Assam.
Chief secretary Durga Shankar Mishra inaugurated an online rural education programme ‘Pahal’ at
Government UP Sainik Inter College, Sarojini Nagar, Lucknow.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde recently renamed the Coastal Road in Mumbai to the new name Chhatrapati
Sambhaji Maharaj.

Allahabad High Court has recently ordered the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to conduct a carbon
dating test of a 'Shivling' located inside the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi, India.
Bhopal becomes the first city in India to adopt the localisation of the United Nations sustainable
development goals (SDG).
India's Bhopal city has conducted India's first city-level Voluntary Local Review (VLR)of the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs).
The fifth edition of the Global Ayurveda Festival (GAF 2023) will take place in Thiruvananthapuram,
Kerala from December 1 to December 5, 2023.
The theme of GAF 2023 is "Emerging Challenges in Healthcare and a Resurgent Ayurveda".
Telangana government launches State Robotics Framework to establish self-sustaining robotics ecosystem
and position the state as a leader in robotics in India.
After discovering lithium deposits in Jammu and Kashmir, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has
discovered another deposit of the important mineral at Degana in Rajasthan's Nagaur district.
The state government has given green signal to the project of setting up a state's first Pharma Park in Lalitpur
district of Bundelkhand.
The trailer of 'Love in 90s', the first film made in Tagin language of Arunachal Pradesh, was launched by
Union Law and Justice Minister Kiren Rijiju.
Directed by Tapen Natam, the film brings to the national platform the rich culture, tradition and local
filmmaking initiatives of Arunachal Pradesh.
Uttar Pradesh government plans to develop a theme park named 'Ramland' in Ayodhya on the lines of
Disneyland to showcase the story of Lord Ram and attract tourists.
A tiger has been spotted in a camera trap at Kalesar National Park in Yamunanagar district of Haryana.
Recently tiger sightings in the Kalesar area have happened after a gap of 110 years.
Kalesar Park is adjacent to the Simbalbara National Park in the Sirmour district of Himachal Pradesh.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 28th April virtually commissioned 91 FM Transmitters of capacity of
100 Watt at Diphu in Karbi Anglong district of Assam.
In Sri Lanka, the National Poson Week began on 31 May.
The Posan festival will be held till June 6 and will be centered around the holy city of Mihinthalaya,
Thanthirimalaya and Anuradhapura.
The festival celebrates the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka in 236 BCE by Arhat Mahinda, the son of
Emperor Ashoka.
About Poson Festival
Posan, also known as Poson Poya, is an annual festival held by Sri Lankan Buddhists.
atna becomes first municipal corporation to use CBDC.
Patna Municipal Corporation in Bihar, India, has become the first municipal corporation in the country to
adopt Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated the new Parliament House.
The New Parliament House is located in the Central Vista area of New Delhi.
It has been designed to accommodate the growing size and needs of the Indian Parliament.
The building has seating arrangements for 888 members of the Lok Sabha and 384 members of the Rajya
Sabha.
It also includes six committee rooms equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual systems.
Covering an area of approximately 65,000 square metres, the new building has a triangular shape to optimise
space utilisation.
It is a four storied building constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 970 crore.
The building was designed by Ahmedabad-based HCP Design, Planning and Management and constructed
by Tata Projects Limited.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also installed "Sengol" in a dedicated enclosure to the right of the Speaker's
chair in the Lok Sabha chamber.
About Sengol:
Sengol is made of silver and gold.
It is a five feet long sceptre which was given by Lord Mountbatten to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on August
14, 1947 as a symbol of the transfer of power.
Sengol is a symbol of rule in the Tamil kingdoms of the past.
It was earlier displayed in the Allahabad Museum.

Reserve Bank of India approved the merger between Maratha Cooperative Bank and Cosmos Cooperative
Bank..
The merger has been approved under the authority of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
The eighth meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog was held at the New Convention Center at
Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
The meeting is focused on the theme of "Growth India @ 2047: Role of Team India".
The Center will launch a new ₹75 coin on May 28 to mark the inauguration of the new Parliament.
The obverse of this coin has the Lion Capital of Ashoka Pillar and the words "Satyamev Jayate" below it.
The coin also bears the inscription "Bharat" in Devanagari script on the left and "India" in English on the
right.
It displays the rupee symbol below the Lion Capital and the denomination value of 75 in International
Numerals.
The obverse of the coin depicts the image of the Parliament Complex and the reverse bears the inscription
"Sansad Sankul" in Devanagari script on the upper periphery and "Parliament Complex" in English on the
lower periphery.
About Rs. 75 Coin
Diameter: A coin with a diameter of 44 millimetres and 200 serrations for added aesthetics.
Weight: Weighing in at 35 grams, a coin that offers a solid and substantial feel.
Alloy Composition: A four-part alloy composition of 50% silver, 40% copper, 5% nickel, and 5% zinc for
durability and value.
Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) under the Union Ministry of AYUSH organized a mega
'Yoga Festival' at NCC Parade Ground, Hyderabad.
Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Narendra Singh Tomar released the third advance
estimates of production of major crops for the agricultural year 2022-23. In which food grains production
has been estimated at 3305.34 lakh tonnes in the current agricultural year.
In this, record production of rice, wheat, maize, soybean, rapeseed and mustard and sugarcane has been
estimated.
Union Minister for AYUSH Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated "PCIM&H e-Office Portal" and an online
portal.
The objective of the online portal is to facilitate easy access of Pharmacopoeia Monographs to the
stakeholders across the globe.
PCIM&H, under the Ministry of AYUSH.
Recently, the Ministry of Education organized a workshop in New Delhi to discuss the integration of 60
school examination boards operating in different states and union territories..
PARAKH full name is -Performance Assessment, Review and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic
Development.
It will act as a constituent unit of the NCERT.
Union Minister Hardeep S Puri launched the campaign 'Meri LiFE, Mera Swachh Shahar' in New Delhi.
The campaign promotes the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle (RRR) concept of waste management.
This campaign will strengthen the resolve of the citizens under SBM-U 2.0 and also promote the purpose of
Mission Life.
CJI DY Chandrachud administered the oath of office to Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra and senior advocate
Kalpathy Venkataraman Viswanathan as a judge of the Supreme Court.
With this, the total strength of judges in the Supreme Court has gone up to the sanctioned strength of 34.
National Investigation Agency (NIA) has recently arrested three people under 'Operation Dhvast' against
the terrorist-gangster-drug-trafficker nexus.
The Supreme Court on May 18 upheld the validity of a Tamil Nadu law that allowed Jallikattu, a bull-
fighting sport.
Jallikattu is a traditional sport especially popular in Tamil Nadu.
It is celebrated every year during the Tamil harvest festival, Pongal, in the month of January.
Ministry of Civil Aviation organised a curtain raiser event for Wings India 2024 and it is Asia's largest
commercial, general and business aviation event to be held in January 2024.
India aims to become the largest aviation market globally by 2047.
Union Health Ministry announced the "75/25" initiative to provide standard care to 75 million people with
hypertension and diabetes by 2025 through Primary Health Centers (PHCs).

40,000 primary health care medical officers will be trained on standard treatment workflow for non-
communicable diseases (NCDs) through the SASHAKT portal.
Rabindra Jayantiwas organised in New Delhi on 12 May by the Indira Gandhi National Center for the Arts
(IGNCA).
Union Minister of AYUSH Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the two-day National AYUSH Mission
(NAM) Conclave in New Delhi.
Union Communications Minister Ashwini Vaishnav launched the Sanchar Saathi portal during a function
in New Delhi.
Sanchar Saathi Portal aims to empower mobile phone users by providing essential services.
The Meri LiFE app was launched by Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Bhupendra Yadav.
The Meri LiFE app aims to revolutionise progress tracking for individuals and communities.
The Meri LiFE app encourages people to protect the environment and adopt a sustainable lifestyle.
Narendra Modi will inaugurate the International Museum Expo 2023 in New Delhi.
Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Narendra Singh Tomar officially inaugurated the
Integrated Biological Control Laboratory located in Hyderabad.
Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated a training program on legislative drafting in New Delhi.
Legislative Drafting:
It is the process of making legislation and related written material and includes the formulation and structure
of laws enacted by the legislature.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 14th May visited 'Jana Shakti Art exhibition' at the National Gallery of
Modern Art (NGMA), Delhi.
Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) launched “Open Challenge Program (OCP) 2.0” as part of a series
of OCP programs by Kalpataru-CoE (Center for Entrepreneurship).
DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) has imposed a fine of Rs 30 lakh on Air India for violating
the rules.
Under the One Station One Product’ (OSOP) scheme of Indian Railways, 728 stations are covered with 785
OSOP outlets in 21 States and 3 Union Territories across the country so far.
Its aim is to promote the government’s ‘Vocal for Local’vision.
Union Women and Child Development Minister, Smriti Zubin Irani launched “Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi”,
an Early Childhood Care and Education program under Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0.
Under this campaign, work will be done in Anganwadis across the country to provide nutrition as well as
better education to children in the age group of 3 to 6 years.
The scheme was approved by the Government of India for implementation during the 15th Finance
Commission period 202l-22 to 2025-26.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation several scientific
projects worth over Rs 5,800 crore on the occasion of National Technology Day in New Delhi on May 11.
Union Health Ministry launched the SAKSHAM Learning Management Information System .
SAKSHAM stands for Stimulating Advanced Knowledge for Sustainable Health Management.
It aims to provide online training and medical education to all health professionals across the country..
SAKSHAM was developed by the National Institute of Health and Family Welfare in New Delhi.
India Post has signed an MoU with Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) and Tripta Technologies for
logistics services.
Japan has decided to provide specialized training to 1,000 Indian engineers ahead of starting work on the
high-speed rail track system for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor (MAHSR).
India’s First International Multimodal Logistics Park at Jogighopa, Assam.
The park is being developed under the ambitious Bharatmala Pariyojana.
University Grants Commission (UGC) has launched a new portal named ‘CU-Chayan’ for faculty
appointments in central varsities.
India’s First Undersea Tunnel in Mumbai Set to Open by November 2023
Construction of tunnels is a part of the Mumbai Coastal Road Project (MCRP) being built by the
Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), New Delhi celebrated Diamond Jubilee on 2nd May on 60th
Foundation Day

Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with RITES
Limited on 2 May to accelerate solid waste and used water management.
The MoU was signed for technical assistance for Solid Waste Management (SWM) under Swachh Bharat
Mission-Urban 2.0.
The Technical Support Unit (TSU) of RITES will assist Swacch Bharat Mission (SBM-U) for a period of 3
years.
India will join the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Carbon Offsetting and Reduction
Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) and Long-Term Aspirational Goals (LTAG) from 2027.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS 2023

JANUARY 2023
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that India and Austria will sign five agreements on January
2, 2023 and two of them are in the interest of the Indian community living in Austria.
There is an agreement on 'Migration and Mobility' .
This is the first India-Austria EAM-level visit in the last 27 years which is taking place in 2023 against the
backdrop of 75 years of diplomatic relations.
India and France held the 36th Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi on 5 January.
The two sides discussed a wide range of bilateral and global issues.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval led the Indian delegation while the French delegation was led by
Emmanuel Bonne, Diplomatic Advisor to the French President.
There has been an agreement between the Government of France and India for 36 Rafale aircraft.
India, Panama sign agreement on cooperation in training diplomats.
The agreement was signed during the visit of the Foreign Minister of Panama to participate in the 17th
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Conference.
Indian Railways is going to run Bharat Gaurav Deluxe AC tourist train "Shri Ram-Janaki Yatra:
Ayodhya to Janakpur", which will cover two most important pilgrimage sites of neighbouring India and
Nepal, Ayodhya and Janakpur.
The first Indo-Nepal Bharat Gaurav tourism train was flagged off from Safdarjung Railway Station in Delhi
in June 2022..
The Bharat Gaurav train was run with the theme 'Dekho Apna Desh.
India-South Korea holds 5th Foreign Policy and Security Dialogue.
Both the countries agreed to take bilateral trade to US$ 50 billion by 2030 from an all-time high of US$ 28
billion at present..
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar arrived in Maldives on 18 January as part of his three-day
visit to Maldives and Sri Lanka.
India announces 100 million Maldivian Rufiyaa for community development projects in Maldives.
The agreement included grant assistance of 100 million rufiyaa (Maldives' currency) for the High Impact
Community Development Project (HICDP).
Signing of MoU on Cultural Cooperation between the Government of India and the Government of Egypt.
United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) President Saba Korosi will visit India from January 29-31 to
discuss multilateral and regional issues.
Csaba Kőrösi is a Hungarian diplomat currently serving as President of the 77th United Nations General
Assembly.
India and South Africa on 27 January signed a Memorandum of Understanding to introduce 12 African
Cheetahs annually over the next eight to ten year..
These cheetahs will be joined by eight cheetahs brought to India from Namibia during 2022..
The book 'Never Give An Inch: Fighting for the America I Love' written by former United States Secretary
of State Mike Pompeo has been in the limelight, commenting on India and many of its politicians..
Egypt plans to allot land to Indian industries in Suez Canal Special Economic Zone.
Egypt is considering allotting a special zone to Indian industries in the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCEZ)
and the Indian side may prepare a master plan for the same.
The trade between India and Egypt currently exceeds $3.15 billion.
About Suez Canal

The Suez Canal is an artificial sea-level waterway running north to south from the Isthmus of Suez in Egypt
to connect the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea.
This canal separates the continent of Africa from Asia.
India and Egypt on 25 January signed an MoU to facilitate content exchange, capacity building, and Co-
Productions between Prasar Bharati and the National Media Authority of Egypt..
The MoU was exchanged in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Egyptian President Abdel
Fattah El-Sisi in New Delhi.
Arab Republic of Egypt
It is an Arab country which is located on the African continent.
President: Abdel Fattah al-Sisi
Capital: Cairo
Currency: Egyptian pound
China building dam on Yarlung Zangbo river near Indian border.
Recently it has been revealed through a satellite picture that China is building a new dam on the Yarlung
Zangbo (Brahmaputra) river in Tibet near the tri-junction of India, Nepal and Tibet, which remains a matter
of concern for India.
The Brahmaputra River is known as the Yarlung Tsangpo in China.
Origin Source:- Mansarovar Lake
India has been elected as the Vice-Chair of the 12th session of the Intergovernmental Technical Working
Group (ITWG) on Animal Genetic Resources (AGR) to be held in Rome during January 18-20, 2023.
Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Film Festival will be organised by the Ministry of Information
and Broadcasting through the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) in Mumbai from January
27 to January 31, 2023.
Brazilian government declares medical emergency in Yanomami.
Recently in Brazil, the government has declared a medical-emergency in the Yanomami region amid
reports of child deaths from diseases caused by illegal gold mining and malnutrition-related conditions.
UNESCO has decided to dedicate the International Day of Education to be celebrated on January 24, 2023,
to Afghan girls and women..
According to projections by the World Population Review (WPR), India has surpassed China as the
world’s most populous nation.
As per WPR, India’s population was 141.7 crore as of the end of 2022.
According to official announcements, India's population is a little over 5 million, compared to 141.2 million
declared by China on 17 January.
As per WPR estimates, India's population has increased to 142.3 crore as of January 18.
India, with 50 percent of its population below the age of 30, is poised to be the fastest growing major
economy in the world.
According to WPR, although India's population growth has slowed down, it will still increase till at least
2050.
India, the third largest economy in Asia, is currently self-sufficient in food production.
India ranks second in terms of production of rice, wheat and sugar.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has awarded $425 million to The Boeing
Company for a sustainable flight demonstrator project..
To provide education to all, a resolution titled "Education for Democracy" was adopted by the United
Nations General Assembly (UNGA) .
The resolution co-sponsored by India reaffirms the right to education to strengthen democracy.
The biggest decline in the population of China has been recorded after the year 1961. Negative population
growth has now started in China.
The death toll in China is more than the number of children born.
According to the China’s National Bureau of Statistics China’s population declined by roughly 850,000 to
1.41175 billion at the end of 2022.
In China, 9.56 million people were born in 2022, while 10.41 million people died.
China's birth rate last year was just 6.77 births per 1,000 people, down from 7.52 births in 2021, the lowest
ever.
According to a report by Guinness World Records (GWR), an Italian man, Michele Santaglia has created a
world record by typing copies of 81 books backwards, which is called 'mirror writing'.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will lead a delegation to Kenya and Tanzania from January 16 to 21. .
About Kenya
Kenya is a country in East Africa.
President: William Ruto
Capital: Nairobi
Currency :Kenyan shilling
About Tanzania
Tanzania, East African country situated just south of the Equator.
President: Samia Suluhu Hassan
Capital: Dodoma
Currency: Tanzanian shilling
According to the statement released by the World Health Organization (WHO) Uganda declared the end of
the Ebola disease outbreak caused by Sudan ebolavirus .
The Ebola virus was first discovered in 1976 near the Ebola River in what is now the Democratic Republic
of the Congo.
Indian High Commission signs MoU to establish Hindi Chair at Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka.
High Commissioner Gopal Bagale.
Financial assistance of $250,000 (through the US Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation) will be
provided by the US for the conservation and restoration of 6 Paigah tombs built in the 18th-19th centuries
in Hyderabad..
The project will be implemented by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture.
The Paigah Tomb (or Tomb Shams al-Umra) is a mausoleum belonging to the nobility of the Paigah family,
who served the Nizam of Hyderabad (Asaf Jahi dynasty).
.Punjabi is all set to be the newest language to be taught in public schools of Western Australia. The
Australian government has decided to include Punjabi language in schools.
India, Panama sign agreement on cooperation in training diplomats.
World's first vaccine for honeybees approved for use by United States.
A new British Indian Army memorial has been approved to be built in the Scottish city of Glasgow.
In this, the contribution of more than 40 lakh Indian soldiers who fought on behalf of Britain in both the
world wars will be shown..
Republican leader Kevin McCarthy has been elected as the speaker of the US House of Representatives..
Kevin McCarthy has replaced Nancy Pelosi.
India deployed a platoon of women peacekeepers in the Abyei region of Sudan on 6 January as part of the
Indian battalion in the United Nations Interim Security Force (UNISFA)..
China became the first country in Asia and second in the world to launch Hydrogen powered urban
trains.
Germany was the first country to introduce hydrogen powered trains in September 2022.
Chinese company CRRC Corporations ltd built a train that has a top speed of 160 KM per hour and can
run without refuelling for 600 Km
The German Coradia iLint serial train developed by French company Alstom has set a record 1175 Km
range without refuelling.
Croatia adopts Euro currency, also included in Europe's free passport club..Croatia adopted the euro
currency and also joined Europe's free passport club (Schengen area), nearly a decade after joining the
European Union.
FEBRUARY 2023
India has supplied 50 buses to Sri Lanka on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of independence.
Commercial vehicle manufacturer Ashok Leyland has bagged a contract for the supply of 500 buses from
the Sri Lanka Transport Board.
India is carrying out a rescue operation named 'Operation Dost' with National Disaster Response Force
personnel, essential items and medical equipment to help after the earthquake in Turkey.
On February 6, 2023, an earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale affected Turkey and Syria.
C17 Globemaster aircraft of the Indian Air Force has been put into operation.

The 11th meeting of the India-Mongolia Joint Working Group was held on 10 February 2023 in New Delhi..
Mongolia
It is located in North Central Asia.
Capital: Ulaanbaatar
Currency: Tugrik
President: Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh
India and Spain agreed to cooperate in digital infra, climate action, clean energy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sanchez on February 15 agreed to
collaborate on issues such as digital infrastructure, climate action, clean energy and sustainable development.
India and Fiji sign MoU on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and official passports.
India and Fiji signed a Memorandum of Understanding on visa exemption for diplomatic and official
passport holders on 16 February in presence of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Fiji Prime
Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
Republic of Fiji
It is an archipelago consisting of around 300 islands in the South Pacific Ocean.
Capital: Suva
Currency: Fijian Dollar
President : Wiliame Katonivere
Prime Minister: Sitiveni Rabuka
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called on President Draupadi Murmu, in New Delhi on February 25.
Germany is India's largest trading partner in Europe and also among the top investors in India.
Federal Republic of Germany
Germany is also known as Deutschland.
Capital : Berlin
Currency : Euro
President : Frank-Walter Steinmeier
Chancellor : Olaf Scholz
The German Chancellor is equivalent to the Prime Minister in India.
China has launched the Zhongxing-26 satellite in February 2023 at a cost of $333 million.
The Zhongxing-26 satellite was launched on a Long March 3B rocket..
Zhongxing-26 was launched by the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST). CAST plans to launch
60 more in 2023.
Global anti-money laundering watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF) suspended Russia's
membership on February 24 over the Ukraine war..
The FATF has suspended Russia's membership for its "illegal, unprovoked and unjustified" full-scale
military invasion of Ukraine.
Russia's actions "run unacceptably" against the FATF's core principles, which aim to protect, safeguard and
promote the integrity of the global financial system.
Russia is accountable for its obligation to implement FATF standards.
South Africa and Nigeria have been placed on FATF's gray list.
Morocco and Cambodia have been removed from the list after reforming their controls.
Financial Action Task Force (FATF)
It was formed in the year 1989 at the meeting of G-7 countries held in Paris.
Headquarters - Located in the headquarters of the Organisation for the Development of Economic Co-
operation (OECD) in Paris.
Member Countries - 39 member countries including India and 2 regional organisations (European
Commission and Gulf Cooperation Council).
India became a member of FATF in the year 2010.
Financial Action Task Force (FATF) President - Raja Kumar.
EDGE, UAE’s leading defence group signed a Memorandum of Understanding with India’s aerospace firm
Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) on 22 February at the International Defence Exhibition and Conference
(IDEX)..
The MoU pertains to the joint design and development of missile systems and unmanned aerial vehicles
(drones).

Seattle City became the first US city to ban caste discrimination on February 21, and the first in the world
to pass such a law outside South Asia.
India Pavilion’ at Gulfood, Dubai was inaugurated by Pashupati Kumar Paras, Minister of Food Processing
Industries, Government of India in the presence of Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to the UAE on 20
February.
The 'India Pavilion' is the largest pavilion at Gulfood 2023.
UAE and India launched the UAE India Business Council - UAE Chapter (UIBCUC) on 18 February to
strengthen economic ties and enhance bilateral trade and investment.
The UIBCUC aims to increase bilateral trade to $100 billion and attract investments of $75 billion from the
UAE to India.
Marine Products Exports Development Authority (MPEDA) has said that Qatar partially lifted a ban
imposed last year on the import of frozen seafood from India on 18 February.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar unveiled the bust of Sardar Vallabhai Patel at India House in
Fiji's capital Suva.
Jaishankar was in Fiji from February 15 to 17, where he participated in the 12th World Hindi Conference.
Spain's government approved a law providing paid medical leave for women suffering from severe menstrual
pain, a first in any European country..
Such facilities are currently available in Japan, Indonesia and Zambia.
India and Fiji signed a Memorandum of Understanding on visa exemption for diplomatic and official
passport holders.
New Zealand government has declared a national emergency after Cyclone Gabrielle hit the North Island.
Cyclone Gabrielle causes widespread flooding, landslides and huge ocean swells across the North Island.
Saudi Arabia's first female astronaut is set to go into space this year, in what is seen as a move to reform
Saudi Arabia's ultra-conservative image.
Saudi female astronaut Rayna Barnawi will join Saudi Ali Al-Qarni on a 10-day mission to the International
Space Station (ISS) this year..
The Ax-2 will be launched by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy
Space Center in Florida, America.
Recently South African President Cyril Ramaphosa declared a "state of disaster" due to the country's power
crisis during his annual State of the Nation address in Cape Town.
This follows just 10 months after the Covid-induced "State of Disaster" was lifted.
South Africa
President: Cyril Ramaphosa
Capitals: Cape Town (Legislative), Pretoria (Executive), Bloemfontein (Judicial)
Currency : Rand.
Bangladesh Prime MinisterSheikh Hasina opened traffic operations on the rail line between Joydebpur and
Tongi.
This is the initial section of the Dhaka-Tongi-Joydebpur rail line project, funded under a concessional line
of credit provided by India..
Sri Lanka celebrated 75 years of Independence on 4 February under the theme Namo Namo Matha – A step
towards a century..
India has welcomed Congo into the International Solar Alliance.
International Solar Alliance
It is the nodal agency to implement 'One Sun, One World, One Grid'.
It aims to transfer the solar energy generated in a specific region to meet the electricity demand of another
region..
Its key objectives include achieving a global potential of over 1000 GW of solar power generation capacity
and mobilising about $1000 billion to invest in solar energy by 2030.
Member-113 countries have signed this Framework Agreement. 86 out of 106 countries have signed and
ratified this Framework Agreement.
Headquarters - Gurugram, India
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, US counterpart Jake Sullivan launched the US-India Initiative on
Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) in Washington .
iCET reflects conv.of strategic, commercial, and scientific approaches in the field of technology.
iCET was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Biden

MARCH 2023
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrived in Ahmedabad on 8 March on a four-day (8-11
March) visit to India to participate in the India-Australia Annual Summit.
On March 9 itself, the Australian Prime Minister went to Mumbai, where he was given a guard of honour
at INS Vikrant.
The India-US Fifth Commercial Dialogue meeting was held in New Delhi on 10 March.
The US is also the third largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) for India, and the US is among the
top five investment destinations for India.
The meeting was attended by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and US Commerce
Secretary Gina Raimondo.
India and Australia target $100 billion bilateral trade in next five years.
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on 11 March, Australia and India will target
$100 billion trade in the next five years.
Both the countries are currently dissatisfied with the $30 billion trade.
On 29 December 2022 India and Australia implemented an economic cooperation and trade agreement
(ECTA).
Nepal and India have agreed to formulate a modality to supply electricity from Nepal to multiple states
of India through central transmission line via Bihar grid.
The 14th meeting of the Nepal-India Power Exchange Committee concluded on March 17 in New Delhi.
Under the power exchange agreement in the meeting, the price of electricity per unit has been fixed at Rs
11.54 for the financial year 2022-23.
Kataiya (Bihar)-Kushaha (Nepal) and Raxaul-Parawanipur 132-KV transmission line are connected with
Bihar.
India and Maldives held the 4th Defense Cooperation Dialogue (DCD) in Male on March 19, 2023.
About Maldives
It is also called Maldives Islands, an independent island country in the north-central Indian Ocean
Capital -Male
President -Ibrahim Mohamed Solih
Currency - Rufiyaa.
India invited to attend G7 Hiroshima summit in Japan.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida signed two agreements
during their bilateral talks: the renewal of the Memorandum of Cooperation in Japanese and the exchange
of notes on the JICA loan for 300 billion yen for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed railway project.
The G7 is a group of seven major industrialised countries, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan,
the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Britain has signed a deal to join a trade deal with 11 Asia and Pacific countries on 31 March 2023, three
years after officially leaving the European Union.
According to the government's own estimates, joining the bloc would increase the size of the UK economy
by only 0.08 per cent.
The trade area covers a market of around 500 million people.
The UK said it is the country's biggest post-Brexit trade deal and is the first European country to join the
CPTPP since it came into force in 2018.
Saudi Arabia agreed to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization as a dialogue partner.
India led by the Department of Commerce participated in the 2nd Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for
Prosperity (IPEF) Negotiations Round from March 13-19, 2023 in Bali, Indonesia..
Interpol has withdrawn the Red Corner Notice (RCN) issued against Mehul Choksi, the main accused in
the Rs 13,500 crore PNB loan scam case..
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has sought the restoration of the notice.
Case against Mehul Choksi
Mehul Choksi is the owner of Gitanjali Group, a jewelery firm with 4,000 stores in India.
He along with his nephew Nirav Modi is a culprit in the Rs 13,500 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam.
What is an Interpol Red Notice?
Criminals or suspects often flee to other countries to escape justice.

A Red Corner Notice, or Red Notice (RN), alerts police forces around the world to fugitives who are wanted
internationally.
A Red Notice is not an international arrest warrant.
About Interpol
The full name of INTERPOL is the International Criminal Police Organisation and is an intergovernmental
organisation.
It was set up in 1923.
Member countries - 195
India became its member on 15 October 1949.
Sri Lanka's request for a $2.9 billion bailout has been approved by the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
.
The package of special drawing rights of about $3 billion will be available over 4 years.
The International Criminal Court on 17 March issued an arrest warrant against Russian President Vladimir
Putin on charges of war crimes.
International Criminal Court (ICC)
It was set up in July 2002 under the Rome treaty of 1998.
The Headquarters of ICC: The Hague, Netherlands.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the
India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline.
The India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline is a proposed 130 km long pipeline for high-speed diesel transport
from Siliguri in India to Parbatipur in Bangladesh.
Maitri Pipeline is the first cross-border energy pipeline between India and Bangladesh with an estimated cost
of Rs 377 crore.
India and Luxembourg celebrating 75 years of friendship on March 15, 2023.
To mark the occasion, both the countries launched a joint Commemorative Postage Stamp.
The United States has recognized the McMahon Line as the international boundary between Arunachal
Pradesh and China in a recently passed bipartisan resolution, calling it an "integral part of India".
What is the McMahon Line?
India and China share a 3,500 km long border which is disputed.
The McMahon Line was drawn during the Simla Convention of 1914, officially described as a convention
between Great Britain, China and Tibet
Denmark has launched a project to store carbon dioxide 1,800 metres below the North Sea, making it the
first country in the world to bury CO2 imported from another country..
CO2 burial project, where carbon is injected into the site of an old oil field to prevent further warming of the
atmosphere.
The project is called "Greensand" and is being led by British chemical Giant Ineos and German oil company
Wintershall Dia.
The project aims to store eight million tonnes of CO2 per year by 2030.
Indonesia's Mount Merapi volcano erupts, covering villages in ash.
Indonesia's Mount Merapi, one of the world's most active volcanoes, erupted on March 12, sending smoke
and ash spreading over nearby villages.
The volcano is located on the island of Java near Yogyakarta, the cultural capital of Indonesia.
Mount Merapi is a volcanic mountain on the island of Java in Indonesia and is the most active volcano in
Indonesia
Recently, the Indonesian government unveiled the site of the country's new capital.
The new capital, Nusantara, is located in the East Kalimantan province of Borneo, Indonesia.
The new capital city of the country will be called Nusantara
Borneo island of Indonesia is the third largest island in the world after Greenland and New Guinea..
It has the world’s largest muslim population .
Capital : Jakarta
Currency : Rupiah
President : Joko Widodo.
Minister of State for External Affairs and Education, Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh participated in the 19th
BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting hosted by Chair Thailand virtually from Bangkok on 9 March..

The meeting also approved a draft agreement on the establishment of the BIMSTEC Center for Weather
and Climate in India.
BIMSTEC whose full form is 'Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic
Cooperation' is an international organization of seven South Asian and South East Asian countries.
Out of its 7 member countries, 5 members – Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka are from South
Asia and two countries – Myanmar and Thailand are from South-East Asia..
Secretariat: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Belarus court jails Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski for 10 years.
A court in Belarus on March 3 sentenced 2022 Nobel Peace Prize winner and human rights activist Ales
Bialiatski to 10 years in prison for financing protests and other crimes.
He has been given this sentence in the case of activities disturbing public order, financing and smuggling.
A fine of 65 thousand US dollars has also been imposed on 60-year-old Bialiatsky.
He is co-founder of the Viasna human rights group.
In October 2022, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work on human rights and democracy.
Along with Bialyatsky, representatives of the Vesna Human Rights Center, Valentin Stefanovich and
Vladimir Labkovich, were also sentenced to 9 years and 7 years, respectively.
India and Australia sign a framework mechanism for mutual recognition of qualifications.
APRIL 2023
The 1st Ministerial-level meeting of the Joint Working Group between India and the Netherlands was held
on 3 April in New Delhi.
7th India-Japan Defense Policy Dialogue held in New Delhi.
Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is on a visit of two African countries Uganda and
Mozambique from April 10 to 15, 2023.
In March 2023, Cyclone Freddy caused havoc in Malawi, Mozambique and Madagascar..
Uganda:
Capital: Kampala
President: Yoweri Museveni
Prime Minister: Robinhood Nabanza
Currency: Uganda Shilling
Mozambique:
Capital: Maputo
President: Philippe Nyusi
Prime Minister: Carlos Agostinho do Rosário
Currency: Mozambican metical
Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister Emin Zhaparova arrived in India on 9 April 2023 on a four-day visit,
the first official visit to the Eastern European country since the Russian aggression began in February
2022.
Ukraine:
Capital: Kyiv
President: Volodymyr Zelensky
Currency: Ukrainian hryvnia
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar launched Varanasi's 'Tulsi Ghat Restoration Project' on 10 April
2023 during his visit to Kampala, Uganda.
The Tulsi Ghat Renovation Project is an initiative aimed at enhancing the aesthetic appeal of Varanasi, the
oldest inhabited city in the world.
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal was visiting Rome on 12 April 2023 on a two-day
visit to Italy.
Both the Ministers exchanged views on leveraging the India-Italy trade and economic partnership for
development in various sectors.
After the state visit of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to India on 2 March 2023, efforts were made
to elevate the bilateral relationship to the level of a strategic partnership.
Italy:
Capital: Rome

Currency: Euro
President: Sergio Mattarella
Prime Minister: Georgia Meloni.
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal addressed the India-France Business Summit and
CEO Roundtable in Paris, France on 11 April.
The High Commission of India opened its 16th Visa application center in Kushtia town of Southwestern
Bangladesh on 16th April.
The new Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) was inaugurated by High Commissioner Pranya Verma.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov on 17th
April attended the inaugural session of "India-Russia Business Dialogue" 2023 in New Delhi.
The External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that India and Russia have crossed the bilateral trade target
of 30 billion dollars before the target year of 2025.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to embark on athree-day official visit to Maldives on 30th April.
In line with India's commitment to capacity building of friendly countries and partners in the region, Rajnath
Singh will gift a Fast Patrol Vessel ship and a landing craft to the Maldivian National Defense Forces.
India's vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) along with its ‘Neighbourhood First’
policy as well as Maldives’ ‘India First’ policy seek to work together to jointly develop the capabilities within
the Indian Ocean Region.
Digital ministers from the Group of Seven advanced nations (G7) agreed on 30 April that they should
adopt "risk-based" regulation on artificial intelligence.
European lawmakers hurry to introduce an AI Act to enforce rules on emerging tools such as ChatGPT.
Dubai-based airline Emirates has unveiled the world's first robotic check-in assistant named 'Sara'.
'SARA' will match customers' faces with scanned passports, check in passengers and guide them to the
baggage drop area.
The German Air Force on 26th April announced that it intercepted three Russian military aircraft flying
over the Baltic Sea.
German and British forces were deployed to identify the two Sukhoi Su-27 fighter aircraft and one Ilyushin
Il-20 aircraft.
The Baltic Sea is an arm of the Atlantic Ocean located in northern Europe.
India and the United Kingdom have agreed to create an India-UK Net Zero Innovation Virtual Centre.
The fourth meeting of the India-Mozambique Joint Defense Working Group was held in New Delhi on 25
April..
India and Guyana signed an Air Services Agreement (ASA) on 22nd April to facilitate easier travel between
the two nations.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar co-chaired the 4th India-CARICOM ministerial meeting in
Guyana’s capital of Georgetown on 22nd April.
The 8th India-Thailand Defence Dialogue was held in Bangkok on 20th April.
India and Thailand share a strategic partnership and defense is a major pillar of this cooperation.
China successfully launched the Fengyun-3 meteorological satellite using Chang Zheng-4B carrier rocket
from Jiuquan Cosmodrome in Gansu Province.
This was the 471st mission for the Chang Zheng rocket family.
Kenya launched its first operational Earth observation satellite "Taifa-1" on a rocket of Elon Musk's rocket
company ‘SpaceX’ from Vandenberg Base in California on 15 April 2023.
Diplomatic focus is likely to increase on the long-dormant trilateral India-Brazil-South Africa forum..
About India-Brazil-South Africa forum (IBSA)
It is a trilateral dialogue forum ofIndia, Brazil and South Africa which was created in the year 2003.
The grouping was formalized under the name of theIBSA Dialogue Forum under the Brasilia Declaration.
Syria has become the world's largest 'narco-state' and most of its foreign exchange earnings come from the
production and export of Captagon, a highly addictive amphetamine commonly referred to as "poor man's
coke".
Nepal has become a founding member of the International Big Cats Alliance launched by India on 13 April.
India's External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar virtually inaugurated the Buzi Bridge built by India
in Mozambique.

The bridge is part of the 132 km long Tika-Buzi-Nova-Sofala road project and was constructed by India.
The 2nd India-Peru Joint Commission Meeting was held in New Delhi on 15th April..
In the meeting both sides reviewed their traditionally friendly relations and discussed ways to take forward
cooperation in areas of mutual interest including trade and investments.
About Peru
Peru is the third-largest country in South America after Brazil and Argentina.
The world’s largest rainforest, the Amazon covers nearly half of Peru.
Capital: Lima
President: Dina Boluarte
Currency:Nuevo Sol.
The Bangladesh Power Development Board received 450 MW of electricity from Adani Power, a
subsidiary of the Indian Adani Group, on a trial basis.
Power is supplied from Adani's power plant in Godda, Jharkhand.
Bangladesh has been importing electricity from India since 2013, and now receives 1,000MW daily from
Baharampur in West Bengal and 160MW from Suryamoni in Tripura.
International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of The World Bank, has said it will not
support investments in new coal projects.
The announcement has come as a big relief to those campaigning for a clean energy transition.
In the year 2020, IFC unveiled a policy that required its clients to reduce their exposure to coal projects by
2025 and to zero by 2030.
India has been elected as a member of the UN Statistical Commission, the Commission on Narcotic Drugs
and the Programme Coordinating Board of the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) by the
Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations.
Bahrain launched the Golden License Initiative to encourage investment and job creation in the country
and aims to provide streamlined services and benefits to local and foreign businesses with large-scale
investment projects in Bahrain.
Companies with important strategic projects and investments of more than US$50 million or creating more
than 500 jobs in Bahrain will be eligible for the licence.
The licence will also provide support from Tamkin and the Bahrain Development Bank.
Norwegian company Norld launched the world's first ferry to run on MF Hydra liquid hydrogen.
The vessel, named MF Hydra, is a hybrid and uses both batteries and liquid hydrogen fuel cells for power..
NASA announced a team of four astronauts for its human spaceflight mission to the Moon.
The team of four astronauts will fly around the moon for a 10-day mission next year.
NASA has announced the four astronauts who will go to lunar orbit and return with the Artemis 2 mission.
These four Artemis 2 astronauts are - Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Jeremy Hansen and Christina Koch.
NASA’s Reid Wiseman will be the commander of the Artemis 2 mission.
Victor Glover will serve as the pilot for Artemis 2. Glover was previously the pilot of NASA's SpaceX Crew-
1 mission.
Jeremy Hansen will represent the Canadian Space Agency during the mission.
NASA astronaut Christina Koch will be the mission specialist for Artemis 3.
The 1st Ministerial-level meeting of the Joint Working Group between India and the Netherlands was held
on 3 April in New Delhi.
India and Romania sign agreement for 'Practical Cooperation between Armed Forces.
France has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Paris as a guest at the annual Bastille Day parade
in July.
The National Day of France, also known as Bastille Day, is celebrated every year on 14 July.
Known in French as La Fête Nationale or Le 14 Juillet, the day is celebrated with fireworks and parades.
Georgia became first American state to pass resolution condemning Hinduphobia.
The resolution condemns Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry and states that 'Hinduism is the world's
largest and oldest religion' and 1.2 billion people in more than 100 countries of the world follow this religion.
What is Hinduphobia?
Hinduphobia is a set of hostile, destructive and derogatory attitudes towards Hinduism and Hindus that may
manifest as prejudice, fear or hatred.
It is true that Hindu Americans have faced discrimination across America.
About Georgia

Prime Minister - Irakli Garibashvili
President - Salome Zurabishvili
Capital -Tbilisi
Currency - Georgian lari (GEL)
Finland has become the 31st member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Sweden's application to join NATO has been rejected by Turkey and Hungary.
MAY 2023
India extends $1 billion credit line to Sri Lanka till March 2024
India hands over 20 broad gauge locomotives to Bangladesh
India and Australia sign agreements in the field of migration, mobility partnership and green hydrogen.
PM Modi held a bilateral meeting with his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida ahead of the G-7 summit
in Hiroshima, Japan.
Prime Minister Modi unveiled a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Hiroshima as a symbol of friendship and
peace.
India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) states have recently taken important steps towards
a new trade and partnership agreement.
India and Bangladesh have recently jointly launched the '50 Start-up Exchange Programme' to promote
collaboration and exchange between the start-up ecosystems of the two countries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with Doug McMillan, CEO of American multinational retail
corporation Walmart.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with Doug McMillan, CEO of American multinational retail
corporation Walmart.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways and AYUSH Sarbananda Sonowal and Deputy Prime
Minister of Myanmar Admiral Tin Aung San jointly inaugurated Sittwe Port in Myanmar.
Sittwe Port has been developed as a part of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP).
New border-haat was inaugurated between India and Bangladesh at Bholaganj under Companyganj Upazila
of Sylhet.
21st meeting of the Bangladesh–India Joint Steering Committee (BIJSC) on the power sector was held on
4th May at Khulna, Bangladesh.
India and Israel sign MoU for cooperation on industrial research and development.
India and Maldives launched construction of ‘Ekatha Harbour' for the Coast Guard of the Maldives National
Defence Force (MNDF).
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will hand over a fast patrol vessel and a landing craft to the Maldives as
India’s “gift”
Liberation War Gallery of 1971 was inaugurated at the Indian Cultural Center of the Indian High
Commission in Dhaka.
The Government of Nepal has approved India's Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVN) to develop the
second hydroelectric project in the country.
SJVN is currently involved in the development of the Arun-III Hydroelectric Project in eastern Nepal with
a capacity of 900 MW.
Ireland becomes first country to introduce comprehensive health labelling of alcohol products.
According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the World Meteorological Congress
approved a new greenhouse gas (GHG) monitoring initiative.
World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
It was established in 1873 by the International Meteorological Organization.
Headquarters – Geneva, Switzerland
The 76th World Health Assembly was inaugurated by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 21 May
2023 in Geneva, Switzerland.
5000 year old tree from Chile recognized as the oldest tree in the world.
A giant tree in southern Chile, known as the "Great Grandfather" and this tree, a Patagonian cypress, located
in the Alerce Costero National Park is the oldest tree in the world.

Recently three hundred school students from all 25 districts of Sri Lanka have received the prestigious
Mahatma Gandhi Scholarship.
Mahatma Gandhi Scholarship plays a vital role in promoting educational opportunities for students in Sri
Lanka.
India launched "Operation Karuna" to provide humanitarian assistance for people in Myanmar, which is
affected by Cyclone Mocha.
Indian Naval Ships Shivalik, Kamorta and Savitri were the first Naval ships to arrive at Yangon with relief
material .
About Cyclone Mocha
Cyclone Mocha which recently hit Myanmar has been classified as an extremely severe cyclonic storm by
the IMD.
It has been classified as a 'Super Cyclone' by the global weather website Zoom Earth.
The name of the storm 'Mocha' has been suggested by Yemen.
Mocha originated in the Bay of Bengal.
United Kingdom has announced sanctions on the military-industrial complex and metals as well as Russian
diamonds in a new round of sanctions ahead of the G7 meeting in Japan.
The ban specifically covers imports of copper, aluminium and nickel of Russian origin.
United Nations' World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned that the next five years will be the
warmest period on record due to the combined effects of El Niño and greenhouse gases..
The WMO predicts that global temperatures are likely to exceed a 1.5°C increase by 2027, with a 98 percent
chance of setting new heat records in at least one of the next five years.
India and the European Union have entered into an agreement to coordinate their policies in the
semiconductor sector.
The joint statement was issued after the first India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) meeting held
in Brussels.
Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr L Murugan will lead the Indian delegation to the
Cannes International Film Festival from May 16 to 27.
The Cannes Film Festival is one of the most prestigious international film festivals held annually in Cannes,
France.
UAE's Sharjah Police launched a traffic campaigncalled "Stay in Your Lane"to tackle road violations.
The first ministerial meeting of the India and the European Union Trade and Technology Council (TTC)
will be held in Brussels.
The Petersberg Dialogue on Climate Change was held in Berlin from May 2-3, 2023.
The Petersberg Climate Dialogue (PCD) was hosted by Germany and the United Arab Emirates, which is
hosting the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change.
Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister Emin Zhaparova expressed regret over the "misrepresentation" of
Goddess Kali by the country's Defense Ministry.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis unveiled the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
in Mauritius.
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh inspected the operations of the 175
year old London Science Museum.
The ‘Tiger Shark 40’ Joint Bangladesh-US Naval drill Exercise commenced at BNS Nirvik in Chattogram.
World Bank Approves $82 Million Loan For Controlling Zoonotic Diseases in India.
NTPC Group’s total installed capacity reaches 72,304 MW with first overseas capacity addition in
Bangladesh.
This growth includes the recent integration of the 660 MW Unit-1 of the Maitree Super Thermal Power
Plant (MSTPP) in Rampal, Bangladesh, marking NTPC’s first overseas capacity addition.
Gigachat’ Russia’s Sberbank launches Al to compete with ChatGPT.
BANKING AND FINANCIAL AWARENESS 2023

JANUARY 2023

Coal India Ltd to Launch M-Sand Projects in a Big Way.
With a focus on cost-effective and high-quality sand production, Coal India Limited's subsidiaries will
commission five M-Sand (sand) plants by 2024.
Sand is classified as a "minor mineral" under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation)
Act, 1957.
The 'Sand Mining Framework' (2018) prepared by the Ministry of Mines envisages alternative sources of
sand obtained in the form of sand (M-Sand) manufactured from crushed rock fines (crusher dust) from
overburden (OB) of coal mines .
What is M-sand?
It is a form of artificial sand, which is made by crushing hard stones, mainly rocks or granite, into fine
particles, which are then washed and pulverized.
Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) launches “Nidhi Aapke Nikat 2.0”.
Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) launched “Nidhi Aapke Nikat 2.0”- A District Outreach
Program for expanding its presence in more than 685 districts of the country.
It was e-launched by Arti Ahuja, Secretary (Ministry of Labour & Employment) from the EPFO
Headquarters, in the presence of Central Provident Fund Commissioner (CPFC) and officers of EPFO.
It is a massive district outreach program in all the districts of the country through Nidhi Aapke Nikat
program.
India's GDP estimated to be 5.8% in UN report 'Global Economic Situation and Prospects-2023'.
United Nations has projected India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to be 5.8 percent in FY 2023 in the
report 'Global Economic Situation and Prospects-2023'. This is slightly lower than the 6.4 percent projected
in 2022.
India to become $26 trillion economy by 2047: EY report.
An EY report states that the Indian economy is likely to reach $26 trillion by the year 2047, which will also
be the 100th year of India's independence.
The report also pointed out that the country's per capita income would cross $15,000, making it among the
top developed economies.
The report also pointed out that despite maintaining a steady but modest growth rate of 6% per annum, India
would still be able to become a $26 trillion economy by 2047–48, with per capita income six times higher
than current levels.
According to the report certain factors have contributed to bring India to a position of high and sustainable
growth.
India produces record over 5,000 lakh metric tons of sugarcane in sugar season 2021-22.
According to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution a record more than 5,000
Lakh Metric Tons (LMT) sugarcane was produced during the 2021-22 sugar season.
About 394 LMT sugar was produced from about 3,574 LMT sugarcane. Out of this, 36 LMT sugar was
diverted for ethanol production.
During 2021-22, sugar mills received revenue of more than 20 thousand crore rupees from the sale of ethanol.
During the sugar season between October and September 2021-22, India has emerged as the world's largest
producer and consumer of sugar.
India has also become the second largest sugar exporter in the world after Brazil.
Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka account for nearly 80 percent of the total sugar production in
the country.
Warehousing Development Regulatory Authority signs MoU with SBI.
Warehousing Development Regulatory Authority (WDRA) signed a memorandum (MoU) of
understanding with State Bank of India to help farmers in getting low interest rate loans on 16 January.
The objective of the MoU is to provide information on the benefits to the depositors besides carrying out
further activities to improve agricultural finance in India.
It is envisaged that the product will have far reaching consequences with regard to acceptance of e-NWRs
(electronic Negotiable Warehouse Receipt) among small and marginal farmers.
Warehousing Development Regulatory Authority (WDRA)
WDRA was constituted on 26 October, 2010 under the Warehousing (Development and Regulation) Act,
2007.
It is a Statutory Authority under the Department of Food and Public Distribution, Government of India

Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal launched the MAARG platform (Mentorship, Advisory,
Assistance, Resilience, and Growth).
The portal would facilitate mentorship between startups and entrepreneurs across sectors, stages, and
functions.
Objectives of the MAARG Portal.
To provide guidance and support to startups throughout their life cycle.
To establish a formal and structured platform that facilitates matchmaking between mentors and startups at
large across diverse sectors.
Establishing a result-oriented mechanism that allows tracking of the progress of the mentor-startup
engagement.
The 'Startup India Innovation Week' was organised by the 'Department for Promotion of Industry and
Internal Trade' (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry from January 10 to 16, 2023.
'National Startup Day' is also celebrated on 16 January.
World's 3rd Startup Ecosystem in India.
In the last few years, India has emerged as a 'hotspot' for startups. India has the third largest startup
ecosystem in the world with 108 unicorns.
There were 471 startups in the country in 2016, which increased to 86,456 in 2023. There has been an
astonishing growth of over 15,000% in the number of startups in India in 6 years.
DPIIT under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry recently launched the MAARG portal.
Centre approved ₹2,600 crore as incentive for banks to promote digital payments.
The Union Cabinet on 11 January approved a ₹2,600 crore scheme for promoting RuPay debit cards and
low-value BHIM-UPI transactions.
Under the scheme, banks will be given financial incentives in the current financial year 2022-23 to promote
'Point of Sale' (PoS) i.e. payment machines and e-commerce transactions using RuPay and UPI.
India has remained a cash-dependent economy since independence. India's Cash to GDP ratio is 13% while
the global average is at most 8%.
BHIM-UPI transactions registered a year-on-year growth of 106 per cent, from Rs 2,233 crore in FY21 to
Rs 4,597 crore in FY22.
Piyush Goyal was on an official visit to New York and Washington DC from January 9-11 to participate
in the India-US Trade Policy Forum.
The 13th Trade Policy Forum (TPF) meeting was hosted by US Trade Representative Catherine Tai in
Washington on 11 January.
According to the commerce ministry, in 2021-22, the bilateral trade between the US and India stood at USD
119.42 billion as against USD 80.51 billion in 2020-21.
RBI to issue green bonds in two tranches of Rs 8,000 crore each.
Reserve Bank of India on 6 January said that maiden Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs) would be issued in
two tranches of Rs 8,000 crore each on January 25 and February 9.
The central government is issuing these sovereign green bonds as part of its total market borrowing. These
bonds are being issued to promote green infrastructure.
The Central Government had released the framework of Sovereign Green Bond on 9 November 2022.
Sovereign green bonds worth Rs 8000 crore will be issued on January 25, 2023. In this, green bonds worth
Rs 4000 crore will be issued for 5 years and sovereign green bonds worth Rs 4000 crore will be issued for 10
years.
Apart from this, Sovereign Green Bonds worth Rs 8000 crores will be issued as the next instalment on 9
February 2023. In which green bonds worth Rs 4000 crore will be issued for 5 years and sovereign green
bonds worth Rs 4000 crore will be issued for 10 years.
What are Sovereign Green Bonds?
These are bonds that are used by the government to finance projects that have a positive impact on the
environment.
The Green Bond was launched in 2007 by the European Investment Bank and the World Bank.
A Green Bond is an instrument that helps in raising funds for green projects.
NTPC Green Energy Ltd (NGEL) has signed an agreement with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd
(HPCL) for the development of renewable energy-based power projects for HPCL Refineries and other
Business Units.

Under the agreement NGEL which is a subsidiary of NTPC will supply 400 MW renewable power to the
HPCL .
Norway’s Climate Investment Fund invests Rs 90 crore in ReNew Company’s Karnataka transmission
project.
According to the Norwegian embassy in India “ Norway’s Climate Investment Fund, managed by Norfund,
together with Norwegian pension fund KLP, will invest Rs 90 crore in a transmission project in Karnataka
being developed by ReNew Power company.
The Norwegian fund together will hold 49% stake in the ReNew’s transmission project in Koppel,
Karnataka.
The Norwegian investment in Karnataka will connect 2.5 GW of renewable capacity to the national grid.
ONGC top profit making public sector enterprises in 2021-22.
According to the government of India’s Public Enterprise survey 2021-22, ONGC was the top profit making
central public sector enterprises (CPSE) in 2021-22.
After ONGC the other most profit making CPSE were Indian Oil Corporation, Power Grid, NTPC and
SAIL.
The net profit of operating public sector enterprises jumped 50.87 per cent to Rs 2.49 lakh crore during 2021-
22. It was Rs 1.65 lakh crore in 2020-21.
The survey attributed the revenue rise in 2021-22 to better performance by the petroleum (refinery and
marketing), crude oil and transport, and logistics segments.
The top five CPSEs contributing the highest under CSR were ONGC, NTPC, Indian Oil Corporation,
NMDC and Power Grid.
ADB to provide $1.2 billion loan for infrastructure projects.
The Manila based Asian Development Bank (ADB) has agreed to provide a $1.22 billion loan to the
government of India for Infrastructure development in various states.
The agreements would cover projects for improving the power sector and highways in the Northeastern
states of Tripura and Assam, metro rail connectivity in the southern city of Chennai, and improvement of
key economic areas in the western state of Maharashtra
Govt exempts public sector companies from minimum public float rules.
The government of India has exempted public sector entities from the Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS)
norm which mandates at least 25 per cent public float for all listed companies.
The Securities Contracts (Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2022 was notified by the government on 2 January
2023.
Rule 19 A of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rules prescribes that a listed entity must have at least 25
percent of public shareholding. Public shareholding means an investor who is not the promoter of the
company. The investor could be either an individual or an institution.
MOIL has registered its best December production of 1,41,321 tonnes of manganese ore in December,
2022.
MOIL has registered an increase of 18 percent in production as compared to November 2022.
About MOIL
It is a Schedule-A, Miniratna category-1 Company under the administrative control of the Ministry of Steel,
It is the largest producer of manganese ore in the country with about 45% market share, operating eleven
mines in the states of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.
The company aims to almost double its production to 3 million tonnes by 2030.
RBI retains SBI, HDFC Bank and ICICI bank in its Domestically Systemically Important Banks (D-SIB)
list.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has retained SBI, ICICI bank and HDFC bank in the list of Domestically
Systemically Important Banks (D-SIB) list for the year 2021. The list was released by the RBI on 2 January
2023.
The concept of the D-SIB goes back to the failure of big financial institutions in 2008 which led to a global
financial crisis. D-SIBs are those interconnected entities, whose failure can impact the whole of the financial
system and create instability.
When it started in India
RBI started disclosing the name of the bank in the D-SIB list from 2015 and SBI was included in the list.
ICICI Bank was included in 2016 and HDFC bank was included in 2017.

D-SIB (Domestic Systemically Important Banks)
The concept behind D-SIB is that there are certain banks in India which cannot be allowed to fail as its
failure may badly affect the Indian economy.
RBI selects banks on their size and their overall contribution in the Indian economy.
In addition to the usual capital conservation buffer, D-SIBs will need to maintain additional Common Equity
Tier 1 (CET1).
SBI has to maintain an additional Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) of 0.60% as a percentage of their Risk
Weighted Assets.
HDFC Bank and ICICI banks have to maintain an additional Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) of 0.20% as
a percentage of their Risk Weighted Assets.
Foreign Banks having branches in India are called Global-Systemically Important Banks (G-SIB).At present
no f
Coffee export increased by 1.66 % to 4 lakh tonne in 2022; Coffee Board of India.
According to the Coffee Board of India data released on 2 January 2023 the total export of coffee from India
rose by 1.66 per cent to 4 lakh tonnes in 2022 mainly due to the increase in instant coffee exports and re-
exports.
The total export in 2021 was at 3.93 lakh tonnes.
Italy, Germany and Russia are the major export destinations for Indian coffee.
India exports both Robusta and Arabica varieties of coffee and also instant coffee.
Karnataka is the largest coffee producing state in India followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
India is the third largest producer and exporter of coffee in Asia. Vietnam is the largest producer of coffee in
Asia followed by Indonesia.
Brazil is the world’s largest producer of coffee, followed by Vietnam, Colombia and Indonesia.
Ajay Kumar Srivastava will take over as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) of the Public sector Indian Overseas Bank from 1 January 2023.
He will replace Partha Pratim Sengupta.
Indian Overseas Bank
It is a public sector bank owned by the government of India
The Indian Overseas bank was founded by M. Chidambaram Chettyar in 1937.
Headquarters: Chennai
Tagline of the bank: Good People to Grow With.
RBI launches Utkarsh 2.0 for the period 2023-2025.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das on 30 December 2022 launched the second phase
of the central bank’s medium term strategy for strengthening regulatory and supervisory mechanisms called
Utkarsh 2.0.
The first strategy framework (Utkarsh 2022) covering the period 2019-2022 was launched in July 2019. It
became a medium-term strategy document guiding the Bank’s progress towards realization of the identified
milestones.
Utkarsh 2.0 like the Utkarsh 2022 has six Vision statements as well as Core Purpose, Values, and Mission
statements. Collectively, they create a strategic guiding path.
The Vision in Utkarsh 2.0 that will guide the Reserve Bank of India over the period 2023-25 are:
Excellence in performance of its statutory and other functions,
Strengthened trust of citizens and Institutions in the RBI;
Enhanced relevance and significance in national and global roles; • Transparent, accountable and ethics-
driven internal governance;
Best-in-class and environment-friendly digital and physical infrastructure; and
Innovative, dynamic and skilled human resources.
India’s largest Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) Shriram Finance Ltd has secured a $100 million
loan from the Manila based Asian Development Bank.
Government extends free import of Urad and Tur pulses till March 2024.
The government of India has extended the free import of Urad and Tur pulses by one more year to 31 March
2024. Earlier in March 2022 the government had allowed free import of tur and urad till 31 march 2023.
India is the largest producer, importer and consumer of pulses in the world accounting for nearly 25% of
global production, 15% of International trade and 27% of world consumption
Ministry of Defense becomes the largest buyer of MSME goods in 2022.

Recently, Government e-Marketplace (GeM) informed through a tweet that in 2022, the Ministry of Defense
emerged as the largest buyer through MSME sellers.
In 2022, the Ministry of Defense envisages procurement of goods and services worth Rs 16,747 crore from
the MSME sector. This was 250% more than the purchases made in 2021.
Among the states, Uttar Pradesh procured the maximum. Uttar Pradesh procured goods and services worth
Rs 9,642 crore through GeM.
GeM's turnover in 2022 is Rs 1,06,647 crore, which is expected to double in 2023.
NSE world's largest derivatives exchange for fourth consecutive year.
According to the Forward Industry Association (FIA), the National Stock Exchange (NSE) has emerged as
the world's largest derivatives exchange in 2022 in terms of the number of traded contracts.
NSE has secured the top position for the fourth consecutive year.
Alibaba Group has sold its majority stake of 3.1% in Paytm's parent company One-97 Communications.
Ant Financial, a company of Alibaba Group, has sold shares of Paytm worth $ 125 million, or about Rs
1,125 crore, through a bulk deal.
Earlier, Alibaba Group had 6.26% stake in Paytm.
Paytm shares fell 6.16%, or Rs 35.65, to close at Rs 543.50 after Alibaba's stake sale.
What is block deal?
Block deal refers to a trade in which 500,000 shares or shares of a particular company listed on the exchange
are traded for a value of more than Rs 5 crore.
India overtakes Japan to become third largest auto market globally.
According to the latest Nikkei Asia industry data, India has overtaken Japan to become the third largest auto
market for the first time.
India’s new vehicle sales were at least 4.25 million units, ahead of the 4.2 million sold in Japan, based on
preliminary results.
New vehicles delivered in India between January and November 2022 totaled 4.13 million.
UAE to host the 13th WTO Ministerial Meeting in 2024.
The World Trade Organisation was set up on 1 January 1995 replacing the General Agreement on Tariff
and Trade (GATT).
Lenders have transferred the entire Rs 9,234-crore Jaypee Infratech loan to newly constituted National Asset
Reconstruction Company (NARCL).
Govt Switches Bonds with RBI in a Cash-neutral deal.
Indian government bought back bonds maturing in 2024 from the Reserve Bank of India, while also issuing
bonds maturing in 2032 worth a similar quantum, the central bank said.
The transaction involved buying back a security maturing in FY2024/25 from the Reserve Bank and issuing
fresh security for equivalent market value, to make the transaction cash neutral.
Tamilnad Mercantile Bank Limited (TMB) has bagged the Best Small Bank award in the Best Banks survey
for the year 2022.
The Best Banks survey was conducted by Business Today- KPMG.
Microsoft announced a new multiyear, multibillion-dollar investment with ChatGPT-maker OpenAI.
Microsoft Corp. will be making a $10 billion worth investment in OpenAI, the research lab behind the
famous ChatGPT (Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer) and DALL-E.
PhonePe has raised $350 million in funding from General Atlantic, at a pre-money valuation of $12 billion.
Bharti Airtel Group announced that it will be investing Rs 2,000 crore for setting up a large hyperscale data
centre in Hyderabad.
Mastercard announced the expansion of its signature Girls4Tech, STEM (Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Math) education program in India.
The Girls4Tech is supported by Mastercard Impact Fund and in partnership with the American India
Foundation (AIF).
The expansion of the program aims to reach up to 1 lakh female students across the country by 2024 to
encourage them to take up STEM Education.
In a major boost to the film and entertainment industry, PVR-Inox merger has been approved by the
National Company Law Tribunal.
India's fastest payment app PayRup was launched in India on 9th January 2023.
PayRup is built with the finest technology of web 3.0.

Markets regulator SEBI has launched an information database on municipal bonds.
FEBRUARY 2023
APEDA inks MoU with Lulu Hypermarket for export promotion of millets in GCC countries..
In a move to harness export potential of millets to the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCCs), the
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Lulu Hypermarket LLC on 21 February 2023.
Lulu Group is an international retail hypermarket chain that operates stores and shopping malls inBahrain,
Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
India has exported millets worthUSD 46.05 million during April-November 2022-23 and UAE is the major
importer of Indian millets.
Inaugural meeting of I2U2 business forum held in Abu Dhabi.
The first conference of I2U2 Business Forum, a joint initiative of India, Israel, the US and the United Arab
Emirates, was held on 22 February 2023 in Abu Dhabi (UAE).
According to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, the I2U2 Forum brought together representatives from
the private and public sectors of India, Israel, the United States and the United Arab Emirates to discuss
opportunities for cooperation between their business communities.
I2U2 aims to encourage joint investments in six mutually identified sectors – water, energy, transport, space,
health and food security.
Now I2U2 is set to boost trade and connectivity between partners.
Vedanta-Foxconn selects Dholera SIR for first semiconductor facility in India.
Vedanta and manufacturing giant Foxconn announced that it is setting up a semiconductor and display
manufacturing facility in the Dholera Special Investment Region near Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
The Vedanta-Foxconn in September 2022 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Gujarat
government to invest ₹1,54,000 crore to set up semiconductor and display manufacturing plant.
It is the first semiconductor manufacturing facility in India.
The Joint Venture would invest ₹1,54,000 crore to set up the facility in Gujarat, which would create one
lakh job opportunities.
Gujarat has become the first state in the country to have such a dedicated policy for the semiconductor and
display fabrication sector under the 'Gujarat Semiconductor Policy 2022-27'.
Vedanta Group.
It is a multinational company headquartered in London, England.
India and Singapore launch joint digital payment mechanism.
India and Singapore on 21 February launched a joint digital payment mechanism to enable residents of both
countries to make easier and faster cross-border transactions.
India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Singapore's PayNow have entered into an agreement in this
regard to facilitate these transactions.
The 49th meeting of the GST Council was held on 18 February in New Delhi.
The meeting, chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, discussed setting up appellate tribunals and
mechanisms to prevent tax evasion in the pan masala and gutkha business.
About GST Council
To implement GST, the Constitutional (122nd Amendment) Bill was passed by both the Houses of the
Parliament in 2016.
The GST Council has been notified as a constitutional body to deal with issues related to GST.
It is a joint forum of the Center and the States which was established by the President in accordance with
Article 279A (1) of the amended Constitution.
GST subsumes indirect taxes like excise duty, value added tax (VAT), service tax, luxury tax etc.
Cabinet approves establishment of Agricultural Credit Societies.
In order to strengthen the cooperative sector, the Union Cabinet on 15 February approved the setting up of
a new Primary Agricultural Credit Society (PACS) in two lakh panchayats in the next five years.
According to the government, 25 different facilities will be made available through the Primary
Agricultural Credit Society.

Dairy and fisheries will also be linked to agricultural cooperatives.
In the next 5 years, a target has been set to establish 2 lakh multipurpose packs, dairy, fisheries cooperatives.
The scheme will be implemented with convergence of various schemes.
The scheme will be implemented with convergence of various schemes by leveraging the 'Whole of
Government' approach.
Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS).
These are grassroots level cooperative credit institutions that provide short-term and medium-term
agricultural loans to farmers for various agricultural and agricultural activities.
It works at the gram Panchayat and village level.
The first Primary Agricultural Credit Society (PACS) was set up in 1904.
PACS are registered under the Co-operative Societies Act and regulated by RBI.
The 'Startup India Innovation Week' was organised by the 'Department for Promotion of Industry and
Internal Trade' (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry from January 10 to 16, 2023.
'National Startup Day' is also celebrated on 16 January.
World's 3rd Startup Ecosystem in India.
In the last few years, India has emerged as a 'hotspot' for startups. India has the third largest startup
ecosystem in the world with 108 unicorns.
There were 471 startups in the country in 2016, which increased to 86,456 in 2023. There has been an
astonishing growth of over 15,000% in the number of startups in India in 6 years.
DPIIT under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry recently launched the MAARG portal.
Govt to set up Bima Sugam portal to address existing protection gap across general insurance business.
Replying to a question in the Lok Sabha on 13 February, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that
the government will set up a Bima Sugam portal.
The portal will address the existing protection gap across life, health and general insurance businesses in the
country.
Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran claimed on 13 February that the Tata group is set to record the
highest growth in its history and that its compounded annual growth is expected to be around 20% in
2022-23.
Large capital expenditure (CapEx) plans have been drawn up through traditional and new businesses.
MobiKwik becomes India's first app to Support Credit Cards on UPI.
MobiKwik becomes the first fintech app to support RuPay Credit Card on UPI.
With RuPay credit cards now linked directly to UPI IDs, MobiKwik customers can easily make payments
at merchants by scanning the UPI QR code and using the UPI PIN for payment authentication.
About UPI
Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is a single platform that integrates various banking services and facilities
under one umbrella.
It is developed by National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
The names of the top UPI apps currently are – PhonePe, Paytm, Google Pay, Amazon Pay and BHIM.
NPCI launched UPI in 2016 with 21 member banks.
Ashwini Vaishnav launches 'Digital Payments Utsav' to promote digital payments across the country.
Electronics & Information Technology and Communications Minister Ashwini Vaishnav launched the
'Digital Payments Utsav' in New Delhi on 9 February.
A comprehensive month-long campaign “Digital Payments Utsav" has been planned from for the promotion
of Digital Payments across the country,
It will focus on G-20 Digital Economy Working Group event cities, namely Lucknow, Hyderabad, Pune
and Bengaluru.
India received highest ever foreign inward remittances in a single year of $89,127 million in FY 2021-22.
During the financial year 2021-22, India received foreign inward remittance of $89,127 million which is the
highest ever inward remittance received in a single year.
India ranks first with 24 percent contribution to global milk production.
India is the world's largest milk producer, contributing 24 per cent to global milk production in the year
2021-22, according to production data from the Food and Agriculture Organization Corporate Statistics
Database (FAOSTAT).

India's milk production has registered a growth of 51 per cent during the last eight years - 2014-15 and 2021-
22 and has increased to 220 million tonnes in the year 2021-22.
Indian Dairy Sector
India ranks first in milk production and contributes 24% to global milk production.
The top 5 milk-producing states are: Uttar Pradesh (14.9%), Rajasthan (14.6%), Madhya Pradesh (8.6%),
Gujarat (7.6%) and Andhra Pradesh (7.0%).
Dairy is the single largest agricultural commodity contributing 5% of the national economy, witnessing 6.4%
in the past 5 years.
Government approves conversion of Rs 16,133 crore interest dues of Vodafone Idea into equity.
The government has approved the conversion of debt-ridden Vodafone Idea's interest dues of over Rs 16,133
crore into equity.
With this conversion, the government is expected to become the largest shareholder in the loss-making
telecom company with 33.14 per cent stake.
Vodafone Idea will issue equity shares at a face value of Rs 10 each to the government.
Merger of Vodafone and Idea.
Kumar Mangalam Birla's telecom company Idea Cellular agreed to merge with Vodafone in March 2017.
Vodafone Idea
It is a joint venture of Vodafone (United Kingdom) and Aditya Birla Group.
It has the third largest mobile telecommunication network in India.
Headquarters: Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
IIT Madras to get Rs 242 cr grant for research on Lab Grown Diamonds.
Indian Institute of Technology Madras will be provided a grant of Rs 242 crore over a period of five years to
carry out research on Lab Grown Diamonds (LGD).
It will encourage indigenous production of LGD seeds, machines and reduce import dependence.
The research will focus on indigenization of the LGD manufacturing process
Government e-Marketplace achieves a Gross Merchandise Value of Rs 1.5 Lakh Crores.
As of 1 February 2023, the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has achieved Rs 1.5 lakh crore of Gross
Merchandise Value (GMV) in FY23 alone.
GeM is well positioned to cross its annual target of Rs 1.75 lakh crore.
GeM has crossed a gross business value of Rs 3 lakh crore since inception with the support of its stakeholders.
The total number of transactions on GeM has crossed 1.3 crore.
GeM has over 66,000 government buyer organisations and over 58 lakh sellers and service providers.
GeM portal features over 11,000 product categories with more than 29 lakh listed products.
About Government-e-Marketplace (GeM) platform
Launch - 9 August 2016
Purpose - to bring transparency and efficiency in the government buying process
Nodal Ministry - Ministry of Commerce and Industry
GeM works on inclusion, transparency and efficiency.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced in the budget that states would be encouraged to set
up "Unity Malls" in their capitals and most prominent tourist centres.
The main objective behind setting up Unity Mall is to promote ODOP (One District, One Product) of the
states.
These products may be depicted as having a Geographical Indication tag. Other handicraft products will
also be sold in these malls.
The Center will also request the states to sell such products from other states as well.
Currently, there is a Unity Mall operating near the Statue of Unity at Ekta Nagar in Kevadia, Gujarat.
RBL Bank signs an agreement with Exim Bank for trade finance.
RBL Bank has reached an agreement with Export-Import Bank of India (India Exim Bank) under the
Trade Assistance Programme (TAP).
Federal Bank installs 100 KWp solar plant at Aluva office.
Federal Bank installs 100 KWp solar plant at Aluva office: Federal Bank has constructed a 100-KWp on-
grid solar power plant, at its corporate headquarters in Aluva.
Federal Bank Limited is a private sector bank in India with its main office in Aluva, Kochi, Kerala.
Assets totaling Rs 26,000 crore monetized in FY23: NITI Aayog.

The government has generated assets worth 26,000 crore during FY23, and a pipeline of proposals totaling
1.23 lakh crore is now being processed.
HDFC Bank and UAE-based financial services company Lulu Exchange, have partnered to strengthen cross-
border payments between India and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.
Kotak Mahindra Bank went live with 'Kotak fyn', an integrated portal developed to offer comprehensive
digital banking.
Reserve Bank of India circulated a notification regarding the introduction of Foreign Contribution
(Regulation) Act (FCRA) related transaction code in NEFT and RTGS Systems.
Currently, foreign contributions must be received only in the “FCRA account” of State Bank of India (SBI).
Bank of Maharashtra tops list of public sector lenders in loan growth, asset quality.
Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) has emerged as the top performer among state-owned lenders in terms of loan
growth percentage during the third quarter of 2022-23.
Public sector Indian Overseas Bank has launched the facility of issuance of e-BG (Electronic Bank
Guarantee) scheme in association with the National e-Governance Services Ltd.
Karnataka Bank awarded ‘Prathista Puraskar for achieving highest percentage in BHIM-UPI
transactions.
Karnataka Bank was awarded with ‘Prathista Puraskar’ under ‘Digidhan Awards 2021-22’ by Ministry of
Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
Reserve Bank announced its second global hackathon - 'HARBINGER 2023 - Innovation for
Transformation' with the theme 'Inclusive Digital Services.
Winner of the hackathon will be given a prize of Rs 40 lakh and runner-up Rs 20 lakh. The first hackathon
was announced in November 2021 and results were declared in June 2022.
Ujjivan Small Finance Bank launches Hello Ujjivan- India’s first voice, visual, vernacular banking app.
Ujjivan Small Finance Bank launched Hello Ujjivan, India’s first mobile banking application with 3 V’s –
voice, visual, and vernacular-enabled features – to provide banking access to individuals who have limited
reading and writing skills
‘BizKhata’ for small businesses and merchant partners launched by Airtel Payments Bank.
Airtel Payments Bank announced the availability of its current account, BizKhata, which offers small
businesses and business partners across the nation fast activation and limitless transactions.
V Ramachandra appointed by RBI as member of Advisory Committee of SIFL, SEFL.
V Ramachandra was appointed by RBI to the advisory committees of Srei Infrastructure Finance Limited
(SIFL) and Srei Equipment Finance Limited (SEFL).
Google has invested around $300 million in Anthropic, an artificial intelligence startup whose technology is
said to rival OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT.
Adani Group Enters Israel with Haifa Port Acquisition For 1.2 Billion $.
The 49th GST Council Meeting was held on 18th February 2023 in New Delhi under the Chairmanship of
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
GST Compensation Cess – Entire GST Compensation Cess of Rs 16,982 crores will be cleared .
GST Rate Rationalization of some products:
Raab (liquid jaggery) rate was reduced from 18% to Nil (if loose)
Raab (liquid jaggery) rate was reduced from 18% to 5% (if packaged & pre-labeled)
Pencil Sharpener rate was reduced from 18% to 12%.
Data Loggers rate was reduced from 18% to 0.
India’s New Infrastructure Institution Plans Debut $610 Million Bond.
MARCH 2023
Unified rate approved for natural gas pipeline, new rate applicable from April 1.
With the ambitious objective of One Nation,One Grid and One Tariff, the Petroleum and Natural Gas
Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has decided to change the Unified Tariff which will be applicable from 1st April
2023..
PNGRB has notified a levelized Unified tariff of 73.93 rupees per MBTU (Metric Million British Thermal
Unit).
Three different Tariff Zones

The rate will be different for a distance of 300 km from the gas source.
The rate will be different for the distance of 300-1200 km from the gas source.
The area of more than 1200 km distance will come in the third zone.
Japan to provide USD 1.24 billion line of credit to Bangladesh for road, railway and port projects.
Japan will provide an Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan of USD 1.24 billion to Bangladesh for
infrastructure and connectivity projects and the second tranche of the 43rd Japanese Yen loan package was
signed at the exchange of notes between the two countries.
Axis Bank launches 'Micropay' on 'PIN on Mobile' technology.
Axis Bank launched a groundbreaking payment solution called "Micropay" by Razorpay and MyPinpad in
association with technology partners Ezetap.
Micropay is a "Pin on mobile" solution that enables a merchant's smartphone to act as a Point-of-Sale (POS)
terminal, providing a unique customer experience and simplifying digital payments.
About 'Micropay' and 'PIN on Mobile' technology
The new Pin on mobile technology offers merchants an affordable way to accept payments through cards,
UPI and BAR codes while maintaining high security standards.
Employees' Provident Fund Organization increased the interest rate on Employees' Provident Fund to
8.15%.
Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) has fixed the interest rate on Employees' Provident Fund
(EPF) deposits at 8.15% for the financial year 2022-23, which is higher than the previous year's interest rate
of 8.10%.
EPFO has sought approval from the Finance Ministry for the new interest rate.
Government imposes surcharge for Google Pay and other payment apps.
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has issued a circular suggesting "Prepaid Payment
Instruments (PPI)" charges on merchant transactions on Unified Payments Interface (UPI)..
NPCI has introduced an interchange charge of up to 1.1 per cent on merchant UPI transactions done
using prepaid payment instruments from April 1.
It will be levied on UPI payments above Rs 2,000 made to online merchants, large merchants and small
merchants.
NPCI has clarified that there will be no charges for UPI payment from bank account to bank account or
normal UPI payment.
NPCI, an umbrella organization for operating retail payment and settlement systems in India, has been
initiated by the 'RBI' and the 'Indian Banks' Association' (IBA) under the 'Payment and Settlement Systems
Act, 2007.
India’s overall exports cross all time high of 750 Billion US dollars.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has said on March 28 that India's total exports have crossed
US$ 750 billion which is the highest ever and this achievement has come in the 75th year of independence.
In 2021-22, the country's goods and services exports reached an all-time high of US$ 422 billion and US$
254 billion, respectively, taking total shipments to US$ 676 billion.
Exports fell by 8.82 per cent in February 2022, while imports fell by 8.21 per cent, the biggest decline in more
than two years..
ICICI Lombard introduces country's first 'anywhere cashless' facility.
For the first time in the country, ICICI Lombard General Insurance launched 'Cashless Anywhere' facility
for health insurance policyholders to avail cashless facilities at any hospital.
This facility will be subject to the approval of the hospital for cashless facility.
ICICI Lombard General Insurance It is a subsidiary of ICICI Bank Limited, a general insurance company.
ICICI Lombard is headquartered in Mumbai, India.
Government hikes raw jute MSP Rs 300 to Rs 5,050 per quintal
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on 24 March increased the minimum support price (MSP)
of raw jute by Rs 300 to Rs 5,050 per quintal for 2023-24 season.
The approval is based on the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices
(CACP).
The MSP of Raw Jute (TD-3 equivalent to earlier TD-5 grade) has been fixed at Rs 5,050 per quintal for
2023-24 season.

The announced MSP for raw jute for the 2023-24 season is in line with the principle of fixing the MSP at a
level of at least 1.5 times the all-India weighted average cost of production announced by the Government
in the Budget for 2018-19.
It assures a minimum of 50 per cent as profit margin.
Cabinet approves 4% hike in dearness allowance to central government employees..
The cabinet has announced a 4% increase in dearness allowance for central government employees and
pensioners.
With a four per cent increase in DA, the total DA becomes 42 per cent of the basic pay.
The increase in dearness allowance will benefit over 47 lakh central government employees and over 69
lakh pensioners.
The Union Cabinet has approved the release of additional instalment of Dearness Allowance to Central
Government employees and Dearness Relief to pensioners with effect from January 1, 2023.
The combined impact on the exchequer on account of both dearness allowance and dearness relief would be
more than Rs 12 thousand 815 crore per annum.
The increase in Dearness Allowance is as per the approved formula, which is based on the recommendations
of the 7th Central Pay Commission.
Dearness Allowance (DA) is compensation given to employees to offset the effects of inflation and is
calculated as a percentage of an employee's basic salary.
Income tax dept launches mobile app AIS for Taxpayers.
The Income Tax Department has launched a free mobile app named 'AIS for Taxpayers.
Taxpayers can use the app to view their information related to Tax deducted at Source (TDS), interest,
dividends, share transactions, tax payments, Income Tax refunds and other Information.
UAE’s Emaar first overseas company to start a mega-mall project in Kashmir..
Emaar, a Dubai-based real estate developer, has become the first foreign company to invest in a mega-mall
spread over one million square feet in Srinagar.
Emaar Group will invest a total of ₹500 crore, including ₹250 crore for the mega-mall and setting up IT
towers in Jammu and Srinagar.
This mega-mall is the first significant Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Jammu and Kashmir.
The mall, a joint venture between Emaar and Delhi-based real estate firm Magna Waves Buildtech, is likely
to be operational by 2026.
Cabinet approves listing of IREDA on Stock Exchanges.
Union Government on 18 March approved the listing of the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency
(IREDA) on the stock exchanges.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) decided to approve an Initial Public Offer (IPO) by
way of partial sale of the government's stake in CPSEs to raise funds by issuing fresh equity shares.
The Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) will carry out the listing process.
Earlier in the year 2017 also IREDA was given approval to bring IPO.
According to the government, in March 2022, it was decided to invest Rs 1500 crore in IREDA.
Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA)
It was incorporated as a Public Limited Company in the year 1987 as a 'Non-Banking Financial Institution'.
It is a Miniratna (Category 1) type company functioning under the administrative control of 'Ministry of
New and Renewable Energy, Government of India.
Ministry of Steel signs MoU with selected companies under PLI scheme..
Ministry of Steel on 17 March signed MoUs with selected companies under the Production-linked Incentive
(PLI) scheme for specialty steel in New Delhi..
India has become a growth center for the future of the steel industry. India will play an important role in this
sector in the next two decades.
A total of 57 MoUs were signed with 27 companies during the event.
Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.
It is an initiative that provides incentives to domestic industries to promote production at the local level.
Through this scheme, the government aims to incentivize companies to increase the sales of manufactured
products in domestic units.
The government has launched this scheme with an outlay of around Rs 2 lakh crore for 14 sectors
including Automobiles and Auto Components, White Goods, Pharma, Textiles, Advanced Chemistry
Cell and Specialty Steel.

RBI and Central Bank of UAE signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote innovation
in financial products and services.
The MoU involves both the central banks working together to explore Central Bank Digital Currencies
(CBDCs) and examine interoperability between the CBUAE and the CBDCs of the RBI.
3 lakh 61 thousand crore rupees loan given to MSMEs under Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme..
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have so far been given a loan of Rs 3 lakh 61 thousand
crore under the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS).
About Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme
It was announced as part of the Atma Nirbhar Bharat Package in 2020.
Its objective is to help businesses including MSMEs to meet their operational liabilities and resume business
in view of the distress caused by the COVID-19 crisis.
It provides 100 percent guarantee to lending institutions for any losses incurred due to non-payment of
ECLGS funding by borrowers.
Government e-Marketplace achieves a Gross Merchandise Value of Rs 1.5 Lakh Crores.
As of 1 February 2023, the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has achieved Rs 1.5 lakh crore of Gross
GeM is well positioned to cross its annual target of Rs 1.75 lakh crore.
GeM has crossed a gross business value of Rs 3 lakh crore since inception with the support of its stakeholders.
The total number of transactions on GeM has crossed 1.3 crore.
GeM has over 66,000 government buyer organisations and over 58 lakh sellers and service providers.
GeM portal features over 11,000 product categories with more than 29 lakh listed products.
About Government-e-Marketplace (GeM) platform
Launch - 9 August 2016
Purpose - to bring transparency and efficiency in the government buying process
Nodal Ministry - Ministry of Commerce and Industry
GeM works on inclusion, transparency and efficiency.
IREDA gets ‘Infrastructure Finance Company’ status from RBI.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted an ‘Infrastructure Finance Company (IFC)’ status to Indian
Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) on 13 March.
It was earlier classified as ‘Investment and Credit Company (ICC)’.
With IFC status, IREDA will be able to take higher exposure in renewable energy financing.
With IFC status, IREDA will contribute to the government's target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel installed
capacity by 2030.
High Level Committee approves Rs 1,816.162 crore of additional Central assistance to five States.
A High Level Committee meeting, chaired by Union Home Minister, Amit Shah on 13 March approved
Rs 1,816.162 crore of additional Central assistance to five States.
During the financial year 2022-23, the central government has released Rs 15,770.40 crore to 25 states in
their SDRF and Rs 502.744 crore to 4 states from NDRF.
Additional central assistance to five states
Rs 520.466 crore to Assam
Rs 239.31 crore to Himachal Pradesh
Rs 941.04 crore to Karnataka
Rs 47.326 crore to Meghalaya
Rs 68.02 crore to Nagaland.
US shuts down Silicon Valley banks in biggest collapse since 2008.
California-based Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), the 16th largest bank in the United States, was closed on 9
March by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation.
It is the biggest banking failure since the 2008 financial crisis.
It is considered the biggest financial crisis since the collapse of Washington Mutual and Lehman Brothers
during the 2008 recession.
It is considered the biggest financial crisis since the collapse of Washington Mutual and Lehman
Brothers during the 2008 recession.
About Silicon Valley banks
It was established in 1983, it was the 16th largest bank in America.
It primarily invested in Silicon Valley based startups and provided banking related services.

Union Minister for MSME Narayan Rane launched theMSME Competitive (LEAN) Scheme on 10
March.
It aims to provide a roadmap to global competitiveness for the MSMEs of India.
Under this scheme, MSMEs will implement LEAN manufacturing tools like 5S, Kaizen, Kanban, Visual
Workplace, Poka Yoka etc.
PNB signs MoU with Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) to facilitate farmers' financing..
Punjab National Bank (PNB) and Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) to facilitate financing undere-NWR (Electronic Negotiable Warehousing
Receipt).
The main objective of this partnership is to provide easy finance to farmers, processors and traders against
the pledge of agricultural produce stored in Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) godowns.
India, US signed MoU on semiconductor supply chain, innovation partnership.
India and the US on 10 February signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on semiconductor supply
chain and innovation partnership during the Commercial Dialogue 2023 in New Delhi.
RBI imposes Rs 3.06 Crore penalty on Amazon Pay (India).
Reserve Bank of India has imposed a penalty of Rs 3.06 crore on Amazon Pay (India) Private Limited for
non-compliance of certain directions related to Prepaid Payment Instruments and Know Your Customer.
The penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers vested in RBI under section 30 of the Payment and
Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
Amazon Pay (India) Pvt Ltd is the online payments service owned by US-based Amazon.
PFRDA raises ombudsman age limit to 70 years from 65 years.
The government increased the maximum age for Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority’s
(PFRDA) ombudsman from 65 to 70 years.
The ombudsman is responsible for receiving, evaluating, and helping to resolve complaints or grievances
that come under PFRDA regulations.
IDFC First Bank partners Crunchfish to demonstrate offline retail payments.
IDFC First Bank has announced its collaboration with the Swedish company Crunchfish to launch a pilot
project to demonstrate offline retail payments.
The bank is going to participate in the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) pilot project that aims to enable offline
payments.
YES Bank has collaborated with National E-Governance Services Limited (NeSL) to issue its first
electronic Bank Guarantee (e-BG).
ICICI Lombard becomes first to offer ‘Anywhere Cashless’ feature.
ICICI Lombard General Insurance has introduced an industry-first feature for health insurance
policyholders called 'Anywhere Cashless'.
India and Tanzania have received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to utilize their
respective national currencies in bilateral trade settlements.
The recently approved mechanism allows authorised banks in India to establish Special Rupee Vostro
Accounts (SRVAs) for the correspondent banks of Tanzania..
Bank of Baroda has already received approval for this mechanism for its foreign branches and subsidiaries
in 18 countries, including Tanzania.
Canara Bank sells stake in Russian joint venture to SBI for Rs 121 crore.
Canara Bank has announced that it sold its stake in Commercial Indo Bank LLC (CIBL), a joint venture
with State Bank of India (SBI), to SBI for approximately ₹121.29 crore.
CIBL, which was established in 2003, operates in Russia and is owned 60% by SBI and 40% by Canara
Bank. According to Canara Bank, the sale agreement was executed on November 11, 2022.
RBI’s Data Centre And Cybersecurity Training Institute To Come Up In Bhubaneswar.
Governor of the RBI, Shaktikanta Das, initiated the establishment of a "Greenfield Data Centre" and an
"Enterprise Computing & Cybersecurity Training Institute" in Bhubaneswar.
Canara Bank introduces Rupay Credit Card on UPI.
Canara Bank in collaboration with National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) launched the Rupay
Credit Card through UPI using the BHIM app.
RBI, Central Bank of UAE sign MoU to promote innovation in financial products and services.
Central Bank of UAE and RBI will jointly conduct proof-of-concept (PoC) and pilot(s) of bilateral CBDC
bridge to facilitate cross-border CBDC transactions of remittances and trade.

IDFC FIRST Bank Partners with Mumbai Indians as Official Banking Partner.
Suryodaya Small Finance Bank launched Blossom Women’s Savings Account.
Suryoday Small Finance Bank announced the launch of 'Blossom Women’s Savings Account' with 7 percent
per annum interest rate with monthly interest credit.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has permitted banks from 18 countries to open Special Vostro Rupee
Accounts (SVRAs) to settle payments in rupees.
What is a Vostro Account:
A vostro account is an account that domestic banks hold for foreign banks in the former’s domestic currency,
in this case, the rupee.
SBI raises Rs 3717cr from its third AT1 bond sale.
State Bank of India announced that it raised Rs 3,717 crore through the issuance of its third Basel III
Additional Tier 1 bonds in the current financial year at a coupon rate of 8.25 per.
Kotak Mutual fund launches ‘DigitALL’ campaign to celebrate International Women’s Day.
Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company (Kotak Mutual Fund) has launched a digital campaign called
‘DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality’..
RBI launches mission to make every citizen a user of digital payment.
In order to bridge the gap, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launched a mission -- "Har Payment Digital" – with
the aim of making every citizen in the country a user of digital payments.
The theme of the awareness week is “Adopt digital payments and Teach others also”.
The central bank will launch “Har Payment Digital” (HPD) mission that would run till the period of Vision
2025, with an intention to convert the non-users into users of digital payments. Vision 2025 has its theme as
“E-Payments for Everyone, Everywhere and Everytime”.
Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance launches ABSLI Nishchit Aayush Plan.
Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance (ABSLI), the life insurance subsidiary of Aditya Birla Capital Limited
(ABCL) launched a new-age savings solution ABSLI Nishchit Aayush Plan.
The maximum entry age to avail ABSLI Nishchit Aayush Plan is 55 years, while the minimum age is 30
days (Long term income option) and 30 years (Whole life income).
The minimum annualised premium is Rs 30,000.
RBI imposes restrictions on Musiri Urban Co-operative Bank.
The Reserve Bank of India imposed a Rs 5,000 cap on withdrawals by individual customers from Tamil
Nadu-based Musiri Urban Co-operative Bank.
SBI announces completion of $1 billion Syndicated Social Loan Facility.
State Bank of India (SBI) announced the completion of a $1 billion syndicated social loan facility. It is the
largest Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) loan by a commercial bank in the Asia Pacific and
the second-largest social loan globally.
RBI Launches Two Surveys To Gather ‘Useful Inputs’ For Monetary Policy.
The Reserve Bank of India launched two key surveys, the results of which provide “useful inputs” for the
central bank’s bi-monthly monetary policy. One of the surveys is to know inflation expectations of
households and the other is to gauze the consumer confidence.
HDFC Bank, IRCTC launch India’s most rewarding co-branded travel credit card.
Axis Bank completes deal to buy Citibank’s India consumer business.
Axis Bank announced that it would pay a consideration of up to Rs 12,325 crore to Citibank for the
acquisition
India’s digital payments market will more than triple to $10 trillion by 2026
Tata Group bags Title sponsorship rights for the Women’s Premier League to 2027.
APRIL 2023
India, Russia to explore possibility of accepting RuPay and Mir cards.
India and Russia will explore the possibility of accepting RuPay and Mir cards in each other's country for
hassle-free payments amid sanctions imposed by the West on Moscow.
The mutual acceptance of RuPay (India) and Mir cards (Russia) will help Indian and Russian citizens to
make hassle-free payments in Indian rupees and Russian ruble in their respective countries.

They agreed to explore the possibility of interaction with the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) of National
Payment Corporation of India and the Faster Payments System (FPS) of the Bank of Russia.
What is Mir?
Mir is a payment system in Russia.
It waslaunched in 2017.
The Central Bank of Russia has established the function of this payment option.
The Russian national card payment system operatesit.
Sberbank was the first Russian bank to issue payment cards under the Mir brand.
Ministry of Finance approves Navratna status to Rail Vikas Nigam.
The Government of India upgraded the status of Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) to 'Navratna' Central
Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE).
Prior to this upgrade, RVNL was earlier classified as a 'Miniratna' CPSE.
The decision to upgrade RVNL was approved by the Finance Minister and is effective from April 26, 2023.
RVNL is a mid-cap company under the Ministry of Railways.
For the year 2021-22, RVNL has an annual turnover of Rs 19,381 crore and a net profit of Rs 1,087 crore.
This upgrade makes RVNL the 13th Navratna company among CPSEs in India.
AIIB to open its first overseas office in Abu Dhabi.
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) signed an agreement to set up its first overseas office in Abu
Dhabi Global Market.
The AIIB is a multilateral development bank that prioritises financing infrastructure projects focused on
sustainability.
The strategic location of the office in the Middle East will enable AIIB to make a global impact in achieving
its goals..
PFC sanctions Rs 663 crore loan to Gensol Engineering for purchase of Electric Vehicles.
Power Finance Corporation (PFC), a Maharatna company and NBFC in the Indian power sector has
sanctioned a loan of Rs 633 crore to Gensol Engineering, for the purchase of 5000 passenger Electric Vehicles
(EVs) and 1000 cargo EVs.
The passenger EVs will be leased to Blusmart Mobility Pvt Ltd (BMPL) to expand its fleet of ride-hailing
cabs.
The first tranche of the loan has been disbursed, and the first lot of EV cabs has hit the roads of Delhi.
5000 Passenger E4W (Electric Four-Wheelers) funded by PFC are being deployed in Delhi and will result
in CO2 emission reduction.
Power Finance Corporation Ltd (PFC) It falls under the ownership of the Ministry of Power and has
achieved the status of Maharatna from Navratna on 12th October 2021.
City Union Bank launches India's first Voice Biometric Authentication banking app.
City Union Bank (CUB) launched India's first Voice Biometric Authentication banking app for its mobile
banking app which uses it to improve security.
The purpose of this feature is to provide an additional layer of security to customers while logging into their
accounts.
Chennai ranks among top 5 in digital payment transactions.
Chennai has emerged as one of the top digital payment transaction cities in the country in 2022, according
to a report by payment services firm Worldline India.
In terms of volume, according to Worldline India, Chennai has done 14.3 million transactions with a value
of USD 35.5 billion. It is at number five.
Bengaluru tops with 29 million transactions worth USD 65 billion, followed by New Delhi 19.6 million
transactions worth USD 50 billion, Mumbai (18.7 million transactions worth USD 49.5 billion), Pune (15
million transactions worth USD 32.8 billion).
What is a Digital Payment System?
A digital payment is sometimes called an electronic payment.
It is the transfer of value from one payment account to another using a digital device such as a mobile phone,
POS (Point of Sales) or computer.
Modes of Digital Payments
Unified Payments Interface (UPI)
Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM)
UPI 123PAY

UPI Lite
Cards (RuPay Debit Cards)
Immediate Payment Services (IMPS)
Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS).
UAE India's second largest export destination and third largest source of imports.
According to the annual trade data released by the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India, UAE is
the second most important export destination of India..
The US and the UAE retained their first and second positions, respectively, as India's top export destinations
during the financial year 2022-23.
The UAE ranked third among India's import sources in March 2023, after China and Russia
SBI unveils its coffee table book "The Banker to Every Indian"
State Bank of India (SBI) launched a coffee table book titled "The Banker to Every Indian" and the book
celebrates 75 years of Indian independence and 200 years of SBI's history.
The Coffee Table Book is a tribute to the spirit of India's independence and SBI's contribution to nation
building..
Solar Energy Corporation of India gets 'Miniratna Category-I' status.
Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) has been accorded the status of Miniratna Category-I
Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) on10th April, 2023..
SECI has achieved this feat in a short span of time due to its consistent performance, mobility and flexibility
in operations.
Cipla signs agreement with Novartis Pharma AG.
Indian multinational pharmaceutical company Cipla entered into a perpetual licence agreement with
Switzerland-based pharmaceutical company Novartis Pharma AG.
The agreement allows Cipla to manufacture and market diabetes drug Galvus and its combination brands
from January 1, 2026.
Galvus is an oral anti-diabetic medicine that contains Vildagliptin as an active ingredient in it. It is used for
the treatment of type 2 diabetes..
Novartis AG Headquarters - Basel, Switzerland.
Cipla Limited Headquarters - Mumbai..
IndusInd Bank signs co-financing loan agreement with Citibank and Japan International Cooperation
Agency (JICA).
IndusInd Bank signed a co-financing loan agreement with Citibank and Japan International Cooperation
Agency (JICA) for a funding line of $125 million.
The funding line will be used by IndusInd Bank to provide credit to the agriculture sector.
The co-financing includes JPY 13 billion (about $97.45 million) from JICA and a $30 million loan from
Citibank to IndusInd Bank.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to attend the Spring Annual Meetings of IMF- World Bank..
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is on a visit to the USA to attend the Spring Annual Meetings of the
International Monetary Fund (IMF) - World Bank.
The meeting is scheduled to take place from April 9 at the IMF headquarters in Washington DC.
Govt approves Kirit Parikh panel recommendations on natural gas pricing.
The government on April 7 fixed natural gas price at $7.92 per MMBTU (million British thermal units) for
the rest of April under the new pricing formula suggested by the Kirit Parekh Committee.
However, the final rates for consumers have been capped at $6.5 per MMBTU.
The Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) of the oil ministry said in the order that the price of
natural gas for April 8 to April 30 would be $7.92 per million British thermal units.
This price has been fixed on the basis of 10 per cent of the average cost of imported crude oil.
The Union Cabinet, while changing the pricing formula, capped the rates for consumers at $6.5 per
MMBTU. This limit will be applicable for two years till March 31, 2025..
Global trade expected to grow 1.7% in 2023: WTO.
The world trade organization (WTO) on 5th April revised its global trade growth outlook for 2023 upwards
to 1.7% from last October’s estimate of 1%.
The World Trade Organization said in its forecast that trade growth for 2024 is expected to be 3.2 percent.
However, the WTO said the forecast is highly uncertain and at a downside risk given the impact of ongoing
global tensions, food supply problems and monetary policy tightening.

Global trade growth in 2023 is still projected to be low, despite a slight increase in gross domestic product
(GDP) estimates since last fall.
Global commodity trade volumes are expected to grow by 1.7 percent this year, following a 2.7 percent
increase in 2022, given the effects of the war in Ukraine, continuing high inflation, tight monetary policy
and uncertainty in financial markets.
The six-member Monetary Policy Committee, headed by RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, announced
the status quo on policy rates on 6 April..
The Reserve Bank of India announced its bi-monthly monetary policy and kept the repo rate unchanged at
6.50 per cent.
In the MPC meeting held in February, the repo rate was increased by 0.25 percent to 6.50 percent.
At that time, RBI had said that the key policy rate had been increased by 0.25 per cent to keep retail inflation
under control and maintain a high growth rate.
The Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) rate will remain unchanged at 6.25 per cent and the Marginal Standing
Facility (MSF) rate and the Bank Rate at 6.75 per cent.
In the financial year 2023, there has been an increase of 6 percent in the production of food grains in the
country.
GDP growth in FY2024 could be 6.5%. The current account deficit stood at 2.7% of GDP in the October-
December quarter of FY23.
What is the Monetary Policy Committee?
Under Section 45ZB of the amended RBI Act 1934, the Central government is empowered to constitute
a six-member Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to determine the policy interest rate required to
achieve the inflation target.
The first such MPC was constituted on September 29, 2016.
As per the RBI Act, the MPC must meet a minimum of four times in a year.
The next meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee will be held from 6 to 8 June 2023.
DigiPortfolio launched by DBS Bank India.
DBS Bank India has launched a new investment solution called ‘digiPortfolio’, which uses technology and
human expertise to provide customised investment options for investors.
The digiPortfolio platform is run by Quantifeed, making it automated and easy to use, with two plans starting
at a minimum investment of ₹10,000 and ₹50,000, offering portfolio construction, monitoring, and
rebalancing services powered by Morningstar.
About DBS Bank
Its full document The Bank of Singapore Limited and The Bank Limited is a Singapore multinational
banking and financial services corporation based in Marina Bay, Singapore.
India, Malaysia can now trade in Indian rupee.
Ministry of External Affairs announced on 1 April that India and Malaysia have agreed to settle trade in the
Indian rupee.
In July 2022, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) allowed settlement of international trade in Indian currency.
This step has been taken only after this decision of the RBI.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs,trade between India and Malaysia can now be settled in Indian
Rupee (INR) in addition to the existing methods of settlement in other currencies.
The RBI initiative is aimed at facilitating trade growth and supporting the interests of the global trading
community in the Indian Rupee.
Kuala Lumpur-based India International Bank of Malaysia (IIBM) has introduced this system in India by
opening a special Rupee Vostro account through Union Bank of India.
Vostro accounts are used to make payments in domestic currency.
Vostro account is defined as an account maintained by a correspondent bank on behalf of another bank.
A Vostro account is established to enable a foreign correspondent bank to act as an agent or provide services
as an intermediary for a domestic bank..
MOIL Limited records 2nd highest Production since inception in FY’23
MOIL Limited has registered its second highest production since inception with production of 13.02 lakh
tonnes of manganese (Mn) ore in the financial year 2022-23, registering a growth of 6% over the previous
year.
The company has also achieved a capital expenditure of Rs 245 crore in FY23, which is 14% higher than
FY2021-22.

MOIL has achieved the best ever exploratory core drilling of 41,762 meters in FY23, which is 2.7 times the
average exploration achieved in the last 5 years.
The sales turnover of electrolytic manganese dioxide (EMD) reached a new high, more than 2 times that of
the previous year.
EMD is a 100% import substitution product, mostly used for manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and
batteries..
About MOIL
MOIL is a Schedule “A” Miniratna Category-I Company under the Union Ministry of Steel.
India’s Defence exports touch all-time high of 15 thousand 920 crore rupees.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on April 1 said that India’s defence exports have reached an all-time high
of 15 thousand 920 crore rupees in Financial Year 2022-2023..
India exported military hardware worth Rs 8,434 crore in 2020-21, Rs 9,115 crore in 2019-20 and Rs 10,745
crore in 2018-19.
The amount was Rs 4,682 crore in 2017-18 and Rs 1,521 crore in 2016-17.
The government has set a target of manufacturing defense hardware worth Rs 1,75,000 crore and taking
defense exports to Rs 35,000 crore by 2024-25..
services by 2025.
Axis Bank and Shriram Housing Finance partner for co-lending.
Axis Bank and Shriram Housing Finance Limited (SHFL) entered into a strategic partnership through the
Yubi Co.Lend platform under the co-lending model.
Aditya Birla Health Insurance partners with UCO Bank..
Aditya Birla Health Insurance Company Limited (ABHICL) has entered into a partnership with UCO Bank
to distribute health insurance products through the bank's branches across India.
UCO Bank's network of 3164 branches and over 40 million customers will allow ABHICL to expand its
national footprint.
India Post Payments Bank launches WhatsApp Banking Services..
India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) has announced the launch of WhatsApp Banking service in collaboration
with Airtel, a leading private sector telecom company..
Airtel will enable IPPB customers to seamlessly connect with the bank on WhatsApp...
IMF approves 15.6 billion dollar support package for Ukraine.
International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a $15.6 billion support package to aid the economic
recovery of conflict-torn country Ukraine.
Russian invasion has devastated Ukraine's economy, causing economic activity to shrink by about 30 percent
last year, according to the IMF.
War has destroyed capital stock and promoted poverty.
The 48-month Extended Fund Facility program approved by the Fund's Board amounts to approximately
$15.6 billion.
Ukraine, a country located in Eastern Europe, is the second largest country in the continent after Russia.
About International Monetary Fund (IMF).
India became its member in December 1945.
Managing Director - Kristalina Georgieva (Bulgaria)
Headquarter (HQ) - Washington, D.C., US.
It was established in 1944 in the aftermath of the Great Depression of the 1930s.
It is an organization of 190 member countries.
Reliance General becomes first insurer to accept CBDC in tie-up with YES Bank.
Reliance General Insurance has made history by becoming the first general insurance company to accept the
Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) e-Rupee (e₹) for premium payments.
Neobank Jupiter secures NBFC licence.
Jupiter, a neobanking startup, has obtained a non-banking finance company (NBFC) license from the
Reserve Bank of India (RBI), enabling the company to provide credit from its own resources..
Jupiter is a neobank, a type of digital bank that operates entirely online without any physical branches. It
was founded in 2019 by Jitendra Gupta.

Canara Bank, in partnership with the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH), has introduced a new
customer-friendly service called “Digitalised Submission of Form 15G/15H,” which is aimed at enhancing
customer satisfaction.
SBI seeks $500 million through issuance of dollar bonds.
The report also states that SBI currently has bonds worth $600 million that will mature in September 2023
and bonds worth $800 million that will mature in early 2024.
RBI allows AU Small Finance Bank to deal with foreign exchange.
AU Small Finance Bank has announced that it has been granted permission by the Reserve Bank of India
(RBI) to act as an authorized dealer in foreign exchange.
The bank has received a license to operate as an Authorized Dealer Category-I (AD-I) under section 10 of
FEMA, 1999
SBI reintroduces 400 days ‘Amrit Kalash’ retail term deposit scheme.
SBI has announced the re-introduction of its retail term deposit scheme, Amrit Kalash.
The scheme offers a special tenor of 400 days and provides an interest rate of 7.6% for senior citizens.
HDFC Bank Signs $300 Million Credit Agreement with Export-Import Bank of Korea.
Canara Bank and NPCI Launch Cross-Border Bill Payment Service for Indians in Oman.
Canara Bank and NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd (NBBL) have collaborated to launch a service that allows Indians
residing in Oman to make payments for their bills in India.
Canara Bank has achieved a significant feat by becoming India’s first public sector bank to provide inbound
cross-border bill payment services through BBPS.
RBI issues norms for acceptance of green deposits by banks.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released comprehensive instructions for banks and non-banking financial
companies (NBFCs) regarding the acceptance of 'green deposits' effective June 1, 2023.
SBI to launch new current accounts and savings accounts in FY24 to attract deposits.
The bank intends to launch two new variants of current accounts, one with a balance of ₹50,000 and another
with a balance of ₹50 lakh. It also plans to introduce a new savings account called “Parivar” (family) account.
RBI to launch centralised portal PRAVAAH for licencing, approval applications.
RBI is set to introduce a new secured web-based portal called "PRAVAAH", aimed at simplifying and
streamlining the application processes.
The portal will display the timeframes for deciding on applications and approvals, leading to greater
effectiveness in regulatory processes and making it easier for regulated entities to do business with RBI.
Public sector banks transfer Rs 35,012 crore unclaimed deposits to RBI.
Several public sector banks in India have transferred a total of Rs 35,012 crore ($4.7 billion) in unclaimed
deposits to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced that Neeraj Nigam has been appointed as the new executive director
(ED).
Fino Payments Bank has renewed its association with Rajasthan Royals (RR) for the season 16 of IPL.
Fino Bank will be RR’s official Digital Banking Partner.
Bank of Maharashtra inaugurated its first dedicated Branch for Start-ups in Pune.
The dedicated branch will provide all kinds of support to a startup during its growth jou.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has shared details on India’s International Investment Position (IIP) at the
end of December 2022.
According to the data, non-residents’ net claims in India dropped by US$ 12.0 billion between October and
December 2022, settling at US$ 374.5 billion by the end of December 2022.
Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced its plans to invest in non-convertible debentures valued
at Rs 150 crore in Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd (TPDDL).
Ashneer Grover launched cricket fantasy sports app ‘CrickPe’.
Ashneer Grover, co-founder of BharatPe, has launched a new cricket-focused fantasy sports app named
CrickPe ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) tournament.
Swiss authorities have orchestrated a shotgun merger between UBS and Credit Suisse, with UBS agreeing
to buy its rival for 3 billion Swiss francs ($3.23 billion).
IDFC Mutual Fund has rebranded itself as Bandhan Mutual Fund.
Competition Commission of India said that it has cleared Reliance Industries Ltd's Rs 2,850 crore acquisition
of the Indian business of German retailer Metro AG..

Indian commercial vehicle manufacturer, Ashok Leyland, has launched an “All Women Production Line”
with 100 per cent female employees at its Hosur plant in Tamil Nadu.
US emerges as India’s biggest trading partner in FY23 at $128.55 bn; China at second position.
The bilateral trade between India and the United States has risen by 7.65% to reach $128.55 billion in the
fiscal year 2022-23, making the United States India's largest trading partner.
MRF emerges as ‘second strongest tyre brand in the world’.
According to a recent report by Brand Finance, a U.K.-based brand valuation consultancy, MRF Ltd. has
been ranked as the second-strongest tyre brand in the world.
SEBI introduces Application Supported by Blocked Amount (ASBA) -like facility for secondary market
trading in India.
ASBA is a payment mechanism that allows investors to block their funds in their savings accounts instead
of transferring the money to the broker’s account during IPO subscriptions.
Tata Steel plans to set up a 10-tonnes-per-day pilot plant at its Kalinganagar facility in Odisha to produce
methanol using blast furnace flue gases.
Bimonthly RBI monetary policy: RBI Rates
Policy Repo Rate: 6.50%
Standing Deposit Facility (SDF): 6.25%
Marginal Standing Facility Rate: 6.75%
Bank Rate: 6.75%
Fixed Reverse Repo Rate: 3.35%
Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR): 4.50%
Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR): 18.00%.
The government introduced the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023, which aims to increase the country's
exports to USD 2 trillion by 2030.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal presented FTP 2023, which will be implemented starting
from April 1, 2023.
MAY 2023
Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Ashwani Kumar,
Executive Director, Indian Bank, as the Managing Director and CEO of UCO Bank.
Ashwini Kumar will replace Soma Shankar Prasad.
India's defence exports increased 23 times since 2014.
India's defence exports have grown 23-fold since 2014, reaching an all-time high of nearly Rs 16,000 crore
in the last financial year.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal has announced 30 per cent
financial assistance to promote green shipping.
Green Hydrogen hubs will be developed at the Deendayal Port at Kandla and Chidambaranar Port at
Tuticorin.
Two tugs each will be procured for Jawaharlal Nehru, VO Chidambaranar, Paradip and Deendayal ports
under the Green Tug Transition Programme.
EPFO adds 1.39 crore members during financial year 2022-23.
The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has added 1.39 crore members during the financial
year 2022-23.
India Achieves 47 % growth in Coal Production during last Nine Years.
During the last nine years, India's total coal production has increased by 47 percent to 893.08 million tonnes
(MT) and supply has reached 877.74 million tonnes, registering a growth of 45.37 percent.
In FY2023, the country has made a huge jump in the history of coal production with 893.08 MT.
As per the action plan for 2023-24 of the Ministry of Coal, there is a target of 1012 million tonnes of coal
production in the financial year 2023-24 by increasing overall production, efficiency, stability and adoption
of new technologies..
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to withdraw Rs 2,000 denomination banknotes from circulation
under the "Clean Note Policy".
Rs 2,000 notes will continue to be legal tender.

Individuals can deposit the Rs 2,000 banknotes into their bank accounts or exchange them for other
denominations at any bank branch.
From May 23, 2023, Rs 2,000 notes can be exchanged for other denominations up to a limit of Rs 20,000 at
a time at any bank branch.
RBI's 19 regional offices with issue departments will also provide the facility to exchange Rs 2,000 banknotes
up to a limit of Rs 20,000 at a time from May 23.
All banks to offer deposit and/or exchange services for Rs 2,000 notes by September 30, 2023.
Clean Note Policy:
The clean note policy was introduced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in 1999 to address the issue of
soiled and mutilated notes.
The objective of the Clean Note Policy is to provide good quality currency notes and coins to the customers.
Soiled and mutilated currency notes can be easily exchanged at teller counters under the RBI's note refund
rules of 2009.
The Rs 2000 banknotes were introduced in 2016 to meet the immediate currency requirements after the
withdrawal of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes during the demonetization exercise.
As of March 31, 2023, the value of Rs 2000 banknotes in circulation has decreased to Rs 3.62 lakh crore,
constituting only 10.8% of the total notes in circulation.
The Rs 2,000 denomination banknote was introduced in November 2016 under Section 24(1) of RBI Act,
1934.
Defence production crosses Rs 1 lakh crore mark for the first time ever.
The value of defense production in the financial year (FY) 2022-23 has crossed the Rs one lakh crore mark
for the first time.
The value is currently Rs 1,06,800 crore and may increase further once data is received from the remaining
private defense industries.
The present value of defense production in FY 2022-23 is over 12 per cent higher than Rs 95,000 crore in
FY 2021-22.
The vision of the government
services by 2025.
Competition Commission of India (CCI) on 18 May approved the proposed merger of Credit Suisse
Group AG with UBS Group AG.
UBS Group AG (UBS) is a multinational investment bank and financial services company
It is a Switzerland based company and is active globally.
Government sets up fast track Corporate Exit Processing Center.
The government established the Expedited Corporate Exit Processing Center (C-PACE) and C-PACE is
under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
The C-PACE aims to streamline and speed up the process of winding up defunct companies.
It functions under the Registrar of Companies (ROC) as per sub-section (1) of section 396.
The C-PACE office was inaugurated on May 1, 2023.
Government to set up 1,100 new farmer producer organisations in the cooperative sector.
The government will set up 1,100 new Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in the cooperative sector and
the initiative is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "prosperity through cooperation".
The National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) will monitor the allotment of these additional
FPOs.
Each FPO will get financial assistance of Rs 33 lakh.
Cluster based business organisations associated with FPOs will be given Rs 25 lakh per FPO.
Cabinet approves Production Linked Incentive Scheme - 2.0 for IT Hardware.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 17th May approved the Production
Linked Incentive Scheme 2.0 for IT Hardware with a budgetary outlay Rs 17,000 crore.
Electronics manufacturing in India has seen a steady growth with a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth
Rate) of 17% in the last 8 years.
This year it crossed a major benchmark in production of USD 105 billion (about Rs 9 lakh crore).
India has become the second largest mobile phone manufacturer in the world.
The government has launched this scheme with an outlay of around Rs 2 lakh crore for 14 sectors including
Automobiles and Auto Components, White Goods, Pharma, Textiles, Advanced Chemistry Cell and
Specialty Steel.

Bank of Baroda partnered with National e-Governance Services Limited (NESL) to launch the Electronic
Bank Guarantee (BG) system on digital platforms.
RBI invites firms to participate in Greenwashing TechSprint.
RBI has announced its participation in the Global Financial Innovation Network (GFIN) greenwashing
techsprint.
TechSprint is part of RBI's efforts to promote sustainable finance and ensure that financial products marketed
as green or sustainable are actually aligned with environmental objectives.
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has recently launched the Automated Return
Scrutiny Module for GST returns..
This module will enable tax officers to scrutinize GST returns of centrally administered taxpayers based on
data analytics and risks identified by the system.
The main functions of CBIC include policy-making, implementation, and administration of indirect taxes,
and prevention of smuggling and evasion of taxes.
Anti-Dumping Duty on Imported Optical Fiber from China, Korea, Indonesia.
DGTR, an arm of the Ministry of Commerce, has recommended imposition of anti-dumping duty on
imports of a certain type of optical fiber from China, Korea and Indonesia to protect the domestic industry
from cheap inbound shipments.
The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has recommended the duty after examination on
dumped imports of 'Dispersion Unshifted Single-Mode Optical Fiber' from these countries.
The product is mainly applied to high-data rate, long distance and access network transportation.
Birla Furukawa Fiber Optics Pvt Ltd had asked on behalf of the domestic industry to initiate an anti-dumping
investigation on this product.
HSBC Bank has been fined Rs 1.73 crore by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for violating the Credit
Information Companies Rules 2006 (CIC Rules)..
The central bank has accused the bank of providing false information about its credit cards to credit
information companies.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) launched the G20 TechSprint
2023 competition for cross-border payments innovation.
The competition focuses on three problem statements: AML/CFT, sanctions technology and CBDC
platform
Techsprint fosters collaboration between financial institutions, technology providers and stakeholders to
develop innovative solutions for cross-border payments.
The competition is open to global innovators and aims to showcase innovative technology solutions for cross
border payments.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman attended the 56th Annual General Meeting of the Board of Directors
of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Incheon, South Korea.
Airtel Payments Bank in collaboration with National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) introduced
face authentication for Aadhaar-Enabled Payment System (AePS).
Microsoft launches two new initiatives to support Indian SMBs.
Microsoft India launched two new initiatives to support small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in their
digital transformation journey.
Coal Ministry Action Plan 2023 -24 : Targets 1012 Million Tonne Coal Production.
Ministry of Coal has prepared an action plan for the financial year 2023-24 with the aim of making
Atmanirbhar Bharat by increasing production, efficiency, sustainability, new technologies etc. in the coal
sector.
Coal Production - The total coal production target of 1012 MT for FY 2023-24.
The combined Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) increased by 3.6 percent (provisional) in March 2023 as
compared to the Index of March 2022.
The production of Coal, Fertilizers, Steel, Natural Gas, and Refinery Products increased in March 2023 over
the corresponding month of last year.
ICI measures combined and individual performance of production of eight core industries viz Coal, Crude
Oil, Natural Gas, Refinery Products, Fertilizers, Steel, Cement and Electricity.
The Eight Core Industries comprise 40.27 percent of the weight of items included in the Index of Industrial
Production (IIP).
Visa introduces Card Verification Value (CVV)-free payments for tokenized cards in India.

Visa has launched a new feature CVV-free payments in India that allows users to make online payments
without the need for a CVV number.
This facility is applicable on tokenized credit and debit cards and is available only for domestic transactions
in India.
The card is tokenized by securing it with a unique code and transactions are completed using a two-factor
authentication process that does not require the 16-digit card number or any other card details
RBI Launches ‘100 Days 100 Pays’ Campaign to Settle Unclaimed Deposits.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently initiated the ‘100 Days 100 Pays’ campaign, aimed at tracing and
settling the top 100 unclaimed deposits of every bank in every district within a span of 100 days.
This campaign is part of the RBI’s ongoing efforts to reduce the quantum of unclaimed deposits in the
banking system and ensure their rightful return to owners or claimants.
Razorpay Launches ‘Turbo UPI’ for Seamless One-Step Payments to Online Merchants.
YES Bank announced the unveiling of its new logo, which forms part of its "refreshed brand identity."
Equitas Small Finance Bank has entered into a partnership with IBM Consulting to develop and construct a
digital banking platform.
RBI Annual Report 2022-23: General Government Deficit and Debt Moderate to 9.4% and 86.5% of GDP,
Respectively
RBI Imposes Rs 84.50 Lakh Penalty on Central Bank of India for Non-Compliance with Fraud Reporting
Norms.
The penalty was imposed after a statutory inspection revealed the bank’s non-compliance with reporting
fraudulent accounts within the specified timeframe.
Indian Bank Joins ICCL as Clearing and Settlement Bank.
Indian Bank announced that it has been selected as a Clearing and Settlement Bank by the Indian Clearing
Corporation Ltd (ICCL).
Bank of Maharashtra Emerges as Top Performer in NPA Management during FY23.
Bank of Maharashtra: BoM secured the top spot with a net NPA ratio of 0.25%.
HDFC Bank: HDFC Bank followed closely with a net NPA ratio of 0.27%.
Kotak Mahindra Bank: Kotak Mahindra Bank secured the third position with a net NPA ratio of 0.37% of
net advances.
RBI Approves Merger of Maratha Co-op Bank with Cosmos Co-op Bank, Mumbai.
The regulatory approval has been granted under the provisions of Section 44A(4) read with Section 56 of the
Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
Axis Bank Introduces ‘Sarathi’ – A Digital Onboarding Platform for Electronic Data Capture (EDC)
or Point of Sale (PoS) terminals.
SEBI approves HDFC Bank as new owner of HDFC AMC.
As part of the amalgamation, existing shareholders of HDFC Ltd will hold a 41% stake in HDFC Bank.
Conversely, HDFC Bank will be entirely owned by public shareholders.
Google Pay Introduces Support for RuPay Credit Cards on UPI, Expanding Digital Payment Options.
Paytm Money Launches Bonds Platform, Making Investing Easier for Retail Investors.
IRDAI Relaxes Norms for Surety Bonds, Boosting India’s Insurance Market.
Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has recently announced the relaxation
of norms for surety bonds, a type of insurance policy that protects parties involved in transactions or contracts
from potential financial losses resulting from breaches or non-performance.
No TCS on LRS transactions upto Rs 7 lakh via international debit, credit cards from July 1, 2023.
The Indian government has recently announced a relaxation in the Tax Collected At Source (TCS) rules for
international transactions made using debit or credit cards.
Starting from July 1, 2023, individuals conducting international transactions up to Rs 7 lakh will be exempt
from the 20 percent TCS levy.
This exemption will also exclude these transactions from the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) limits
of $250,000 per annum.
PSU Banks’ Profit Crosses Rs 1 Lakh Crore Mark in FY23.
IDBI, BOB, and SBI Capital Chosen to Manage IREDA IPO for Renewable Energy Development.
The IPO of IREDA is anticipated to take place in the financial year 2023-24. It will comprise a 10% stake
sale by the government and a 15% fresh equity issuance by IREDA.

RBI approves Rs 87,416 Crore Surplus Transfer to Government for FY23.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the transfer of Rs 87,416 crore surplus to the government for the
financial year 2022-23.
This amount is nearly three times higher than the previous year’s transfer of Rs 30,307 crore.
The surplus transfer of Rs 87,416 crore from the RBI to the central government is expected to bring in
additional revenue of around 0.2 percent of GDP.
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) recently issued a notification clarifying that interest earned from
Mahila Samman Savings Certificate (MSSC) will not be subject to Tax Deducted at Source (TDS).
The Mahila Samman Savings Certificate scheme was introduced during FY23 as a savings option exclusively
for girls and women.
It offers an attractive annual interest rate of 7.5% and allows individuals to open an account in their name.
The maximum deposit limit for the scheme is set at Rs. 2 lakh, making it an accessible and empowering
financial instrument for women.
The Mahila Samman Savings Certificate scheme comes with a maturity tenure of 2 years. Individuals can
invest a minimum amount of Rs. 1,000 and a maximum amount of Rs. 2 lakh in the plan.
RBI Cancels Certificate of Registration of 7 NBFCs and Surrender Permits of 14 NBFCs.
NBFCs are companies registered under the Companies Act, 1956, engaged in various financial activities.
Export lender Exim Bank Plans to Raise Record $4 Billion in FY24 for Trade Finance and Term Loans.
Export Import Bank of India, commonly known as Exim Bank, plans to raise up to a record $4 billion in
financial year 2023-24 (FY24) for extending trade finance and term loans.
Exim Bank’s net profit more than doubled to Rs 1,556 crore in FY23 from Rs 738 crore in FY22.
Exim Bank’s gross non-performing assets (NPA) rose to 4.09% at the end of March 2023 from 3.56% at the
end of March 2022.
Exim Bank’s capital adequacy ratio (CAR) stood at 25.43% in March 2023, compared to 30.49% a year ago.
AU Small Finance Bank introduces RuPay credit card for self-employed Customers.
AIBEA Introduces “Bank Clinic” to Assist Bank Customers with Grievance Redressal.
All India Bank Employees' Association (AIBEA) has announced plans to establish an online "Bank Clinic"
to assist retail bank customers with grievance redressal.
Cashfree Payments partners with YES Bank to offer Global Collections service for exporters.
BharatPe rebrands PAYBACK India as ‘Zillion’.
BharatPe, a leading fintech company in India, has announced the rebranding of PAYBACK India, the
country's largest multi-brand loyalty program, as 'Zillion.'
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has increased its gold reserves by 4.5% to 794.64 metric tonnes in the fiscal year
that ended on March 31, 2023.
SEBI has introduced the Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) system.
SEBI has introduced the Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) system for issuers that have listed or are planning to
list non-convertible securities, securitized debt instruments, and security receipts.
The LEI code is a 20-character code that identifies legally distinct entities that engage in financial
transactions
HDFC Bank has launched a retail banking initiative called 'Vishesh' aimed at customers in semi-urban and
rural areas..
GetVantage secures NBFC licence from RBI.
GetVantage, a fintech platform offering alternative financing solutions, has obtained an NBFC licence from
the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Its lending operations will be managed by its NBFC subsidiary, GetGrowth
Capital.
The platform plans to raise a total of ₹200 crore to expand its lending operations.
As per the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) report on Currency and Finance (RCF) for the year 2022-23, India
would require at least 2.5% of GDP annually until 2030 for green financing.
India has set an objective to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.
HDFC Bank launches digital distribution platform for its agents and partners.
HDFC Bank has introduced its digital distribution platform, HDFC Bank Smart Saathi, to connect business
correspondents (BCs) and business facilitators (BFs) to the bank.
Scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) reported a robust credit growth of 15.4% in FY23 compared to 9.7%
in FY22.
Robust credit growth in FY23 driven by personal loans, services sector, and agriculture

Reliance General becomes first insurer to accept CBDC in tie-up with YES Bank.
Reliance General Insurance has made history by becoming the first general insurance company to accept the
Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) e-Rupee (e₹) for premium payments
AGREEMENT, SIGN & MoU IN NEWS 2023

JANUARY 2023
NITI Aayog’s AIM, CBSE, and Intel India Collaborate to Bring Change in Education Sector.
Atal Innovation Mission – NITI Aayog, Central Board of Secondary Education -Ministry of Education, and
Intel India have collaborated to bring a change in the education sector by embedding future skills such as AI
and Tinkering in the formal curriculum.
India Signed MoU Between Prasar Bharati and National Media Authority of Egypt.
National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) and Healthcare Sector Skill
Council (HSSC) Signed MoU for Recognition and Skilling of Healthcare Professionals.
International Hockey Federation FIH Partners with JSP Foundation for Hockey Development and Men's
World Cup Lausanne, Switzerland.
Indian Ports Association (IPA) and Research & Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) Signed
an Agreement to Set Up Centre for Maritime Economy and Connectivity.
Gogoro, Belrise to Bet $2.5 bn on Battery-swapping Infra in Maharashtra.
Taiwan-headquartered electric vehicle and infrastructure company Gogoro is advancing its plans to deploy
battery swapping network in India.
Warehousing Development Regulatory Authority (WDRA) has signed MoU with the State Bank of India
in order to help farmers in getting low-interest-rate loans.
An Indo-Russian Joint venture has started manufacturing Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifles in Amethi,
Uttar Pradesh.
Korwa Ordnance Factory in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh has produced the first batch of 7.62 mm Kalashnikov
AK-203 assault rifles.
Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with chapters of 8
countries of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO).
The MoUs were signed with France Metropole Paris, Mauritius, Reunion Island, Martinique, Sri Lanka,
GOPOI International, Malaysia, and Mauritius.
Sony Sports signs Hyundai Ioniq 5, Samsonite as sponsors for Australian Open 2023.
Broadcaster Sony Sports Network, which will air the Australian Open this month across its channels and
OTT app SonyLiv.
India and Panama have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to encourage cooperation in the
training of diplomats.
‘Hockey Wali Sarpanch’ inks pact with NABARD to strengthen farmers in Rajasthan’s village.
eneral Atomic Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) and Bharat Forge Limited, India have announced a
partnership to manufacture main landing gear components.
International Hockey Federation tie-up with JSW as global World Cup partner.
International Hockey Federation (FIH) has signed a partnership with the JSW Group for the upcoming FIH
Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 Bhubaneswar-Rourkela.
ISRO and Microsoft Signed MoU to Boost Indian Space Tech Ecosystem.
NTPC Green Energy Ltd (NGEL) signed an agreement with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL)
for the development of renewable energy-based power projects.
IIT Madras & DRDO tie-up for Advanced Defence Technologies
FEBRUARY 2023
Infosys Collaborates with Microsoft to Accelerate Industry Adoption of Cloud.
Abu Dhabi defence firm inked MOU with India’s HAL.

Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL), an aerospace company in India, and EDGE, the top defence company in
the UAE, inked a Memorandum of Understanding at the International Defense Exhibition and Conference
(IDEX).
Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, New Zealand, and Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH),
Mumbai, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to engage in long-term cooperation in
cancer care
Uber signed an MoU with Tata Motors, India’s leading carmaker, to bring 25,000 electric vehicles onto the
platform.
The agreement between Uber and Tata Motors is the largest EV commitment
Ministry of Rural Development Signed MoU with Meesho.
Cabinet approves MoU between India , Chile in Agricultural Sector.
Cabinet Approves Signing of the MoU between the India and South Africa for cooperation in Disability
Sector.
India and Spain agreed to cooperate in digital infra, climate action, clean energy.
India, Fiji Ink MoU on visa exemption for diplomatic, official passport holders.
Defence Ministry inks deal with L&T for procurement of 41 modular bridges valued at over Rs 2,585 crore,
providing a significant boost to the “Aatmanirbar Bharat” initiative.
Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) and the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU)
Signed MoU for Setting Up Digital Forensic Laboratories.
India signs MoU with Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle Joint Business Council to promote
adoption of energy efficiency.
eneral Atomic Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) and Bharat Forge Limited, India have announced a
partnership to manufacture main landing gear components.
India welcomes Congo into International Solar Alliance
A total of 107 countries have signed the ISA Framework Agreement.
Out of 107 nations, 86 have signed and ratified the ISA Framework Agreement.
Reliance Consumer Products Limited announced a strategic partnership with Sri Lanka-headquartered
Maliban Biscuit Manufactories Limited.
MARCH 2023
L&T signs agreement with France-based McPhy for electrolyzer manufacturing.
Government signs MoU with 27 steel companies, kickstarting Rs 6,322-crore PLI scheme
Ministry of Steel has signed 57 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with 27 companies for specialty
steel production under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme.
The government has allocated Rs. 6322 crores to boost the steel sector and generate an investment of about
Rs. 30,000 crores, creating an additional capacity of approximately 25 million tonnes of specialty steel over
the next five years.
India & World Bank signs loan agreement for construction of Green National Highway Corridors Project
in 4 States.
Government of India and the World Bank have signed an agreement for the development of Green National
Highway Corridors in 4 states, with loan assistance of $500 million.
Which 4 states covered under this agreement:
An aggregate length of 781 km will be constructed in the states of Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar
Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.
Australia, India agree on strengthening economic, defence ties.
India, US to sign memorandum of understanding on semiconductors.
HCL Technologies partners Microsoft to bring quantum computing to clients
World Bank commits $1 billion to India for public healthcare infra.
By financing of $1 billion, the World Bank will support India’s flagship Pradhan Mantri-Ayushman Bharat
Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), launched in October 2021.

National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) and NCERT sign MoU to strengthen value-based sports education
amongst school children and teachers.
India and Australia sign a framework mechanism for mutual recognition of qualifications.
Germany pursue an agreement with India to build 6 submarines for $5.2 billion.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s visit to India on February 25–26 will focus on advancing a $5.2 billion
agreement between Germany and India to jointly construct six conventional submarines in India.
APRIL 2023
Arya.ag announces partnership with Shivalik Small Finance Bank to drive farmers’ financial inclusion.
Cummins and Tata Motors form joint venture for sustainable technology products in India.
Global power technology company, Cummins Inc, has entered into a definitive agreement with Tata Motors
Ltd to manufacture a range of low-to-zero-emissions technology products in India.
India, UK sign agreement to collaborate on science and innovation.
Indian Army and Tezpur University sign MoU on Chinese language training for army personnel.
Cipla Inks Licensing Pact With Novartis For Diabetes Drug.
Cipla has entered into a licensing agreement with Novartis Pharma AG to produce and market the Galvus
range, which is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, effective from January 1, 2026
Nepal and India to Sign Agreement for Cross-Border Digital Payments.
IIT-Kanpur partners with defence PSU to focus on innovation.
Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) at IIT Kanpur has entered into a Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR) agreement with Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited.
IIT-Bombay and UIDAI join hands to develop touchless biometric system.
India and Romania sign first Defence Cooperation Agreement to strengthen bilateral relations.
SJVN gets Rs 915 crore ‘GREEN’ finance from Japan Bank for International Cooperation.
SJVN Ltd, a state-owned company, has secured Rs 915 crore in ‘GREEN’ financing from Japan Bank for
International Cooperation (JBIC) to support its 90 MW Omkareshwar floating solar project in Madhya
Pradesh and 100 MW Raghanesda solar project in Gujarat.
MAY 2023
India and Australia Sign Agreements on Migration and Green Hydrogen Task Force.
Ministry of Ayush and ICMR sign an MoU to promote and collaborate on integrative health research.
MakeMyTrip collaborates with Microsoft to introduce voice assisted booking in Indian languages.
India, Israel sign MoU for industrial research and development cooperation.
NTPC and Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) sign agreement for joint development of
nuclear power plants.
‘NET Zero’ Innovation Virtual Centre to be jointly created by India-UK.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2023

JANUARY 2023
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has awarded $425 million to The Boeing
Company for a sustainable flight demonstrator project.
Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on 26 January unveiled world’s first intranasal COVID-19
vaccine, iNNCOVACC in New Delhi.
It is developed by Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL) in collaboration with Biotechnology Industry
Research Assistance (BIRAC).

An IIT Madras incubated firm has developed an indigenous mobile operating system 'Bharos’ that can
benefit India's 100 crore mobile phone users.
It was developed by JandK Operations Pvt Ltd (JandKops).
Recently, a new exoplanet named LHS 475b has been discovered by the James Webb Space Telescope of
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)..
Entire country to be covered by doppler weather radar network by 2025.
Union Minister of State for Earth Sciences, Dr Jitendra Singh on 15 January informed that by 2025, the
entire country will be covered by Doppler weather radar network so that extreme weather events can be
predicted more accurately.
Tech startup firm IG Drones has developed India's first 5G-enabled drone capable of vertical take-off and
landing.
This drone has been named Skyhawk.
India to send three person to 6,000 metre below sea level under Samudrayaan Mission.
India will send three men six thousand metres below sea level to search for mineral resources under the
Earth Sciences Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said, a vehicle named MATSYA 6000 will carry three people and
this mission is expected to be realized in the next three years.
World's first vaccine for honeybees approved for use by United States.
India’s largest power company NTPC Ltd has commissioned India’s first green hydrogen blending project
at Kawas, Gujarat.
SMART’ (Scope for Mainstreaming Ayurveda Research in Teaching Professionals)’ program for Ayurveda
professionals launched to regulate and boost R&D in Ayurveda.
The SMART program has been jointly launched by the Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) and the Central
Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS).
FEBRUARY 2023
In a major achievement, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has launched the indigenously built jammer-proof
communication platform 'Vayulink'.
The jammer-proof platform 'Vayulink' data link communication uses the Indian Regional Navigation
Satellite System (IRNSS), also known as NAVIC.
China has launched the Zhongxing-26 satellite in February 2023 at a cost of $333 million.
The Zhongxing-26 satellite was launched on a Long March 3B rocket.
Russian space agency, Roscosmos has successfully launched the Soyuz spacecraft to bring back three
astronauts stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) following aleak in the cooling system in their
Soyuz capsule.
Two Russian and one American astronauts will board the empty Soyuz spacecraft to return to Earth.
The Soyuz MS-23 spacecraft was launched from the Baikonur Space Center in Kazakhstan and placed in
orbit.
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed a new variety of wheat which is
'HD-3385'.
ICAR has registered the news variety HD-3385 with the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights
Authority (PPVFRA).
India's first hybrid rocket made by the school students from various states launched as part of Dr APJ Abdul
Kalam Satellite Launch Vehicle Mission 2023 from Pattipulam Village in Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu.
India's first private rocket Vikram-S (Suborbital) was launched on 18 November 2022 from the Satish
Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
It was designed by the Space technology startup Skyroot Aerospace.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on 19 February said that the 'Chandrayaan-3' lander has
"successfully" underwent the Electro-Magnetic Interference/Electro-Magnetic Compatibility (EMI/EMC)
test at the U R Rao Satellite Centre.
Saudi Arabia's first female astronaut is set to go into space this year, in what is seen as a move to reform
Saudi Arabia's ultra-conservative image.
Saudi female astronaut Rayna Barnawi will join Saudi Ali Al-Qarni on a 10-day mission to the International
Space Station (ISS) this year.

Indian Space Research Organization has launched its smallest rocket SSLV-D2 into space from Satish
Dhawan Space Center (Sriharikota).
ISRO's SSLV-D2 flew into space carrying three satellites with it.
These include ISRO's satellite EOS-07, Chennai-based space startup Spacekidz's satellite Azad SAT-2 and
American company Antaris's satellite JANUS -1..
Recently, Google has launched an Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered chatbot named "Google Bard"to
compete with ChatGPT.
India's first Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H2-ICE) truck was unveiled by Prime Minister
Narendra Modi.
The ICE in the H2-ICE stands for Internal Combustion Engine.
It is developed by Reliance Industries (RIL) in association with Ashok Leyland.
MARCH 2023
The first quantum computing-based telecom network link has been activated in India and is located between
Sanchar Bhawan and National Informatics Center (NIC) office at CGO Complex in New Delhi.
Telecom Network Link provides quantum secure communications, making it highly resistant to hacking
attempts and cyber threats.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is training four people to live on Mars in June
2023.
These four 'Martians' will be part of NASA's human exploration mission to Mars.
These four people will be a part of NASA's Human Exploration Journey to Mars.
For the first time in the country, the decision on bail in the case of 'murder' with the help of ChatGPT.
For the first time in the country, the Punjab and Haryana High Court used Artificial Intelligence based
ChatGPT (ChatGPT) during the hearing of the bail plea in the murder case.
Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) Researchers have developed a three-dimensional (3D)
paper-based portable device that can detect adulteration in milk within 30 seconds.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on 26 March successfully launched India’s largest Launch
Vehicle Mark-III (LVM3) rocket/OneWeb India-2 Mission with 36 satellites onboard from Satish Dhawan
Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
The LVM-III will deploy 36 satellites of the UK-based Network Access Associated Ltd (OneWeb) to Low
Earth Orbit (LEO)..
The OneWeb Group Company has inked a contract with ISRO's commercial arm NewSpace India Ltd to
launch 72 satellites into LEO.
NASA-ISRO to jointly build NISAR Earth Science Satellite.
In a significant event in the field of Earth Sciences, NASA and ISRO have come together to build a satellite
named NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar).
Design, Develop and launch a Dual Frequency (L and S band) Radar Imaging Satellite.
It is jointly developed by NASA and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) under a partnership
agreement signed in 2014.
Asia's largest 4-meter International Liquid Mirror Telescope was launched in Devasthal in Uttarakhand.
It has been established at the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) located in
Nainital, Uttarakhand.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch OneWeb India-2 mission from Satish Dhawan
Space Centre in Sriharikota on March 26.
Under a commercial agreement with NewSpace India Ltd, will launch 72 satellites of UK-based Network
Recently, DGCI developed an important drug, developed by DRDO technology that has been approved for
radiological and nuclear emergencies.
The drug is called 'Prussian Blue' insoluble formulation and has been developed under the Technology
Development Fund (TDF) scheme..
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) recently successfully carried out a controlled descent of its 12-
year-old low earth orbit satellite Megha Tropiques-1 (MT-1) into the Pacific Ocean.
About Megha Tropiques Satellite.
This satellite was launched in October 2011 by ISRO in collaboration with the French space agency CNES

APRIL 2023
Union Cabinet approved a project to build an advanced gravitational-wave detector in Maharashtra at an
estimated cost of Rs 2,600 crore. The facility’s construction is expected to be completed by 2030.
This mega-science project includes the construction, commissioning and joint scientific operation of a state-
of-the-art, advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) in India in collaboration
with the NSF-funded LIGO Laboratory, USA.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is training four people to live on Mars in June
2023.
These four 'Martians' will be part of NASA's human exploration mission to Mars.
These four people will be a part of NASA's Human Exploration Journey to Mars.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on 22nd April successfully launched its PSLV-C55/TeLEOS-
2 mission, sending two Singapore-made satellites into space.
The launch vehicle lifted off at its scheduled launch time from Isro's Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC)
in Andhra Pradesh's Sriharikota.
About Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle C55 (PSLV-C55) mission.
It is a ‘dedicated commercial’ mission undertaken by ISRO through NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the
space agency's commercial arm.
SpaceX’s next-generation Starship, the world’s biggest rocket, exploded during its first test-flight to space
near Brownsville, Texas.
It is powered by 33 Raptor engines using sub-cooled liquid methane (CH4) and liquid oxygen (LOX).
ISRO will launch Singapore's TeLEOS-2 satellite using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) from the
Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota..
TeLEOS-1, Singapore's first commercial Earth observation satellite, was launched by ISRO in 2015 and
since then, ISRO has launched nine satellites for Singapore.
China successfully launched the Fengyun-3 meteorological satellite using Chang Zheng-4B carrier rocket
from Jiuquan Cosmodrome in Gansu Province.
Kenya launched its first operational Earth observation satellite "Taifa-1" on a rocket of Elon Musk's rocket
company ‘SpaceX’ from Vandenberg Base in California ..
Taifa-1 was designed and developed by SayariLabs and EnduroSat and the satellite was built over two years
at a cost of 50 million Kenyan shillings ($372,000).
A team of nuclear physicists of Japan has discovered a previously unknown uranium isotope with atomic
number 92 and mass 241.
The Union government has approved the Indian Space Policy 2023 on 6th April.
Indian Space Policy 2023
Its aim is to boost the country's space department's role and give a larger participation to research, academia,
startups, and industry.
The policy sets out the roles and responsibilities of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and
private sector entities.
The policy will enhance the role of India's Department of Space, promote research, education, start-ups and
industry.
The policy is expected to provide a framework for the country's space sector for the next decade.
In Nagpur, private space vehicle company Skyroot Aerospace test-fired its 3D-printed Dhawan II engine for
a duration of 200 seconds on 4 April..
This is the second cryogenic rocket that has been successfully test-fired by Skyroot, following the Dhawan-I
engine that was tested in November 2021.
The achievement comes after the November 2022 launch of Vikram-S, making Skyroot the first Indian
private company to send a rocket into space.
Bharat Dynamics (BDL) has successfully conducted a field firing test of its latest 3rd generation man-portable
Anti Tank Guided Missile (ATGM), Amogha-III.
Developed by the Research and Development Division of BDL, the missile also has a dual-mode IIR seeker
with a range of 200 to 2500 metres.
NASA announces four-member team of astronauts to travel to the Moon.
NASA has announced the four astronauts who will go to lunar orbit and return with the Artemis 2 mission.

These four Artemis 2 astronauts are - Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Jeremy Hansen and Christina Koch.
NASA’s Reid Wiseman will be the commander of the Artemis 2 mission.
Victor Glover will serve as the pilot for Artemis 2. Glover was previously the pilot of NASA's SpaceX Crew-
1 mission.
Jeremy Hansen will represent the Canadian Space Agency during the mission.
NASA astronaut Christina Koch will be the mission specialist for Artemis 3.Who are these Artemis 2
astronauts?
The Artemis 1 mission will allow NASA to test the foundation of its latest human space exploration
capabilities.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on 2 April successfully conducted the Reusable Launch
Vehicle Autonomous Landing Mission (RLV LEX).
The test was conducted at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR), Chitradurga, Karnataka.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has recently released images of Earth captured by the EOS-
06 satellite..
The images are a mosaic generated by ISRO's National Remote Sensing Center (NRSC).
The images have been captured by the Ocean Color Monitor (OCM) payload on board EOS-06 by NRSC..
Earth Observation satellite (EOS-6) is the third-generation satellite in the Oceansat series.
It was launched by ISRO onboard the PSLV-C54 along with eight Nano-satellites on 26 November, 2022.
MAY 2023
South Korea to launch its first commercial-grade satellite on May 25, 2023.
The commercial-grade satellite was launched by the Naro Space Center in Gohang, South Korea, using a
Launch Nuri rocket.
The main satellite, called "Next Generation Small Satellite 2", was accompanied by seven cube-shaped
satellites.
South Korea has made an exclusive offer to provide its advanced KSS-III Batch-II submarines to India..
The proposal comes at a time when Germany is about to complete India's submarine acquisition programme,
Project 75I.
The KSS-III is the largest submarine to ever be built by South Korea, is being developed in two phases,
Batch-I and Batch-II.
In China, three astronauts, including a civilian, were launched to the Tiangong Space Station on Shenzhou-
16 on 30 May.
The Shenzhou-16 crew was launched aboard a Long March 2F rocket at 9:31 a.m. local time from the
Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China.
China's first manned space mission in 2003 made it the third country after the Soviet Union and the United
States to send a man into space from its own resources.
The X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) mission is a collaborative effort between the Indian Space Research
Organization (ISRO) and the Raman Research Institute (RRI) in Bengaluru.
XPoSat aims to develop and launch the X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) later this year.
XPoSat is India's first and world's second polarimetry mission.
ISRO Chairman S Somnath has announced that Chandrayaan-3, the successor of Chandrayaan-2, will be
launched in July this year.
The announcement was made after the successful launch of second generation navigation satellite NSV-01
from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota.
Chandrayaan-1:
It was the first Indian lunar probe launched by ISRO.
It was part of the Chandrayaan program and was launched in October 2008 and the mission lasted till August
2009.
Chandrayaan-2:
India's second lunar exploration mission developed by ISRO.
Components: Lunar Orbiter, Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover.
Scientific Objective: Study the composition of the lunar surface and find lunar water.
Launch: July 22, 2019, from Satish Dhawan Space Centre.

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) will launch its next-generation navigation satellite, NVS-
1, from Sriharikota.
The spacecraft is part of the Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) series.
NVS-1 weighs approximately 2,232 kg and will be launched by a GSLV F12 rocket from the second launch
pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
NVS-1 is the first of the second generation satellites envisaged for the NavIC series.
AI Supercomputer ‘AIRAWAT’, installed at C-DAC, Pune has been ranked 75th in the top 500 Global
Supercomputing List.
The establishment of 'AIRAWAT' at C-DAC Pune is part of the National Program on AI initiated by the
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has recently successfully tested the delivery of blood bags by
drone under its iDrone initiative.
The i-Drone was first used by the ICMR during the COVID-19 pandemic for the delivery of vaccines to
inaccessible areas...
IIT Madras researchers have partnered withDefence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
scientists to develop sensor technology for underwater communications, which will be advantageous to
defence applications, especially in the Navy.
'Piezoelectric MEMS technology' is needed to develop high-performance thin films and to convert 'piezo-
thin films' into future naval sensors and devices for underwater applications.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation several scientific
projects worth over Rs 5,800 crore on the occasion of National Technology Day in New Delhi on May 11.
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister for Science and Technology visited theRutherford Appleton Laboratory
(RAL),a premier institution in the United Kingdom.
The Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL) is one of the national scientific research laboratories operated
by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) in the UK.
IMPORTANT DAYS & THEME 2023

MAY 2023
01 May International Worker’s Day
02 May World Tuna Day
World Press Freedom Day
03 May
Theme 2023 : “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a Driver for All
Other Human Rights,”
04 Coal Miners Day
04 May International Firefighters’ Day
05 May World Portuguese Language Day
07 May World Athletics Day
Theme 2023 : “Athletics for All – A New Beginning,”
08 May World Thalassemia Day
Theme 2023 : “Strengthening Education to Bridge the Thalassaemia Care Gap.”
08 May World Red Cross Day
Theme 2023 : “Everything we do comes from the heart.”
10 May International Day of Argania
11 May National Technology Day
Theme 2023 : School to Startups- Igniting Young Minds to Innovate
12 May International Day of Plant Health
Theme 2023 : Plant Health for Environmental Protection
International Nurses Day
12 May
Theme 2023 : ‘Our Nurses. Our Future.’
To commemorate the birth of Florence Nightingal
May 15-21 UN Global Road Safety Week

15 May International Day of Families
Theme 2023 : Demographic Trends and Families
16 May International Day of Living Together in Peace
16 May International Day of Light
16 May National Dengue Day
17 May World Telecommunication and Information Society Day
17 May World Hypertension Day
Theme 2023 : Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer
18 May International Museum Day
Theme 2023 : “Museums, Sustainability, and Well-being.”
18 May World AIDS Vaccine Day Or HIV Vaccine Awareness Day
20 May World Bee Day
Theme 2023 : “Engaging in Pollinator-Friendly Agricultural Production.”
20 May World Metrology Day
Theme 2023 : Measurements supporting the global food system
21 May International Tea Day
21 May National Anti-Terrorism Day
The day is observed to commemorate the death of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi
22 May International Day for Biological Diversity
Theme 2023 : “From Agreement to Action: Build Back Biodiversity.”
23 May International Day to End Obstetric Fistula
23 May World Turtle Day
24 May Commonwealth Day
Theme 2023 : “Forging a Sustainable and Peaceful Common Future.”
25 May World Thyroid Awareness Day
29 May International Day of UN Peacekeepers
The theme of the 75th anniversary “Peace begins with me”
30 May World Vape Day
31 May World No Tobacco Day
Theme 2023 : “We need food, not tobacco”.

APRIL 2023
02 April World Autism Awareness Day
April 1-7 Prevention of Blindness Week
04 April International Day for Mine Awareness
05 April National Maritime Day
05 April International Day of Conscience
06 April International Day of Sport for Development and Peace
Theme 2023 : Scoring for People and the Planet.”
07 April World Health Day
Theme 2023 : Health For All
10 April World Homeopathy Day
Theme 2023 : One Health, One Family
11 April National Safe Motherhood Day
12 April International Day of Human Space Flight
14 April World Chagas Disease Day

15 April World Art Day
16 April World Voice Day
16 April Save the Elephant Day
Theme 2023 : Safeguarding Elephant Habitats for a Sustainable Tomorrow
17 April World Hemophilia Day
18 April World Heritage Day
Theme 2023 : Heritage Changes
19 April World Liver Day
Theme 2023 : “Be vigilant, do a regular liver check-up, fatty liver can affect anyone.”
National Civil Services Day
21 April
Theme 2023 : Viksit Bharat (विकसित भारत) aimed at ‘Empowering Citizens and
Reaching the Last Mile’.
21 April World Creativity and Innovation Day
22 April International Mother Earth Day
22 April Earth Day
Theme 2023 : Invest in our Planet
23 April World Book and Copyright Day
Theme 2023 : Indigenous Languages
24 April International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace
24th to 30th April World Immunization Week
Theme 2023 : “The Big Catch-Up”
24 April National Panchayati Raj Day
24 April World Day for Laboratory Animals
25 April World Malaria Day
Theme 2023 : “Time to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate, implement”.
25 April World Malaria Day
Theme 2023 : “Time to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate, implement”.
25 April International Delegate’s Day
26 April International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day
26 April World Intellectual Property Day
Theme 2023 : Women and IP: Accelerating Innovation and Creativity
27 April International Girls in ICT Day
Theme 2023 : “Digital Skills for Life”
28 April World Day for Safety and Health
29 April World Dance Day
30 April International Jazz Day
30 April Ayushman Bharat Diwas

MARCH 2023
01 March World Civil Defence Day
01 March World Seagrass Day
01 March Zero Discrimination Day
Theme 2023 : “Save lives: Decriminalise”
03 March World Wildlife Day
Theme 2023 : Partnerships for wildlife conservation
04 March National Safety Day

Theme 2023 : ‘Our Aim – Zero Harm’
04 March National Security Day
Theme 2023 : ‘Nurture young minds – Develop safety culture’.
04 March World Obesity Day
05 March International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness
08 March International Women’s Day
Theme 2023 : “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality,”
08 March No Smoking Day
10 March International Day of Women Judges
14 March International Day of Action of Rivers
Theme 2023 : “Rights of Rivers,”
14 March International Day of Mathematics or Pi Day
Theme 2023 : Mathematics for Everyone
15 March International Day to Combat Islamophobia
16 March National Vaccination Day also known as "Polio Ravivar,"
17 March World Sleep Day
Theme 2023 : ‘Sleep is Essential for Health’.
18 March Global Recycling Day
Theme 2023 : “Creative Innovation”
20 March World Oral Health Day
Theme 2023 : ‘Be Proud of Your Mouth,’
20 March International Day of Happiness
Theme 2023 : “Be Mindful, Be Grateful, Be Kind.”
21 March World Poetry Day
Theme 2023 : Always be a poet, even in prose
21 March International Day of Forests
Theme 2023 : “Forests and health”
21 March World Down Syndrome Day
Theme 2023 : ‘With Us, Not For Us’
21 March International Nowruz Day
21 March International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
22 March World Water Day
Theme 2023 : ‘Accelerating the change to solve the water and sanitation crisis,’
Shaheed Diwas or Martyrs’ Day.
23 March :
This day marks the anniversary of the execution of three Indian freedom fighters-
Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar and Shivaram Rajguru in 1931
23 March World Meteorological Day
Theme 2023 : ” The Future of Weather, Climate, and Water Across Generations“.
24 March World Tuberculosis Day
Theme 2023 : “Yes! We can end TB!”
International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights
24 March
Violations and for the Dignity of Victims
25 March International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members
27 March World Theatre Day
Theme 2023 : “Theatre and a Culture of Peace”
Week of Solidarity with the Peoples Struggling against Racism and Racial
21-27 March
Discrimination
26 March Purple Day of Epilepsy
30 March International Day of Zero Waste
31 March International Day of Drug Checking

FEBRUARY 2023
1-7 February World Interfaith Harmony Week
02 February World Wetlands Day
Theme 2023 : ‘It’s Time for Wetlands Restoration
04 February World Cancer Day
Theme 2023 : Close The Care Gap
06 February International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation
07 February Safer Internet Day
10 February World Pulses Day
Theme 2023 : Pulses for a Sustainable Future
10 February National Deworming Day
11 February International Day of Women and Girls in Science
11 February World Unani Day
National Productivity Day
12 February
Theme 2023 : “Productivity, Green Growth, and Sustainability: Celebrating India’s
G20 Presidency.”
13 February World Radio Day
Theme 2023 : “Radio and Peace”
13 to 17 February, RBI’s financial literacy week
2023 Theme 2023 : “Good Financial Behaviour - Your Saviour”.
15 February International Childhood Cancer Day

17 February Global Tourism Resilience Day
19 February Soil Health Card Day
20 February World Day of Social Justice
21 February International Mother Language Day
Theme 2023 : “Multilingual education – a necessity to transform education”
22 February World Thinking Day
Theme 2023 : Our World, Our Peaceful Future
22 February World Scout Day
24 February Central Excise Day
27 February World NGO Day
National Science Day
28 February
Honours Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman as C.V. Raman, an Indian scientist and
physician, for discovering the “Raman Effect.”

FEBRUARY 2023
01 January DRDO foundation day
DRDO celebrated its 65th foundation day on 1st January 2023.
01 January Global Family Day
04 January World Braille Day
Marks the birth anniversary of Braille’s inventor Louis Braille.
09 January Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.
On January 9, 1915, this day was chosen as Pravasi Bhartiya Divas to commemorate
the return of Mahatma Gandhi to India from South Africa.
10 January World Hindi Day
Theme 2023 - 'Making Hindi the language of public opinion, without forgetting the
importance of their mother tongue.'
12 January National Youth Day
The day is celebrated to mark the birthday of Swami Vivekananda.
Theme 2023 is "Developed Youth - Developed India".
11 to 17 January National Road Safety Week
14 January Armed Forces Veterans Day
15 January Army Day
This year India is celebrating its 75th Army Day.
16 January National Startup Day
19 January Raising Day of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
This year the 18th Raising Day of NDRF has been celebrated
21 January Foundation Day of Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura
23 January Parakram Diwas
The birth anniversary of Subhash Chandra Bose.
24 January International Day of Education to Afghan girls and women.
24 January National Girl Child Day
Theme 2023 : "Self Defence Training for Girls".
24 January International Education Day
Theme 2023 : 'To Invest in People, Prioritise Education'.
UNESCO has decided to dedicate the International Day of Education for the year
2023 to Afghan girls and women.
25 January National Voters' Day
Theme 2023 : Nothing Like Voting, I Vote for Sure
25 January Himachal Pradesh Statehood Day
Himachal Pradesh was granted full statehood on January 25, 1971.
26 January International Customs Day
28 January Data Privacy Day
This year's theme is "Think Privacy First".
30 January Martyr's Day
The day is also marked as the death anniversary of the country's 'Bapu', Mahatma
Gandhi.
last Sunday of World Leprosy Day
January In 2023, World Leprosy Day was observed on 29 January.
The theme for World Leprosy Day 2023 is ‘Act Now: End Leprosy’.

BANKING , ECONOMY AND FINANCIAL AWARENESS
MAY 2023
Q. Reserve Bank of India has approved how much rupees dividend payout to the central government for
2022-23?
A) Rs 74,896 Crore B) Rs 67,137Crore
C) Rs 87,416 Crore D) Rs 91,567 Crore
Answer : C
✓ RBI Board approved Transfer of Rs 87,416 Crore as Surplus to Government.
✓ 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 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.
RBI IN NEWS 2023
➢ Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the transfer of Rs 87,416 crore surplus to the government for
the financial year 2022-23.
➢ Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to withdraw Rs 2,000 denomination banknotes from circulation
under the "Clean Note Policy".
➢ The ₹2000 denomination banknote was introduced in November 2016 under Section 24(1) of RBI Act,
1934.
➢ RBI has taken significant actions in the financial sector, canceling the certificate of registration of 7
NBFCs and accepting the surrender permits of 14 NBFCs.
➢ RBI has announced its participation in the Global Financial Innovation Network (GFIN) greenwashing
techsprint.
➢ HSBC Bank has been fined Rs 1.73 crore by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for violating the Credit
Information Companies Rules 2006 (CIC Rules).
➢ Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) launched the G20
TechSprint 2023 competition for cross-border payments innovation..
➢ The six-member Monetary Policy Committee, headed by RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, announced
the status quo on policy rates on 6 April.
➢ In the MPC meeting held in February, the repo rate was increased by 0.25 percent to 6.50 percent.
➢ Policy Repo Rate : 6.50%
➢ Standing Deposit Facility Rate : 6.25%
➢ Marginal Standing Facility Rate : 6.75%
➢ Bank Rate : 6.75%
➢ Fixed Reverse Repo Rate : 3.35%
➢ CRR : 4.50%
➢ SLR : 18.00%.
➢ RBI and Central Bank of UAE signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote innovation
➢ Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted an ‘Infrastructure Finance Company (IFC)’ status to Indian
Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) .
➢ Reserve Bank of India has imposed a penalty of Rs 3.06 crore on Amazon Pay (India) Private Limited
for non-compliance of certain directions related to Prepaid Payment Instruments and Know Your
Customer.
➢ RBI imposed restrictions on 5 co-operative banks.

➢ Eligible depositors of all five co-operative banks will receive deposit insurance claim amount of up to ₹5
lakh from the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation.
➢ Reserve Bank of India on 6 January said that maiden Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs) would be issued
in two tranches of Rs 8,000 crore each .
➢ Sovereign green bonds worth Rs 8000 crore will be issued on January 25, 2023. In this, green bonds worth
Rs 4000 crore will be issued for 5 years and sovereign green bonds worth Rs 4000 crore will be issued for
10 years.
➢ Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has retained SBI, ICICI bank and HDFC bank in the list of Domestically
Systemically Important Banks (D-SIB) list for the year 2021.
➢ RBI started disclosing the name of the bank in the D-SIB list from 2015 and SBI was included in the list.
➢ ICICI Bank was included in 2016 and HDFC bank was included in 2017.
➢ Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently initiated the ‘100 Days 100 Pays’ campaign, aimed at tracing
and settling the top 100 unclaimed deposits of every bank in every district within a span of 100 days.
➢ RBI Annual Report 2022-23: General Government Deficit and Debt Moderate to 9.4% and 86.5% of
GDP, Respectively.
➢ RBI Imposes Rs 84.50 Lakh Penalty on Central Bank of India for Non-Compliance with Fraud Reporting
Norms.
➢ Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted approval for the voluntary Scheme of Amalgamation of Maratha
Sahakari Bank with The Cosmos Co-operative Bank.
➢ Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has instructed financial institutions and banks to adopt an Alternative
Reference Rate, primarily the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR), and end their reliance on the
scandal-shrouded London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and Mumbai Interbank Forward Outright
Rate (MIFOR) by July 1.
➢ Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a monetary penalty of Rs 1.73 crore on the Hongkong and Shanghai
Banking Corporation Ltd (HSBC Bank) for violating the Credit Information Companies Rules, 2006.
➢ Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has increased its gold reserves by 4.5% to 794.64 metric tonnes in the fiscal
year that ended on March 31, 2023.
➢ As per the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) report on Currency and Finance (RCF) for the year 2022-23,
India would require at least 2.5% of GDP annually until 2030 for green financing.
➢ RBI Mandates Complete Information for Money Transfers to Curb Money Laundering and Terrorism
Financing.
➢ The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has levied penalties of Rs 44 lakhs on four cooperative banks for
violating various norms.
➢ RBI allows AU Small Finance Bank to deal with foreign exchange.
➢ RBI to launch centralised portal PRAVAAH for licencing, approval applications.
➢ “PRAVAAH” (Platform for Regulatory Application, Validation And AutHorisation).
➢ Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced that Neeraj Nigam has been appointed as the new executive
director (ED).
➢ India and Tanzania have received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to utilize their
respective national currencies in bilateral trade settlements.
➢ Governor of the RBI, Shaktikanta Das, initiated the establishment of a "Greenfield Data Centre" and an
"Enterprise Computing & Cybersecurity Training Institute" in Bhubaneswar.
➢ Reserve Bank of India circulated a notification regarding the introduction of Foreign Contribution
(Regulation) Act (FCRA) related transaction code in NEFT and RTGS Systems.
➢ RBI’s Digital Payments Index Jumps to 377.46 in Sept from 349.30 in March.
➢ RESERVE BANK OF INDIA (RBI)
➢ Founded : 1 April 1935
➢ RBI Nationalised : 1 January 1949
➢ HQ : Mumbai, Maharashtra
➢ RBI set up : Hilton Young Commission
➢ 1st Governor : Sir Osborne Smith (Australia)
➢ 1st Indian Governor : CD Deshmukh

➢ 25th Governor : Shaktikanta Das
➢ RBI Deputy Governor (4)
1. Tavarna Rabi Sankar
2. Mukesh Kumar Jain
3. Michael D Patra
4. M Rajeshwar Rao
FIVE SUBSIDIARIES OF RBI :
1. Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (DICGC)
2. Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran Private Limited (BRBNMPL)
3. Reserve Bank Information Technology Private Limited (ReBIT)
4. Indian Financial Technology and Allied Services (IFTAS).
5. Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH)
➢ India has four currency note printing presses.
➢ Nashik in Maharashtra and Dewas in Madhya Pradesh owned by govt of India.
➢ Mysuru in Karnataka and Salboni in West Bengal owned by RBI.
➢ Coins are minted in four mints owned by the Government of India.
➢ Mumbai, Hyderabad, Calcutta and Noida.
Q. The Union Cabinet has approved the second edition of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI 2.0) scheme
for IT hardware with how much rupees?
A) Rs 17,000 crore
B) Rs 23,000 crore
C) Rs 15,000 crore
D) Rs 10,000 crore
Answer : A
✓ Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 17th May approved the Production
Linked Incentive Scheme 2.0 for IT Hardware with a budgetary outlay Rs 17,000 crore.
✓ Electronics manufacturing in India has seen a steady growth with a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth
Rate) of 17% in the last 8 years.
✓ This year it crossed a major benchmark in production of USD 105 billion (about Rs 9 lakh crore).
✓ India has become the second largest mobile phone manufacturer in the world.
✓ Mobile phone exports have crossed a major milestone of US $ 11 billion (about Rs 90 thousand crore)
this year.
✓ The global electronics manufacturing ecosystem is coming to India, and India is emerging as a major
electronics manufacturing country.
✓ Features of PLI Scheme 2.0 for IT hardware
✓ It covers laptops, tablets, all-in-one PCs, servers and ultra small form factor devices.
✓ The tenure of this scheme is 6 years.
✓ Expected incremental production is Rs 3.35 Lakh crore.
✓ Expected incremental investment is Rs 2,430 crore.
✓ Expected incremental direct employment is 75,000.
✓ What is Production Linked Incentive Scheme?
✓ It is an initiative that provides incentives to domestic industries to promote production at the local level.
✓ Through this scheme, the government aims to incentivize companies to increase the sales of
manufactured products in domestic units.
✓ The objective of the scheme is to make domestic manufacturing globally competitive and to become a
global champion in manufacturing.

✓ The government has launched this scheme with an outlay of around Rs 2 lakh crore for 14 sectors
Cell and Specialty Steel.
✓ The support under the Scheme shall be provided for a period of five (5) years, i.e. from FY 2021-22 to
FY 2025-26.
Q. The Reserve Bank of India has decided to withdraw the ₹2000 denomination banknotes from circulation
but they will continue to remain as legal tender. This banknote was introduced in November 2016 under
which section of RBI Act 1934?
A) Section 14(1) B) Section 45a (1)
C) Section 31b D) Section 24(1)
Answer : D
Q. Reserve Bank of India decided to withdraw the ₹2000 notes unde its ___ policy ?
A) Remove Note Policy B) Clean Note Policy
C) New Note Policy D) Clean and Remove Policy
Answer : B
✓ The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to withdraw Rs 2,000 denomination banknotes from
circulation under the "Clean Note Policy".
✓ Rs 2,000 notes will continue to be legal tender.
✓ Individuals can deposit the Rs 2,000 banknotes into their bank accounts or exchange them for other
denominations at any bank branch.
✓ From May 23, 2023, Rs 2,000 notes can be exchanged for other denominations up to a limit of Rs 20,000
at a time at any bank branch.
✓ RBI's 19 regional offices with issue departments will also provide the facility to exchange Rs 2,000
banknotes up to a limit of Rs 20,000 at a time from May 23.
✓ All banks to offer deposit and/or exchange services for Rs 2,000 notes by September 30, 2023.
✓ Clean Note Policy:
✓ The clean note policy was introduced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in 1999 to address the issue of
soiled and mutilated notes.
✓ Banks are instructed not to give soiled, torn and mutilated notes to customers and instead deposit them
with RBI.
✓ Stapling of currency notes/packets is prohibited as per the policy.
✓ The objective of the Clean Note Policy is to provide good quality currency notes and coins to the
customers.
✓ Soiled and mutilated currency notes can be easily exchanged at teller counters under the RBI's note refund
rules of 2009.
✓ The ₹2000 denomination banknote was introduced in November 2016 under Section 24(1) of RBI Act,
1934.
✓ RS 2000
✓ Dimension : 66*166 mm
✓ Colour : Magenta
✓ Design : Mangalyaan
✓ Angular bleed lines for Visually Impaired : 7
Q. Which company only Indian firm in BCG list of Top 50 innovative companies 2023 List?
A) Adani Group B) Larsen & Toubro
C) Tata Group D) Aditya Birla Group

Answer : C
✓ Tata Group only Indian firm in BCG list of top 50 Most Innovative Firms 2023; Apple Top.
✓ Boston Consulting Group (BCG) has released a report namely ‘Most Innovative Companies 2023:
Reaching New Heights in Uncertain Times’ showcasing top 50 companies in 2023 that are most
innovative in their operations. In this, Tata Group is the only Indian company to feature in this list at
20th position
✓ The top 10 ranks : In the list went to Apple, Tesla, Amazon, Alphabet, Microsoft, Moderna, Samsung,
Huawei, BYD and Siemens, in that order.
✓ BCG's list parameters : Superior performance, higher resilience to shocks and disruptions, and the ability
to exploit innovation faster for value-creating growth, among other things
Q. How many million loan agreement has been signed by the Government of India with the Asian
Development Bank for infrastructure development in Andhra Pradesh?
A) USD 105.50 Million B) USD 122.75 Million
C) USD 141.12 Million D) USD 167.37 Million
Answer : C
✓ The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India signed a $141.12 million loan
agreement for the development of an industrial corridor in Andhra Pradesh.
✓ The agreement has been signed to support the development of high quality indoor infrastructure facilities
in three industrial areas in Andhra Pradesh. These are: roads, water supply plants and power distribution
systems.
✓ The loan is the second tranche of a $500 million Multi-tranche Financing Facility (MFF) under the
program approved by ADB in 2016.
✓ With this loan facility, infrastructure facilities will be developed in three industrial clusters under the
Visakhapatnam and Srikalahasti-Chittoor areas sanctioned in Andhra Pradesh
Q. The Foreign direct investment (FDI) into India has declined by 22% to how many billions in 2022-23?
A) $33 Billion B) $39 Billion
C) $46 Billion D) $53 Billion
Answer : C
✓ Foreign direct investment (FDI) into India declined by 22% to $46 billion in 2022-23, dragged by lower
inflows in computer hardware and software, and automobile industry, according to the Department for
Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) data.
✓ The FDI inflows stood at $58.77 billion during 2021-22.
✓ Total FDI inflows, which include equity inflows, re-invested earnings and other capital, declined by 16%
to $70.97 billion in the last fiscal as against $84.83 billion in 2021-22.
✓ During April-March 2022-23, Singapore emerged as the top investor with $17.2 billion FDI.
✓ It was followed by Mauritius ($6.13 billion), the US ($6 billion), the UAE ($3.35 billion), the Netherlands
($2.5 billion).
✓ The FDI inflows have contracted in 2022-23 from Mauritius, the US, and the Netherlands, the Cayman
Islands, and Germany.
✓ State-wise, though Maharashtra received the highest inflows of $14.8 billion during the last financial year,
the inflows are down as compared to $15.44 billion in 2021-22.
Q. Which bank has top performer in NPA management during FY23?
A) HDFC Bank B) Kotak Mahindra Bank
C) Bank of Maharashtra D) ICICI Bank

Answer : C
✓ Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) has emerged as the best bank as far as the management of bad loans is
concerned with its net non-performing assets (NPAS).
✓ The NPA fell as low as 0.25% during the financial year ended March 2023.
✓ This is the lowest ratio among all banks having total business above ₹3 lakh crore and not just public
sector banks (PSBs).
✓ While HDFC Bank’s net NPA fell to 0.27% followed by Kotak Mahindra Bank placed third spot with
✓ Bank of Maharashtra
✓ Founded : 1935
✓ Headquarters : Pune, Maharashtra
✓ MD & CEO : A. S. Rajeev
✓ Tagline : One Family One Bank/ Ek Parivar Ek Bank
Q. Which country has become the largest recipient of ADB loans in Asia?
A) India B) China
C) Pakistan D) Bangladesh
Answer : C
✓ Pakistan emerges as largest recipient of ADB loans in 2022 in Asia.
✓ AS per the annual ADB Annual Report 2022, released by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Pakistan
was the largest recipient of the ADB-funded programmes/projects in the year 2022.
✓ The Manila-based lender, ADB had disbursed a total of over USD 31.8 billion to 40 Asian countries in
2022.
✓ Out of this, Pakistan received loans of USD 5.58 billion.
ADB IN NEWS 2023

➢ Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India signed a $141.12 million loan agreement
for the development of an industrial corridor in Andhra Pradesh.
➢ Pakistan is the largest recipient of ADB loans in Asia, Pakistan received loans of USD 5.58 billion.
➢ Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced its plans to invest in non-convertible debentures valued
at Rs 150 crore in Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd (TPDDL).
➢ ADB approves $130 million loan to promote horticulture in Himachal Pradesh.
➢ ADB to provide $1.2 billion loan for infrastructure projects.
➢ ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK (ADB)
➢ Founded : 19 December 1966
➢ HQ : Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, Philippines
➢ President : Masatsugu Asakawa (Japan)
➢ Vice President : Ashok Lavasa (Indian?
➢ Director of ADB for India : Takeo Konishi
➢ Executive Director : Sameer Kumar
➢ Member Counrtries : 68 (Nuie).
➢ ADB has grown to encompass 68 members; of which 49 are from within Asia and the Pacific and 19
outside.
➢ Japan is the largest contributor in the subscribed capital of the country.
➢ Asian Development Outlook, reports published by ADB.
➢ It is a regional multilateral financial institution focused on countries in the Asia and Pacific region.
➢ It currently has 68 members – of which 49 are from the Asia and Pacific region and 19 from outside.
Q. Which company Overtakes Infosys to become India's Sixth Most Valuable Company?
A) ITC B) Wipro

C) Asian Paints D) Larsen & Toubro
Answer : A
➢ FMCG giant ITC has overtaken IT giant Infosys in terms of market capitalization to become India’s sixth
most valuable company on the stock exchanges.
➢ ITC’s market cap currently stands at ₹5.11 trillion compared to Infosys’ nearly ₹5.08 trillion.
➢ List of Top 10 companies by market cap
1. RELIANCE INDUSTRIES ₹1606895.46 2. TCS ₹1161858.58

3. HDFC BANK ₹928407.83 4. ICICI BANK ₹637688.17
5. HUL ₹585048.22 6. ITC ₹511226.51
7. INFOSYS ₹508011.92 8. HDFC LTD. ₹505558.17
9. SBI ₹501250.83 10. BHARTI AIRTEL ₹430650.07
Q. Which countries have agreed to explore the possibility of accepting RuPay and Mir cards for easy
payments?
A) India and Russia B) India and France
C) India and Japan D) India and United States
Answer : A
Q. Mir cards is a payment system in which country?
A) Japan B) China
C) Singapore D) Russia
Answer : D
✓ India & Russia to explore possibility of accepting RuPay and Mir cards for hassle-free payments.
✓ In the recent meeting of the High Level Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific,
Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC), it was discussed and agreed to explore the
possibility of allowing acceptance of these cards.
✓ The mutual acceptance of RuPay (India) and Mir cards (Russia) will help Indian and Russian citizens to
make hassle-free payments in Indian rupees and Russian ruble in their respective countries
✓ The meeting was co-chaired by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Russia Deputy Prime Minister
Denis Manturov.
✓ They agreed to explore the possibility of interaction with the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) of
National Payment Corporation of India and the Faster Payments System (FPS) of the Bank of Russia.
✓ The two countries agreed to adopt the Russian Financial Messaging System, the Service Bureau of the
Bank of Russia's Financial Messaging System, for cross-border payments.
✓ Currently, the overseas payments from India and vice versa are through the SWIFT network
✓ What is Mir?
✓ Mir is a payment system in Russia.
✓ It waslaunched in 2017
✓ The Central Bank of Russia has established the function of this payment option.
✓ The Russian national card payment system operatesit.
✓ Sberbank was the first Russian bank to issue payment cards under the Mir brand

Q. Who has been appointed as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Bank
of Baroda?
A) Atanu Kumar Das B) R K Chhibber
C) Sunil Mehta D) Debadatta Chand
Answer : D
✓ Debadatta Chand has been appointed as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) of the Bank of Baroda.
✓ He has been appointed for a period of three years with effect from July 2023.
✓ Prior to this, Debadatta served as the Executive Director of the bank.
✓ He succeeds Sanjiv Chadha, whose tenure will end on June 30, 2023.
✓ Bank of Baroda (BOB)
✓ Founded : 1908
✓ Founder : Sayajirao Gaekwad III
✓ Headquarters : Vadodara, Gujarat
✓ MD & CEO : Debadatta Chand
✓ Tagline : India’s International Bank.
Q. According to RBI, which state has topped the list of states with the highest market borrowings for the
third consecutive year?
A) Tamil Nadu B) Karnataka
C) Maharashtra D) Gujarat
Answer : A
✓ Tamil Nadu tops market borrowing for third consecutive year: RBI
✓ For third year in a row, Tamil Nadu has topped the list of States with the highest market borrowings.
✓ According to RBI data, Tamil Nadu’s gross market borrowings through State Development Loans
(SDLs) stood at ₹68,000 crore during April-February FY23.
✓ Andhra Pradesh is in 2nd place with Rs 51,860 crore. Maharashtra is at 3rd place with Rs.50 thousand
crore among the states that have borrowed the most in the country.
✓ It is noteworthy that Tamil Nadu was the state that borrowed the most in the previous 2 financial years
i.e. 2020-21 and 2021-22.
Q. Which Ministry has launched the scheme, “Vivad se Vishwas I – Relief to MSMEs” for providing relief
to MSMEs for COVID-19 period?
A) Ministry of Finance B) Ministry of Home affairs
C) Ministry of Corporate Affairs D) Ministry of MSME
Answer : A
✓ The Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, has launched the scheme, “Vivad se Vishwas I –
Relief to MSMEs” for providing relief to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for COVID-
19 period.
✓ The scheme was announced in the Union Budget 2023-24 by Union Finance Minister Nirmala
Sitharaman.
✓ The relief provided under this scheme is in continuation to the efforts of the government in promoting
and sustaining the MSME sector.
✓ Under the scheme, ministries have been asked to refund performance security, bid security and liquidated
damages forfeited/ deducted during the Covid pandemic.
✓ Additional benefits to eligible MSMEs, affected during the COVID-19 period.

✓ 95% of the performance security forfeited shall be refunded.
✓ 95% of the Bid security shall be refunded.
✓ 95% of the Liquidated Damages (LD) deducted shall be refunded.
✓ 95% of the Risk Purchase amount realized shall be refunded.
✓ Eligibility Criterion
✓ Registered as a Medium, Small or Micro Enterprise as per relevant scheme of Ministry of MSME on the
date of claim by supplier/ contractor.
✓ MSME could be registered for any category of Goods and Services
Q. Who has been named as the new President of the World Bank to succeed incumbent David Malpass?
A) Surjit Bhalla B) Ajay Banga
C) Suman Bery D) Abhijit Banerjee
Answer : B
✓ The former CEO of Mastercard, Ajay Banga, has been named as the new President of the World Bank
for a five-year term. His term will begin from June 2, 2023.
✓ Ajay Banga Selected 14th President of the World Bank.
✓ The Indian-origin Ajay Banga will succeed incumbent chief David Malpass, who plans to step down on
June 01, 2023.
✓ The 63-year-old Banga is currently serving as vice chairman at equity firm General Atlantic.
✓ Ajay Banga was born in Khadki cantonment of Pune, Maharashtra, India.
WORLD BANK IN NEWS 2023
➢ Indian origin Ajay Banga confirmed as the 14th President of World Bank.
➢ Ministry of Education and the World Bank held a unique workshop on School-to-Work Transition under
the STARS Program.
➢ The Cabinet approved the Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States (STARS) Project in
October 2020.
➢ World Bank has approved a loan of US $ 363 million for the supply of clean drinking water from taps to
2 million rural households in Karnataka.
➢ World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved USD 100 million loan under Odisha State
Capability and Resilient Growth Program.
➢ According to the World Bank’s (WB) annual report ‘State and Trends of Carbon Pricing 2023’ released
on May 23, 2023, revenues collected from carbon taxes and Emissions Trading Systems (ETS) globally
have reached a record high, about US$95 billion in 2022.
➢ World Bank’s Executive Board of Directors has approved USD 108 million loan for Assam, to help the
state improve disaster preparedness and enhance flood forecasting.
➢ India and the World Bank have signed aloan agreement for the construction of the Green National
Highway Corridors Project (GNHCP) in four States.
➢ These four states are-Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.
➢ World Bank has signed two complementary loans with India worth USD 500 million each to support
and enhance the country’s healthcare infrastructure.
➢ India will be the first country in the world to receive $100 billion from remittances during 2022, the World
Bank.
➢ World Bank forecast Pakistan’s economic growth to slow further to two percent during the current year;
according to the World Bank’s Global Economic Prospects report.
➢ WORLD BANK
➢ Founded : 1944
➢ Headquarters : Washington Dc
➢ 14th President : Ajay Banga
➢ MD&CFO : Anshula Kant

➢ Chief Economist : Carman Reinhart
➢ Executive Director : Rajesh Khullar
➢ Member Countries :189
➢ World Bank Group : 5 (IBRD, IDA, IFC, MIGA and ICSID).
➢ All of these efforts support the Bank Group’s twin goals of ending extreme poverty by 2030 and boosting
shared prosperity of the poorest 40% of the population in all countries.
➢ World Bank was created at the 1944 Bretton Woods Conference, along with the International Monetary
Fund (IMF).
➢ India is a member of IBRD, IFC, IDA and MIGA. The country is not a member of the ICSID
Q. Which IIT joined hands with YES Bank by signing an MoU that seeks to provide crucial support to the
startups incubated at SIIC?
A) IIT Bombay B) IIT Madras
C) IIT Kanpur D) IIT kharagpur
Answer : C
✓ Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur signed
a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with YES Bank to provide financial support to the startups
incubated at SIIC.
✓ As per the terms of the MoU, SIIC and YES Bank will collaborate to identify innovative startups and
extend them the necessary financial backing.
✓ The partnership intends to establish the startup ecosystem in India by granting ventures access to a wide
range of resources through YES Bank’s specialised startup-focused program called YES Head-Startup.
YES BANK IN NEWS 2023
➢ YES Bank Partners with IIT Kanpur to Transform Startups and Red Hat to Redefine Mobile Banking
Experience.
➢ Cashfree Payments partners with YES Bank to offer Global Collections service for exporters.
➢ YES Bank has collaborated with National E-Governance Services Limited (NeSL) to issue its first
electronic Bank Guarantee (e-BG).
➢ Reliance General becomes first insurer to accept CBDC in tie-up with YES Bank.
➢ Yes Bank, Turtlefin Launched Online Insurance Services platform ‘EasyNsure.
➢ Yes Bank has signed a Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) with JC Flowers Asset Reconstruction
Company (ARC), acquiring a 9.9 percent stake in the ARC at Rs 11.43 per share.
➢ YES BANK
➢ Founded : 2004
➢ MD & CEO : Prashant Kumar
➢ Tagline : Experience our Expertise
Q. Which bank has launched Digital Onboarding platform ‘Sarathi’ for POS Terminals?
A) Yes Bank B) Axis Bank
C) HDFC Bank D) ICICI Bank
Answer : B
✓ Axis Bank Ltd has launched ‘Sarathi’, a first of its kind digital onboarding platform to enable easy
installation of Electronic Data Capture (EDC) or Point of Sale (POS) for merchants.
✓ Sarathi provides a seamless and hassle-free experience for merchants unlike the traditional onboarding
process that can take several days.

AXIS BANK IN NEWS 2023.
➢ Axis Bank launches Digital Onboarding platform ‘Sarathi’ for POS Terminals.
➢ Axis Bank and India Shelter Finance Corporation ltd announce strategic partnership under the co-lending
model.
➢ Axis Bank completes deal to buy Citibank’s India consumer business.
➢ Axis Bank Partners with OPEN to Launch a Fully Digital Current Account.
➢ AXIS BANK
➢ Founded : 1993
➢ Chairman : Rakesh Makhija
➢ MD & CEO : Amitabh Chaudhary
➢ Tagline : Badhti Ka naam Zindagi
Q. Who is taking over as Twitter's new CEO?

A) Raj Subramaniam B) Linda Yaccarino
C) Brie Carere D) Edwin Khodabakchian
Answer : B
✓ Former NBCUniversal ad chief Linda Yaccarino named CEO of Twitter.
✓ Linda Yaccarino, former advertising chief at NBCUniversal, has been appointed as the new CEO of
Twitter, according to a tweet by Elon Musk, the current CEO of Twitter.
✓ About Twitter
✓ Twitter was founded in March 2006 by Jack Dorsey, Biz Stone, and Evan Williams as a social media
platform for short, real-time messages called "tweets."
✓ It launched publicly in July 2006 and quickly gained popularity.
✓ In its early years, Twitter became known for its role in political activism and citizen journalism during
events such as the Arab Spring.
✓ In October 20222, Twitter was acquired by Tesla CEO Elon Musk in a deal worth $44 billion.
✓ Best CEOs in the World in 2023
✓ Linda Yaccarino - CEO of Twitter
✓ Adam Mosseri - CEO of Instagram
✓ Neal Mohan - CEO of YouTube
✓ Tim Cook – CEO of Apple
✓ Sundar Pichai – CEO of Google
✓ Satya Nadella – CEO of Microsoft
✓ Mark Zuckerberg – CEO of Meta (Facebook)
✓ Elon Musk – CEO of Tesla
✓ Andy Jassy – CEO of Amazon
✓ Jensen Huang – CEO of Nvidia
✓ Michael Miebach – CEO of Mastercard
✓ Daniel Zhang – CEO of Alibaba
✓ Shantanu Narayen – CEO of Adobe
✓ Arvind Krishnan – CEO of IBM
✓ Lakshman Narasimhan – CEO of Starbucks
✓ Doug McMillon - CEO of Walmart
Q. Which bank has recently launched the ‘100 Days 100 Pays’ campaign in every district of the country?
A) RBI B) SEBI
C) SIDBI D) NPCI

Answer : A
✓ Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched the ‘100 Days 100 Pays’ campaign for banks to trace and settle
the top 100 unclaimed deposits of every bank in every district of the country within 100 days.
✓ This measure will complement the ongoing efforts and initiatives by the Reserve Bank to reduce the
quantum of unclaimed deposits in the banking system and return such deposits to their rightful
owners/claimants.
✓ At present, the depositors and beneficiaries of unclaimed bank deposits of 10 years or more have to go
through the website of multiple banks to locate such deposits
✓ What is Unclaimed Deposit?
✓ An unclaimed deposit is one which does not see any activity like the infusion of funds, withdrawal, etc.
from the depositor for 10 years or more, and is deemed as an inactive deposit.
✓ Banks transfer these amounts to the Depositor Education and Awareness (DEA) Fund maintained by
the RBI
Q. Who has been appointed as the new President of Paytm?

A) Ajay Sethi B) Manak Gupta
C) Abhinav Vashisht D) Bhavesh Gupta
Answer : D
✓ Paytm-owned One 97 Communications Limited has appointed Bhavesh Gupta as its new President and
Chief Operating Officer.
✓ He will report to Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Paytm.
✓ Bhavesh has over 25 years of experience, he joined Paytm in 2020.
✓ About Paytm
✓ Paytm is an Indian multinational financial technology company headquartered in Noida.
✓ The company specialises in providing a wide range of digital payment solutions and financial services.
✓ The primary focus of Paytm is to facilitate digital transactions and make payments convenient for the
users.
✓ Paytm provides a comprehensive platform that enables users to pay bills, recharge mobiles, book tickets
and shop online.
✓ Establishment - August 2010
✓ Founder/CEO - Vijay Shekhar Sharma
✓ Parent Organization - One97 Communications
Q. IRDAI has recently constituted a five-member expert committee comprising medical experts and insurers
to advise on matters related to mental health and insurance. Who will be headed by this committee?
A) Pravin Kutumbe B) K Ganesh
C) Deepak Mohanty D) Pratima Murthy
Answer : D
✓ The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has recently constituted a five-
member expert committee comprising medical experts and insurers to advise on matters related to mental
health and insurance.
✓ The panel has been constituted for two years to advise on matters related to mental health and insurance.
✓ The committee will provide advice and input on existing insurance coverage and what is offered for
mental illnesses.
✓ It will also provide guidance on terminology and concepts from a medical perspective and aspects related
to mental illness from an insurance perspective.

✓ Pratima Murthy, director of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS),
has been made the chairperson of the committee.
✓ About Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDAI).
✓ IRDAI is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing and regulating the insurance industry in India.
✓ It was set up to promote and regulate the insurance sector in India.
✓ It was established on April 1, 2000, under the provisions of the Insurance Regulatory and Development
Authority Act, 1999.
✓ The primary role of the IRDAI is to regulate and promote the insurance industry in India.
Q. Which company has announced an investment of $1 million in the form of grants to the IIT Madras?
A) Google
B) Microsoft
C) Meta
D) Apple
Answer : A
✓ US technology giant Google announced an investment of $1 million in the form of grants to the Indian
Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras).
✓ Google has been announced as the inaugural ‘platinum consortium’ member of the IIT Madras newly
formed Centre for Responsible Artificial Intelligence (CeRAI).
✓ CeRAI’s major goal will be to create high-quality research outputs such as research publications in high-
impact journals or conferences, white papers, and patents, among other things.
Q. Which stock Exchange has launched the rupee-denominated NYMEX WTI Crude Oil and Natural Gas
futures in its commodity derivatives segment?
A) Madras Stock Exchange B) National Stock Exchange
C) Calcutta Stock Exchange D) Bombay Stock Exchange
Answer : B
✓ The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has launched the rupee-denominated NYMEX WTI Crude Oil and
Natural Gas futures in its commodity derivatives segment.
✓ It will provide effective trading and hedging opportunities to market participants, with the availability of
key energy products on a single trading platform.
✓ The contracts will provide effective trading and hedging opportunities to market participants, with the
availability of key energy products on a single trading platform.
Q. PayNearby has launched the ‘PayNearby Mall’ platform for small businesses and consumers. This
platform will be integrated with which platform?
A) Reliance Retail B) Viacom 18
C) Open Network for Digital Commerce D) Network 18
Answer : C
✓ A branchless banking and digital network in India, PayNearby has launched a new meta-commerce
platform called PayNearby Mall.
✓ With this initiative, the company aims to upgrade every retailer, in its active network, to benefit from the
ongoing e-commerce acceleration.
✓ This platform is designed to enable easy access to goods and services and will be integrated with the Open
Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) platform.

✓ Aim – To upgrade every retailer in its million+ active network and help them meet the demand of their
customers.
✓ About PayNearby Mall
✓ PayNearby Mall is envisioned as a meta-commerce platform that will empower every retailer and seller,
from big merchants and e-commerce platforms to local sellers and small businesses (through ONDC)
meet the unmet demand of their customers, both locally and across a wider market PAN India.
✓ Founde and MD & CEO of PayNearby- Anand Kumar Bajaj
Q. RuPay has introduced the CVV free payment experience for its debit, credit, and prepaid cardholders.
What is the full form of CVV?
A) Card Verified Value B) Card Value Verification
C) Credit Verification Value D) Card Verification Value
Answer : D
✓ RuPay has introduced the CVV (Card Verification Value) free payment experience for its debit, credit
and prepaid cardholders who have tokenized their cards on the merchant application or webpage.
✓ This new CVV less experience ensures that the cardholder will not have to reach out to their wallet or
remember any card details, if they have saved (tokenized) their card on the e-commerce merchant which
supports this feature.
✓ They will just have to enter the OTP or their device will auto-populate the OTP during the domestic e-
commerce transaction and the payment will be done.
✓ Tokenization is a simple technology to secure card transactions without sharing clear or real card details
with the merchants.
Q. UNEP suggests measures to reduce 80% of world's plastic pollution by which year?
A) 2025 B) 2030
C) 2040 D) 2050
Answer : C
✓ Plastic pollution could be slashed by 80 per cent by 2040, according to a new report by the UN
Environment Programme (UNEP).
✓ About 400 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated every year.
✓ This ambitious target relies on major policy changes and the deployment of existing technologies in the
way we produce, use and dispose of plastics.
✓ Sustainable alternatives could reduce pollution by 17 per cent by 2040.
✓ United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
✓ Formation : 5 June 1972
✓ Headquarters : Nairobi, Kenya
✓ Executive Director : Inger Andersen (Denmark).
TARGET YEAR IN NEWS 2023

➢ UNEP suggests measures to reduce 80% of world's plastic pollution by 2040.
➢ India aims to become one trillion dollar tourism economy by 2047.
➢ The government announced a plan to add 250 GW of renewable energy capacity in the next five years
to achieve its target of 500 GW of clean energy by 2030.
➢ India has set targets for half of its installed electricity capacity to be from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030
and for the country to attain net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.
➢ 2023 foreign trade policy has the vision to take India’s goods and services exports to $2 trillion by 2030.

➢ India to get 9% of Electricity from Nuclear Sources by 2047.
➢ India sets target to become ‘Global Hub for Green Ship’ building by 2030
➢ Indian Railways to become Net Zero Carbon Emitter by 2030.
➢ India to produce 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030.
➢ India has set a target to replace the use of diesel by renewable energy in the agriculture sector by 2024.
➢ Indian Government has set a target to eliminate TB in India by 2025.
➢ India targets ₹25,000-cr worth defence exports by 2024.
➢ Reserve Bank of India’s 2023 monetary policy objective is to hold inflation within the mandated tolerance
band and guide it towards the medium-term target of 4% by 2024.
Q. The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) has achieved a significant milestone by providing 12 crore tap water
connections across the country. PM Modi launched the Jal Jeevan Mission in 2019 with an aim to
provide tap water connection to all by which year?
A) 2027 B) 2024
C) 2025 D) 2030
Answer : B
✓ The Jal Jeevan Mission, a flagship program launched by the Government of India, has achieved a
significant milestone by providing 12 crore tap water connections across the country.
✓ This achievement marks a major step towards ensuring access to clean drinking water for every
household.
✓ At the time of announcement of launch of JJM only 3.23 Crore (16.64%) households in villages had
access to piped water connection.
✓ Himachal Pradesh at 98.35%, followed by Bihar at 96.05%, are also set to achieve saturation in the near
future.
✓ Goa, Haryana, Punjab, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Puducherry, D&NH and D&D are 'Har Ghar Jal'
certified States/UTs.
✓ 100% tap water coverage
✓ Till date, 5 states (Goa, Telangana, Haryana, Gujarat and Punjab) and 3 union territories (Puducherry,
Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Andaman and Nicobar Islands) have reported 100%
coverage.
✓ About Jal Jeevan Mission
✓ It is a flagship programme of the Government of India which was announced from the ramparts of Red
Fort by the Prime Minister on August 15, 2019.
✓ The objective of the mission is to supply potable tap water in adequate quantity, prescribed quality and
on a regular and long-term basis to every rural household of the country by 2024.
✓ It is implemented by the Government of India in partnership with the States/Union Territories.
✓ This mission comes under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
✓ Funding Pattern :
✓ The fund sharing pattern between the Center and the states under the mission is 90:10 for Himalayan and
North-Eastern states and 50:50 for other states.
✓ In the case of Union Territories, 100% contribution is made by the Centre
Q. Defence production beats _ crore mark on back of crucial reforms.

A) ₹1 lakh crore B) ₹2 lakh crores
C) ₹3 lakh crores D) ₹4 lakh crores
Answer : A
✓ Defence production crosses Rs 1 lakh crore mark for the first time ever.

✓ The value of defense production in the financial year (FY) 2022-23 has crossed the Rs one lakh crore
mark for the first time.
✓ The value is currently Rs 1,06,800 crore and may increase further once data is received from the
remaining private defense industries.
✓ The present value of defense production in FY 2022-23 is over 12 per cent higher than Rs 95,000 crore in
FY 2021-22.
✓ Government's efforts to boost defense production
✓ Simplified defence industrial licensing, relaxation of export controls and grant of No Objection
Certificate.
✓ Specific incentives introduced under the foreign trade policy.
✓ Defence Production & Export Promotion Policy 2020.
✓ The government had issued two "positive indigenization lists" which included 209 items that could not
be imported.
✓ The government has also announced two dedicated corridors in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh to act as
clusters of defense manufacturing.
✓ The number of defense licenses issued by the government to industries has increased by almost 200 per
cent in the last 7-8 years.
✓ The vision of the government
✓ To achieve a turnover of $25 billion, including exports of $5 billion in aerospace and defence goods and
services by 2025
Q. Who has approved the proposed merger of Credit Suisse Group AG with UBS Group AG?
A) Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
B) Competition Commission of India (CCI)
C) Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
D) Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
Answer : B
✓ Competition Commission of India (CCI) approves merger of Credit Suisse Group with UBS Group.
✓ UBS Group AG (UBS) is a multinational investment bank and financial services company
✓ It is a Switzerland based company and is active globally.
✓ UBS's businesses include wealth management, asset management, investment banking services, and retail
and corporate banking.
✓ In India, UBS's business is primarily focused on brokerage services.
✓ About Credit Suisse Group AG (Credit Suisse)
✓ Credit Suisse Group AG (Credit Suisse) is a multinational investment bank and financial services
company established in Switzerland.
✓ In India, Credit Suisse's businesses include wealth management and investment banking services.
✓ Competition Commission of India (CCI)
✓ It is the chief national competition regulator in India.
✓ It was set up under the Competition Act, 2002.
✓ It comes under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
✓ It promotes healthy market competition and prevents activities that have an adverse effect on competition
in India.
✓ CCI also approves merger and acquisitions of companies in India so that the two merging entities do not
dominate the market unfairly.
✓ Headquarter - New Delhi
✓ Chairman : Ravneet Kaur
Q. Amazon Web Services has announced how much investment in India's cloud infrastructure by 2030?

A) $12.7 billion B) $13.7 billion
C) $14.7 billion D) $15.7 billion
Answer : A
✓ With an aim to meet the growing demand for cloud services, Amazon Web Services will invest $12.7
billion in India by 2030. Which is expected to contribute $ 23.3 billion to India's economy.
✓ Punit Chandhok, President, Commercial Business, AWS India and South Asia, reiterated AWS's
commitment to driving economic transformation in India
Q. Which entity has introduced a risk disclosure framework for individual traders for trading in the equity
Futures & Options (F&O) segment?
A) SEBI B) RBI
C) IRDAI D) SIDBI
Answer : A
✓ SEBI Introduced Risk disclosure Framework for Trading by Individual Traders in Equity F&O Segment..
✓ 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.
✓ 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.
✓ The risk disclosure framework would come into force with effect from July 01, 2023.
Q. Which life insurance company has launched the India’s first small-cap fund in the ULIP segment
namely ‘Bajaj Allianz Life Small Cap Fund’?
A) Life Insurance Corporation of India B) Max Life Insurance
C) Bajaj Allianz Insurance D) Bharti AXA Insurance
Answer : C
✓ Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company Ltd launched the 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.
Q. Who has launched India's-first Recycled PVC RuPay Card?

A) Hindustan Unilever B) Asian Paints
C) Bombay Dyeing D) Tide and Transcorp
Answer : D
✓ rPVC[1]: Tide and Transcorp launch India’s-first Recycled PVC RuPay Card.
✓ Tide in partnership with the Transcorp International Limited launched India’s first recycled (rPVC[1])
Rupay card, along with MCT Cards & Technology Pvt. Ltd. and NPCI (National Payments Corporation
of India).
✓ PVC is an acronym for Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). PVC cards are more durable than paper-based cards
and can last longer without getting damaged or torn, along with security features
Q. Aditya Birla Capital has announced the launch of “Udyog Plus”, an innovative one-stop business
platform, designed for Which sector?

A) Healthcare and Insurance B) Real Estate
C) Renewable Energy D) MSME
Answer : D
✓ Aditya Birla Capital launches ‘Udyog Plus’: An Innovative One-Stop Business Platform for MSMEs.
✓ Aditya Birla Capital, the financial services business of the Aditya Birla Group, through its lending arm,
Aditya Birla Finance, has announced the launch of “Udyog Plus”, an innovative one-stop business
platform, designed for the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise (MSME) customers.
✓ This new Business-to-business (B2B) digital platform offers solutions for MSMEs, including financing,
protection, investments, advisory and value-added services for managing and growing their businesses.
Q. A Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) is a company registered under which act?
A) RBI Act 1934 B) Companies Act, 1956
C) NBFC Act 1956 D) Government Securities Regulations, 1913
Answer : B
✓ RBI cancels Certificate of Registration of 7 NBFCS, 14 surrender permits.
✓ The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in exercise of powers conferred on it under Section 45-IA (6) of RBI
Act, 1934 has cancelled the Certificate of Registration (CoR) of seven Non-Banking Finance Companies
(NBFC).
✓ 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.
✓ The 14 NBFCs have surrendered the Certificate of Registration (CoR) granted to them by 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.
Q. Which company has partnered with SBI Card and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)
to launch SBI Card on the RuPay network?
A) PhonePe B) Google pay
C) Paytm D) PayPal
Answer : C
✓ Paytm has partnered with SBI Card and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to launch
the Paytm SBI Card on the RuPay network.
✓ The aim of this new partnership, they claim, is to revolutionize the way credit is consumed in India by
bringing 'new to credit' users into the formal economy and expanding to non-urban markets.
✓ The Paytm SBI Card offers cashback and discounts on transactions made through the Paytm mobile app.
✓ The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) enabled users to link RuPay credit cards to UPI in 2023.
✓ About Paytm
✓ Paytm is an Indian multinational financial technology company headquartered in Noida.
✓ Establishment - August 2010
✓ Founder/CEO - Vijay Shekhar Sharma
✓ Parent Organization - One97 Communications
Q. According to the World Bank's annual "State and Trends of Carbon Pricing" report, revenues from
carbon taxes and ETS reach approximately how many billions?

Answer : D
✓ According to the World Bank’s (WB) annual report ‘State and Trends of Carbon Pricing 2023’ released
on May 23, 2023, revenues collected from carbon taxes and Emissions Trading Systems (ETS) globally
have reached a record high, about US$95 billion in 2022 despite the challenging context for governments
facing high inflation, fiscal pressures, and energy crises.
✓ The revenues collected from carbon taxes and ETS in 2021 was about US$ 84 billion
✓ As per the report, there are currently 73 global carbon pricing instruments are in operation, compared
with 68 in May 2022 when the World Bank issued its 2022 report.
✓ The 73 Carbon Pricing initiatives covered 11.66 GtCO2e (gigatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent),
representing 23% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
✓ As of April 1, 2023 less than 5% of global GHG emissions are covered by a direct carbon price at or above
the range recommended by 2030.
Q. With which company has BSNL joined hands to set up 4G network in India?
A) Reliance Communication B) Tech Mahindra
C) TCS D) Airtel
Answer : C
✓ BSNL has placed an order worth ₹15,000 crore to tech firm Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to further
expand the 4G network in India.
✓ The deal includes Tejas Networks, a Tata Group telecom gear maker, which will provide Radio Access
Network (RAN) equipment.
✓ The TCS-led consortium includes Tejas Networks and C-DOT.
Q. How many million loan agreement has been signed by the Government of India with the Asian
Development Bank for infrastructure development in Andhra Pradesh?
A) USD 105.50 Million B) USD 122.75 Million
C) USD 141.12 Million D) USD 167.37 Million
Answer : C
✓ The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India signed a $141.12 million loan
agreement for the development of an industrial corridor in Andhra Pradesh.
✓ The agreement has been signed to support the development of high quality indoor infrastructure facilities
in three industrial areas in Andhra Pradesh. These are: roads, water supply plants and power distribution
systems.
✓ The loan is the second tranche of a $500 million Multi-tranche Financing Facility (MFF) under the
program approved by ADB in 2016.
✓ With this loan facility, infrastructure facilities will be developed in three industrial clusters under the
Visakhapatnam and Srikalahasti-Chittoor areas sanctioned in Andhra Pradesh
Q. CBDT has raised the tax exemption Exemption for leave encashment raised to______ lakhs, effective
from 1 April 2023.
A) ₹15 lakhs B) ₹20 lakhs
C) ₹25 lakhs D) ₹30 lakhs
Answer : C
✓ Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has raised the tax exemption on leave encashment on retirement
of non-government salaried employees from ₹3 lakh to ₹25 lakh.

✓ The relief, which was announced in the union budget speech this year (2023), is effective from 1 April
2023.
✓ CBDT provides essential inputs for policy and planning of direct taxes in India and is also responsible
for administration of direct tax laws through the Income Tax Department.
✓ It is a statutory authority functioning under the Central Board of Revenue Act, 1963
✓ Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT)
✓ Founded : 1860
✓ Headquarteres : New Delhi
✓ Chairman : Nitin Gupta
✓ Minister responsible : Ministry of Finance
Q. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has constituted an 11-member Cheetah Project
Steering Committee. Who will head this committee?
A) Abhijit Sen B) Bimal Jalan
C) Chandra Shekhar D) Rajesh Gopal
Answer : D
✓ The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) set up an 11-member Cheetah Project Steering
Committee.
✓ The committee works under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
✓ Rajesh Gopal, general secretary of the Global Tiger Forum, has been appointed as the chairman of the
committee.
✓ The decision to form the committee was taken after the death of six cheetahs involved in the translocation
project.
✓ The objective of the committee is to address the challenges and issues related to the Cheetah
Translocation Project.
✓ The committee includes 10 other members with diverse backgrounds and expertise.
✓ National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA):
✓ It was established in December 2005.
✓ The establishment of NTCA was based on the recommendation made by the Tiger Task Force.
COMMITTEE IN NEWS 2023
➢ National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has established an 11-member Cheetah Project Steering
Committee under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Rajesh Gopal, secretary
general of Global Tiger Forum, has been appointed as its chairman..
➢ IRDAI has recently constituted a five-member expert committee comprising medical experts and insurers
to advise on matters related to mental health and insurance; Headed By : Pratima Murthy.
➢ Razorpay forms 4-member advisory board to strengthen corporate governance; Head-former RBI deputy
governor NS Vishwanathan.
➢ Ministry of Finance has set up of a four-member committee forms panel to suggest changes to National
Pension Scheme (NPS); Headed By- Finance Secretary T.V. Somanathan.
➢ Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has set up a 14-member committee to look into stalled real estate
projects; Headed By – Amitabh Kant.
➢ Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has constituted a nine-member task force
to make India a ‘product developer and manufacturing nation’.Chaired By - Bhuvnesh Kumar.
➢ International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) has formed an expert committee to create a
roadmap to encourage Indian startups/fintech domiciled abroad to relocate to the GIFT City in Gujarat.
Chaired By - G. Padmanabhan.
➢ A five-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court has ruled that the appointment of the Chief
Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs) will now be made by a high-power

committee consisting of the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and the Chief Justice of
India.
➢ The five-judge Constitution Bench was headed by Justice K M Joseph.
➢ Supreme Court has formed a six-member expert committee to examine Hindenburg Research firm’s
report on the Adani Group and probe the stock price crash in Adani stocks. Headed By - AM Sapre.
➢ Government of India (GoI) constituted a 16-member inter-ministerial committee to analyse the need for
a separate law for competition in the digital market and to draft a digital competition act within three
months.Headed By - Manoj Govil.
➢ The Shipping Ministry has formed a committee to draft revised Guidelines for operationalization of Roll
on-Roll off (Ro-Ro) and Roll on-Passenger (Ro-Pax) ferry service. Headed By- Sanjay K. Mehta .
Q. Which bank has partnered with Manipal Global Academy of BFSI to launch its Future Banker 2.0
programme to groom young graduates into banking professionals within a year?
A) ICICI Bank B) HDFC Bank
C) Yes Bank D) Kotak Mahindra Bank
Answer : B
✓ HDFC Bank has partnered with Manipal Global Academy of BFSI to launch its Future Banker 2.0
programme to groom young graduates into banking professionals within a year.
✓ The nationwide recruitment initiative seeks to establish a talent pipeline for the bank’s retail banking
division to man its expanded network post-Merger.
✓ The one-year professional diploma, offered in collaboration with Manipal Global Academy of BFSI,
incorporates classroom sessions, guest lectures, group discussions, role plays, and practical fieldwork.
HDFC BANK IN NEWS 2023.
➢ SEBI has granted approval for a change in control of HDFC Asset Management Company (HDFC
AMC) due to the amalgamation of HDFC Ltd and HDFC Bank Ltd.
➢ As part of the amalgamation, existing shareholders of HDFC Ltd will hold a 41% stake in HDFC Bank.
➢ HDFC Bank has launched a retail banking initiative called ‘Vishesh‘ aimed at customers in semi-urban
and rural areas.
➢ HDFC Bank partners Manipal Global to build up a talent pipeline.
➢ SEBI has granted approval for a change in control of HDFC Asset Management Company (HDFC
AMC) due to the amalgamation of HDFC Ltd and HDFC Bank Ltd.
➢ HDFC Bank has signed a “Master Inter Bank Credit Agreement” with Export-Import Bank of Korea for
a USD 300 million line of credit.
➢ HDFC Bank recommends re-appointment of Sashidhar Jagdishan MD, CEO for 3 yrs.
➢ HDFC Bank’s Sashidhar Jagdishan is ‘BS Banker of the Year 2022’.
➢ HDFC Bank, IRCTC launch India’s most rewarding co-branded travel credit card.
➢ HDFC Bank, Lulu Exchange ink deal to enhance cross-border payments between India-Gulf region.
➢ HDFC Bank collaborates with Microsoft as part of its digital transformation.
➢ Reserve Bank of India said SBI, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank remain domestic systemically important banks
(D-SIBs). .
➢ India’s first Electronic Bank Guarantee issued by HDFC Bank.
➢ HDFC BANK
➢ Founded : 1994
➢ Founder : Hasmukhbhai Parekh
➢ MD & CEO : Sashidhar Jagdishan
➢ Tagline : We understand your world

Q. Which Digital payment service provider has become the first digital payments app to enable the linkage
of 2 lakh Rupay credit cards to the Unified Payments Interface (UPI)?
A) Paytm B) PhonePe
C) Google Pay D) Freecharge
Answer : B
✓ PhonePe becomes first payment app to link 2 Lakh RuPay Credit Cards to UPI.
✓ Digital payment service provider PhonePe has become the first digital payments app to enable the linkage
of 2 lakh Rupay credit cards to the Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
✓ It has also processed a Total Payment Value (TPV) of Rs 150 crore through Rupay Credit on UPI. TPV
refers to the total transaction value processed through the platform in a given time period.
✓ Several lenders across the country have already linked their Rupay credit cards to the Unified Payents
Interface (UPI) network.
✓ PhonePe
✓ Founded : 2015
✓ Headquarters : Bangalore, Karnataka
✓ Founder & CEO : Sameer Nigam
✓ Co-Founder & CTO : Rahul Chari
✓ It is owned by Flipkart, a subsidiary of Walmart.
✓ PhonePe app, based on the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), went live in August 2016.
✓ Walmart completed the acquisition of a 77% stake in Flipkart in August 2018
Q. Srikrishnan Hari Hara Sarma has been appointed as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
(MD & CEO) of which bank?
A) Karnataka Bank B) Kotak Mahindra Bank
Answer : A
✓ Srikrishnan Hari Hara Sarma appoints as MD & CEO of Karnataka Bank
✓ Private sector lender Karnataka Bank has appointed Srikrishnan Harihara Sarma as the new managing
director and chief executive officer of the bank for three years.
✓ The appointment is subject to the approval of shareholders at the ensuing AGM or within a period of 3
months from the date of assuming charge whichever is earlier.
✓ He has also worked at HDFC Bank Limited, Yes Bank, and Jio Payments Bank
✓ KARNATAKA BANK
✓ Founded : 1924
✓ Headquarters : Mangaluru, Karnataka
✓ Chairmam : Pradeep Kumar Panja
✓ MD & CEO : Srikrishnan Hari Hara Sarma
✓ Tagline : Your Family Bank Across India
Q. Union government has extended the Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Jal) for two more years until December
2025. Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Jal) is being implemented in 8,565 gram panchayats in 80 districts of how
many states?
A) 5 B) 7
C) 6 D) 4
Answer : B

✓ Union government has extended the Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Jal) for two more years until December
2025.
✓ Initially launched in 2019, Atal Jal is active across 8,220 water-stressed Gram Panchayats within 80
districts of seven Indian states, including Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh.
✓ The scheme is active across 8,220 water-stressed Gram Panchayats within 80 districts of seven Indian
states.namely, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar
Pradesh .
✓ Atal Jal plans to bring 450,000 hectares of irrigated area under efficient water techniques like drip
irrigation and crop diversification..
✓ About Atal Bhujal Yojana.
✓ Atal Bhujal Yojana is a groundwater management scheme launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi
on the 95th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, on 25 December 2019.
✓ The purpose of the scheme is to improve groundwater management in seven states of India.
✓ In order to acknowledge and contain the ever-growing problem of groundwater depletion, the Indian
Government introduced the Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABY) in December 2019 after getting financial approval
from the World Bank in 2018.
✓ It has been launched under the Jal Jeevan Mission of the government.
Q. SEBI has formed an Intermediary Advisory Committee to advise the market regulator on changes in the
legal framework. Who will be chaired this committee?
A) Amarjeet Singh B) Ruchi Chojer
C) Pramod Rao D) S Ravindran
Answer : D
✓ The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has constituted an Intermediary Advisory Committee
to advise the markets regulator on changes in legal framework and increasing transparency in the
functioning of market intermediaries like stock exchanges, depository participants, clearing corporations,
among others.
✓ The committee will be chaired by former Sebi executive director S Ravindran who in his assignment with
the markets regulator handled the charge of Corporation Finance Department.
✓ He had also headed departments related to investment management, and foreign institutional investors
and custodians.
SEBI IN NEWS 2023
➢ SEBI sets up intermediary advisory panel to be led by S Ravindran.
➢ SEBI Introduced Risk disclosure Framework for Trading by Individual Traders in Equity F&O Segment.
➢ SEBI introduced the Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) system for issuers of non-convertible securities,
securitized debt instruments and security receipts.
➢ NDTV appoints former SEBI Chairman UK Sinha and business leader Dipali Goenka as Independent
Directors.
➢ Sebi introduces Application Supported by Blocked Amount (ASBA) -like facility for secondary market
trading in India.
➢ NSE gets the final SEBI approval to launch Social Stock Exchange.
➢ Markets regulator SEBI has launched an information database on municipal bonds.
➢ SEBI allowed Alternative Investment Funds(AIFs) to participate in the Credit Default
Swaps(CDS) market as protection buyers and sellers in a bid to facilitate the deepening of the domestic
corporate bond segment.
➢ Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI):
➢ It is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India established in 1988.

➢ Its main objectives are to protect the interests of investors in securities and promote the development of
the securities market in India by regulating intermediaries, ensuring transparency and accountability of
listed companies, and promoting investor education.
➢ It is owned by the Ministry of Finance, Government of India, but functions as an autonomous body with
its own governing board.
➢ It has the power to issue guidelines, rules and regulations, investigate and punish fraudulent business
practices.
➢ It is the regulator of the Capital market and Commodities market in India.
➢ The first SEBI chairman was Dr S A Dave (1988-90)
➢ Madhabi Puri Buch is the current and 10th Chairperson of the SEBI.
➢ Headquarters : Mumbai
Q. Which company has launched a new generative AI-driven chatbot called ‘Jugalbandi’, designed for
farmers and other users living in rural India?
A) Google B) Microsoft
C) Amazon D) IBM
Answer : B
✓ Microsoft has unveiled a new generative AI-driven chatbot called ‘Jugalbandi’, designed for farmers and
other users living in rural India.
✓ The chatbot is being developed in collaboration with Microsoft Research and the government-backed
AI4Bharat – an open-source language AI centre based at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras
– and OpenNyAI.
Q. Which Small Finance Bank has partnered with grain commerce platform Arya.ag to finance small
farmers against warehouse receipt?
A) Equitas Small Finance Bank B) Shivalik Small Finance Bank
C) Fincare Small Finance Bank D) AU Small Finance Bank
Answer : B
✓ Shivalik Small Finance Bank has partnered with grain commerce platform Arya.ag to finance small
farmers against warehouse receipt.
✓ With this business correspondent model partnership, Arya.ag, will further its mission to drive financial
inclusion for farmers and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and offer loans through Shivalik Small
Finance Bank under Warehouse Receipt Finance.
SMALL FINANCE BANK IN NEWS 2023
✓ Equitas Small Finance Bank has entered into a partnership with IBM Consulting to develop and construct
a digital banking platform.
✓ Arya.ag announces partnership with Shivalik Small Finance Bank to drive farmers’ financial inclusion.
✓ AU Small Finance Bank has announced that it has been granted permission by the Reserve Bank of India
(RBI) to act as an authorized dealer in foreign exchange. The bank has received a license to operate as
an Authorized Dealer Category-I (AD-I) under section 10 of FEMA, 1999.
✓ Suryoday Small Finance Bank announced the launch of ‘Blossom Women’s Savings Account’ with 7
percent per annum interest rate with monthly interest credit.
✓ Ujjivan Small Finance Bank launches Hello Ujjivan- India’s first voice, visual, vernacular banking app.
✓ ESAF Small Finance Bank has bagged the prestigious Inclusive Finance India Awards 2022 for its
contributions in advancing the goal of financial inclusion and supporting inclusive growth.
✓ Reserve Bank of India gave its approval to SBI Funds Management Ltd to acquire up to 9.99% stake in
Equitas Small Finance Bank through the schemes of SBI Mutual Fund.

✓ AU Small Finance Bank introduces RuPay credit card for self-employed Customers.
Q. Who has been appointed as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Bank
of Baroda?
A) Atanu Kumar Das B) R K Chhibber
C) Sunil Mehta D) Debadatta Chand
Answer : D
✓ Debadatta Chand has been appointed as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) of the Bank of Baroda.
✓ He has been appointed for a period of three years with effect from July 2023.
✓ Prior to this, Debadatta served as the Executive Director of the bank.
✓ He succeeds Sanjiv Chadha, whose tenure will end on June 30, 2023.
✓ Bank of Baroda (BOB)
✓ Founded : 1908
✓ Founder : Sayajirao Gaekwad III
✓ Headquarters : Vadodara, Gujarat
✓ MD & CEO : Debadatta Chand
✓ Tagline : India’s International Bank.
Q. Who has released the "Best Practices in Social Sector: A Compendium, 2023"?
A) RBI B) FICCI
C) NITI Aayog D) FSSAI
Answer : C
✓ NITI Aayog has released the “Best Practices in Social Sector: A Compendium, 2023” in collaboration
with the United Nations Development Programme.
✓ Reason : To commemorate 75 years of India’s independence and highlight and laud the efforts of Union
Ministries and State Governments, this compendium includes 75 case studies cutting across 14 key social
sectors.
✓ The case studies have been sourced from all States and Union Territories and 30 Ministries and
Departments of the Government of India. The aim of this exercise has been to synthesise lessons for the
future to expand, enhance and improve life at the grassroots level.
NITI AAYOG IN NEWS 2023
➢ PM Modi chairs the 8th meeting of the NITI Aayog Governing Council held at the New Convention
Center at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
➢ The meeting is focused on the theme of "Growth India @ 2047: Role of Team India".
➢ BVR Subrahmanyam was appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of Niti Aayog.
➢ The government has monetised assets worth ₹26,000 crore during FY23 against the target of ₹1.6 lakh
crore for the current fiscal : NITI Aayog.
➢ NITI Aayog, the Indian government’s policy think-tank, recently released a report titled “Promoting
Millets in Diets: Best Practices across States/UTs of India.” .
➢ Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), an initiative by NITI Aayog, has launched three new resources aimed
at fostering innovation and creativity among India’s youth.
➢ NITI Aayog ( National Institution for Transforming India)

➢ Founded : 1st January 2015
➢ Preceding : Planning Commission ( 15th March 1950)

➢ Headquarters : New Delhi
➢ Chairperson : Narendra Modi
➢ Vice Chairperson : Suman K Bery
➢ CEO : BVR Subrahmanyam
➢ NITI Aayog comes under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Q. Which US Company purchased resources of First Republic Bank resulting in 3rd financial collapse?
A) Axis Bank B) First Citizens
C) JP Morgan Chase & Co D) American Express
Answer : C
➢ The assets of First Republic Bank have been bought by American multinational company JP Morgan
Chase & Co.
➢ The US financial regulators seized First Republic Bank, a California-based financial institution. It
resulted in the third major bank failure in the past 2 months.
➢ The deal has been made to save the economic turbulences.
➢ The outflows of 100$ were reported recently
Q. What is the interest rate on deposits made under ‘Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Account’?
A) 7.5 % B) 6.5 %
C) 7.0 % D) 8.5 %
Answer : A
➢ Mahila Samman Savings Certificate has a fixed interest rate of 7.5% per annum on deposits of up to ₹2
Lakh for a tenure of two years.
➢ Union Budget announced the Mahila Samman Savings Certificate (MSSC), a new small-savings scheme
for women and was launched for investments from April 1, 2023.
➢ The interest rate on deposits made under this Program is 7.5% per year.
➢ The Union Minister Smriti Irani opened the Mahila Samman Savings Certificate (MSSC) account
recently.
Q. Which Artificial Intelligence Company launched ‘Pi Chatbot’?
A) DeepMind Technologies B) Inflection AI Inc
C) OpenAI D) Tesla
Answer : B
✓ Inflection AI Company unveiled a modern talkbot named ‘Pi Chatbot’.
✓ The full form of Pi is Personal Intelligence which is different in its activities.
✓ The CEO of this 1-year-ago startup, Mustafa Suleyman announced that this agent is capable of solving
real-life problems of humans rather than coding complex terms and writing homework like other AI-
based systems.
✓ This has been launched collaboratively by the co-founders of Google DeepMind and LinkedIn
ChatGPT IN NEWS 2023
➢ Inflection AI Company unveiled a modern talkbot named ‘Pi Chatbot’.
➢ ‘Gigachat’ Russia’s Sberbank launches Al to compete with ChatGPT.
➢ Google introduces AI chatbot ‘Bard’ to compete with Microsoft’s ChatGPT.
➢ Google to launch its AI Chatbot amid ChatGPT’s Growing Popularity.
➢ Lexi’: India’s first AI assistant powered by ChatGPT.

➢ Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has recently launched a chatbot to help people get an
answer to their queries related to the Aadhaar card. It is called “Aadhaar Mitra”.
➢ India’s First Agri Chatbot Ama KrushAI Launched in Odisha.
➢ Chinese search engine Baidu revealed its plans of launching a ChatGPT-style AI chatbot called ‘Ernie
Bot’.
➢ Bard is a chat service developed by Google that utilizes artificial intelligence to engage in conversations
with users.
➢ Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) unveiled WhatsApp chatbot service ‘Bal
Mitra’.
➢ Punjab and Haryana Court recently utilized the assistance of an AI chatbot called ChatGPT to make a
decision regarding a bail application in a criminal case, marking the first time an Indian court has done
so.
Q. Which bank has introduced a digital distribution platform Smart Saathi to connect business
correspondents (BCs) and business facilitators (BFs) to the bank?
A) Yes Bank B) HDFC Bank
C) ICICI Bank D) Axis Bank
Answer : B
✓ HDFC Bank has introduced a digital distribution platform HDFC Bank Smart Saathi to connect business
correspondents (BCs) and business facilitators (BFs) to the bank.
✓ HDFC Bank Smart Saathi will contribute by making banking products and services available, especially
credit for rural customers, which will help in the development of the country.
✓ This will help in enhanced income generation for the agents and also help customers to access easy credit.
✓ The platform will also boost capacity building for agents and further financial literacy for customers.
Q. Who is the highest paid athlete as per the latest Forbes’ highest-paid athletes list in 2023?
A) Lionel Messi B) Cristiano Ronaldo
C) Canelo Álvarez D) LeBron James
Answer : B
✓ According to the latest Forbes’ highest-paid athletes list in 2023, Portuguese football star Cristiano
Ronaldo is the world’s highest-paid athlete, with earning of $136 million.
✓ The report states that world’s ten highest-paid athletes collectively made $1.11 billion before taxes and
agents’ fees over the last 12 months, the highest total ever.
✓ With an earning of $130 million, Argentine professional footballer Lionel Messi is second highest paid
athlete.
✓ French professional footballer, Kylian Mbappé is third with total earning estimated at $120 million
Q. The Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant (MSTPP) is NTPC LTD’s first overseas capacity addition. The
plant is located in which country?
A) Malaysia B) Nepal
C) Bangladesh D) Sri Lanka
Answer : C
✓ NTPC Group’s total installed capacity reaches 72,304 MW with first overseas capacity addition in
Bangladesh.

✓ The state-owned NTPC Ltd has marked its first overseas capacity addition with the installation of Unit-
1 of project named Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant (MSTPP) in Rampal, Mongla, Bagerhat,
Bangladesh.
✓ The project has two units of 660 MW capacity each (1320 MW (2×660)).
✓ With the new addition, thbe total Installed Capacity of NTPC Group has reached to 72304 MW.
✓ The MSTPP project was executed in collaboration with the Bangladesh-India Friendship Power
Company Pvt Ltd. (BIFPCL), a foreign joint venture company of NTPC Ltd.
NTPC IN NEWS 2023

➢ NTPC Group’s total installed capacity reaches 72,304 MW with first overseas capacity addition in
Bangladesh.
➢ Country's largest power generation company NTPC Limited has been conferred with 'ATD Best Awards
➢ NTPC and Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) sign agreement for joint development
of nuclear power plants.
➢ India’s largest power company NTPC Ltd has commissioned India’s first green hydrogen blending
project at Kawas, Gujarat.
➢ NTPC hosts an international seminar on ‘Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage’ (CCUS) at First
Energy Transitions Working Group meeting in Bengaluru.
➢ NTPC Limited announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Energy Vault
Holdings (“Energy Vault).
➢ NTPC Renewable Energy Limited (NTPC REL) signs MoU with Government of Tripura for
cooperation in renewable energy development.
➢ NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd has signed an MoU with the Indian Army for setting up Green Hydrogen
➢ About NTPC
➢ The NTPC which was earlier known as National Thermal Power Corporation of India is owned by the
Government of India. It was set up in 1975.
➢ The Vindhyachal Thermal Power Station in the Singrauli district of Madhya Pradesh, with an installed
capacity of 4,760MW, is currently the biggest thermal power plant in India.
➢ Headquarters: New Delhi
➢ Chairman and Managing Director: Gurdeep Singh
Q. Which company has partnered with the ICICI Bank for the acceptance of the digital Rupee on its PoS
terminals?
A) PayU B) Incred Finance
C) Pine Labs D) Intellect Design Arena
Answer : C
✓ Merchant commerce platform "Pine Labs" announced the acceptance of the digital Rupee on its PoS
(point-of-sale) terminals in partnership with ICICI Bank.
✓ The technology integration between the two entities will now support Digital Rupee acceptance at Pine
Labs’ point-of-sale terminals across key retail outlets in Mumbai and Bengaluru.
✓ Pine Labs’ execution of the Digital Rupee payment process is completely digital via dynamic QR (quick
response) built within its smart Android PoS terminals.
ICICI BANK IN NEWS 2023
➢ Pine Labs partners with ICICI Bank to enable acceptance of Digital Rupee on its PoS terminals.
➢ ICICI Bank offers Ecosystem Banking for Indian Startups.
➢ ICICI Bank and BNP Paribas have signed an initial pact to cater to the banking requirements of European
corporates operating in India.

➢ Reserve Bank of India said SBI, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank remain domestic systemically important banks
(D-SIBs).
➢ SBI, ICICI Bank and Axis Bank to launch Rupay based Credit card on UPI platform by March 2023.
➢ ICICI bank has announced a new bank account “The HomeVantage Current Account (HVCA)” for
Indian students in UK.
➢ ICICI Bank’s board of directors has reappointed Sandeep Bakshi as the MD and CEO for a period of 3
years.
➢ Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation of India (ICICI) BANK
➢ Founded : 1994
➢ MD & CEO : Sandeep Bakhshi
➢ Tagline : Hum Hai Na Khayal Apka
Q. Recently which company got Telecom license in India?
A) Zoom B) Meta
C) Tesla D) RailTel
Answer : A
✓ Zoom Video Communications, the parent company of the video conferencing platform 'Zoom', has
received a nationwide telecom license from the Indian Telecom Department.
✓ Under this, the company will now provide telephone service to enterprise customers in the country, as
well as the company will also provide its cloud based private branch exchange service (Zoom Phone)
service to enterprise customers.
✓ Zoom is an American company based on video conferencing.
Q. India’s domestic coal production has risen by how much percent during the last five years?
A) 22% B) 25%
C) 16% D) 31%
Answer : A
✓ India’s domestic coal production rises by over 22 % during last 5 years.
✓ The country’s overall coal production has seen a quantum jump to 893.08 million tonnes in the Financial
Year 2022-23 as compared to 728.72 million tonnes in the Financial Year 2018-2019 with a growth of
about 22.6 percent.
✓ The priority of the Ministry is to enhance domestic coal production to reduce the dependence on
substitutable coal imports.
✓ The production of Coal India Limited (CIL) has increased by 703.21 million tonnes as compared to
606.89 million tonnes in the Financial Year 2018-2019 with a growth of 15.9 percent in the last five years
Q. Which bank has partnered with India Shelter Finance Corporation Ltd under the co-lending model to
offer secured MSME loans to middle and low-income borrowers in semi-urban areas?
A) Axis Bank B) Yes Bank
Answer : A
✓ Axis Bank and India Shelter Finance Corporation Ltd (IndiaShelter) have signed a strategic partnership
under the co-lending model to offer secured MSME loans to middle and low-income borrowers in semi-
urban areas.

✓ This partnership will leverage the deep financial expertise of Axis Bank and the strong loan processing
technology of IndiaShelter to assess the borrower’s credit profile and offer them loans at an optimal
interest rate, ensuring a seamless banking experience.
✓ The partnership will empower Axis Bank and IndiaShelter to reach out to potential customers in the
informal segment who are new to credit and are underserved by larger institutions.
Q. SEBI has introduced the Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) system for issuers of non-convertible securities,
securitized debt instruments, and security receipts. How many digits are there in Legal Entity Identifier
(LEI)?
A) 16 B) 15
C) 21 D) 20
Answer : D
✓ SEBI introduced the Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) system for issuers of non-convertible securities,
✓ The Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) is a 20-digit number used to uniquely identify parties to financial
transactions worldwide to improve the quality and accuracy of financial data systems.
✓ LEI is a unique global identifier for legal entities participating in financial transactions.
✓ The system is primarily intended for issuers that have listed or plan to list non-convertible securities,
✓ It aims to create a global reference data system that identifies each legal entity that is party to a financial
transaction.
✓ The LEI system will enable greater transparency and better risk management in the financial markets.
✓ Companies planning to list non-convertible securities, securitized debt instruments, and security receipts
will need to obtain an LEI from an authorised issuer.
✓ The LEI system will also help prevent fraud and financial crimes by properly identifying and verifying
legal entities participating in financial transactions.
✓ Entity Identifier India Limited is a subsidiary of Clearing Corporation of India Limited.
✓ The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) mandates non-individual borrowers having an aggregate exposure of
above Rs 25 crore to obtain the LEI code.
Q. Who announced the introduction of CVV-free online transactions for domestic tokenised credentials in
India?
A) Mastercard B) Capital One
C) Visa D) American Express
Answer : C
✓ Digital payment solution provider Visa on May 5, 2023 announced the introduction of CVV-free online
transactions for domestic tokenised credentials in India. The move is in accordance with Reserve Bank
of India’s (RBI) guidelines on tokenisation, Visa said in a press release.
✓ Tokenisation is a process that replaces a card’s 16-digit number with a unique alternate card number or
‘Token’, which can be used for online transactions, mobile point-of-sale (POS) transactions, or in-app
transactions.
Q. RBI has announced the interest rate of ____ on the Floating Rate Bond 2024, for the half year from May
7 to November 6, 2023.
A) 6.97% B) 7.42%
C) 7.91% D) 8.34%
Answer : A

✓ Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced interest rate of 6.97 percent on Floating Rate Bond (FRB)
2024, for the half year starting from May 7 to November 6.
✓ The rate of interest on the FRB 2024 shall be reset at the average rate (rounded off up to two decimal
places) of the implicit yields, at the cut-off prices of the last three auctions of 182-days treasury bills, held
up to the period preceding the coupon reset date.
Q. Which has rebranded its multi-brand loyalty program, Payback India to Zillion?
A) PhonePe B) Zerodha
C) Pine Labs D) BharatPe
Answer : D
✓ BharatPe Group, has announced that it will be rebranding Payback India, 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.
✓ Aim : The new brand identity aims to target customers across age groups and add a new dimension to
their overall shopping experience, across categories and brands.
✓ Zillion will offer a wide range of options for customers to earn and redeem at a wide range of partners
across the country. The customers will be able to earn ‘Zillion coins’ for their routine spends, that will in
turn add a moment of delight in their life.
✓ BharatPe becomes ICC’s official partner till 2023.
✓ BharatPe
✓ Founded : 2018
✓ Founded / CEO : Ashneer Grover
✓ Developed By : NPCI
✓ Chairmam : Rajnish Kumar
Q. Which bank has partnered with Cashfree Payments to offer ‘Global Collections’, an international
collection service for exporters?
A) HDFC Bank B) Yes Bank
Answer : B
✓ Cashfree Payments and YES Bank have partnered to offer ‘Global Collections’, an international
collection service 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.
Q. According to Everest Annual ITS rankings 2023, which company has topped the list?
A) TCS
B) Accenture
C) Wipro
D) HCL

Answer : B
✓ Accenture takes the number one spot for the seventh straight year in the Everest 2023 PEAK Matrix
Service Provider of the Year Awards for Information Technology (IT) services.
✓ The ranking of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Capgemini, and Wipro has risen to take the number 2,
3, and 4 spots, respectively. HCL Tech ranks fifth.
✓ Since Everest Group, a global IT research firm, launched the rankings in 2016, TCS has been in the top
five, and this year it climbed to second place. Capgemini and Wipro each rose three positions in the
rankings over last year.
Q. Who will launch ‘Bank Clinic’ to help retail customers with grievance redress?
A) All-India Bank Employees’ Association
B) Central Board of Direct Taxes
C) Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs
D) Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry
Answer : A
✓ All-India Bank Employees’ Association (AIBEA) plans to set up an online ‘Bank Clinic’ to assist bank
customers with grievance redress.
✓ Once a bank’s retail customer lodges an online complaint with our “Bank Clinic”, our team will take up
the complaint with the Bank for redress,” AIBEA General Secretary CH Venkatachalam said.
✓ The Bank Clinic will be one more channel through which a retail bank customer can get his grievances
addressed besides the normal Banking Ombudsman channel
Q. Which company has replaced BharatPe as the global sponsor of the International Cricket Council (ICC)?
A) MasterCard
B) Paytm
C) Tata Neu
D) Dream11
Answer : A
✓ American multinational financial services corporation, Mastercard has replaced BharatPe as the global
sponsor of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
✓ The sponsorship pact between ICC & Mastercard is a multi-year arrangement and will cover the
upcoming 4 years.
✓ For the past year, Mastercard has been aiming to bag some lucrative sponsorship deals as it also secured
title sponsorship rights of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) international and domestic
home fixtures from Paytm.
✓ ICC primarily helms a three-year sponsorship and its partnership with BharatPe was kicked off on June
2021.
SPONSOR IN NEWS 2023

➢ Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced that Adidas will be the new kit sponsor of the
Indian team.
➢ Mastercard has reportedly taken over from BharatPe as the global sponsor of the International Cricket
Council (ICC).
➢ Tata Group bags Title sponsorship rights for the Women’s Premier League to 2027.

➢ Adani Sportsline is principal sponsor of Indian Olympic Association Birmingham Commonwealth
Games 2022, the Hangzhou Asian Games 2022, and the Paris Olympic Games 2024.
➢ Kewal Kiran Clothing (KKCL) replaces MPL as Indian cricket team’s official sponsor.
➢ Adidas will sponsor the India cricket team kit as part of a Rs 350 billion deal.
➢ BCCI to become an official partner of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) for the 2023 season.
➢ Sony Sports signs Hyundai Ioniq 5, Samsonite as sponsors for Australian Open 2023.
➢ Odisha extends Indian Hockey team sponsorship till 2033.
➢ For the second year in a row, the State Bank of India (SBI) has extended its sponsorship for Khleo India
Youth Games (KIYG) in Madhya Pradesh and remained as KIYG's Principal sponsor for KIYG 2022
edition.
Q. Who launched “Open Challenge Program (OCP) 2.0” as part of a series of OCP programs by Kalpataru-
CoE (Center for Entrepreneurship)?
A) Indian Oil Corporation Limited B) Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited
C) NTPC Limited D) Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL)
Answer : D
✓ Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) launched “Open Challenge Program (OCP) 2.0” as part of a
series of OCP programs by Kalpataru-CoE (Center for Entrepreneurship).
✓ The objective of this program is to select startups specialising in Industry 4.0 technologies for
collaboration with RINL.
✓ The startups' technologies are expected to provide faster return on investment for RINL, contribute to
energy savings and enhance process safety.
✓ The "Center of Excellence (CoE) on Industry 4.0" project involves collaboration between STPI (Software
Technology Parks of India), MeitY (Ministry of Electronics & IT), RINL and Government of Andhra
Pradesh.
✓ Over a period of 5 years, the CoE plans to incubate around 175 startup companies, of which 50 are
incubated in physical mode and 125 are incubated in virtual mode.
✓ Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL)
✓ It is a government body that oversees the operations of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP), India's first
shore-based integrated steel plant.
✓ The VSP plant was commissioned in 1992 and initially had a capacityto produce 3.0 MTPA of liquid
steel.
✓ Establishment -18 February 1982
✓ Headquarters - Visakhapatnam, India
✓ CMD - Atul Bhatt
Q. Which entity has announced its participation in the Global Financial Innovation Network (GFIN)
greenwashing techsprint?
A) SEBI
B) RBI
C) NPCI
D) SIDBI
Answer : B
✓ RBI has announced its participation in the Global Financial Innovation Network (GFIN) greenwashing
techsprint.
✓ The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has invited firms to participate in the Greenwashing TechSprint to
develop technology solutions to detect incidents of greenwashing in financial products.

✓ TechSprint is part of RBI's efforts to promote sustainable finance and ensure that financial products
marketed as green or sustainable are actually aligned with environmental objectives.
✓ TechSprint is open to firms and individuals who can provide innovative technology solutions to detect
greenwashing in financial products using technologies such as natural language processing and artificial
intelligence.
✓ About Global Financial Innovation Network (GFIN).
✓ This is an international network of financial regulators that seeks to foster innovation in the financial
services sector.
✓ It was established in 2018 by a group of 12 financial regulators, including the UK Financial Conduct
Authority, the Monetary Authority of Singapore, and the US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
✓ It aims to provide a platform for regulators to collaborate and share best practices on innovative financial
products and services, as well as regulatory approaches to innovation
Q. Export lender Exim Bank to raise up to record _ billion in FY 2023-24 (FY24) for Trade Finance and
Term Loans.
A) $2.7 billion B) $3 billion
C) $3.3 billion D) $4 billion
Answer : D
✓ Export lender Exim Bank plans to raise up to record $4 billion in financial year 2023-24 (FY24) for
extending trade finance and term loans.
✓ Exim Bank raised $1 billion through sustainability bond in Jan-uary 2023, under its environm-ent social
governa-nce (ESG) fra-me-work. It later raised $100 million via a second offering of the bond.
Q. European Union regulators approve Microsoft's _ billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
Answer : D
✓ The European Union approved Microsoft’s $69 billion purchase of video game maker Activision
Blizzard, deciding the deal won’t stifle competition for popular console titles like Call of Duty and
accepting the US tech company’s remedies to boost competition in cloud gaming.
✓ The blockbuster deal is still in jeopardy because British regulators have rejected it and U.S. authorities
are trying to thwart it.
Q. Sarbananda Sonowal has informed that the government will provide financial support of____ for the
promotion of Green Shipping.
A) 50% B) 40%
C) 30% D) 20%
Answer : C
✓ Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal has announced 30 per cent
financial assistance to promote green shipping.
✓ Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal made five important announcements
focusing on green shipping and digitization of ports at the end of the second Chintan Shivir of the ministry
held in Munnar, Kerala.
✓ Green Hydrogen hubs will be developed at the Deendayal Port at Kandla and Chidambaranar Port at
Tuticorin.

✓ Two tugs each will be procured for Jawaharlal Nehru, VO Chidambaranar, Paradip and Deendayal ports
under the Green Tug Transition Programme.
✓ Jawaharlal Nehru and Turicorin ports will be made smart ports by next year.
✓ What is Green Shipping?
✓ Green shipping is when people or goods are transported via ships using the minimum resources and
energy possible to protect the environment from pollutants generated by the ships.
✓ Green shipping promotes clean practices by implementing emission control, efficient port management
and equipment management
Q. Which Ministry has set up the Centre for Processing Accelerated Corporate Exit (C-PACE)?
A) NITI Aayog B) Ministry of Corporate Affairs
C) Ministry of Commerce and Industry D) Ministry of External Affairs
Answer : B
✓ The government established the Expedited Corporate Exit Processing Center (C-PACE) and C-PACE is
under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
✓ The C-PACE aims to streamline and speed up the process of winding up defunct companies.
✓ It centralises the process of winding up companies, making it easier and more efficient.
✓ This relieves the burden on the registry and ensures a clean and accurate database.
✓ Its establishment is part of the MCA's commitment to promote Ease of Doing Business and facilitate
smooth exit of companies.
✓ It functions under the Registrar of Companies (ROC) as per sub-section (1) of section 396.
✓ The C-PACE office was inaugurated on May 1, 2023.
✓ The office is supervised by the Director General of Corporate Affairs (DGCoA) in New Delhi.
Q. Ministry of Cooperation has informed that government will form How Many New Farmer Producer
Organizations (FPOs) in the Cooperative Sector?
A) 1,000 B) 1,100
C) 1,200 D) 1,300
Answer : B
✓ Government to set up 1,100 new farmer producer organisations in the cooperative sector.
✓ The government will set up 1,100 new Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in the cooperative sector
and the initiative is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "prosperity through
cooperation".
✓ The National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) will monitor the allotment of these
additional FPOs.
✓ Each FPO will get financial assistance of Rs 33 lakh.
✓ Cluster based business organisations associated with FPOs will be given Rs 25 lakh per FPO.
✓ The aim of setting up the FPO is to provide the necessary market linkages to the farmers.
✓ Its objective is to ensure remunerative prices for the produce of the farmers
Q. Which bank has partnered with National e-Governance Services Limited (NESL) to launch
the Electronic Bank Guarantee (BG) system on digital platforms?
A) Bank of Baroda B) Indian Overseas Bank
C) Kotak Mahindra Bank D) State Bank of India
Answer : A

✓ Bank of Baroda partnered with National e-Governance Services Limited (NESL) to launch the Electronic
Bank Guarantee (BG) system on digital platforms.
✓ It aims to significantly reduce the turnaround time for issuance of electronic bank guarantees as compared
to the traditional paper-based process.
✓ The electronic bank guarantee system is accessible through Baroda INSTA, the digital platform of Bank
of Baroda.
✓ The digital approach enhances convenience, security and efficiency in the issuance of inland bank
guarantees.
✓ About Bank of Baroda (BoB)
✓ It is an Indian public sector bank headquartered in Vadodara, Gujarat.
✓ It is the second largest public sector bank in India after State Bank of India and has a global presence with
over 100 overseas offices.
✓ The bank was established on 20 July 1908 by Sayajirao Gaekwad III, the Maharaja of Baroda.
Q. Jayakumar S. Pillai has been appointed as Deputy Managing Director of which bank?
A) IDFC First Bank B) IDBI Bank
C) Indian Overseas Bank D) Kotak Mahindra Bank
Answer : B
✓ Board of Directors of Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI) Bank Limited approved the
appointment of Jayakumar S. Pillai as Deputy Managing Director (DMD) on the Board of IDBI for a
period of 3 years .
✓ Recently, the Central govt & LIC decided to sell off their 60.72% stake in IDBI Bank
✓ Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI ) Bank
✓ Founded : 1964
✓ Headquarteres : Mumbai, Maharashtra
✓ Chirman : M. R. Kumar
✓ MD & CEO : Rakesh Sharma
Q. Who has launched ‘General Surety Bond Bima (Conditional & Unconditional)’ insurance product for
infrastructure projects?
A) SBI General Insurance B) Bharti AXA General Insurance
C) Bajaj Allianz General Insurance D) Cholamandalam MS General Insurance
Answer : A
✓ SBI General launches ‘Surety Bond Bima‘ for Infrastructure ProjectsOn May 23, 2023, SBI General
Insurance (SBIG), the non-life insurance arm of State Bank of India (SBI), launched ‘General Surety
Bond Bima (Conditional & Unconditional)’ insurance product for infrastructure projects.
✓ It will act as a security arrangement to provide protection for infrastructure projects and shield both the
contractor and the principal (the entity awarding the contract).
✓ This Surety Bond Insurance is available in two variants viz. Conditional and Unconditional.
✓ What is Surety Insurance?
✓ It provides an assurance to the project owner in the form of a Surety Bond that the contractor would
complete the project as per the agreed terms and conditions. It involves three parties: the principal
(contractor), the obligee (the individual or entity hiring the contractor), and the surety company (the
insurer).
Q. Which company has become the first general insurance company to accept RBI’s Central Bank Digital
Currency (CBDC) e-Rupee (e₹) for premium payments?
A) Bharti AXA General Insurance B) Reliance General Insurance

C) Bajaj Allianz General Insurance D) Cholamandalam MS General Insurance
Answer : B
✓ Reliance General Insurance has become the first general insurance company to accept RBI’s Central
Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) e-Rupee ((e₹) for premium payments.
✓ The insurer has tied up with YES Bank to facilitate the collection of premiums in digital mode using the
bank’s e-rupee platform.
✓ Customers who have an active e-rupee wallet with any bank can scan Reliance General Insurance’s
CBDC QR code to make easy, safe, instant, and green payments.
✓ e-rupee is a digital token, equivalent to a banknote, and is legal tender or sovereign currency backed by
the RBI.
✓ Currently, Reliance General Insurance’s physical e-rupee QR code is available at select branches for
walk-in customers to scan and pay instantly.

APRIL 2023
Q. Which bank has recently raised USD 750 million through bonds to fund offshore business growth?
A) Punjab National Bank B) HDFC Bank
C) ICICI Bank D) State Bank of India
Answer : D
✓ State Bank of India (SBI), the country’s biggest lender, has raised USD 750 million through bonds to
fund offshore business growth.
✓ SBI has concluded the issue of USD 750 million senior unsecured fixed rate notes having a maturity of 5
years and coupon of 4.875 percent payable semiannually under Regulation-S.
✓ Earlier this month, the bank’s board had approved a proposal to raise $2 billion (about Rs 16,000 crore)
from bonds to fund its global operations.
SBI IN NEWS 2023

➢ State Bank of India (SBI), the country’s biggest lender, has raised USD 750 million through bonds to
fund offshore business growth.
➢ State Bank of India (SBI) launched a coffee table book titled "The Banker to Every Indian" and the book
celebrates 75 years of Indian independence and 200 years of SBI's history.
➢ SBI to launch new current accounts and savings accounts in FY24 to attract deposits.
➢ The bank intends to launch two new variants of current accounts, one with a balance of ₹50,000 and
another with a balance of ₹50 lakh. It also plans to introduce a new savings account called “Parivar”
(family) account.
➢ State Bank of India (SBI) announced the completion of a $1 billion syndicated social loan facility.
➢ The facility of $1 billion was arranged through MLABs, MUFG bank and Taipei Fubon Commercial
Bank Co.
➢ State Bank of India (SBI) has partnered with the NGO That’s Eco Foundation to donate ₹48 lakh for the
plantation of 32,000 tree saplings at Garden City University in Bengaluru.
➢ State Bank of India (SBI) has raised Rs 3,717 crore through its third Basel III compliant Additional Tier
1 bond issuance in the current financial year at coupon rate of 8.25 per cent..
➢ SBI reintroduces 400 days ‘Amrit Kalash’ retail term deposit scheme and provides an interest rate of
7.6% for senior citizens.
➢ State Bank of India (SBI) has launched its coffee table book named ‘The Banker to Every Indian’.
➢ Commercial Indo Bank LLC (CIBL) is a joint venture in Russia between SBI (60 per cent) and Canara
Bank (40 per cent).
➢ SBI announces completion of $1 billion Syndicated Social Loan Facility.
➢ Warehousing Development Regulatory Authority (WDRA) signed a memorandum (MoU) of
understanding with State Bank of India to help farmers in getting low interest rate loans.
➢ According to the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA)’s report titled “EASE Reforms Index for the first
quarter of FY23″ the State Bank of India(SBI) was adjudged as the Best Bank in adopting reforms
prescribed for Public Sector Banks(PSB).
➢ SBI on 5 December 2022 announced that its personal banking advances excluding high value home loans
have crossed the Rs 5 lakh-crore mark as on 30 November 2022.
➢ State Bank of India (SBI), India’s largest lender, approved raising Rs 10,000 crore through infrastructure
bonds during the financial year 2023 (FY23) including a greenshoe option of Rs 5,000 crore.
➢ STATE BANK OF INDIA (SBI )
➢ Founded : 1 July 1955
➢ Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra

➢ Chairman : Dinesh Kumar Khara
➢ Managing Director (4) : Alok Kumar Choudhary, Swaminathan Janakiraman, Challa Sreenivasulu
Setty and Ashwini Kumar Tewari
➢ Imperial Bank of India was previous name of SBI
➢ The presidency Banks of Bengal, Bombay and Madras with merged in 1921 to Imperial Bank of India.
➢ Tagline of State Bank of India
1. Pure Banking Nothing Else
2. With you all the way
3. A bank of the common man
4. The banker to every Indian
5. The Nation banks on us.
➢ It is one of the largest and oldest banks in India.
Q. What is the estimated global trade growth rate in 2023 as per the World Trade Organization (WTO)?
A) 1.0% B) 1.5%
C) 1.7% D) 1.9%
Answer : C
✓ WTO projects growth rate at 1.7% in 2023
✓ The World Trade Organization (WTO) estimates that the global trade growth in 2023 is expected to slow
to 1.7 percent.
✓ This was 2.7 percent growth in 2022.
✓ The decline in trade may be due to multiple factors, such as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, high
inflation, tighter monetary policy and financial uncertainty.
✓ The World Trade Organization said in its forecast that trade growth for 2024 is expected to be 3.2 percent.
✓ World Trade Organisation (WTO)
✓ It was set up on 1st January 1995 replacing the General Agreement on Tariff and Trade (GATT).
✓ Its main purpose is to promote rule based trading systems in the world and it also settles trade related
disputes between the member countries.
✓ The headquarters of WTO is in Geneva, Switzerland.
✓ There are 164 member countries.
✓ Director General of WTO : Dr Ngozi -Okonjo-Iweala of Nigeria
✓ Report released by WTO : World Trade Report
Q. RBI has decided to launch a secured web-based centralised portal to simplify and streamline application
processes. What is the name given to the portal?
A) PRAVAAH B) SATAT
C) UTHAAN D) PRAMUKH
Answer : A
✓ The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has planned to launch a secured web-based centralised portal named
‘PRAVAAH’ to simplify and streamline application processes.
✓ PRAVAAH stands for Platform for Regulatory Application, Validation And AutHorisation.
✓ The portal will show time limits for deciding on the applications/approvals sought.
✓ Currently, the application and approval processes for the same take place in varied on-line and off-line
modes.
✓ The new system will bring greater efficiencies into regulatory processes and facilitate ease of doing
business for the regulated entities of RBI.
✓ The facility will be extended to all types of applications made to RBI across all functions.

RBI PORTAL IN NEWS
➢ Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has planned to launch a secured web-based centralised portal named
‘PRAVAAH’ to simplify and streamline application processes.
➢ RBI to launch PRISM platform to strengthen compliance by supervised entities.
➢ RBI develops portal FLAIR for reporting of Foreign Liabilities and Assets (FLA).
➢ RBI launches CISBI portal for keeping track of Banking Outlets.
➢ RBI launches Mobile Aided Note Identifier (MANI) app for visually impaired persons.
Q. The Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) has been accorded which status by the
Government of India?
A) Maharatna B) Miniratna Category-I
C) Navratna D) Miniratna Category-II
Answer : B
✓ The Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) has been accorded the status of ‘Miniratna
Category-I’ Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) on April 10, 2023.
✓ SECI is a company of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) to facilitate the
implementation of the National Solar Mission (NSM).
✓ It is the only Central Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) dedicated to the solar energy sector.
✓ It is the primary implementing agency of MNRE for renewable energy schemes
Q. Union Cabinet has approved the National Quantum Mission for 2023-2031. How much amount has been
allocated to this mission?
A) ₹6,005.95 crore B) ₹6,000.15 crore
C) ₹6,003.65 crore D) ₹6,001.35 crore
Answer : C
✓ The Union Cabinet has approved the National Quantum Mission, with the aim to strengthen India’s
research and development in the quantum arena alongside indigenously building quantum-based
(physical qubit) computers.
✓ The mission will work on developing quantum supercomputers and establishing secure quantum
communications with other nations.
✓ The National Quantum Mission has been launched for an eight-year period, through 2023 – 2031. The
total budget allocated to the mission is ₹6,003.65 crore.
✓ Till date only six other nations are doing research and development in quantum technologies.
✓ They are the US, Canada, China, Austria, Finland and Scotland.
Q. Which company has recently got the status of Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise?
A) Rail Vikas Nigam Limited B) NMDC Limited
C) India Post D) NTPC Limited
Answer : A
✓ The Government of India upgraded the status of Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) to 'Navratna' Central
Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE).
✓ Prior to this upgrade, RVNL was earlier classified as a 'Miniratna' CPSE.
✓ The decision to upgrade RVNL was approved by the Finance Minister and is effective from April 26,
2023.
✓ RVNL is a mid-cap company under the Ministry of Railways.
✓ For the year 2021-22, RVNL has an annual turnover of Rs 19,381 crore and a net profit of Rs 1,087 crore.

✓ This upgrade makes RVNL the 13th Navratna company among CPSEs in India.
✓ About Navratna CPSE
✓ It is a select group of public sector enterprises in India that have been granted greater autonomy in
decision making and financial management by the government.
✓ The term "Navratna" means "Nine Gems" in Hindi and refers to the original nine CPSEs that were
granted this status in 1997.
✓ Navratna CPSEs are also subject to certain obligations, such as achieving certain performance targets
and maintaining minimum levels of public shareholding.
✓ Some examples of Navratna CPSEs include Bharat Electronics Limited, Hindustan Petroleum
Corporation Limited and Power Grid Corporation of India Limited.
✓ List of Navratna Companies in India 2023
1. Shipping Corporation of India Limited
2. Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited
3. Oil India Limited
4. NMDC Limited
5. Neyveli Lignite Corporation Limited
6. National Building Construction Corporation Limited
7. National Aluminum Company Limited
8. Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited
9. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
10. 10..Engineers India Limited
11. Container Corporation of India Limited
12. Bharat Electronics Limited
Q. Who has been appointed as Chairman of the Life Insurance Corporation of India till June 2024?
A) Siddhartha Mohanty B) TC Suseel Kumar
C) Vipin Anand D) Mukesh Kumar Gupta
Answer : A
✓ The Indian Government has approved the appointment of Siddhartha Mohanty as Chairperson of Life
Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) till June 29, 2024.
✓ Before this, Mohanty was to superannuate as LIC CEO and MD in June 2025.
✓ He took over as interim chairman of LIC in March 2023 for three months.
✓ Mohanty is one of the four managing directors at LIC.
✓ Before joining LIC as MD, Mohanty was serving as MD and chief executive officer of LIC Housing
Finance – one of the largest mortgage financiers in the country.
LIC IN NEWS 2023
➢ Siddhartha Mohanty appointed as Chairman of LIC Until June 2024.
➢ Ratnakar Patnaik appointed as new Chief Investment Officer of LIC.
➢ Tablesh Pandey and M. Jagannath have been appointed as the managing directors of the Life Insurance
Company (LIC).
➢ Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has launched LIC Jeevan Azad Plan.
➢ The minimum basic sum assured under LIC Jeevan Azad Plan is Rs 2 lakh and the maximum basic sum
assured is Rs 5 lakh. The policy can be taken for term of 15 to 20 years.
➢ LIC to divest 60.72% share in IDBI Bank.
➢ LIC presently has four managing directors
➢ Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC)
➢ Founded : 1956
➢ Headquarters : Mumbai
➢ Chairman : Siddhartha Mohanty

➢ It is India's largest life insurance company and also the country's largest investment company.
➢ Authorised Capital of LIC - Rs 25,000 Crore.
➢ At Rs 21,000 crore, LIC is India's largest IPO.
Q. What is the additional corpus support provided in the Union Budget for FY 2023-24 to the CGTMSE
Scheme?
A) ₹2,000 crore B) ₹4,500 crore
C) ₹7,500 crore D) ₹9,000 crore
Answer : D
✓ Union Minister for MSME Shri Narayan Rane launched the revamped CGTMSE Scheme in Mumbai
27th April 2023.
✓ CGTMSE has been provided with an additional corpus support of ₹9,000 crore in the Union Budget for
FY 2023-24 to revamp its Scheme to provide guarantee for additional ₹2 lakh crore to Micro & Small
Enterprises.
✓ Accordingly, the major revamp measures were launched and disseminated to the lending institutions.
The modifications included reduction in guarantee fees for loans upto ₹1 crore by 50% bringing the
minimum guarantee fee to the level of 0.37% pa only.
✓ Another major change announced was raising of ceiling for guarantee from ₹2 crore to ₹ 5 crore and
enhancing the threshold limit for claim settlement without initiation of legal action to ₹10 lakh
Q. Who has been ranked as the top most influential person in the world in the TIME Magazine’s 2023
TIME100 poll?
A) Prince Harry B) Lionel Messi
C) Shah Rukh Khan D) Mukesh Ambani
Answer : C
✓ Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan has achieved the top spot on 2023 TIME100 poll, the TIME
magazine’s annual list of the most influential people.
✓ Out of the 1.2 million votes cast, 4% of them went to Shah Rukh.
✓ The Iranian women who are protesting for their rights stood second in the list, with 3% of the votes.
✓ The healthcare workers who’ve been at the frontlines of the pandemic since 2020, stood third with 2% of
the overall votes.
✓ Third position was shared by Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex.
✓ Fourth place went to Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex.
✓ Fifth spot was gained by Lionel Messi
TIME MAGAZINE'S IN NEWS 2023
➢ Bollywood star Deepika Padukone has been featured on the latest cover of TIME magazine. The iconic
American magazine described Padukone as a ‘global star’ bringing ‘the world to Bollywood’.
➢ Shah Rukh Khan has achieved the top spot on 2023 TIME100 poll, the TIME magazine’s annual list of
the most influential people.
➢ Odisha’s Mayurbhanj and Ladakh among TIME magazine’s list of ‘World’s Greatest Places of 2023’.
➢ Time magazine named President Volodymyr Zelensky as well as “the spirit of Ukraine” as its 2022 person
of the year.
Q. RBI has announced the framework for the acceptance of green deposits of regulated entities (RE). It will
come into force from __

A) June 01 B) April 01
C) May 01 D) July 01
Answer : A
✓ The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced the framework for the acceptance of green deposits of
regulated entities (RE).
✓ The framework will come into effect from June 1, 2023.
✓ As per the guidelines of RBI, a Green Deposit means:
✓ An interest-bearing deposit, received by the RE for a fixed period and the proceeds of which are
earmarked for being allocated towards green finance.
✓ Lending to and investing in the activities or projects that contribute to climate risk mitigation, climate
adaptation and resilience, and other climate-related or environmental objectives – including biodiversity
management and nature-based solutions.
✓ The green deposits will be denominated in Indian rupees only.
✓ The Regulated entities (REs) will have to allocate proceeds raised from green deposits towards the green
activities or projects.
✓ These instructions are applicable for all scheduled commercial banks, including small finance banks.
However regional rural banks, local area banks and payments banks are excluded.
✓ The framework will also apply on all deposit-taking non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) registered
with the RBI, including housing finance companies.
✓ The aim of Green Deposit framework:
✓ To encourage regulated entities (REs) to offer green deposits to customers to foster and develop a green
finance ecosystem in the country.
✓ To protect the interest of the depositors, aid customers to achieve their sustainability agenda, address
greenwashing concerns and help augment the flow of credit to green activities or projects.
Q. Which country was the highest source of foreign portfolio investor (FPI) in India in FY23, as per National
Securities Depository?
A) Singapore B) China
C) United States D) Japan
Answer : C
✓ The US was largest source of foreign portfolio investment (FPI) inflows into India in FY23; Mauritius
witnessed sharpest decline.
✓ As per the data released by the National Securities Depository, the overseas FPI inflow into Indian capital
markets from Mauritius witnessed the sharpest decline in FY23.
✓ The total assets under custody (AUC) from Mauritius declined nearly 42 percent to Rs 3.25 trillion as of
March 2023. This was Rs 5.55 trillion in 2022.
✓ Overall, FPI AUC fell 4.44 percent in FY23.
✓ The US was the biggest source for foreign portfolio investor (FPI) flows in India in FY23, with total AUC
of Rs 19.19 trillion.
✓ Overall, FPI AUC fell 4.44 percent in FY23.
✓ The US was the biggest source for foreign portfolio investor (FPI) flows in India in FY23, with total AUC
of Rs 19.19 trillion.
✓ Singapore (4.56 trillion), Luxemburg (3.64 trillion), Mauritius (3.25 trillion) and the United Kingdom
(2.55 trillion), are the top 5 countries respectively.
✓ Norway (1.47 trillion) and Singapore witnessed highest growth in FPI AUC in FY23.
Q. Which country saw highest decline in the foreign portfolio investor (FPI) flows in India during FY23?
A) Mauritius

B) Singapore
C) United States
D) Norway
Answer : A
✓ As per the data released by the National Securities Depository, the overseas equity inflow into Indian
capital markets from Mauritius witnessed the sharpest decline in FY23.
Q. Which company has emerged as the second-strongest tyre brand in the world according to the report by
Brand Finance on the ‘Most Valuable and Strongest Tyre Brands’ in the world?
A) JK Tyre & Industries B) CEAT Tyres
C) MRF Limited D) Apollo Tyres
Answer : C
✓ MRF Ltd has emerged as the second-strongest tyre brand in the world according to the latest report by
Brand Finance on the ‘Most Valuable and Strongest Tyre Brands’ in the world.
✓ MRF has scored high in almost all parameters and is also featured as the second fastest-growing tyre
brand in the world.
✓ It has scored 83.2 out of 100 in brand strength and was awarded a AAA- brand rating.
Q. Which country was the biggest trading partner of India in 2022-2023?

A) China B) Germany
C) France D) United States
Answer : D
✓ According to the provisional data of the Ministry of Commerce, the United States has emerged as India’s
biggest trading partner in 2022-23.
✓ The bilateral trade between India and the US increased by 7.65 percent to USD 128.55 in 2022-23
compared to USD 119.5 billion in 2021-22.
✓ Speaking about exports to the US, it rose by 2.81 percent to USD 78.31 billion in 2022-23 as against USD
76.18 billion in 2021-22.
✓ Imports from US grew by about 16 percent to USD 50.24 billion.
✓ In 2022-23, China was the second largest trading partner of India. However, the two-way commerce
between them declined by about 1.5 percent to USD 113.83 billion as against USD 115.42 billion in 2021-
22.
✓ The UAE (USD 76.16 billion), was the third largest trading partner of India, followed by Saudi Arabia
(USD 52.72 billion), and Singapore (USD 35.55 billion) respectively.
Q. Which country will be the top contributor to global growth over the next five years through 2028, as per
the data of IMF?
A) Indonesia B) United States
C) China D) India
Answer : C
✓ AS per the data by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), China will be the top contributor to global
growth over the next five years, and its share is set to be double than that of the US.

✓ The report by Bloomberg, based on the data of World Economic Outlook of IMF, reveals that China
share in the global gross domestic product expansion over the next five years, through 2028, is expected
to represent 22.6% of total world growth.
✓ India is on second spot, representing 12.9% of the total growth.
✓ The US will contribute 11.3%, which is half than that of China.
✓ International Monetary Fund (IMF)
✓ Founded : 1945
✓ Headquarters: Washington, D.C.
✓ Managing Director : Kristalina Georgieva (Bulgaria)
✓ First Deputy MD : Gita Gopinath
✓ Chief Economist : Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas (France)
✓ Executive Director for India at IMF : Krishnamurthy Subramaniam
✓ Member countries : 190 (Andorra)
✓ IMF Released Report
✓ Global Financial Stability Report
✓ World Economic Outlook.
✓ The value of Special Drawing Right (SDR) is determined by the basket of 5 currencies.
✓ The currencies are, US Dollar, Japanese Yen, British Pound, Chinese Yuan and Euro.
✓ Special Drawing Right is known as the Paper Gold. The value of the SDR is based on a basket of key
international currencies reviewed by IMF every five years. SDR was introduced in the 1969 by the IMF
to solve the problem of International liquidity.
Q. Who has received a non-banking financial company (NBFC) license from the Reserve Bank of India?
A) InstantPay B) FamPay
C) Jupiter D) Fi Money
Answer : C
✓ RBI grants NBFC Licence to neobank Jupiter.
✓ The neobanking startup, Jupiter has secured the non-banking finance company (NBFC) licence from the
Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
✓ This NBFC licence will help Jupiter to lend credit from its book and further scale its business fast.
✓ Jupiter will lend loan through its Bengaluru-based Amica Financial Technologies Ltd., the private entity
which operates Jupiter.
Q. The Kirit Parikh Committee, which was seen in the news, is associated with which sector?
A) Gas Pricing B) Long Term Food Policy
C) On Small Scale Industries D) Increase in Motor Vehicle Tax
Answer : A
✓ The government on April 7 fixed natural gas price at $7.92 per MMBTU (million British thermal units)
for the rest of April under the new pricing formula suggested by the Kirit Parekh Committee.
✓ However, the final rates for consumers have been capped at $6.5 per MMBTU.
✓ The Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) of the oil ministry said in the order that the price of
natural gas for April 8 to April 30 would be $7.92 per million British thermal units.
✓ This price has been fixed on the basis of 10 per cent of the average cost of imported crude oil.
✓ The Union Cabinet, while changing the pricing formula, capped the rates for consumers at $6.5 per
MMBTU. This limit will be applicable for two years till March 31, 2025.
✓ “The price for gas produced by ONGC/OIL from their old fields shall be subject to a ceiling of $6.5 per
MMBTU,” .

✓ The new rates will bring down the prices of CNG and compressed natural gas (CNG) transported through
pipelines and used in various industries including auto fuel and petrochemicals and fertilizer sector, by
up to 10 per cent.
Q. The Government of India aims to achieve nearly 9% share of electricity generation from nuclear sources
by which year?
A) 2047 B) 2025
C) 2030 D) 2027
Answer : A
✓ India to get 9% of Electricity from Nuclear Sources by 2047
✓ AS per the information by the Union Minister Jitendra Singh, in India, the Government has set the target
that nearly 9% share of electricity is likely to be contributed from nuclear sources by 2047.
✓ The rising contribution of nuclear power in India’s energy sector will help the country to achieve the
commitment of net zero target by 2070.
✓ The other target laid down by the Department of Atomic Energy is achieving 20 gigawatts (GW) capacity
of nuclear power generation by 2030.
✓ This will make India the third-largest producer of atomic energy in the world after the US and France.
TARGET YEAR IN NEWS 2023
➢ India aims to become one trillion dollar tourism economy by 2047.
➢ The government announced a plan to add 250 GW of renewable energy capacity in the next five years
➢ India has set targets for half of its installed electricity capacity to be from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030
and for the country to attain net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.
➢ 2023 foreign trade policy has the vision to take India’s goods and services exports to $2 trillion by 2030.
➢ India to get 9% of Electricity from Nuclear Sources by 2047.
➢ India sets target to become Global Hub for Green Ship’ building by 2030.
➢ Indian Railways to become Net Zero Carbon Emitter by 2030.
➢ India to produce 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030.
➢ India has set a target to replace the use of diesel by renewable energy in the agriculture sector by 2024.
➢ Indian Government has set a target to eliminate TB in India by 2025.
➢ India targets ₹25,000-cr worth defence exports by 2024.
Q. The Department of Atomic Energy has set the target to achieve 20 gigawatts (GW) capacity of nuclear
power generation by which year?
A) 2030 B) 2040
C) 2050 D) 2060
Answer : A
✓ The other target laid down by the Department of Atomic Energy is achieving 20 gigawatts (GW) capacity
of nuclear power generation by 2030.
Q. RBI has kept the repo rate unchanged at what percent in the bi-monthly MPC meet on April 06, 2023?
A) 6.50% B) 6.25%
C) 6.10% D) 6.35%
Answer : A

✓ Reserve Bank of India (RBI), monetary policy committee (MPC) held its bi-monthly monetary policy
meeting on April 3, 5 and 6, 2023.
✓ The MPC has decided to keep the policy repo rate unchanged at 6.50 percent.
✓ Other policy rates have also been also kept unchanged.
✓ Policy Repo Rate : 6.50%
✓ Standing Deposit Facility Rate : 6.25%
✓ Marginal Standing Facility Rate : 6.75%
✓ Bank Rate : 6.75%
✓ Fixed Reverse Repo Rate : 3.35%
✓ CRR : 4.50%
✓ SLR : 18.00%.
✓ The MPC has also decided to continue with accommodative stance.
✓ RBI has projected the GDP growth rate for FY24 to 6.5 percent compared to 6.4 percent estimated in
February 2023.
✓ The inflation forecast for FY24 has been lowered to 5.2% from 5.3%
✓ RBI has also decided to develop a centralised portal to access details of unclaimed deposits by depositors
or their beneficiaries across various banks.
✓ What is the Monetary Policy Committee?
✓ Under Section 45ZB of the amended RBI Act 1934, the Central government is empowered to constitute
a six-member Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to determine the policy interest rate required to
achieve the inflation target.
✓ The first such MPC was constituted on September 29, 2016.
✓ As per the RBI Act, the MPC must meet a minimum of four times in a year.
✓ The next meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee will be held from 6 to 8 June 2023.
Q. Which of these rate is incorrect?

A) SLR : 18.00% B) Reverse Repo Rate : 3.35%
C) Bank Rate : 6.25% D) CRR : 4.00%
Answer : D
✓ Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR): 4.50%
✓ Bimonthly RBI monetary policy: RBI Rates
✓ Policy Repo Rate: 6.50%
✓ Standing Deposit Facility (SDF): 6.25%
✓ Marginal Standing Facility Rate: 6.75%
✓ Bank Rate: 6.75%
✓ Fixed Reverse Repo Rate: 3.35%
✓ Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR): 4.50%
✓ Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR): 18.00%.
Q. What is the projected GDP growth rate of India in FY24 as per RBI?
A) 6.5% B) 6.1%
C) 6.4% D) 6.9%
Answer : A
✓ RBI has projected the GDP growth rate for FY24 to 6.5 percent compared to 6.4 percent estimated in
February 2023.
Q. As per the 2023 Foreign Trade Policy, the Government of India has set the vision to achieve the target
of $2 trillion goods and services exports by which year?

A) 2030 B) 2025
C) 2035 D) 2040
Answer : A
✓ Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal announced the Foreign Trade Policy 2023, on
March 31, 2023.
✓ The 2023 foreign trade policy has the vision to take India’s goods and services exports to $2 trillion by
2030.
✓ The FTP 2023 will come into effect from April 1, 2023.
✓ Key highlights of the 2023 FTP
1. The policy will be dynamic. There is no end date to the policy, unlike the previous FTP’s which has
duration of five years. The policy will be updated or changed as and when necessary, based on the
feedback received.
2. The new FTP seeks to make the Indian rupee a global currency and allow international trade
settlement in the domestic currency.
3. Target to achieve the goal of $1 trillion merchandise exports and $1 trillion services exports by 2030.
4. new towns, namely, Faridabad, Moradabad, Mirzapur and Varanasi declared as towns of export
excellence. These are in addition to the existing 39 towns under the category.
✓ Faridabad will be the town of export excellence for apparels.
✓ Moradabad will be the town of export excellence for handicrafts.
✓ Mirzapur will be the town of export excellence for handmade carpet and dari.
✓ Varanasi will be the town of export excellence for handloom and handicraft
1. FTP 2023 will encourage e-commerce export, which is expected to grow to $200-300 billion by 2023.
2. The dairy sector has been exempted from maintaining average export obligation
3. The value limit for exports through courier services increased to Rs 10 lakh from Rs 5 lakh per
consignment
4. FTP 2023 aims at streamlining the SCOMET (Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment
and Technologies) policy, which covers special chemicals, organisms, materials, equipment and
technologies. The policy for the export of dual -use items under the SCOMET has been consolidated
in one place for ease of understanding and compliance by the industry.
5. The policy has recommended restructuring of the Department of Commerce to make it future ready.
6. Foreign Trade Policy 2023 has introduced an amnesty scheme for one-time settlement of default in
export obligation.
Q. Which of the following interest rate on small savings scheme is not correct under the April to June quarter
of financial year 2023-2024?
A) Senior Citizen Savings Scheme – 8.2%
B) National Savings Certificate – 7.7%
C) Public Provident Fund Scheme – 7.4%%
D) Sukanya Samriddhi Account – 8.0%
Answer : C
✓ Union Ministry of Finance has raised the interest rates on different small savings schemes between 10-70
basis points for the April to June quarter of financial year 2023-2024.
✓ The revised interest rates will be applicable from the financial year starting April 01, 2023.
✓ This is the third time in past 9 months, that the interest rates on small savings schemes have been
increased.
✓ The interest rates on small savings schemes range from 4.0 percent to 8.2 percent for April-June 2023.

✓ Only, the interest rate for Public Provident Fund (PPF) scheme and Post Office Savings Account have
been kept unchanged during this period.
✓ Various Interest Rates for Quarter-1 (April-June) of 2023-24 are listed below.
✓ Savings Deposit : 4.0%
✓ Senior Citizen Savings Scheme : 8.2%
✓ National Savings Certificate : 7.7%
✓ Public Provident Fund Scheme 7.1%
✓ Kisan Vikas Patra : 7.5% (115 months)
✓ Sukanya Samriddhi Account Scheme : 8.0%
Q. What is the rate of interest on Sukanya Samriddhi Account Scheme for the quarter 1 of the financial year
2023-24 (Apr-Jun 2023)
A) 7.1% B) 6.5%
C) 7.6% D) 8.0%
Answer : D
✓ Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
✓ The scheme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra modi on 22 January 2015 as a part of the Beti
Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign.
✓ Who can open the account : A natural/ legal guardian on behalf of a girl child.
✓ Minimum Deposit per Year : Rs 250/- (then amount in multiple of Rs 100 can be deposited thereafter)
✓ Maximum Deposit per Year: Rs.1,50,000 /- (Any deposit above the maximum cap will not earn any
interest and can be withdrawn anytime by the depositor).
✓ Number of accounts under Sukanya Samriddhi Account Yojana:
✓ Only one account per girl child.
✓ Accounts can be opened for a Maximum of two girl children in one family.
✓ In case, the guardian has triplet daughters from first birth or twin daughters from the second birth,
maximum of 3 accounts can be opened by the parent, where one account is opened in the name of a
single girl child.
✓ When can an SSA account be opened : Any time between birth of girl child till she attains the age of 10
years.
✓ Till which year regular yearly deposit is required– For initial 15 years from the date of opening of account.
✓ Example : SSA account is opened for Girl A, when her age is 1 year. The regular deposit will be required
till she turns 16 year. For Girl B, whose account is opened when she is 9 years, the regular deposit is
required till she turns 24 years.
✓ Maturity of deposit : After 21 years from date of opening of account. (No interest will be earned after
this.)
✓ Sukanya Samriddhi Accounts Interest rate : 7.6%
Q. The interest rate on Kisan Vikas Patra for April to June quarter of financial year 2023-2024 is set at 7.5
percent. What is the maturity period of this scheme?
A) 125 months B) 120 months
C) 115 months D) 100 months
Answer : C
✓ Kisan Vikas Patra : 7.5% (115 months)
Q. Who has been appointed as the new MD & CEO of Bank of India (BOI)?
A) Shyam Srinivasan B) Rajiv Lall

C) Rajneesh Karnatak D) Atanu Chakraborty
Answer : C
✓ Rajneesh Karnatak has been appointed as the MD & CEO of the Bank of India (BOI) with effect from
April 29, 2023.
✓ Prior to this, Karnatak was the Executive Director at the Union Bank of India.
✓ He has been appointed for a term of three years.
✓ He replaces Atanu Kumar Das, whose term came to an end in January 2023.
✓ Bank of India (BOI)
✓ Founded : 1906
✓ Headquarteres : Mumbai
✓ MD & CEO : Rajneesh Karnatak
✓ Tagline : Relationship beyond Banking
NEWLY MD & CEO IN NEWS 2023.

➢ Karnataka Bank Appoints Srikrishnan Harihara Sarma as MD & CEO.
➢ Rajneesh Karnatak Named As New MD and Chairman Of Bank Of India.
➢ Debadatta Chand named as new Managing Director of Bank of Baroda.
➢ Sekhar Rao appointed as interim MD and CEO of Karnataka Bank.
➢ Manmeet K Nanda appointed as MD & CEO of Invest India.
➢ Ajay Kumar Srivastava has been elevated as Managing Director and CEO of Indian Overseas Bank.
➢ Tata Power approves re-appointment of Praveer Sinha as CEO and MD.
➢ Mahindra Finance Appointed Raul Rebello as MD and CEO-Designate.
➢ Tech Mahindra named former Infosys President Mohit Joshi as MD and CEO.
➢ K Satyanarayana Raju named as new MD and CEO of Canara Bank.
➢ Ashwani Kumar name as MD and CEO of UCO Bank.
➢ Pankaj Gupta named as MD and CEO of Pramerica Life Insurance.
➢ Arnab Banerjee named as MD & CEO of CEAT tyre.
➢ Pranav Haridasan to be new MD and CEO of Axis Securities.
➢ B Gopkumar named as Axis Mutual Fund’s MD and CEO.
➢ Anup Bagchi, MD & CEO, ICICI Prudential Life.
➢ K Krithivasan Appointed CEO Designate of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).
➢ Surinder Chawla appointed as MD & CEO of Paytm Payments Bank.
➢ Rohit Jawa has been appointed as the new CEO and MD of Hindustan Unilever Ltd.
Q. Which entity has entered into a partnership with digital payments infrastructure provider PPRO to
facilitate global e-commerce payments through UPI?
A) NPCI Bharat BillPay
B) NPCI PayAuth Challenge
C) NPCI International Payments
D) Indian Financial Technology and Allied Services
Answer : C
✓ NPCI International Payments, a wholly-owned subsidiary of National Payments Corporation of India
(NPCI), entered into partnership with digital payments infrastructure provider PPRO to facilitate global
e-commerce payments through UPI.
✓ The agreement is aimed at expanding RuPay card and UPI acceptance across global clients such as
payment service providers (PSPs) and global merchant acquirers.
✓ It will drive NPCI International’s expansion into foreign markets and will add India to PPRO’s Local
Payment Method (LPM) coverage map.

✓ International payment service providers and their merchants can now easily tap into an e-commerce
market that is expected to reach an estimated $111 billion next year and almost double to $200 billion by
2026.
✓ The UPI network processes 60 percent of all domestic payments and 40 percent of instant payments
processed globally.
✓ National Payments Corporation of India(NPCI)
✓ Founded : 2008
✓ HQ : Mumbai, Maharashtra
✓ MD & CEO : Dilip Asbe
✓ Chairmam : Biswamohan Mahapatra
Q. Who has been appointed as the new CEO of the Association of Asset Reconstruction Companies
(ARCs)?
A) Salil Parekh B) Hari Hara Mishra
C) C Vijayakumar D) Rajan Amba
Answer : B
✓ Hari Hara Mishra has taken charge as the Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Asset
Reconstruction Companies.
✓ Mishra, who worked with State Bank of India from 1982 to 2004, Officer, has been associated with Asset
Reconstruction Sector since those formative days (2004) till date, in various ARCs in executive and
director level roles.
✓ The Association, which is the voice of all Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs), has been active for
more than eight years. Currently, there are 28 ARCs registered with Reserve Bank of India.
Q. Which bank has launched the ‘MicroPay’, India’s first pocket-sized swipe machine for accepting digital
payments.
A) Kotak Mahindra Bank B) HDFC Bank
Answer : D
✓ India’s third largest private sector lender Axis Bank has launched ‘MicroPay’, country’s first pocket-sized
swipe machine, for accepting digital payments.
✓ The ‘MicroPay’ has been launched along with Ezetap by Razorpay and MyPinpad as the technical
solution partners.
✓ MicroPay is based on ‘Pin on Mobile’ technology, that converts a merchant’s smartphone into a Point-
of-Sale (POS) terminal.
✓ How it works?
✓ MicroPay is a pocket-sized, small, low-cost card reader which supports “insert” and “tap” options for
debit and credit cards.
✓ The card reader can be connected to the merchant’s smartphone through Bluetooth and allows customers
to punch in their PIN directly on the merchant’s smartphone, for accepting digital payments.
Q. According to reports, the Education Ministry has selected around ___schools from across the country for
its flagship PM SHRI scheme.
A) 9,000 B) 6,000
C) 5,000 D) 7,000
Answer : A

✓ Ministry of Education has shortlisted around 9,000 schools across the country for its flagship Pradhan
Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI).
✓ The institutions were selected based on six broad parameters including curriculum, access and
infrastructure, human resources, and gender equity were assessed.
✓ They were assessed on the basis of six broad parameters: curriculum, pedagogy and assessment; access
and infrastructure; human resources – leadership; inclusive practices and gender equity; management,
monitoring and governance and beneficiary satisfaction.
✓ About PM SHRI
✓ PM Modi announced this scheme on 5th September 2022.
✓ PM SHRI school is a new centrally sponsored scheme that aims at developing more than 14500 schools
across the country by strengthening select existing schools being managed by all forms of government.
✓ The PM SHRI schools will aim at delivering quality teaching for the cognitive development of students
and creating and nurturing holistic and well-rounded individuals equipped with key 21st-century skills
Q. The central government has sanctioned how much rupees under the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing
of Electric Vehicles (FAME) Scheme Phase-II for setting up 7432 public fast charging stations across the
country?
A) Rs 600 crore B) Rs 800 crore
C) Rs 500 crore D) Rs 700 crore
Answer : B
✓ Union Government has sanctioned 800 crore rupees under the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of
Electric Vehicles (FAME) Scheme Phase -2 for setting up 7432 public fast charging stations across the
country.
✓ The government has formulated Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) India
Scheme in 2015 to improve the infrastructure required for the large-scale use of electric vehicles.
✓ At present, there are about 6,586 charging stations across the country. The addition of the new 7,432
public charging stations will be a significant push to Electric Vehicles charging ecosystem.
✓ This move will boost the electric vehicle ecosystem in India and encourage more people to switch to
cleaner modes of transportation.
Q. NPCI has introduced an interchange charge of up to how much percent on merchant UPI transactions
done using prepaid payment instruments from 1 April 2023?
A) 1.1% B) 1.6%
C) 2.1% D) 1.3%
Answer : A
✓ The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has issued a circular suggesting "Prepaid Payment
Instruments (PPI)" charges on merchant transactions on Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
✓ NPCI has introduced an interchange charge of up to 1.1 per cent on merchant UPI transactions done
using prepaid payment instruments from April 1.
✓ It will be levied on UPI payments above Rs 2,000 made to online merchants, large merchants and small
merchants.
✓ NPCI has clarified that there will be no charges for UPI payment from bank account to bank account or
normal UPI payment.
✓ With UPI, customers will have the option of using any bank account, RuPay credit card and prepaid
wallet on a UPI-enabled app.
✓ What is the interchange fee?
✓ The interchange fee is levied to cover the costs of accepting, processing, and authorising transactions.
✓ This is likely to make the transaction costlier.

✓ Interchange fee is a fee paid by payment service providers to wallet issuers such as banks.
✓ These wallets are mainly online payments like Paytm, PhonePe and Google Pay.
✓ National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
✓ NPCI, an umbrella organization for operating retail payment and settlement systems in India, has been
initiated by the 'RBI' and the 'Indian Banks' Association' (IBA) under the 'Payment and Settlement
Systems Act, 2007'.
✓ It is a 'not-for-profit' company established under the provisions of Section 25 of the Companies Act 1956
(as amended in 2013), with the objective of providing physical and electronic payment infrastructure to
the entire banking system in India.
Q. Which of these insurers have not been listed as the Domestic Systemically Important Insurers (D-SIIs)
for 2022-23 by IRDAI?
A) National Insurance Company Limited
B) Life Insurance Corporation of India
C) General Insurance Corporation of India
D) The New India Assurance Co. Ltd
Answer : A
✓ The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has retained the following
insurers as Domestic Systemically Important Insurers (D-SIIs) for 2022-23:
✓ Life Insurance Corporation of India;
✓ General Insurance Corporation of India; and
✓ The New India Assurance Co. Ltd.
✓ Domestic Systemically Important Insurers (D-SIIs) are the insurance companies that are considered “Too
Big (or Too Important) to Fail”. i.e its failure will impact the economy and insurance sector to a great
extend.
✓ IRDAI has chosen these three insurers on the basis of their size, market importance and domestic and
global interconnectedness whose distress or failure would cause significant dislocation in the domestic
financial system.
✓ Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDAI)
✓ Founded : 1999
✓ Headquarteres : Hyderabad
✓ Chairman : Debasish Panda
Q. India’s agricultural exports grow by how much percent during April-January of the current financial year
to worth USD 43.37 billion?
A) 5.12% B) 3.76%
C) 6.04% D) 4.34%
Answer : C
✓ India’s agricultural exports rose 6.04 percent during April-January of the current financial year to worth
USD 43.37 billion. During the same period last year, it was USD 40.90 billion.
✓ During the full financial year 2021-22, India’s agricultural exports touched the highest ever at USD 50.21
billion.
✓ The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) engages in
export promotion activities for agricultural and processed food products.
Q. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has constituted a nine-member task
force to make India a 'Product Developer and Manufacturing Nation'. who is chaired this committee?

A) Rajesh Verma B) Kaushal Pandey
C) Bhuvnesh Kumar D) Amaresh Goswami
Answer : C
✓ The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has constituted a nine-member task
force to make India a ‘product developer and manufacturing nation’.
✓ It will be chaired by the additional secretary (MeitY), Bhuvnesh Kumar with the joint secretary
(electronics), Amitesh Kumar Sinha as the member convenor.
✓ This is an effort to position itself as an alternative to the likes of China and Vietnam.
Q. The blue bird logo of social media giant Twitter has recently been changed. What is the new logo?
A) Arrow facing upward B) 8 Bar in Blue bird
C) Letter ‘T’ D) Doge Meme
Answer : D
✓ The classic blue bird logo of the social media giant Twitter, has been replaced with the “doge” meme,
which is also the logo of the Dogecoin cryptocurrency.
✓ The ‘doge’ meme has the face of a Shiba Inu.
✓ Twitter CEO Elon Musk, who took control of the social media giant in October 2022 under $44 billion
deal, confirmed the change in logo from Blue Bird to Doge via his Twitter account on April 04, 2023.
✓ However, the change will be only visible on the web version of Twitter and not on the Twitter app.
✓ Twitter
✓ Founded : 2006
✓ Founder(s) : Jack Dorsey, Noah Glass, Biz Stone & Evan Williams.
✓ Twitter, Inc. is based in San Francisco, California, US.
✓ On April 25, 2022, the Twitter board of directors agreed to a $44 billion buyout by Elon Musk.
Q. Which organization has set up 'Corporate Debt Market Development Fund'

A) RBI B) SEBI
C) NSE D) BSE
Answer : B
✓ SEBI decided to set up a corporate debt market development fund in the form of an Alternative
Investment Fund.
✓ Corporate Debt Market Development Fund will be set up with an initial corpus of Rs 3,000 crore.
✓ It will function as a backstop facility for buying investment grade corporate debt securities during stressful
times.
Q. Who has been ranked as the richest person in the world in Forbes Billionaire 2023?
A) Elon Musk B) Bernard Arnault
C) Jeff Bezos D) Warren Buffett
Answer : B
✓ Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani has been ranked as the richest man in India, as per the
Forbes Billionaire 2023 list, released on April 04, 2023.
✓ Globally, Mr Ambani is ranked as 9th richest person, in Forbes’ billionaire 2023 list, with a net worth of
$83.4 billion as of March 10, 2023.

✓ In the latest list, Ambani has also regained his position as the Asia’s richest person. The list has also
recognised him as the world’s wealthiest sports owner.
✓ Richest person in the world
✓ Bernard Arnault, the head of luxury goods giant LVMH, is the richest person in the world as per the
Forbes Billionaire 2023 list. He has topped the list for the first time.
✓ His fortune increased by $53 billion to $211 billion fortune in 2023.
✓ TOP 5 RICHEST PERSON
1. Bernard Arnaul – LVMH – $ 211 billion
2. Elon Musk – Tesla, SpaceX – $ 180 billion
3. Jeff Bezos – Amazon – $114 billion
4. Larry Ellison – Oracle – $107 Billion
5. Warren Buffett – Berkshire Hathaway – $ 106 billion
✓ TOP 3 RICHEST INDIAN
1. Mukesh Ambani (Global Rank – 9th) - net worth $83.4 billion.
2. 2.Gautam Adani (Global Rank – 24th) – Net worth – USD 47.2 billion.
3. Shiv Nadar of HCL Technologies (Global Rank – 55th) – Net worth – USD 25.6 billion
Q. Mukesh Ambani is the richest Indian and Asian as per the 2023 Forbes Billionaire list. What is the global
rank of Mukesh Ambani?
A) 11th B) 9th
C) 10th D) 12th
Answer : B
✓ Mukesh Ambani is richest Indian as well as Asian; ranks 9th globally: Forbes Billionaire 2023 List ,with
a net worth of $83.4 billion
Q. Under the recently revamped Credit Guarantee Scheme, what is the ceiling limit for guarantees coverage?
A) Rs 5 cr B) Rs 2 cr
C) Rs 3 cr D) Rs 4 cr
Answer : A
✓ The Government of India has further revamped the Credit Guarantee Scheme to increase the flow of
credit to MSEs and to strengthen the MSE Sector.
✓ In the revamped scheme, the annual guarantee fees structure have been reduced to 0.37 percent.
✓ The ceiling for guarantees coverage has been enhanced from Rs 2 crore to Rs 5 crore.
✓ The initiative is a part of the government’s efforts to strengthen the micro, small and medium enterprises
(MSME) sector.
Q. Who is the head of the committee formed by Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to look into issues
related to completing stalled housing projects?
A) Bibek Debroy B) Arvind Panagariya
C) Sanjiv Mehta D) Amitabh Kant
Answer : D
✓ The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has set up a 14-member committee to look into issues related
to completing stalled housing projects, and propose a future course of action to ensure that buyers receive
their homes.
✓ The committee will be headed by Amitabh Kant, former CEO of Niti Aayog and India’s G20 Sherpa. It
will comprise of top central and state government officials.

✓ The panel will suggest ways to complete and hand over the projects to homebuyers in a “time-bound
manner.
✓ The committee shall submit its report within six months from the date of its first meeting.
✓ India’s G-20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant.
✓ Amitabh Kant Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI
Aayog) (2016-2022).
Q. E-commerce app ‘Pincode’ has been launched by which company?
A) Amazon
B) GPay
C) PhonePe
D) Paytm
Answer : C
✓ Walmart-owned fintech company PhonePe has launched a new consumer application named ‘Pincode’,
which is powered by the government’s Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) network.
✓ The service is currently live only in Bangalore, and will be launched in other cities soon.
✓ The app aims to promote local shopkeepers and sellers by digitally connecting consumers with all the
neighbourhood stores that they usually buy from offline.
✓ Pincode will launch in six major categories including grocery, food, pharma, electronics, home decor and
fashion.
✓ Customers can search for stores by browsing for category and can have multiple carts at the same time
with one active cart per store. Buyers can also save multiple carts.
✓ PhonePe
✓ Founded : 2015
✓ Headquarters : Bangalore, Karnataka
✓ Founder & CEO : Sameer Nigam
✓ Co-Founder & CTO : Rahul Chari
✓ It is owned by Flipkart, a subsidiary of Walmart.
✓ PhonePe app, based on the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), went live in August 2016.
✓ Walmart completed the acquisition of a 77% stake in Flipkart in August 2018
Q. According to the new joint report from the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis
(IEEFA) and JMK Research and Analytics, India could become the world’s second-largest solar
photovoltaic manufacturer by which year?
A) 2025 B) 2026
C) 2030 D) 2035
Answer : B
✓ According to the new joint report from the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis
photovoltaic manufacturer by 2026, after China.
✓ India’s cumulative module manufacturing nameplate capacity more than doubled from 18GW in March
2022 to 38GW in March 2023.
✓ In terms of upcoming PV manufacturing installations, Gujarat is the leading state in India. It accounts
for nearly 57% of all the upcoming PV manufacturing capacity.
✓ Some major reasons manufacturers chose Gujarat for setting up their PV fabrication facilities include
cheaper industrial electricity prices and easy access to ports for imports and exports.

Q. Public Sector Banks (PSBs) have transferred unclaimed deposits worth how much rupees to the Reserve
Bank of India (RBI) by February 2023?
A) Rs 42,923 crore B) Rs 29,109 crore
C) Rs 35,012 crore D) Rs 51,347 crore
Answer : C
✓ Public sector banks (PSBs) have transferred unclaimed deposits of Rs 35,012 crore as of February 2023
to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
✓ These deposits have not been operated for 10 years or more.
✓ SBI tops the list with an unclaimed amount of Rs 8,086 crore, while Punjab National Bank has Rs 5,340
crore and Canara Bank has Rs 4,558 crore.
✓ These unclaimed deposits belong to 10.24 crore accounts transferred to the RBI.
✓ Banks have been advised by RBI to play a more proactive role in finding the whereabouts of the account
holders whose accounts have remained inoperative.
Q. Which bank has recently launched a mobile application, ‘Digital Dukaan’ to empower merchants and to
accept payments through various digital modes?
C) ICICI Bank D) HDFC Bank
Answer : A
✓ Axis Bank and VISA have jointly launched a mobile application, ‘Digital Dukaan’ to empower
merchants to accept payments through various digital modes.
✓ The app ‘Digital Dukaan’ has been specifically designed to address business requirements such as
accepting digital payments, inventory management and billing, among others.
✓ Digital Dukaan will also enable merchants to set up an online store and grow their business effortlessly
by creating new channels.
Q. Which bank has launched a new investment solution called ‘digiPortfolio’?
A) HSBC India B) Woori Bank
C) DBS Bank India D) SBM Bank India
Answer : C
✓ DBS Bank India has launched a new investment solution called ‘digiPortfolio’, which uses technology
and human expertise to provide customised investment options for investors.
✓ The platform is available on the bank’s digibank platform and offers a one-stop solution for investors to
put money into ready-made baskets of mutual funds, with diverse portfolios to cater to different investor
risk profiles.
✓ The digiPortfolio platform is run by Quantifeed, making it automated and easy to use, with two plans
starting at a minimum investment of ₹10,000 and ₹50,000, offering portfolio construction, monitoring,
and rebalancing services powered by Morningstar.
✓ About DBS Bank
✓ Its full document The Bank of Singapore Limited and The Bank Limited is a Singapore multinational
banking and financial services corporation based in Marina Bay, Singapore
Q. India has agreed with which country to settle trade in Indian Rupee?
A) Philippines B) Indonesia
C) Malaysia D) Vietnam

Answer : C
✓ Ministry of External Affairs announced on 1 April that India and Malaysia have agreed to settle trade in
the Indian rupee.
✓ In July 2022, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) allowed settlement of international trade in Indian
currency.
✓ This step has been taken only after this decision of the RBI.
✓ According to the Ministry of External Affairs,trade between India and Malaysia can now be settled in
Indian Rupee (INR) in addition to the existing methods of settlement in other currencies.
✓ Kuala Lumpur-based India International Bank of Malaysia (IIBM) has introduced this system in India
by opening a special Rupee Vostro account through Union Bank of India.
✓ Vostro accounts are used to make payments in domestic currency.
✓ What is a Vostro Account?
✓ Vostro is a Latin word meaning "your", hence, Vostro Account means "your account".
✓ Vostro account is defined as an account maintained by a correspondent bank on behalf of another bank.
✓ A Vostro account is established to enable a foreign correspondent bank to act as an agent or provide
services as an intermediary for a domestic bank.
✓ About Malaysia
✓ Prime Minister - Anwar Ibrahim
✓ Capital - Kuala Lumpur
✓ Currency - Malaysian ringgit
Q. Who will be the head of the committee formed by Ministry of Finance to review the National Pension
Scheme (NPS) and suggest any changes in it to meet demand of Government employees
A) T.V. Somanathan B) Samant Goel
C) Rajiv Gauba D) P.K. Mishra
Answer : A
✓ The Ministry of Finance has set up of a four-member committee to review the National Pension Scheme
(NPS) and suggest any changes in it, keeping in mind the interest of government employees.
✓ The committee will be headed by Finance Secretary T.V. Somanathan.
✓ The other members of the committee will comprise of Secretary, Personnel, Special Secretary, Personnel,
and Chairman of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).
✓ The panel will suggest ways for higher pensionary benefits to the government employees covered under
the NPS, amid growing demand for the old pension system (OPS) with assured benefits without
contribution.
Q. Apple iPhone maker’s first company-owned store ‘Apple-BKC’ in the country will be opened in which
city?
A) Mumbai B) Hyderabad
C) Bengaluru D) Chennai
Answer : A
✓ Apple iPhone maker’s first company-owned store in the country will be opened in Mumbai. The store
will be named as Apple-BKC.
✓ The barricade of its first retail store in India at Jio World Drive Mall, Mumbai officially marking the
upcoming opening of Apple BKC.
✓ The move comes at a time when the smartphone major is ramping up plans to boost local manufacturing
in a fillip to the Central government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Q. Which organization has published World Energy Transition Outlook report 2023?
(A) United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
B) United Nations Population Fund (UNPF)
C) United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
D) International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
Answer : D
✓ Recently, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) released the World Energy Transitions
Outlook report-2023.
✓ The global energy transition is still not on track and well short of the 1.5°C pathway.
✓ To survive 1.5°C, deployment levels must increase from 3,000 gigawatts (GW) at present to more than
10,000 GW in 2030, averaging 1,000 GW annually.
✓ Equally, more investment towards countries requires public sector intervention.
✓ Global investment in energy transformation technologies to reach a new record of $1.3 trillion in 2022.
✓ Annual investments must more than quadruple to more than $5 trillion to stay on the 1.5°C path.
✓ By 2030, cumulative investment should be US$44 trillion, with transition technologies representing 80
percent of total investment, or $35 trillion.
✓ Current pledges and plans fall well short of IRENA's 1.5°C pathway and would result in an emissions
gap of 16 gigatonnes (Gt) in 2050.
✓ About International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
✓ It is an intergovernmental organisation.
✓ Founded - in Bonn, Germany on 26 January 2009.
✓ Headquarter - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
✓ Member Countries - 167 and the European Union.
✓ India became a Member - In 2009 as 77th Founding Member.
✓ Purpose - To support countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future
Q. Under which scheme the government has sanctioned loans worth more than Rs 40,600 crore to more
than 1.8 lakh women entrepreneurs?
A) Stand Up India Scheme B) PM CARES
C) Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme D) Mahila Shakti Kendras (MSK)
Answer : A
✓ The Government has sanctioned loans of more than 40,600 crore rupees to over 1.8 lakh women
entrepreneurs under the Stand Up India Scheme.
✓ Speaking on the 7th anniversary of the Stand-up India scheme, Union Finance Minister Nirmala
Sitharaman said that over 1.8 lakh women and SC/ST entrepreneurs received loans under the scheme.
✓ The scheme has created an eco-system which provides a supportive environment for setting up green field
enterprises by availing loans from bank branches of all scheduled commercial banks.
✓ About Stand Up India Scheme
✓ It was launched on April 5, 2016, to promote entrepreneurship among women, Scheduled Caste (SC)
and Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories.
✓ It has been launched to help them start a greenfield venture in manufacturing, services or business sector
and agriculture allied activities.
✓ The objective is to encourage all bank branches to extend loans to SC, ST and women for setting up their
✓ The Stand-up India scheme is based on the third pillar of the National Mission for Financial Inclusion
✓ More than 80 per cent of the loans given under the scheme have been given to women.

✓ Eligibility for the scheme
✓ SC/ST women entrepreneurs above 18 years of age.
✓ Loans under the scheme are available only for greenfield projects.
✓ Borrower should not be in default to any bank or financial institution.
Q. The Government has recently disbursed how much rupees to beneficiaries during 2022-23 under the PLI
Scheme for Drones and Drone Components?
A) Rs. 40 crore B) Rs. 30 crore
C) Rs. 70 crore D) Rs. 50 crore
Answer : B
✓ The Government has disbursed an amount of 30 crore rupees to beneficiaries during 2022-23 under the
PLI Scheme for Drones and Drone Components.
✓ As per Civil Aviation Ministry the Production Linked Incentive scheme for drones and drone
components in September 2021 to promote the indigenous drone industry.
✓ PLI rate is kept constant at 20% for all three years, which is an exceptional treatment for the drone
industry in the country.
✓ The Minimum value addition norm has been at 40% of net sales for drones and drone components instead
of 50% which is another exceptional treatment for the industry.
✓ The total incentive is Rs. 120 crore spread over three financial years. It is nearly double the combined
turnover of all domestic drone manufacturers in FY 2020-21
Q. The Jal Jeevan Mission has reached 60% of its countrywide target, adding 23.4 million households in the
fiscal year ended 2022-23. To achieve the target set for it of 100 per cent tap water coverage for households
by which year?
A) 2024 B) 2025
C) 2026 D) 2027
Answer : A
✓ The Jal Jeevan Mission has reached 60% of its countrywide target, adding 23.4 million households in the
fiscal year ended 2022-23,
✓ At the start of the Jal Jeevan Mission, a baseline survey showed that less than 17% or 32.3 million
households had a tap connection.
✓ Of India’s total of 190.4 million rural households, 116 million now have a functioning water tap.
✓ The country crossed another milestone in the journey towards ‘Har Ghar Jal’ on 4th April 2023, with
over 11.66 crore (60%) rural households provided with tap water supply in their homes.
✓ As on date, Gujarat, Telangana, Goa, Haryana, Punjab and the Union territories of Andaman & Nicobar
Islands, Daman Diu & Dadra Nagar Haveli and Puducherry have achieved 100% coverage.
✓ Under the mission, 2,078 water testing labs have been installed, of which 1,122 are accredited with
National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories.
✓ The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), a flagship program of the Government of India, was launched on 15,
August 2019, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
✓ The Jal Jeevan Mission is one of the largest infrastructure-building programmes in the country, which
involves installing source-to-household water tap connections.
✓ Jal Jeevan Mission Launched in 15 August 2019, a flagship programme of the Modi government, aims
to provide tap water connections to rural households by 2024
Q. The Government of India has set the vision to become a one trillion dollar tourism economy by which
year?
A) 2023 B) 2047

C) 2030 D) 2045
Answer : B
✓ India aims to become one trillion dollar tourism economy by 2047.
✓ The Government of India has set the vision to make India a one trillion dollar tourism economy by the
year 2047, which marks India’s 100th year of Independence.
✓ In line with this, India is observing ‘Visit India Year 2023′ in order to give a boost to the uniqueness of
Indian tourism and make India a seamless , modern, and smart tourism destination.
✓ The ‘Visit India Year 2023’ is a unique, collective movement that invites the world to explore India in
2023, the historical year of India’s G20 presidency.
✓ The year 2023 also marks the grand celebrations of 75 years of Indian Independence – India@75 Azadi
ka Amrit Mahotsav
Q. RBI has imposed monetary penalty of Rs 55 lakh on which bank recently for non-compliance with certain
provisions of the RBI (Know Your Customer) Directions, 2016?
A) Indian Bank B) Kotak Mahindra Bank
C) Indian Overseas Bank D) Bank of Maharashtra
Answer : A
✓ The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a fine of Rs 55 lakh on Indian Bank on April 06, 2023, for
non-compliance with certain provisions of the Reserve Bank of India (Know Your Customer) Directions,
2016.
✓ RBI has imposed this penalty in the exercise of powers vested in RBI under the provisions of section 47
A (1) (c) read with sections 46 (4) (i) and 51 (1) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
✓ Indian Bank public sector bank, established in 1907 and headquartered in Chennai.
✓ Indian Bank
✓ Founded : 1907
✓ Headquarters : Chennai, Tamil Nadu
✓ MD & CEO : Shanti Lal Jain
Q. What is the rank of India in terms of number of billionaires as per the 2023 Forbes Billionaires list?
A) fifth B) third
C) fourth D) tenth
Answer : B
✓ The Forbes Billionaire List 2023 reveals that 2,640 billionaires of the world listed in the ranking hails
from 77 countries or territories.
✓ According to Forbes, the United States has topped the list for having the highest number of billionaire.
✓ The US has 735 billionaires in the ranking, similar to 2022.
✓ China stood second in terms of the number of billionaires, at 495, compared to 539 in 2022.
✓ India is on third spot in the rankings with 169 billionaires.
✓ Germany is on 4th place with 126 billionaires, while Russia with 105 billionaires has 5th highest
billionaires.
Q. Which institution has launched India’s first-ever Real Estate Investment Trusts (Reits) and Infrastructure
Investment Trusts (InvITs) Index?
A) Reserve Bank Innovation Hub
B) National Stock Exchange
C) Reserve Bank Information Technology Private Limited

D) Indian Financial Technology and Allied Services
Answer : B
✓ NSE Indices Ltd, a subsidiary of National Stock Exchange (NSE), has launched India’s first-ever Real
Estate Investment Trusts (Reits) and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) Index.
✓ The new index— Nifty Reits and InvITs index—aims to track the performance of Reits and InvITs that
are publicly listed and traded on the NSE.
✓ Objective – To track the performance of REITs and InvITs that are publicly listed and traded on the NSE
✓ A Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) or an Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) is an investment
vehicle that owns revenue-generating real estate or infrastructure assets.
✓ What is REIT :
✓ They are like Mutual Funds who pool the money of the investor and invest into real estate like Malls,
shopping complexes, office buildings etc. The money they earn through rents is distributed amongst the
investors in the form of dividends. Also, if the value of the invested real estate’s increases then the
investors will also benefit.
✓ They help an investor invest in Real estate with as little as Rs 10,000-Rs15, 000.
✓ Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) :
✓ They are like Mutual Funds who pool the money of the investor and invest into Infrastructure, roads,
pipelines, power plants etc. They offer regular dividends and the benefit of capital appreciation.
✓ Both REIT and InvIT are regulated by SEBI.
✓ Money market is regulated by RBI while the Capital market is regulated by SEBI.
✓ National Stock Exchange of India (NSE).
✓ NSE was established in the year 1992 as the first dematerialized electronic exchange in the country.
✓ The National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE) is the largest financial market in India.
✓ Nifty 50 is the flagship index of the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE).
✓ NIFTY 50 index was launched by NSE in the year 1996.
✓ Headquarters - Mumbai, Maharashtra
✓ Managing Director & CEO - Ashish Kumar Chauhan
Q. Which social media platform has launched a new campaign called “Stay Safe”?
A) Instagram B) WhatsApp
C) Twitter D)Telegram
Answer : B
✓ WhatsApp has launched a new campaign called “Stay Safe with WhatsApp,” which highlights the
several safety features that are pre-built on the messaging app.
✓ The campaign will run for a total of three months with a focus on several safety-centric features like
‘Block and Report,’ ‘Two-Step Verification,’ and ‘Privacy and group settings.’
✓ The campaign highlights why it is important to add two-step verification to WhatsApp, which requires a
6-digit pin and an OTP to authenticate a user.
✓ WhatsApp
✓ Founded : February 24, 2009
✓ Founders : Jan Koum & Brian Acton
✓ Headquarters : Mountain View, California, US
✓ CEO : Will Cathcart
✓ WhatsApp Parent organization: Facebook
Q. Citi Bank and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have joined hands to provide a co-
financing loan to which bank?
A) Yes Bank B) HDFC Bank

C) IndusInd Bank D) Kotak Mahindra Bank
Answer : C
✓ Citi Bank and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have joined hands to provide a co-
financing loan to IndusInd Bank Limited, a private commercial bank.
✓ This includes a $30 million loan by Citi and a ¥13 billion loan by JICA.
✓ This high-impact social finance offering that Citi arranged for IndusInd Bank is expected to improve
financial access for farmers and catalyae capital investment in the agricultural sector in India.
Q. Which bank has recently launched “Parivar” (family) savings account in FY24 to minimize the gap
between deposit growth and credit growth?
A) Kotak Mahindra Bank B) Punjab National Bank
C) State Bank of India D) Canara Bank
Answer : C
✓ State Bank of India (SBI) is planning to launch new variants of current account (with balances of ₹50,000
and ₹50 lakh) and “Parivar” (family) savings account in FY24 to minimize the gap between deposit
growth and credit growth.
✓ Domestic deposits of India’s largest bank grew 8.86 percent year-on-year (y-o-y) by the end of 2022, while
domestic advances were up 16.91 percent y-o-y.
✓ SBI expects that its domestic deposits and domestic advances will grow about 12 per cent and 16 per cent
y-o-y, respectively, in FY24.
Q. Who has been appointed as the new CEO & MD of TCS to replace Rajesh Gopinathan?
A) Aarthi Subramanian B) Pradeep Kumar Khosla
C) N. Chandrasekaran D) K Krithivasan
Answer : D
✓ Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has appointed K Krithivasan as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
and Managing Director of the company.
✓ He will take over the post with effect from June 01, 2023 for a tenure of five years.
✓ Krithivasan will replace outgoing CEO Rajesh Gopinathan, who was appointed in 2017.
Q. Vishal Kanvaty has recently been appointed as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of which
organisation?
A) AAI B) ICAR
C) NITI Aayog D) NPCI
Answer : D
✓ The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has roped in Vishal Kanvaty as Chief Technology
Officer (CTO).
✓ Kanvaty joined NPCI in 2017.
✓ Prior to this he managed the portfolio of Chief Market Innovation as well as Product and Innovations
profiles
Q. Recently, the bill to amend the Competition Act received President Droupadi Murmu’s assent. The
amended act will replace which act?
A) Competition (Amendment) Act, 2004

B) Competition (Amendment) Act, 2002
C) Competition (Amendment) Act, 2007
D) Competition (Amendment) Act, 2009
Answer : D
✓ The bill to amend the Competition Act has received the assent of President Droupadi Murmu. The bill
was cleared by Parliament on April 3, 2023.
✓ The Competition (Amendment) Act, 2023 is an act to further amend the Competition Act, 2002.
✓ The legislation for the Competition Act was brought in 2002 and subsequently, it underwent amendments
in 2007 and 2009.
✓ This is the first time since the enforcement of the Competition Act in 2009 that amendments are being
made to the Act.
✓ Whats there in the updated legislation?
✓ It ensures regulatory certainty and fosters a trust-based business environment.
✓ It provides for faster timelines for approval of M&A filings.
✓ It introduces settlement and commitment framework for faster market correction.
✓ It incentivises parties in an ongoing cartel investigation in terms of lesser penalty to disclose information
regarding other cartels.
✓ It provides certainty to stakeholders by prescribing limitation period of three years for filing information
on anti-competitive agreements and abuse of dominant position.
✓ It also introduces “value of transaction” as another criteria for notifying mergers and acquisitions to CCI.
Q. Which organization publishes the “World Economic Outlook” (WEO) report ?

A) World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
B) The Economist Intelligence Unit
C) Transparency International
D) International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Answer : D
✓ The latest World Economic Outlook Report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has lowered
India’s growth projection for 2023-24 (FY24) to 5.9 percent from 6.1 percent projected earlier.
✓ For 2024-2025 (FY25) – 6.3 percent
✓ For 2023-2024 (FY24) – 5.9 percent
✓ For 2022-23 (FY23) – 6.8 percent
✓ In case of global economy, the projection are as follows:
✓ 2022 – 3.4 percent
✓ 2023 – 2.8 percent
✓ 2024 – 3.0 percent
Q. RBI has recently approved the re-appointment of Sanjay Agarwal as the MD & CEO of which bank?
A) AU Small Finance Bank B) Paytm Payments Bank
C) Bank of Maharashtra D) ESAF Small Finance Bank
Answer : A
✓ The Reserve Bank of India has approved the re-appointment of Sanjay Agarwal as managing director
(MD) and CEO of AU Small Finance Bank.
✓ His re-appointment is valid with effect from April 19, 2023, for a period of three years, that means till
April 18, 2026.

✓ RBI has also cleared the re-appointment of Uttam Tibrewal as the whole-time director of the bank for a
period of three years.
✓ AU Small Finance Bank Limited
✓ Founded :1996
✓ Founder : Sanjay Agarwal
✓ Headquarters : Jaipur, Rajasthan
✓ MD & CEO : Sanjay Agarwal
✓ Tagline : Chalo Aage Badhein
Q. Which bank has signed a "Master Inter Bank Credit Agreement" with the Export-Import Bank of Korea
for a USD 300 million line of credit?
A) HDFC Bank B) Yes Bank
C) ICICI Bank D) Kotak Mahindra Bank
Answer : A
✓ HDFC Bank has signed a “Master Inter Bank Credit Agreement” with Export-Import Bank of Korea for
a USD 300 million line of credit.
✓ The pact was signed by the two entities at GIFT City in Gujarat’s capital Gandhinagar.
✓ This agreement will help HDFC Bank raise foreign currency funds which it would extend to Korea-
related businesses.
Q. Which company has become the first Indian company to have over 50 lakh shareholders?
A) Axis Bank B) HDFC Bank
C) ICICI Bank D) Yes Bank
Answer : D
✓ Private sector lender YES Bank has become the first Indian company to have over 50 lakh shareholders.
✓ Tata Power was a far second with 38.5 lakh shareholders, followed by Reliance Industries with 33.6 lakh
shareholders, according to the December 2022 shareholding disclosures.
✓ The bank had 50.6 lakh shareholders as of March 31, 2023, all of whom were public shareholders.
✓ YES BANK
✓ Founded : 2004
✓ HQ : Mumbai, Maharashtra
✓ MD & CEO : Prashant Kumar
✓ Tagline : Experience our Expertise
Q. Which Country Gazprombank has expanded its ties with banks in India to expedite trade between the
two countries in national currencies?
A) China B) Russia
C) United States D) Germany
Answer : B
✓ Russia’s Gazprombank has expanded its links with banks in India to expedite trade between the two
countries in national currencies, a key executive told Reuter as Russia this year has become the biggest
supplier of oil to India.
✓ Trade between India and Russia has surged since the West imposed sanctions against Russia for its
invasion last year of Ukraine, which has altered flows of oil and other goods.
✓ Gazprombank is Russia’s third-largest lender by assets and a key conduit of the Russian energy trade

Q. Who has been appointed as the head of the advisory board formed by fintech Razorpay to strengthen the
corporate governance of the company?
A) Viral Acharya B) Arvind Subramanian
C) NS Vishwanathan D) Raghuram Rajan
Answer : C
✓ Fintech unicorn Razorpay has set up an advisory board that will focus on setting up standards to
strengthen customer experience, governance, compliance, and risk management practices.
✓ NS Vishwanathan, the former deputy governor of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been roped in as the
chairperson of this 4-member advisory board.
✓ The other member of this board are:
✓ Arijit Basu – former managing director of State Bank of India;
✓ Aruna Sundararajan – former telecom secretary
✓ K.P. Krishnan – former secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
Q. How many crores of projects have been approved under the National Mission for Clean Ganga?
A) Rs 820 Crore B) Rs 761 Crore
C) Rs 705 Crore D) Rs 638 Crore
Answer : D
✓ 48th meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) was held
on 18th April under the chairmanship of Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)
G. Asok Kumar.
✓ Eight projects worth around Rs. 638 crore were approved in the meeting.
✓ In an attempt to clean River Hindon, which is a tributary of River Yamuna, four projects worth Rs 407.39
crore were approved for pollution abatement in the Shamli district.
✓ These projects are part of the comprehensive Hindon Rejuvenation Plan.
✓ Hindon river is identified as Priority 1 polluted river stretch.
✓ The projects which were sanctioned are to prevent theflow of polluted water into Krishna River.
✓ Krishni is one of the major tributaries of Hindon which discharges pollution from Shamli district into
River Hindon.
✓ Two more sewerage management projects were approved in the meeting, one each in Bihar and Madhya
Pradesh.
✓ These projects will arrest the flow of polluted water into theKiul River, a tributary of the Ganges.
✓ .About Namami Gange
✓ It was approved as a 'Flagship Programme' by the Central Government in June 2014.
✓ It was launched to serve the twin objectives of effective abatement of pollution and conservation and
rejuvenation of the national river Ganga.
✓ It is being operated under the Ministry of Water Resources, Department of River Development and
Ganga Rejuvenation and Ministry of Jal Shakti.
✓ The program is being implemented by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and its State
Program Management Groups (SPMGs).
Q. Which State has bagged the national award for the best implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal
Bima Yojana (PMFBY) in the country?
A) Maharashtra B) Karnataka
C) Uttar Pradesh D) Madhya Pradesh
Answer : B

✓ For the first time, Karnataka has bagged the national award for the best implementation of Pradhan
Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) in the country.
✓ According to the authorities, between the kharif season 2021 and 2022, the state recorded a 47.74%
increase in the enrolment of farmers under the scheme.
✓ while the area covered under the scheme increased by 41.80%. The award was given to the state on 14
April 2023.
✓ According to the data shared by the officials of the department of agriculture, in the kharif season 2021,
16.15 lakh farmers had enroled under the scheme.
✓ About 'Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana' (PMFBY) .
✓ The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) was launched on 13 January 2016.
✓ The scheme provides a comprehensive insurance cover to the farmers in the event of crop failure, which
helps in stabilising the income of the farmers.
✓ This includes all food and oilseed crops and annual commercial/horticultural crops for which past yield
data is available.
✓ Central and state governments pay more than 95% of the premium amount, while farmers bear 1.5-5%
of the premium amount.
✓ A 2% premium will be paid for Kharif crops (Paddy or Rice, Maize, Jowar, Bajra, Sugarcane etc.).
✓ For Rabi crops (wheat, barley, gram, lentil, mustard etc.) 1.5% premium will be paid.
✓ A 5% premium will be paid for annual commercial and horticultural crops insurance.
Q. Which Fintech company has launched its UPI-based peer-to-peer (P2P) payments, providing its users
with a new payment option?
A) CRED B) Freecharge
C) Paytm D) Razorpay
Answer : A
✓ Fintech major CRED has launched its UPI-based peer-to-peer (P2P) payments, providing its users with
a new payment option.
✓ The feature allows CRED members access to ‘pay anyone’ through their contact list, phone numbers, or
UPI IDs.
✓ The new payment experience has been introduced after the launch of Scan & Pay in October 2022. As
scan and pay gain traction, CRED expects the number of merchants to grow.
✓ Now with the launch of P2P UPI payments, CRED members will have multiple payment options
including offline payments (UPI P2P, Scan & Pay, Tap to Pay), online merchant payments (CRED Pay,
CRED flash) and bill payments.
Q. Which bank has recently launched India’s 1st Voice Biometric Authentication Banking App?
A) Canara Bank B) City Union Bank
C) Indian Overseas Bank D) Bank of Baroda
Answer : B
✓ City Union Bank (CUB) launched India's first Voice Biometric Authentication banking app for its mobile
✓ The purpose of this feature is to provide an additional layer of security to customers while logging into
their accounts.
✓ Currently the Voice Biometric Authentication login option is available only for Mobile Banking App
users. Customers will have multiple authentication methods to choose from, including User ID/PIN,
Face ID, fingerprint authentication and now voice biometric authentication.

✓ The Voice Biometric Authentication feature was developed in collaboration with M/s Kaizen Secure
Voice Pvt Ltd, a Chennai based start-up and 5G Use Case Lab of Institute for Development and Research
in Banking Technology (IDRBT).
✓ The launch of the Voice Biometric Authentication facility came a day after CUB reported its provisional
business figures, in which the total business increased from Rs 88,846 crore to Rs 96,347 crore.
Q. Which bank has reintroduced 400 days ‘Amrit Kalash’ retail term fixed deposit (FD) scheme?
A) State Bank of India B) Punjab National Bank
Answer : A
✓ The country’s largest lender State Bank of India (SBI) has extended the validity of Amrit Kalash special
fixed deposit (FD) scheme.
✓ The bank previously introduced this retail term deposit programme, and it was valid from February 15,
2023, through March 31, 2023. But on April 12, 2023, SBI stated that its Amrit Kalash FD retail term
deposit programme has been extended till 30th June 2023.
✓ SBI Amrit Kalash FD Scheme comes with a special tenor of 400 days on which the general public will
get an interest rate of 7.10% and senior citizens will get an interest rate of 7.60% which is 50 bps higher
than the standard applicable rate and senior citizens, staff and staff pensioners are eligible for additional
interest rate applicable to them.
Q. Which organization has launched a pilot scheme “Mission 50K-EV4ECO” for better financing terms in
the electric vehicle space and strengthening the whole ecosystem?
A) NPCI B) SEBI
C) NABARD D) SIDBI
Answer : D
✓ Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has launched a pilot scheme for better financing
terms in the electric vehicle space and strengthening the whole ecosystem.
✓ The pilot phase of ‘Mission 50K-EV4ECO’ aims at strengthening the EV ecosystem, including uptake
for two, three, and four-wheelers through direct and indirect lending.
✓ The pilot scheme, which is the precursor to EVOLVE scheme by SIDBI-World Bank, has two
components — direct lending and indirect lending.
✓ Direct lending: SIDBI will directly give loans to eligible MSMEs.
✓ Indirect lending: Targeted at NBFCs, including small unrated focused, and emerging NBFCs.
✓ Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI)
✓ Founded : 2 April 1990
✓ Headquarteres : Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
✓ Chairman & MD : Siva S Ramann
Q. Which company has partnered with 20 South Korean firms to establish an electronics manufacturing hub
in India?
A) Tata Consultancy Services B) Wipro
C) Infosys D) Vedanta Group
Answer : D
✓ Vedanta Group has partnered with 20 South Korean firms to establish an electronics manufacturing hub
in India.
✓ The Indian firm is also setting up a semiconductor plant in Gujarat in a joint venture (JV) with Foxconn.

✓ The partnership aims to boost India’s electronics manufacturing industry and reduce dependence on
imports.
✓ The hub will be set up in Tamil Nadu and will focus on manufacturing products such as smartphones,
TVs, and other electronic devices.
Q. Which city has emerged as one of the top digital payment transactions cities in 2022 in the country, a
report by payment services firm Worldline India?
A) Delhi B) Mumbai
C) Chennai D) Hyderabad
Answer : C
✓ Chennai has emerged as one of the top digital payment transaction cities in the country in 2022, according
to a report by payment services firm Worldline India.
✓ In terms of volume, according to Worldline India, Chennai has done 14.3 million transactions with a
value of USD 35.5 billion. It is at number five.
✓ Bengaluru tops with 29 million transactions worth USD 65 billion, followed by New Delhi 19.6 million
transactions worth USD 50 billion, Mumbai (18.7 million transactions worth USD 49.5 billion), Pune
(15 million transactions worth USD 32.8 billion).
✓ In 2022, frequently visited physical merchant categories like grocery stores, restaurants, clothing and
apparel, pharmacy, household appliances together accounted for over 43 per cent in terms of volume and
about 40 per cent in terms of value, across the country.
✓ E-commerce space, gaming, utility and financial services contributed to over 85 per cent of transactions
and 25 per cent in terms of value.
✓ Education, travel and hospitality sector accounted for 15 per cent in volume and 75 per cent in terms of
value
✓ What is a Digital Payment System?
✓ A digital payment is sometimes called an electronic payment.
✓ It is the transfer of value from one payment account to another using a digital device such as a mobile
phone, POS (Point of Sales) or computer.
✓ Modes of Digital Payments
✓ Unified Payments Interface (UPI)
✓ Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM)
✓ UPI 123PAY
✓ UPI Lite
✓ Cards (RuPay Debit Cards)
✓ Immediate Payment Services (IMPS)
✓ Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS)
Q. AS per the Hurun Global Unicorn Index 2023, what is the rank of India in the number of startup
unicorns?
A) third
B) sixth
C) fourth
D) fifth
Answer : A
✓ As per the Hurun Global Unicorn Index 2023, India has retained its position as the third-largest hub for
startup unicorns with total 68 unicorns. This is up by 14 compared to previous year.
✓ The United States has the highest number of unicorns. It is followed by China at second place.

✓ Israel and Russia are among top five respectively.
✓ The edtech firm BYJU’S has been named as India’s top unicorn with a valuation worth US$22 billion.
✓ It is followed by foodtech platform Swiggy and fantasy sports platform Dream11 with a valuation of
US$8 bn each.
Q. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has planned to set up its first overseas office in which
city?
A) New Delhi B) Abu Dhabi
C) Bangkok D) Seoul
Answer : B
✓ The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has signed a host member agreement with the United
Arab Emirates (UAE) to officially open its first overseas office in Abu Dhabi.
✓ AIIB Abu Dhabi will serve as an Interim Operational Hub (the Hub).
✓ The AIIB Hub in the UAE will give a robust platform to the bank to manage growing investment
portfolio, enhance client and member engagement, project monitoring and implementation services
across the globe.
✓ Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)
✓ Founded : 2016
✓ HQ : Beijing, China
✓ President : Jin Liqun
Q. Power Finance Corporation Ltd (PFC) has sanctioned how much rupees loan to Gensol Engg for the
purchase of 5,000 passenger electric vehicles (EVs) and 1,000 cargo EVs?
Answer : A
✓ PFC sanctions Rs 663 crore loan to Gensol Engineering for purchase of Electric Vehicles.
✓ Power Finance Corporation (PFC), a Maharatna company and NBFC in the Indian power sector has
sanctioned a loan of Rs 633 crore to Gensol Engineering, for the purchase of 5000 passenger Electric
Vehicles (EVs) and 1000 cargo EVs.
✓ PFC is a leading NBFC in the Indian power sector. The purchased passenger EVs will be leased to
Blusmart Mobility Pvt. Ltd (BMPL) to expand its fleet of ride-hailing cabs.
✓ The first tranche of the loan has already been disbursed, and the first lot of EV cabs have hit the Delhi
roads.
✓ 5000 Passenger E4W (Electric Four-Wheelers) funded by PFC are being deployed in Delhi and will result
in CO2 emission reduction.
✓ With a view to accelerate India’s net-zero target, PFC is exploring opportunities in debt financing of EVs
(OEMs and Fleet Acquisition), battery OEMs and EV charging infrastructure, apart from large-scale
renewable energy financing.
Q. The Ministry of Civil Aviation launched which version of Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) UDAN
in April 2023?
A) UDAN 5.0 B) UDAN 4.0
C) UDAN 3.0 D) UDAN 2.0
Answer : A

✓ The Ministry of Civil Aviation launched the fifth round of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)
UDAN 5.0 on April 21, 2023
✓ The fifth round of Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) or Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS), will
focus on Category-2 (20-80 seats) and Category-3 (more than 80 seats) aircraft operations.
✓ The 600 km limit of the first phase has been done away with and there is no restriction for the distance
between the origin and destination of the flight.
✓ The Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to be provided will be capped at a distance of 600 km for priority and
non-priority areas, which was 500 km.
✓ UDAN 5.0 will connect more than 50 wildlife and tourist destinations.
✓ The scheme was launched in 2017 to enhance the connectivity to remote and regional areas of the country
through air service.
✓ The first aircraft under UDAN Scheme was launched from Shimla to Delhi in April 2017.
✓ About UDAN scheme
✓ Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) was launched in 2016 as a Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)
under the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
✓ Its objective is to provide affordable, economically viable and profitable air travel on regional routes to
the common man even in small towns.
Q. Sumant Kathpalia has recently been appointed as the MD & CEO of which bank?
A) Bank of India B) Kotak Mahindra Bank
C) Canara Bank D) IndusInd Bank
Answer : D
✓ The Board of Directors of the private lender IndusInd Bank has reappointed Sumant Kathpalia as the
managing director and chief executive officer (MD & CEO) of IndusInd Bank Limited for a period of
two years with effect from 24 March, 2023.
✓ Kathpalia was first appointed as the MD & CEO of IndusInd Bank in March 2020.
✓ INDUSLND BANK
✓ Founded : 1994
✓ Founder : S.P. Hinduja
✓ Headquarters : Pune, Maharashtra,
✓ MD & CEO : Sumant Kathpalia
✓ Tagline : We Make You Feel Richer
Q. Reliance Retail has recently formed a Joint Venture with which company for local manufacturing of toys
for its toy business?
A) Buddha Crafts B) Circle E Retail
C) Concept Toys D) Funcorp
Answer : B
✓ Reliance Retail, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries and one of the leading toy distributors, has entered
into a joint venture with a Haryana-based firm, Circle E Retail, for local manufacturing of toys, to
vertically integrate its toy business.
✓ The brand currently owns iconic British toy brand Hamleys and home-grown toy brand Rowan.
✓ Reliance Retail will have control over the entire aspects of the toy ecosystem, right from designing and
manufacturing to retailing of the product.
✓ This new business venture will cater for both the toys brands, Hamleys and Rowan, owned by Reliance
Retail.
✓ Circle E Retail has a specialisation in toy manufacturing, having modern manufacturing unit in Haryana
with a licence to manufacture and distribute a wide range of toys.

Q. What percent of stake each will be acquired by HDFC and AXIS bank in the GoDigit Life Insurance
company?
A) 9.94% B) 9.12%
C) 9.99% D) 9.43%
Answer : A
✓ Private sector lenders Axis Bank and HDFC Bank have signed definitive agreements to acquire up to a
9.94 percent stake each in insurance tech startup GoDigit Life Insurance.
✓ Both the banks will invest ₹69.90 crore each in two tranches.
✓ The banks have already made the payment of first tranche of Rs 10.93 crore each
Q. Which bank has launched “Digitalised Submission of Form 15G/15H”, in collaboration with Reserve
Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH), to make it easier for senior citizens to submit their Tax waiver forms
through SMS and Website?
A) IndusInd Bank B) Bank of Baroda
C) Punjab National Bank D) Canara Bank
Answer : D
✓ Canara Bank Partners Reserve Bank Innovation Hub Leveraging Technology to simplify 15 G-15H
Submission for senior citizens.
✓ Bangalore-based public sector lender Canara Bank, has launched “Digitalised Submission of Form
15G/15H”, in collaboration with Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH).
✓ The new solution will enable all Deposit
✓ holders, including Senior citizens, to easily submit their Tax waiver forms through SMS and Website
(with their registered mobile number), Any Time Any Where.
✓ Shri Shaktikanta Das, Governor of RBI has inaugurated the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH) on
March 24, 2022 in Bengaluru, Karnataka
✓ RBI has set up the RBIH with an initial capital contribution of Rs. 100 crore.
✓ The objective of RBIH is to encourage and nurture financial innovation in a sustainable manner through
an institutional set-up. It has been setup as a Section 8 company under Companies Act, 2013.
✓ Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH) is one of the five wholly-owned subsidiaries of the RBI.
✓ Canara Bank:
✓ It is a leading commercial bank of India.
✓ It was established in 1906, by Sri Ammembal Subba Rao Pai.
✓ Syndicate Bank was merged with Canara Bank on 1 April 2020. After this merger, Canara Bank has
become the fourth largest bank in the country.
✓ Headquarters Bangalore.
✓ K. Satyanarayana Raju has taken charge as Managing Director & CEO of Canara Bank
Q. RBI approves re-appointment of whom as Managing Director and CEO of City Union Bank?
A) K G Mohan B B) Atul Kumar Goel
C) Sashidhar Jagdishan D) N Kamakodi
Answer : D
✓ Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the reappointment of N. Kamakodi as Managing Director and
CEO for a period of three years with effect from May 1, 2023.
✓ The RBI has given its approval vide letter dated April 26, 2023, for the appointment of N. Kamakodi as
MD of the bank, City Union Bank said in a regulatory filin.
✓ City Union Bank Limited is an Indian private sector bank headquartered in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu.

✓ City Union Bank
✓ Founded : 1904
✓ Headquarters : Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu
✓ Chairman : R. Mohan
✓ MD & CEO : N. Kamakodi
Tagline : Trust and Excellence since 1904

MARCH 2023
Q. Who has been awarded ‘Governor of the Year 2023’ by the International Publication Central Banking?
A) Raghuram Rajan B) Urjit Patel
C) Shaktikanta Das D) Mahesh Kumar Jain
Answer : C
✓ Reserve Bank Governor Shaktikanta Das has been honoured with the 'Governor of the Year 2023 Award'
by the international publication Central Banking.
✓ Mr Das has been heading the central bank since December 2018.
✓ He has been awarded for successfully navigating the financial markets through various crises, including
the pandemic and inflation caused by the war in Ukraine.
✓ Shaktikanta Das has become the second governor to get this award after Raghuram Rajan, who was
awarded back in 2015.
✓ Shaktikanta Das is serving as the current & 25th governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). He was
earlier a member of the Fifteenth Finance Commission and India's Sherpa to the G20.
✓ Das was appointed Governor of the Reserve Bank of India by the ACC on 11 December 2018 for a period
of three years, replacing Urjit Patel.
✓ With the second term of three years, Das will head the RBI till December, 2024.
Q. K Krithivasan has been named as the CEO-designate of TCS. He will succeed whom as the CEO and
MD of TCS?
A) Salil Parekh B) Thierry Delaporte
C) C Vijayakumar D) Rajesh Gopinathan
Answer : D
✓ Kriti Krithivasan has been appointed as the CEO of the country's largest IT services firm Tata
Consultancy Services (TCS) after the current CEO and MD Rajesh Gopinathan stepped down on March
16.
✓ Prior to this, Krithivasan was the global head and president of TCS's banking, financial services and
insurance businesses.
✓ His responsibility is to create a growth strategy for the company, improve financial performance,
customer mindshare and strengthen the company's position in the market.
✓ Tata Consultancy Services Ltd (TCS), a subsidiary of Tata Sons Pvt Ltd, is a provider of information
technology (IT) services.
TCS IN NEWS 2023
✓ BSNL has placed an order worth ₹15,000 crore to tech firm Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to further
expand the 4G network in India. .
✓ No TCS on LRS transactions upto Rs 7 lakh via international debit, credit cards from July 1, 2023.
✓ When the scheme was introduced in the year 2004, that time this limit was of USD 25,000.
✓ Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a leading global IT services company, has expanded its partnership
with Google Cloud and unveiled a new offering called TCS Generative AI.
✓ K Krithivasan Appointed CEO Designate of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).
✓ Telefónica Germany Selects TCS as Transformation Partner to Build Future-Ready Operations Support.

✓ Tata Consultancy Services and Infosys grew their brand value to retain their positions as the second and
third most valuable IT services brands, according to the ‘IT Services 25’ list prepared by UK-based
consultancy Brand Finance for the year 2023.
✓ Accenture retained the top slot for the fifth year straight, with a brand valued at $39.8 billion.
✓ Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has been named to FORTUNE® magazine’s list of the World’s Most
Admired Companies.
✓ Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) received a nod from Central Government to go ahead with Rs 26,821
crore deal with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) paving its way to launch 4G services in India.
✓ Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has partnered with a subsidiary of Financial Institutions, Inc. ‘Five Star
Bank’ on its digital transformation journey..
✓ Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
✓ Founded : 1968
✓ Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
✓ Chairman : Natarajan Chandrasekaran
✓ MD & CEO : Kriti Krithivasan
Q. Which company has introduced ‘Bing Image Creator’ powered by OpenAI’s DALL-E?
A) Google B) Microsoft
C) Meta D) Amazon
Answer : B
✓ Microsoft introduces ‘Bing Image Creator’ powered by OpenAI’s DALL-E.
✓ Microsoft has introduced a new feature ‘Bing Image Creator’ to the new Bing and Edge preview, which
allows users to create an image simply by using their own words to describe the picture they want to see
— powered by an advanced version of the Open AI’s DALL-E model.
✓ Bing Image Creator integrated into Bing chat has started to roll out to Bing preview users, also it is
available in Microsoft Edge from the Image Creator icon in the sidebar for both desktop and mobile users
around the world in English.
✓ It will soon integrate Image Creator into Edge from the new Bing button in chat mode in the preview
version of Edge.
MICROSOFT IN NEWS 2023
✓ Microsoft India has announced two new initiatives aimed at supporting small and medium-sized
businesses (SMBs) in their digital transformation journey.
✓ Microsoft has launched Jugalbandi, a generative AI-driven multilingual chatbot accessible via popular
messaging platform, WhatsApp.
✓ European Union regulators gave the green light for Microsoft’s $69 billion acquisition of Activision
Blizzard, one of the world’s largest gaming firms.
✓ MakeMyTrip collaborates with Microsoft to introduce voice assisted booking in Indian languages.
✓ Microsoft introduces ‘Bing Image Creator’ powered by OpenAI’s DALL-E.
✓ Microsoft Invests $10 Billion in ChatGPT Maker OpenAI.
✓ HDFC Bank collaborates with Microsoft as part of its digital transformation.
✓ Anant Maheshwari, the President of Microsoft India, has been appointed as the Chairperson of Nasscom
for the period 2023-24, succeeding Krishnan Ramanujam.
✓ Microsoft inks licensing deal with cloud gaming provider Boosteroid.
✓ Google introduces AI chatbot ‘Bard’ to compete with Microsoft’s ChatGPT.
✓ Elon Musk plans to launch “TruthGPT” AI platform to compete with Microsoft and Google.
✓ ISRO and Microsoft Signed MoU to Boost Indian Space Tech Ecosystem.
✓ Infosys Collaborates with Microsoft to Accelerate Industry Adoption of Cloud.
✓ Microsoft strikes a deal to make Xbox PC video games available on the Boosteroid cloud gaming
platform.

✓ MICROSOFT
✓ Founded : 1975
✓ Founders : Bill Gates and Paul Allen
✓ Headquarters : Washington DC
✓ Chairman : Satya Nadella
✓ CEO : Satya Nadella
✓ President : Brad Smith
Q. What is the issue price set for the tranche 4 of Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme 2022-23?
A) Rs 5,486 per gram B) Rs 5,201 per gram
C) Rs 5,323 per gram D) Rs 5,611 per gram
Answer : D
✓ The subscription for the Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme 2022-23 – Series IV will be opened from March
06 – March 10, 2023
✓ Issue Price : Rs 5,611 per gram
✓ Issue Price for applying online: Rs 5,561 (discount of Rs 50)
✓ Interest Rate: 2.5%
✓ Tenor : 8 years with exit option after 5th year (to be exercised on the next interest payment dates).
✓ Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme (SGB) was launched by Government of India in 2015.
✓ SGBs are government securities denominated in grams of gold.
✓ They are substitutes for holding physical gold.
✓ Investors have to pay the issue price in cash and the bonds will be redeemed in cash on maturity.
✓ Who issues SGB?: The Bond is issued by Reserve Bank on behalf of Government of India.
✓ Eligibility : Indian resident individuals, HUFs, Trusts, Universities and Charitable Institutions.
✓ Denomination: multiples of gram(s) of gold with a basic unit of 1 gram.
✓ Minimum Limit: 1 gram of gold
✓ Maximum limit: 4 KG for individual, 4 Kg for HUF and 20 Kg for trusts
Q. Which of the following Mutual Fund Company has been rebranded as Bandhan Mutual Fund?
A) HDFC Mutual Fund B) IDFC Mutual Fund
C) Axis Mutual Fund D) Aditya Birla Sun Life Mutual Fund
Answer : B
✓ IDFC Mutual Fund has been rebranded itself as Bandhan Mutual Fund and its schemes will reflect the
new name with effect from March 13, 2023.
✓ IDFC Mutual Fund has also unveiled a new logo as the company was acquired by Bandhan Financial
Holdings-led consortium in April 2022
✓ The scheme of the fund house will be renamed to replace the word ‘IDFC’ with ‘Bandhan’. Unitholders
of IDFC MF would continue to benefit from the same high-quality investment approach.
✓ The company, which was earlier a part of the IDFC group, was acquired by a Bandhan Financial
Holdings-led consortium in April 2022.
✓ The deal was approved by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in November 2022
Q. Which company has recently got the status of Infrastructure Finance Company from RBI?
A) NTPC B) IREDA
C) Coal India D) Bharat Dynamics
Answer : B

✓ IREDA gets ‘Infrastructure Finance Company’ status from RBI.
✓ Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted an ‘Infrastructure Finance Company (IFC)’ status to Indian
Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA)
✓ It was earlier classified as ‘Investment and Credit Company (ICC)’.
✓ With IFC status, IREDA will be able to take higher exposure in renewable energy financing.
✓ The IFC status will help the company access a wider investor base to raise funds, resulting in competitive
rates for raising funds.
✓ This will boost investor confidence, enhance brand value and create a positive outlook in the market.
✓ The awarding of IFC status is recognition of IREDA's 36 years of infrastructure financing and renewable
energy development.
✓ With IFC status, IREDA will contribute to the government's target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel installed
capacity by 2030.
✓ Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA)
✓ It was incorporated as a Public Limited Company in the year 1987 as a 'Non-Banking Financial
Institution'.
✓ It is a Miniratna (Category 1) type company functioning under the administrative control of 'Ministry of
New and Renewable Energy, Government of India.
✓ Its function is to encourage projects related to new and renewable energy sources and to provide them
financial assistance for their development.
✓ It has been notified as a 'Public Financial Institution' under section 4'A' of the 'Companies Act, 1956'.
✓ Chairman and Managing Director - Pradip Kumar Das
Q. Who has been chosen as the Business Standard Banker of the Year 2022?
A) Atanu Chakraborty B) Sashidhar Jagdishan
C) Sumant Kathpalia D) Sandeep Bakhshi
Answer : B
✓ Sashidhar Jagdishan, managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) of HDFC Bank, has
been chosen as the Business Standard Banker of the Year 2022, as the lender continued its strong
performance under his leadership while successfully navigating through technology-related challenges.
✓ An eminent five-member jury, chaired by former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) deputy governor S S
Mundra, picked the CEO of the largest private sector bank of the country as the winner.
Q. Which company has second-strongest telecom brand in world 2023?
A) Reliance Jio
B) Bharti Airtel
C) Vodafone Group
D) Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited
Answer : A
✓ Reliance Jio has climbed up to number two rank — up from fifth place last year — in a list of the top 10
strongest telecom brands in the world. In this post we will explore the Top 150 most valuable and
strongest telecoms operator brands according to Brand Finance 2023 rankings.
✓ Swisscom increased brand value by 5 percent to $6.3 billion and is the strongest telecoms brand with a
Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 92.
✓ It is the third strongest brand globally and earns an elite AAA+ brand rating.
✓ Reliance Jio India's largest network.
✓ With over 400 million subscribers, Reliance Jio is the largest mobile operator in India and the third largest
in the world.

✓ Jio formally launched its 4G services on 5 September 2016.
✓ Chairman - Akash Ambani
✓ Headquarters - Mumbai
Q. Who has been appointed as the new President of the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB), replacing
Marcos Prado Troyjo?
A) Ciro Gomes B) Alexandre de Moraes
C) Dilma Vana Rousseff D) Eduardo Cunha
Answer : C
✓ The Board of BRICS New Development Bank (NDB) has elected former Brazilian President Dilma Vana
Rousseff as the new President of the Bank with effect from March 24, 2023.
✓ She replaces Marcos Prado Troyjo, who held the post since 27 May 2020.
✓ Dilma Rousseff, an economist by profession, served as the 36th President of Federative Republic of Brazil
for two consecutive terms, between January 2011 to August 2016.
✓ NDB, also known as BRICS bank, is a multilateral financial institution set up by the five BRICS
countries, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa.
✓ Egypt has been inducted as the fourth new member of the BRICS New Development Bank(NDB).
✓ New Development Bank approves UAE, Bangladesh and Uruguay as a new member
✓ New Development Bank (NDB)
✓ Founded : 2015
✓ Headquarters : Shanghai, China
✓ Membership (9) : Brazil ,Russia, India, China , South Africa, Bangladesh, UAE , Uruguay & Egypt.
✓ President : Dilma Vana Rousseff ( Brazil )
✓ Vice President : Anil Kishora (Indian)
✓ The initial authorized capital of the bank is $100 bln divided into 1 mln shares having a par value of
$100,000 each.
✓ The initial subscribed capital of the NDB is $50 bln divided into paid-in shares ($10 bln) and callable
shares ($40 bln).
Q. What is the amount of loan approved by the World Bank to Odisha increase social protection and disaster
resilience?
A) USD 400 million B) USD 300 million
C) USD 200 million D) USD 100 million
Answer : D
✓ The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved USD 100 million loan under Odisha State
Capability and Resilient Growth Program.
✓ This loan amount will be used to strengthen state’s early forecasting systems for improved response to
disasters and enhance social protection coverage for poor and vulnerable households through digital
platforms.
✓ The Odisha State Capability and Resilient Growth Program aims to reduce losses caused by natural
disasters through a multi-hazard digital warning system and strengthen the state’s data collection efforts
for better resilience planning.
Q. Which organisation has approved USD 108 million loan for Assam to help the state improve disaster
preparedness and enhance flood forecasting?
A) IMF B) World Bank
C) Asian Development Bank D) UNDP

Answer : B
✓ The World Bank’s Executive Board of Directors has approved USD 108 million loan for Assam, to help
the state improve disaster preparedness and enhance flood forecasting.
✓ The loan amount has been approved under the $500 million Assam Integrated River Basin Management
Project.
✓ The project will benefit around 6 million people in the state by building green infrastructure in the Beki
and Buridehing river basins, to reduce vulnerability to floods and river erosion in the state.
✓ The $108 million loan will be issued from the International Bank of Reconstruction and Development
(IBRD).
Q. The government extended the deadline for PAN-Aadhaar linking till when?
A) 30 June 2023 B) 31 March 2023
C) 30 July 2023 D) 30 August 2023
Answer : A
✓ The last date for linking PAN and Aadhaar has been extended by the Government to 30 June, 2023, in
order to provide some more time to the taxpayers.
✓ Earlier the last date was March 31, 2023.
✓ It must be noted that under the provisions of the Income-tax Act, 1961 (the ‘Act’) every person who has
been allotted a PAN as on July 01, 2017 and is eligible to obtain Aadhaar Number, is required to intimate
his Aadhaar to the prescribed authority on or before 31 March, 2023, on payment of a prescribed fee.
✓ Failure to do so shall attract certain repercussions under the Act w.e.f. 1st April, 2023.
✓ However, now the date for intimating Aadhaar to the prescribed authority has been extended to 30 June,
2023.
✓ This means that with effect from 01 July, 2023, the PAN of those taxpayers who have failed to intimate
their Aadhaar, shall become inoperative
Q. Recently, the government has hiked the Dearness Allowance (DA)/Dearness Relief (DR) by percent to
percent
A) 5%; 38% B) 3%; 42%
C) 4%; 38% D) 4%; 42%
Answer : D
✓ The Central Government has announced an increase in the Dearness Allowance (DA) for central
government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) for central government pensioners by 4 percent.
✓ This will increase the overall DA/DR from current 38% to 42%.
✓ The hiked DA/DR will be effective from January 1, 2023.
✓ This move will benefit around 47.58 lakh central government employees and 69.76 lakh central
government pensioners.
Q. PM Modi has set the vision to make India a developed country by which year?
A) 2047 B) 2050
C) 2030 D) 2025
Answer : A
Q. Gordon E. Moore who has passed away recently was the co-founder of which company?

A) Intel B) IBM
C) Tesla D) Samsung
Answer : A
✓ Gordon E. Moore, one of the co-founder of US Chipmaker Intel, has passed away. He was 94.
✓ Moore and his longtime colleague Robert Noyce founded Intel Corporation in July 1968 as NM
Electronics.
✓ He was one of the driving personalities behind the creation of Silicon Valley
Q. In which state the World Bank approved a loan of US $ 363 million for clean drinking water?
A) Uttar Pradesh B) Assam
C) Bihar D) Karnataka
Answer : D
✓ The World Bank has approved a loan of US $ 363 million for the supply of clean drinking water from
taps to 2 million rural households in Karnataka.
Q. Which among the following organisations has entered into an agreement with US Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to buy all deposits and loans of collapsed lender Silicon Valley Bank
(SVB)?
A) First Citizens Bank & Trust Company
B) American Express
C) Wells Fargo
D) State Employees Credit Union
Answer : A
✓ First Citizens Bank enters deal with FDIC to buy Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) assets and liabilities.
✓ US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has entered into a purchase and assumption
agreement with First Citizens Bank & Trust Company, for all deposits and loans of collapsed lender
Silicon Valley Bank (SVB).
✓ This means that North Carolina-based First Citizens Bank & Trust Co will buy all deposits and loans of
SVB from FDIC, which earlier took control over assets and liabilities of SVB to protect depositors’
interests.
✓ AS a part of this agreement, the FDIC and First Citizens BancShares will share losses and potential
recoveries on the loans covered.
✓ The First Citizens will buy assets of $110 billion, deposits of $56 billion and $72 billion of SVB’s loans at
a discount of $16.5 billion.
✓ Around $90 billion in securities and other assets will remain in the receivership for disposition by the
FDIC.
✓ The 17 branches of Silicon Valley Bridge Bank, National Association, will now operate as First–Citizens
Bank & Trust Company with effect from March 27, 2023.
Q. Which bank has recently issued its first electronic bank guarantee?
A) Union Bank Of India B) Bandhan Bank
C) Axis Bank D) Yes Bank
Answer : D

✓ Yes Bank has collaborated with National e-Governance Services Limited (NeSL) to issue its first
Electronic Bank Guarantee (e-BG).
✓ It involves digital stamping and signature, thereby reducing the time taken for issuing bank guarantees.
✓ This bank was established in 2004 and its headquarter is located in Mumbai.
✓ The current CEO of Yes Bank is Prashant Kumar
Q. Who Company has appoints former SEBI Chairman UK Sinha and Dipali Goenka as Independent
Directors?
A) NDTV B) CNN
C) BBC D) Times of India
Answer : A
✓ U K Sinha and Dipali Goenka have been appointed Independent Directors of NDTV for a period of two
years effective from March 27, 2023.
✓ The appointment is based on the recommendations of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee,
and subject to the approval of shareholders and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
✓ U K Sinha has also been designated as Non-Executive Chairperson of NDTV
✓ About U K Sinha
✓ UK Sinha, a former bureaucrat, served as the chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India
(SEBI) between 2011 and 2017.
✓ Prior to this, he was the Chairman and Managing Director at UTI Asset Management Company Private
Limited for six years.
✓ He has also served as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Finance.
✓ About Dipali Goenka
✓ Deepali Goenka is the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Welspun India Limited.
✓ She is an accomplished global business leader known for her dynamism, entrepreneurial spirit and
commitment to protecting the environment.
✓ She has been recognized by Forbes as one of the most powerful women in Asia and India.
✓ She was the co-chair at the India Economic Summit, 2017 organized by the World Economic Forum.
✓ On December 30, 2022, the Adani Group acquired a 27.26% equity stake in NDTV from the founders of
the news broadcaster, Prannoy Roy and Radhika Roy.
✓ In total, the Adani Group acquired a 29.18% stake in NDTV by purchasing a company supported by the
founders.
✓ Afterward, the Adani Group made an open offer to purchase an extra 26% stake from the public
shareholders.
Q. Which organisation has approved USD 108 million loan for Assam to help the state improve disaster
preparedness and enhance flood forecasting?
A) IMF B) World Bank
C) Asian Development Bank D) UNDP
Answer : B
✓ The World Bank’s Executive Board of Directors has approved USD 108 million loan for Assam, to help
the state improve disaster preparedness and enhance flood forecasting.
✓ The loan amount has been approved under the $500 million Assam Integrated River Basin Management
Project.
✓ The project will benefit around 6 million people in the state by building green infrastructure in the Beki
and Buridehing river basins, to reduce vulnerability to floods and river erosion in the state.
✓ The $108 million loan will be issued from the International Bank of Reconstruction and Development
(IBRD).

Q. What is the revised rate of return on the provident fund (PF) deposits as decided by the Employees’
Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) for FY23?
A) 8.25% B) 8.50%
C) 8.10% D) 8.15%
Answer : D
✓ The Central Board of Trustees (CBT) of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has raised
the interest rate on the provident fund (PF) deposits marginally to 8.15 percent for FY23.
✓ This was 8.1 percent in the previous financial year, FY22.
✓ The 8.15 percent rate of return for 2022-23 (FY23) is the second-lowest since 1977-78.
✓ Earlier, the rate of return of 8.1 percent declared by EPFO for 2021-22 was the lowest in 45 years.
✓ In 1977-78, the return was 8 percent.
✓ Since then, the rate of return had either been 8.25 percent or higher.
✓ Between 1989-90 and 1999-2000, the EPFO’s rate peaked at 12 percent.
✓ Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) launched “Nidhi Aapke Nikat 2.0”- A District
Outreach Program for expanding its presence in more than 685 districts of the country
✓ About EPFO
✓ Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is a statutory organisation set up under the Union
ministry of Labour and Employment was set up in 1951 by an Ordinance issued by the President.
✓ Later Parliament passed the Employees' Provident Funds Scheme, act 1952.
✓ It is the country’s largest social security organisation
✓ EPFO assists the Central Board of Trustees in the administration of a provident fund scheme, pension
scheme and an insurance scheme for the registered establishments in India
Q. Sergio Ermotti has recently been named as the new Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of which
financial institution?
A) Morgan Stanley B) Credit Suisse
C) UBS D) Goldman Sachs
Answer : C
✓ UBS Group AG (UBSG.S) has appointed Sergio Ermotti as new group CEO , following the acquisition
of Credit Suisse (CSGN.S) by UBS.
✓ Sergio Ermotti will take up on the new role with effect from April 05, 2023.
✓ He will replace Ralph Hamers, who was appointed as the on 1 November in 2020.
✓ It is for the second time that Ermotti has been roped in as the Group CEO of UBS.
✓ Earlier, he was the Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of UBS Group AG from November 2011 to
October 2020.
✓ UBS Group AG is co-headquartered in the cities of Zurich and Base.
Q. Which country has topped SIPRI’s annual analysis as the world’s top arms importer in 2022?
A) South Africa B) India
C) China D) Bangladesh
Answer : B
✓ India has retained its place as the world’s top arms importer, despite a decline in arms imports in the last
five years, according to an analysis by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
✓ As per the annual SIPRI report, India was the world’s biggest importer of major arms in 2018-22.
✓ During this period, out of the total global arms import, India’s share was 11 percent.
✓ The country is the top arms importer since 1993-2022.

✓ Russia was the largest arms supplier to India during 2018-2022. India largely imports arms from Russia,
France, and Israel.
✓ India was followed by Saudi Arabia (9.6%), Qatar (6.4%), Australia (4.7%), and China (4.7%) as world’s
largest arms importer.
✓ About SIPRI
✓ The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) is a global non-profit research institute.
✓ SIPRI focuses on resolving conflicts, controlling arms and promoting disarmament.
✓ The institute provides data, analysis and advice regarding armed conflicts, military expenditure and the
arms trade.
✓ Establishment - 6 May 1966
✓ Founders - Tage Erlander, Alva Myrdal
✓ Chairman - Stefan Lofven
✓ Director - Dan Smith
✓ Headquarter - Solna, Sweden.
Q. With which country's Central Bank has the RBI signed an agreement to promote innovation in financial
products?
A) Australia B) Japan
C) UAE D) Italy
Answer : C
✓ RBI and Central Bank of UAE signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote innovation
✓ The MoU involves both the central banks working together to explore Central Bank Digital Currencies
✓ The cooperation aims to increase efficiency and reduce costs in cross-border transactions, which further
the economic ties between India and the UAE.
✓ The MoU also includes technical cooperation and knowledge sharing on matters related to fintech and
financial products and services.
✓ The collaboration between RBI and CBUAE is an important step towards fostering innovation and
collaboration in the area of FinTech.
✓ The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was established through the Reserve Bank of India Act 1934 and began
operations on April 1, 1935.
✓ The Government of India nationalised the RBI in 1949, and since then it is wholly owned by the
government.
✓ Under the Banking Regulation Act of 1949, RBI has the authority to regulate banks in India.
✓ RBI is also empowered to regulate Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) under the RBI Act of
1934.
✓ The Payment and Settlement Act of 2007 designates the RBI as the regulator for digital payment systems.
Q. Who has been promoted to the Managing Director of LIC recently?
A) Tablesh Pandey B) BC Patnaik
C) Sanjeev Mehta D) Siddharth Mohanty
Answer : A
✓ Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) on 14 March announced the appointment of Tablesh Pandey
and M Jagannath as Managing Directors of the corporation.
✓ Tablesh Pandey will take over from 1 April 2023, M Jagannath will take over from 13 March 2023.

✓ The two managing directors retiring from the corporation this week are Raj Kumar and BC Patnaik.
Q. Ernie Bot is an AI based product launched by which company?
A) Baidu B) Google
C) Amazon D) Apple
Answer : A
✓ The Chinese search engine company BAIDU has launched an artificial intelligence-powered chatbot
known as Ernie Bot.
✓ This AI product is similar to ChatGPT, a product by OpenAI.
✓ Ernie is built on Baidu’s in-house models – Enhanced Representation through Knowledge Integration
(ERNIE) and Pre-trained Dialogue Generation Model (PLATO).
✓ ERNIE is capable of literary creation, mathematical calculation, business writing, understanding the
Chinese language and multi-modal generation, comprehend human intentions and deliver logical
responses that are human-like and fluent.
Q. LIC has recently sold what percent of its share held in NMDC, to bring its total share in the company to
11.69%?
A) 2% B) 1%
C) 3% D) 4%
Answer : A
✓ The Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) has sold 2 percent of its equity stake in state-owned NMDC, as of
March 14, 2023.
✓ This will take the total shareholding of LIC in NMDC to 11.69 percent from 13.69% earlier through open
market transaction. The deal was executed at an average price of Rs 119.37 per share.
✓ Under the deal, LIC received Rs 702 crore, as it sold about 5.88 lakh shares at an average price of Rs
119.37 per share.
✓ The national miner NMDC is engaged in exploration and production of iron ore
Q. Which company is acquiring the Swiss investment banking company Credit Suisse, in an all stock deal?
A) UBC B) Swiss Re
C) Goldman Sachs D) Morgan Stanley
Answer : A
✓ Switzerland’s biggest bank, UBS Group AG, is acquiring its rival Swiss bank, Credit Suisse, for CHF 3
billion (approximately $3.25 billion).
✓ Both the financial units are headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland.
✓ The deal is expected to close by the end of 2023.
✓ As part of the merger, all shareholders of Credit Suisse will get 1 equity share in UBS for their 22.48
shares in Credit Suisse.
✓ Once the merger is completed, Colm Kelleher will be Chairman and Ralph Hamers will be Group CEO
of the merged entity.
✓ The takeover of 167-year-old Credit Suisse by UBS will secure financial stability in the global banking
market and protect the Swiss economy.
✓ It shall further strengthen UBS’s position as the leading Swiss-based global wealth manager.
✓ This deal will be the first mega-merger of systemically important global banks since the 2008 financial
crisis.

Q. Mukesh Ambani is the only Indian in 2023 M3M Hurun Global Rich List. What is his global ranking in
the list?
A) 10th B) 2nd
C) 9th D) 8th
Answer : C
✓ Mukesh Ambani, the Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), is the only
Indian to feature in the list of the world’s top 10 billionaires, according to 2023 M3M Hurun Global Rich
List.
✓ The report has been compiled by research platform Hurun in coordination with real-estate group M3M.
✓ The 2023 M3M Hurun Global rich list is the 12th Edition of the annual report.
✓ Mr Ambani is placed at ninth rank globally with a net worth of $82 billion.
✓ He has also retained the title of wealthiest Asian for the third consecutive year.
Q. What amount of loan has been approved by IMF for war-nation Ukraine to help nation in recovery?
A) $15.6 billion B) $12.5 billion
C) $11.1 billion D) $19.0 billion
Answer : A
✓ The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a loan worth $15.6 billion for Ukraine.
✓ This is for the first time in IMF’s 77-year history that the agency has set up the loan for nation at war.
✓ This comprehensive loan program will span for over four years and is divided into two phases.
Q. Who is the head of the committee formed by IFSCA to create roadmap for onshoring Indian Innovations
to GIFT City in Gujarat?
A) G. Padmanabhan B) Raghuram Rajan
C) Urjit Patel D) Viral Acharya
Answer : A
✓ The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) has formed an expert committee to
create a roadmap to encourage Indian startups/fintech domiciled abroad to relocate to the GIFT City in
Gujarat.
✓ The committee will be chaired by G. Padmanabhan, former Executive Director of the Reserve Bank of
India (RBI).
✓ The committee will consist of representatives from leading Venture Capital funds, Startups, Fintechs,
Law firms, Tax firms and other domain experts.
✓ Objective of this committee:
✓ Identify critical issues necessary for the development of Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT)
IFSC as a global Fintech hub.
✓ Suggest measures to encourage new Fintechs having a global outlook to establish their commercial
presence in GIFT IFSC.
✓ International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA)
✓ Founded : April 27, 2020
✓ Headquarteres : GIFT City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat
✓ 1st Chairmam : Injeti Srinivas
Q. Which Indian company got India's first BIS license to make fire-resistant steel?
A) Tata Steel B) Jindal Steel

C) JSW Steel D) Steel Authority of India Ltd
Answer : B
✓ Jindal Steel and Power Ltd (JSPL) will manufacture India's first fire-resistant steel structures at its unit in
Raigarh, Chhatisgarh.
✓ JSPL has received BIS certification to manufacture India's first fire-resistant steel structures at its rail mill
in Chhattisgarh
Q. RBI is setting up its new “Greenfield Data Centre” and “Enterprise Computing and Cybersecurity
Training Institute” in which city?
A) Kolkata B) Gandhinagar
C) Bhubaneshwar D) Mumbai
Answer : C
✓ Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das laid the foundation stone for establishment of a
new “Greenfield Data Centre” and “Enterprise Computing and Cybersecurity Training Institute” in
Bhubaneshwar, Odisha on March 22, 2023.
✓ The new centre of RBI is spread over 18.55 acres.
✓ Once commissioned, the new facilities shall look after the emerging requirements of the RBI and the
financial sector.
Q. The United Nations report has predicted that India is likely to become the most severely water-hit nation
due to water scarcity by which year?
A) 2050 B) 2025
C) 2030 D) 2035
Answer : A
✓ As per the flagship report of UN titled, ‘United Nations World Water Development Report 2023:
partnerships and cooperation for water’, India is expected to be the most severely water-hit nation due to
water scarcity by 2050.
✓ The report states that the global urban population facing water scarcity is projected to increase from 933
million in 2016 to 1.7-2.4 billion people in 2050.
✓ While 933 million in 2016 represents one third of global urban population and 1.7-2.4 billion in 2050 will
be one third to nearly half of global urban population.
✓ The report also states that around 80% of people living under water stress lived in Asia; and particularly
in northeast China, India and Pakistan.
✓ Two billion people globally do not have safe drinking water, while 3.6 billion lack access to safely
managed sanitation as per the report
Q. The amended Finance Bill, 2023 was passed in the Lok Sabha on March 24, 2023. IN the amendments,
the Tax on Royalty or technical fee earned by foreign (non-resident) Cos has been hiked to 20 percent.
What was this rate earlier?
A) 18% B) 15%
C) 12% D) 10%
Answer : D
✓ The Finance Bill, 2023 was passed in the Lok Sabha with some amendments, on March 24, 2023.
✓ Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled ‘The Finance Bill, 2023’ in the lower house.

✓ Total 64 official amendments have been proposed to the Finance Bill which was tabled in Parliament on
February 1, 2023.
✓ List of some amendments in the Finance Bill 2023
1. Mutual Funds (MFs) with less than 35% AUM (Assets under management) in domestic equity will be
taxed as short-term capital gains.
2. Enhanced tax benefits to offshore banking units operating in GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance
Tec-City). Offshore banking units to get 100 percent deduction on income for 10 years.
3. Tax on Royalty or technical fee earned by foreign (non-resident) Cos hiked from 10 percent to 20 percent.
4. Tax Collection at Source (TCS) shall apply to all Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS) even if within
India.
5. All credit cards payments for foreign tours to be considered under LRS. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
to look into the payments made through credit cards for foreign tours which escape tax at source.
6. A committee to be set up under the finance secretary on the pension system to address the needs of
employees and also maintain fiscal prudence.
7. The Securities Transaction Tax on sale of options hiked to Rs 2,100 on a turnover of Rs 1 crore, compared
to the earlier Rs 1,700.
8. Setting up the GST Appellate Tribunal.
Q. Canara Bank has sold its entire stake in Russian JV, Commercial Indo Bank LLC (CIBL), to SBI for Rs
121.29 crore. What was the share of Canara Bank in this JV?
A) 60% B) 40%
C) 50% D) 30%
Answer : B
✓ The Commercial Indo Bank LLC (CIBL) is a joint venture in Russia between SBI (60 per cent) and
Canara Bank (40 per cent).
✓ CIBL was incorporated in 2003.
✓ Now Canara Bank has announced that it has sold its entire stake in this Russian joint venture to the State
Bank of India (SBI) for about Rs 121.29 crore.
✓ With the consent of Central Bank of Russia, the entire shares held by Canara Bank have been transferred
to SBI on November 11, 2022
Q. Which of these countries has recently become the official member of the BRICS New Development
Bank?
A) Afghanistan B) Denmark
C) Egypt D) Canada
Answer : C
✓ Egypt has officially become a member of BRICS’ New Development Bank (NDB) on March 22, 2023.
✓ Cairo completed all the necessary procedures to become an eligible member of BRICS Bank on February
20, 2023.
✓ It is the fourth new country to become the member of NDB apart from BRICS nations.
✓ Earlier in September 2021, NDB admitted Bangladesh, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Uruguay as its
new members.
✓ Egypt has been inducted as the fourth new member of the BRICS New Development Bank(NDB).
✓ New Development Bank approves UAE, Bangladesh and Uruguay as a new member
Q. The Income Tax Department has launched ‘AIS for Taxpayers’ mobile app. What does AIS stands for?
A) Annual Information Statement B) Accounting Information System

C) Automatic Income Statement D) Automated Information System
Answer : A
✓ Income Tax Department of India has launched a new mobile app called ‘AIS for Taxpayers’, to provide
a comprehensive view of the Annual Information Statement (AIS) / Taxpayer Information Summary
(TIS) to the taxpayers.
✓ Benefits of AIS for Taxpayers
✓ Taxpayers can easily view information related to their TDS/TCS, interest, dividends, share transactions,
tax payments, and Income Tax refunds.
✓ Users can view other information such as GST data and foreign remittances.
✓ Users can provide feedback regarding the information displayed
✓ This app will help to provide enhanced taxpayer services, thus facilitating ease of compliance.
Q. India has scored 74.4 out of 100 in the recently released index on the life cycle of a working woman titled
“Women, Business and the Law 2023 report”. Which organization has released this index?
A) Economist Intelligence Unit B) United Nations
C) Transparency International D) World Bank
Answer : D
✓ India has secured a score of 74.4 out of 100 in a World Bank index on the life cycle of a working woman.
✓ The report named World Bank’s Women, Business and the Law 2023 is based on eight indicators and a
score of 100 on the Index means that women are on an equal standing with men on each indicator.
✓ These 8 indicators are: Mobility; Workplace; Pay; Marriage; Parenthood; Entrepreneurship; Assets and
Pension.
✓ The index measured a total of 190 economies and only 14 scored a perfect 100.
✓ They are Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Luxemburg,
The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden.
Q. Who has been appointed as the head of the 6-member committee formed by Supreme Court to probe
Hindenburg Research – Adani report matter?
A) OP Bhat B) Justice D.Y. Chandrachud
C) Justice AM Sapre D) Nandan Nilakeni
Answer : C
✓ The Supreme Court on March 2 constituted an expert panel to probe the regulatory failure on the Adani
issue.
✓ The expert committee’s members are - former SBI chairman O P Bhatt, Justice J P Devadhar (retired),
veteran banker K.V. Kamath, Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani and advocate Somasekhar
Sundaresan.
✓ The committee will be headed by former Supreme Court judge A M Sapre.
✓ The Supreme Court has asked the committee to submit its report to the court in a sealed cover within
two months.
✓ Panel will investigate any regulatory failure in dealing with the alleged breaking of rules by the Adani
Group of companies.
✓ The mandate of the committee will be to suggest measures to strengthen the framework, investigate the
Adani dispute and suggest measures to strengthen the legal framework.
✓ The Supreme Court also directed SEBI to ensure that all information is made available to the committee.
✓ Adani-Hindenburg issue
✓ In late January, Hindenburg published a report critical of the finances of the Adani group.

✓ It said the major listed companies of the group had "substantial debt" which has put the entire group in a
"precarious financial position".
✓ Hindenburg accused the Adani-led group of "stock manipulation and accounting fraud over the course
of decades".
✓ Seven listed firms of the Adani group lost nearly half their market value (over USD 100 billion) following
the report.
✓ The combined market value of the listed Adani firms is now at US$108 billion, up from US$218 billion
before the Hindenburg report
Q. “Kosmos-1” is an AI-based multimodal large language model (MLLM), launched by which
organisation?
A) Apple B) IBM
C) Microsoft D) Alphabet
Answer : C
✓ Researchers from Microsoft have unveiled “Kosmos-1”, a multimodal large language model (MLLM),
having state of the art features like responding to language prompts, image captioning, visual question
answering, and more.
✓ Kosmos-1 model can analyze images for content, solve visual puzzles, perform visual text recognition,
pass visual IQ tests, and understand natural language instructions.
✓ It integrates different modes of input such as text, audio, images, and video.
✓ This is a key step to building artificial general intelligence (AGI) that can perform general tasks at the
level of a human.
Q. Which organisation has sanctioned USD 1 billion for India to support and enhance the country’s
healthcare infrastructure?
A) Asian Development Bank B) International Finance Corporation
C) World Bank D) IMF
Answer : C
✓ The World Bank has signed two complementary loans with India worth USD 500 million each to support
and enhance the country’s healthcare infrastructure.
✓ The combined USD 1 billion (about ₹8,200 crore) financing will support India’s flagship Pradhan Mantri-
Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) to improve the public healthcare
infrastructure across the country
Q. Which company has launched a digital campaign called ‘DigitALL: Innovation and technology for
gender equality’?
A) Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company
B) Franklin Templeton Investments
C) Morgan Stanley
D) SBI Mutual Fund
Answer : A
✓ To drive the culture of digital literacy among the women fraternity on this year’s International Women’s
Day, Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company has launched a digital campaign called ‘DigitALL:
Innovation and technology for gender equality’.
✓ The campaign calls for digital inclusion of all with the hashtag, #IncludeAll.

✓ The digital campaign showcases Kotak group’s women employees sharing their stories about supporting
and empowering other women in their lives by imparting them knowledge of digital literacy.
Q. Who as MD and CEO of IndusInd Bank for two years from 24 March 2023?
A) V. Vaidyanathan B) Sumant Kathpalia
C) Atanu Kumar Das D) Chandra Shekhar Ghosh
Answer : B
✓ Private lender IndusInd Bank the Reserve bank of India had approved the re-appointment of Sumant
Kathpalia as management director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) of the bank.
✓ IndusInd Bank said the central bank has approved the re-appointment of Sumant Kathpalia as MD and
CEO for a period of two years from 24 March, 2023.
✓ INDUSLND BANK
✓ Founded : 1994
✓ Founder : S.P. Hinduja
✓ Headquarters : Pune, Maharashtra,
✓ MD & CEO : Sumant Kathpalia
✓ Tagline : We Make You Feel Richer
Q. Which Union Ministry launched the ‘LEAN Scheme’?
A) Ministry of MSME B) Ministry of Finance
C) Ministry of Education D) Ministry of Home affairs
Answer : A
✓ Union Minister for MSME Narayan Rane launched theMSME Competitive (LEAN) Scheme.
✓ It aims to provide a roadmap to global competitiveness for the MSMEs of India.
✓ The scheme will not only strive to improve quality, productivity and performance, but also change the
mindset of manufacturers and provide them the ability to become world class manufacturers.
✓ Under this scheme, MSMEs will implement LEAN manufacturing tools like 5S, Kaizen, Kanban, Visual
Workplace, Poka Yoka etc. under the able guidance of trained and competent LEAN consultants to
acquire LEAN levels like Basic, Intermediate and Advanced.
✓ Through this scheme, MSMEs can significantly reduce wastage, increase productivity, improve quality,
expand their markets, operate in a safer manner and ultimately become competitive and profitable.
✓ To assist MSMEs, the government will contribute 90 per cent of the implementation cost and consultancy
fee for providing initial support.
✓ There will be an additional contribution of 5 per cent for MSMEs which are owned by women/SC/ST
and are part of Scheme of Fund for the Upliftment of Traditional Industries (SFURTI) clusters located
in North Eastern States.
✓ Nodal Agency of the scheme will be the National Productivity Council (NPC).
Q. Who has been named as the new managing director and CEO of Hindustan Unilever?
A) Noel R. Wallace B) Rohit Jawa
C) Ulf Mark Schneider D) Natarajan Chandrasekaran
Answer : B
✓ Rohit Jawa was appointed as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the famous
Fast- Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) Company Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) Company.
✓ Rohit Jawa will succeed Sanjiv Mehta, the current Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
(CEO), who will retire on March 30, 2023.

✓ Rohit Jawa will also take over as President of Unilever South Asia from the current Chief of
Transformation based in London.
✓ About Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL)
✓ It is a part of England's company Unilever, Unilever registered to do business in India.
✓ 67% of the dividend of Hindustan Unilever Limited goes to England.
✓ Headquarters - London, England
✓ Head Office in India - Mumbai
✓ Established - 17 October 1933
Q. What is the target of bilateral trade between India and Australia in the next five years?
A) $100 billion B) $500 billion
C) $400 billion D) $200 billion
Answer : A
✓ India and Australia target $100 billion bilateral trade in next five years.
✓ Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on 11 March, Australia and India will target
$100 billion trade in the next five years.
✓ Both the countries are currently dissatisfied with the $30 billion trade.
✓ Both countries expressed their commitment to complete negotiations to expand the scope of the existing
Free Trade Agreement by the end of this year.
✓ He was addressing the media in New Delhi on the India-Australia 18th Joint Ministerial Commission
along with Australian Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell.
✓ On 29 December 2022 India and Australia implemented an economic cooperation and trade agreement
(ECTA).
✓ Australia is the 17th largest trading partner of India and India is Australia’s 9th largest trading partner.
✓ India-Australia bilateral trade in goods and services is pegged at US$ 27.5 billion in 2021.
Q. How many crore loans extended since inception of MUDRA Yojana?
A) 38.58 Crore B) 42.58 Crore
C) 46.58 Crore D) 49.58 Crore
Answer : A
✓ According to the Mudra portal (as of 27.01.2023), more than 38.58 crore loans have been extended since
the inception of the Scheme in April 2015.
✓ Out of this, over 26.35 crore loans have been extended to Women Entrepreneurs (68%).
✓ SC/ST/OBC category borrowers received 19.84 crore loans (51%).
✓ As per the Ministry of Labour survey, PMMY helped in generating 1.12 crore net additional employment
in the country from 2015 to 2018.
✓ Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) – MUDRA Scheme
✓ Definition : Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) is a scheme to extend collateral free loans.
✓ Maximum limit of loan is Rs 10 lakh.
✓ Stands for Micro Units Development & Refinance Agency Ltd (MUDRA) Bank
✓ Founded : 8 April 2015
✓ Headquarters : Mumbai
✓ Chairman : S. Ramann
✓ it was converted as a wholly owned subsidiary of SIDBI and renamed as MUDRA (SIDBI) Bank
✓ MUDRA Portal : Borrowers can also now file online application for MUDRA loans on Mudramitra
portal
✓ Mudra Yojana offers three type of product namely Shishu, Kishor and Tarun.
✓ Shishu : covering loans upto 50,000/- (Single page application form for this product)

✓ Kishor : covering loans above 50,000/- and upto 5 lakh
✓ Tarun : covering loans above 5 lakh and upto 10 lakh
Q. New York-based ____Bank was shut by regulators in the US, becoming the second bank in the country
after Silicon Valley Bank.
A) Signature Bank B) Chase Bank
C) Silvergate Bank D) Santander Bank
Answer : A
✓ California-based Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), the 16th largest bank in the United States, was closed on 9
March by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation
✓ It is the biggest banking failure since the 2008 financial crisis.
✓ It is considered the biggest financial crisis since the collapse of Washington Mutual and Lehman Brothers
during the 2008 recession.
✓ The regulator appointed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. as the receiver.
✓ As of December 31, 2022, the Silicon Valley Bank had approximately $209.0 billion in total assets and
about $175.4 billion in total deposits.
✓ Why did SVB have to be shut down?
✓ SVB announced the sale of securities worth $21 billion from its portfolio.
✓ The company said that to strengthen its financial position, shares worth $ 2.25 billion are being sold.
✓ The widespread slowdown in the startup industry led to high deposit withdrawals in the bank, resulting
in the move.
✓ The increase in interest rates by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp also messed up SVB Bank's math.
✓ Experts believe that the biggest reason for the closure of SVB was the simultaneous withdrawal of money
from the bank by its investors.
✓ About Silicon Valley banks
✓ It was established in 1983, it was the 16th largest bank in America.
✓ It primarily invested in Silicon Valley based startups and provided banking related services.
✓ The firm had a deal with half of all venture-backed startups in the US in 2022.
✓ As of December 31, 2022, the bank had close to $212 billion in assets with clients such as Shopify,
Pinterest, VC firm Andreessen Horowitz, Crowdstrike and Teladoc Health.
Q. Which metro becomes the first to accept digital currency for parking?
A) Kolkata Metro B) Kochi Metro
C) Bengaluru Metro D) Mumbai Metro
Answer : B
✓ Kochi Metro becomes the first to accept digital currency for parking.
✓ IDFC First Bank has partnered with Anantham Online, a technology startup focused in digital parking
to enable acceptance of digital rupee at Kochi Metro’s parking locations.
✓ This initiative comes as a pilot programme launched by the Reserve Bank of India.
✓ In an initiative to promote Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), Kochi Metro has started accepting
digital currency in its parking facilities.
✓ With this, Kochi Metro is the first Metro in the country to accept CBDC.
✓ The program was inaugurated at the parking facility in Thykoodam and system would be introduced in
all other parking areas of the Metro soon.
✓ The program was introduced in association with IDFC FIRST Bank partnered with Anantham Online,
a technology startup.

Q. Which company has unveiled a new production line that would produce engines at its manufacturing
facility in Hosur completely operated by women employees?
A) Tata Motors Ltd B) Ashok Leyland
C) Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd D) Hyundai Motor India Limited
Answer : B
✓ Ashok Leyland unveils all-women production line at Tamil Nadu plant.
✓ Heavy commercial vehicle maker Ashok Leyland has unveiled a new production line that would produce
engines at its manufacturing facility in Hosur completely operated by women employees.
✓ The initiative to introduce an all-women production line is to promote women empowerment and
encourage them take up roles in the manufacturing industry.
✓ Ashok Leyland, the flagship company of Hinduja Group, has set up this new line with 80 women
employees.
✓ This initiative is in line with our brand philosophy of ‘Koi Manzil Door Nahin’ as we aim to upskill and
generate employment for these women.
✓ Ashok Leyland
✓ Founded : 1948
✓ Headquarters : Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
✓ MD & CEO : Shenu Agarwal
✓ It is owned by the Hinduja Group
Q. Who has been appointed as new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tech
Mahindra?
A) Mohit Joshi B) Rajeev Suri
C) Nikesh Arora D) Ashok Vemuri
Answer : A
✓ Tech Mahindra names former Infosys President Mohit Joshi as MD and CEO.
✓ Tech Mahindra, India's sixth largest IT services player, on 11 March announced the appointment of
Mohit Joshi as MD & CEO.
✓ He will take over when CP Gurnani retires on December 19, 2023.
✓ The Board of Directors has approved his appointment for a period of five years from December 20, 2023
to December 19, 2028.
✓ The aforesaid appointment will be subject to approval by the shareholders.
✓ Joshi is currently serving as the Infosys chairman.
✓ About Tech Mahindra
✓ Tech Mahindra was established in 1986.
✓ It provides information technology (IT) services and solutions to the telecommunications sector across
the globe.
✓ Tech Mahindra is part of the $12.5 billion Mahindra Group in partnership with British Telecom plc (BT),
one of the world's leading communications service providers.
✓ Chairperson - TN Manoharan
Q. India and the World Bank have signed a loan agreement to construct the Green National Highway
Corridors Project in How many States?
A) Five States B) Four States
C) Three States D) Two States
Answer : B

✓ India and the World Bank have signed aloan agreement for the construction of the Green National
Highway Corridors Project (GNHCP) in four States.
✓ These four states are-Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.
✓ Agreement has been signed for construction of 781 kilometer green national highway corridor in these
states with a line of credit of $500 million.
✓ Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari gave this information in a written reply to a
question in the Rajya Sabha on March 15.
✓ About Green National Highways Corridor Project.
✓ It will assist the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to construct 781 km of highways.
✓ It will integrate safe and green technology designs such as local and marginal materials, industrial by-
products and other bioengineering solutions.
✓ It will also support the Bharatmala Pariyojana programme.
✓ Components of the project
✓ Sustainable development and maintenance of National Highways.
✓ Institutional Capacity Enhancement and Road Safety.
✓ Research and Development.
✓ Objective of GNHCP
✓ To demonstrate safe and green highways keeping in mind climate resilience and use of green technologies
by incorporating provisions for conservation of natural resources, use of cement-treated reclaimed asphalt
pavement.
Q. Who has launched the 'Learning Science via Standards' series for students?
A) Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
B) Food Corporation of India (FCI)
C) International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
D) Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
Answer : A
✓ Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has announced the launch of 'Learning Science through Standards', a
unique initiative for students to learn science through standards.
✓ Learning Science through Standards' initiative
✓ The initiative focuses on a range of lesson plans aimed at using scientific concepts, principles and rules.
✓ It helps the students to understand their practical applications in manufacturing, working and testing the
quality characteristics of various products as stated in the respective Indian Standards. ,
✓ The topics of the lesson plans are largely related to products used in daily life and are selected on the basis
of their relevance to education as part of the curriculum as well as industrial applications.
✓ BIS officials and resource personnel will administer the lesson plans to the students for an interactive
learning experience
✓ About Bureau of Indian Standards.
✓ Bureau of Indian Standards is thenational standards body of India under the Department of Consumer
Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India.
✓ Headquarter- Manak Bhawan, Old Delhi
✓ Director General- Pramod Kumar Tiwari
✓ Established- 23 December 1986
Q. Reliance Industries Ltd to acquire the German firm Metro AG's wholesale operations in India for __
crore.
A) ₹2,320 crore B) ₹2,500 crore
C) ₹2,720 crore D) ₹2,850 crore

Answer : D
✓ The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of METRO Cash and Carry
India by Reliance Retail Ventures, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries.
✓ The proposed combination involves acquisition of 100% of the issued and paid-up equity share capital of
METRO Cash and Carry India (target) by the Reliance Retail Ventures (acquirer).
✓ Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (RRVL), on 22 December 2022, had signed definitive agreements to
acquire 100% equity stake in METRO Cash & Carry India (METRO India) for a total cash consideration
of Rs 2,850 crore, subject to closing adjustments.
✓ Reliance Retail is the subsidiary company of RIL which operates the retail business of Reliance and is
the largest retail company in India.
✓ Reliance Industries Limited (RIL).
✓ Reliance Industries Limited was founded by Dhirubhai Ambani in 1973 .
✓ It is the largest private sector company in India
✓ Headquarters: Mumbai
✓ Chairman: Mukesh Ambani.
Q. Who has launched the new Artificial Intelligence Chatbot GPT-4?

A) OpenAI B) Google Bard
C) Signature AI D) Twitter AI
Answer : A
✓ Chatbot ChatGPT launched a new version (Chatbot GPT-4) of its artificial intelligence technology,
saying it was more powerful and predictable than previous versions and capable of analyzing images and
handling much larger blocks of text.
✓ The announcement from OpenAI—a startup backed by billions of dollars from Microsoft Corp.—is the
latest in a string of generative AI announcements as companies try to get ahead in the race to build and
use the buzzy new technology.
✓ OpenAI introduced a more powerful version of the technology behind ChatGPT called GPT-4.
Q. Who has been appointed as the chairman of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority
(PFRDA)?
A) Dr. Amartya Sen B) Dr. Manmohan Singh
C) Jagdish Bhagwati D) Deepak Mohanty
Answer : D
✓ The government has appointed Deepak Mohanty as chairman of Pension Fund Regulatory and
Development Authority (PFRDA).
✓ He replaced Supratim Bandyopadhyay, whose term ended in January 2023.
✓ Prior to this, Mohanty, a former executive director of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), served as a
member of PFRDA.
✓ PFRDA is the regulatory body for NPS.
✓ Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA)
✓ Founded : 23 August 2003
✓ Chairman : Deepak Mohanty
Q. Gyalsung Infra Project, to which India provided a grant of Rs 2 billion, is associated with which country?
A) Bhutan B) Bangladesh
C) Sri Lanka D) Nepal

Answer : A
✓ India has provided a grant of Rs 2 Billion to Bhutan for the Gyalsung Infra Project.
✓ The project aims to empower the youth of Bhutan and build a strong foundation for the country’s future.
✓ The first tranche of the grant of Rs 1 Billion was presented recently by the Indian Ambassador to Bhutan.
✓ The grant is in addition to India’s commitment to provide planning assistance of Rs.50 Billion to Bhutan.
✓ BHUTAN
✓ Capital : Thimphu
✓ Currency : Ngultrum
✓ Prime Minister : Lotay Tshering
Q. Which institution has launched India’s first municipal bond index?

A) RBI B) SEBI
C) BSE D) NSE
Answer : D
✓ National Stock Exchange (NSE) launched India’s first municipal bond index, the India Municipal Bond
Index (IBMX).
✓ The Nifty India Municipal Bond Index was launched at a SEBI workshop on Municipal Debt Securities
at Bengaluru.
✓ It tracks the performance of municipal bonds issued by Indian municipal corporations across maturities
and having investment grade credit rating.
Q. Which is the first platform to launch ‘UPI LITE payments’?
A) Paytm Payments Bank B) Airtel Payments Bank
C) India Post Payments Bank D) Jio Payments Bank
Answer : A
✓ Paytm Payments Bank has become the first platform to launch UPI LITE payments, to enable quick and
seamless transactions of up to Rs 200 without having to enter a PIN to make a payment.
✓ UPI LITE is enabled by National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and it aids users to carry out
multiple small-value UPI transactions without using a PIN.
✓ The interface facilitates inter-bank peer-to-peer (P2P) and person-to-merchant (P2M) transactions. It is
used on mobile devices to instantly transfer funds between two bank accounts.
✓ Paytm Payments Bank has been given the scheduled bank status by the Reserve Bank of India. The bank
has been included in the Second Schedule to the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
✓ Paytm Payments Bank
✓ Founded : 2015
✓ Founder : Vijay Shekhar Sharma
✓ Headquarters : Noida
✓ Vijay Shekhar Sharma holds 51 per cent in the entity with One97 Communications holding 49 per cent.
✓ Payment Banks in India were set up on the recommendation of the Nachiket Mor Committee on
Comprehensive Financial Services for Small Businesses and Low Income Households.
✓ The minimum capital requirement is ₹100 crore.
✓ Bharti Airtel set up India's first payments bank, Airtel Payments Bank in 2017.
✓ India currently has 6 Payment Banks namely, Airtel Payment Bank, India Post Payment Bank, Fino,
Paytm Payment Bank, NSDL Payment Bank and Jio Payment Bank.
Q. Singapore Airlines owns 25.1% of the Air India group after investing how so many funds?
A) $213 mn B) $225 mn

C) $267 mn D) $280 mn
Answer : C
✓ Singapore Airlines receives 25.1% stake in Air India group.
✓ Singapore Airlines will give Air India an additional SGD 360 million (USD 267 million). With its
acquisition by Tata and merger with Vistara Airlines, it will give SIA a 25.1% interest in the firm.
✓ Through this deal, SIA will strengthen its relationship with Tata and gain an instant strategic position in
a company that is four to five times bigger than Vistara in terms of size.
✓ Vistara Brand To Be Discontinued With Air India Merger.
✓ Tata Group owns a 51 per cent stake and Singapore Airlines the rest in Vistara.
✓ This will make the carrier the country’s largest international carrier and second-largest domestic carrier.
✓ The deal is expected to be completed by March 2024.
Q. Which bank announced completion of $1 billion Syndicated social loan facility?

A) Indian Overseas Bank B) State Bank of India
C) Punjab National Bank D) Bank of Baroda
Answer : B
✓ State Bank of India (SBI) has announced the completion of a $1 billion Syndicated Social Loan Facility.
✓ This syndicated transaction is significant for SBI and the Indian ESG financing market since it is the
largest ESG loan by a commercial bank in the Asia Pacific and the second-largest social loan globally.
✓ Additionally, this is the bank’s inaugural social loan and the first syndicated loan in the past five years.
✓ The $1 billion facility was arranged through MLABs, MUFG Bank, and Taipei Fubon Commercial Bank
Co. Ltd. MUFG and Taipei Fubon Commercial Bank are Joint Social Loan Coordinators while MUFG
is the Lead Social Loan Coordinator for this transaction
Q. After Singapore, with which country India has extended Unified Payments Interface (UPI)?
A) UAE B) Mauritius
C) Indonesia D) All of the above
Answer : D
✓ UPI likely to extend to UAE, Mauritius, Indonesia.
✓ India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is shortly to be connected to comparable networks in Indonesia,
Mauritius, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This occurs a week after Singapore’s PayNow launched
cross-border connection for real-time digital payments.
✓ The service would be made available to Singapore users through DBS-Singapore and Liquid Group,
according to the Central Bank of India (RBI) (a non-bank financial institution).
✓ Singapore is the first country with which a cross-border Person-to-Person (P2P) payment facility has been
launched.
✓ About UPI
✓ Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is a single platform that integrates various banking services and
facilities under one umbrella.
✓ It is developed by National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
✓ The names of the top UPI apps currently are – PhonePe, Paytm, Google Pay, Amazon Pay and BHIM.
✓ NPCI launched UPI in 2016 with 21 member banks.
Q. Which Bank has recommended the reappointment of 'Sashidhar Jagdishan' as Managing Director (MD)
and CEO for three years, with effect from 27 October 2023?

C) Axis Bank D) Kotak Mahindra Bank
Answer : B
✓ HDFC Bank announced that it's board of directors have recommended the re-appointment of "Sashidhar
Jagdishan" as managing director and CEO for a period of three years with effect from 27 October,2023.
✓ HDFC Bank will be 100% owned by public shareholders and existing shareholders of HDFC will own
41% of the former.
✓ HDFC Bank Ltd reported 18.5% year-on-year (YoY) rise in net profit for the quarter ended December
2022 to ₹12,259 crore. This is against net profit of ₹10,342.20 crore in the year ago period..
Q. Who has commissioned India's first air-cooled condenser at the North Karanpura supercritical thermal
plant in Jharkhand?
A) NHPC B) SJVN
C) GAIL D) NTPC
Answer : D
✓ National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), the country’s largest integrated energy utility, has started
commercial operation of 1st Unit of 660 MW at North Karanpura (3*660 MW), in Jharkhand .
✓ NTPC has commissioned India’s first Air cooled condenser installed Super Critical plant to demonstrate
its Commitment towards water conservation through reduce, reuse and recycle.
✓ This project has been envisaged with Air Cooled Condenser (ACC) which has almost 1/3rd water
footprint as compared to a conventional Water Cooled Condenser (WCC).
Q. According to National Statistical Office (NSO), the estimated annual per capita (net national income) at
current prices for 2022-23 is ___.
A) Rs 1,72,000 B) Rs 1,79,000
C) Rs 1,87,000` D) Rs 1,94,000
Answer : A
✓ According to National Statistical Office (NSO), the estimated annual per capita (net national income) at
current prices for 2022-23 is Rs 1,72,000, showing a growth of around 99 per cent from Rs 86,647 in
2014-15.
✓ However, after adjusting for inflation (constant prices), the per capita income has risen by approximately
35 per cent from Rs 72,805 in 2014-15 to Rs 98,118 in 2022-23.
Q. Which Bank will lend up to $1 billion to India to strengthen its health infrastructure?
A) Reserve Bank of India B) World Bank
C) New Development Bank D) Asian Development Bank
Answer : B
✓ World Bank will lend up to $1 billion to India to strengthen its health infrastructure.
✓ The lending will be divided into two complementary loans of $500 million each.
✓ The bank will support India’s flagship Pradhan Mantri-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission
(PM-ABHIM) which was launched in October 2021.
✓ The loans will prioritize health service delivery in Seven States - Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Meghalaya,
Odisha, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh.
Q. RBI is observing the Digital Payments Awareness Week (DPAW) 2023 from March 7 to 11, 2023. What
is the theme of the celebrations?

A) Smarter Digital Payments
B) Outreach and Availability of Digital Payments
C) Go Digital, Go Secure
D) Digital Payment Apnao, Auron ko bhi Sikhao
Answer : D
✓ Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched the Mission ‘Har Payment Digital’ on the occasion of Digital
Payments Awareness Week (DPAW) 2023.
✓ This is part of RBI’s endeavour to make every person in India a user of digital payments. DPAW 2023
will be observed from the 6 to12 of March 2023.
✓ The campaign theme is “Digital Payment Apnao, Auron ko bhi Sikhao” (Adopt digital payments and
Also teach others)
✓ Har Payment Digital” is aimed at reinforcing the ease and convenience of digital payments and
facilitating the onboarding of new consumers into the digital fold.
✓ The Reserve Bank will also initiate a ‘75 Digital Villages’ programme in observance of 75 years of
Independence.
✓ Under this programme, Payment System Operators will adopt 75 villages across the country and convert
them into digital payment enabled villages.
Q. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has prohibited the sale of hallmarked gold jewellery or gold
artefacts without the_____ alphanumeric Hallmark Unique Identification Number (HUID) after March
31, 2023.
A) six-digit B) seven-digit
C) Eight-digit D) Nine-digit
Answer : A
✓ Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has prohibited sale of hallmarked gold jewellery or gold artefacts
without the six-digit alphanumeric hallmark unique identification number (HUID) after March 31, 2023.
✓ To promote quality culture in micro-scale units, it has been decided that the BIS will provide 80 percent
concession on the certification/minimum marking fee across various product certification schemes.
✓ Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) number is a six-digit alphanumeric code consisting of numbers
and letters. The six-digit HUID number was introduced on July 1, 2021.
✓ HUID will be given to every piece of jewellery at the time of hallmarking and it is unique for every piece
of jewellery.
✓ The jewellery is stamped with the unique number manually at the Assaying & Hallmarking Centre
(AHC).
✓ It would ensure traceability and assure quality in gold jewellery.
Q. At what amount per mBtu did the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board introduce the
implementation of a unified tariff?
A) ₹96.47 B) ₹73.93
C) ₹67.35 D) ₹89.12
Answer : B

✓ With the ambitious objective of One Nation,One Grid and One Tariff, the Petroleum and Natural Gas
Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has decided to change the Unified Tariff which will be applicable from 1st
April 2023.
✓ PNGRB has notified a levelized Unified tariff of 73.93 rupees per MBTU (Metric Million British Thermal
Unit).
✓ The rates will be implemented as per three tariff zones in the entire gas network of the country.
✓ This will facilitate the government's vision for the development of gas markets and increase the utilization
of gas in the country.
✓ Three different Tariff Zones.
✓ The rate will be different for a distance of 300 km from the gas source.
✓ The rate will be different for the distance of 300-1200 km from the gas source.
✓ The area of more than 1200 km distance will come in the third zone.
Q. Which country to provide USD 1.24 billion line of credit to Bangladesh for road, railway and port
projects?
A) Japan B) India
C) Russia D) United States
Answer : A
✓ Japan will provide an Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan of USD 1.24 billion to Bangladesh
for infrastructure and connectivity projects and the second tranche of the 43rd Japanese Yen loan package
was signed at the exchange of notes between the two countries.
✓ The loan package includes three projects: Chattogram-Cox's Bazar Highway Improvement Project,
construction of a dual gauge rail line between Joydebpur-Eshwardi section, and Matarbari Port
Development Project, Phase 2.
✓ The first tranche of loan was almost the same amount, making the total package around US$ 2.48 billion.
✓ About Official Development Assistance (ODA).
✓ It is financial aid provided by developed countries to developing countries to support economic growth
and reduce poverty.
✓ It can be given in the form of grants or loans, and is provided by governments, international organisations
and non-governmental organisations
Q. India's total exports have crossed how many billion US dollars which is the highest ever?
A) US$ 470 billion B) US$ 750 billion
C) US$ 680 billion D) US$ 500 billion
Answer : B
✓ India’s overall exports cross all time high of 750 Billion US dollars.
✓ Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has said on March 28 that India's total exports have
crossed US$ 750 billion which is the highest ever and this achievement has come in the 75th year of
independence.
✓ In 2021-22, the country's goods and services exports reached an all-time high of US$ 422 billion and US$
254 billion, respectively, taking total shipments to US$ 676 billion.
✓ Exports fell by 8.82 per cent in February 2022, while imports fell by 8.21 per cent, the biggest decline in
more than two years.
✓ Exports declined by 8.8 per cent to $33.88 billion in February 2023 from $37.15 billion in February 2022.
✓ Imports also declined for the third consecutive month in February at $51.31 billion, down 8.21 per cent
from $55.9 billion a year ago.
✓ The country's trade deficit in February stood at $17.43 billion.

Q. Which company introduced the country's first anywhere cashless facility?
A) SBI General Insurance B) ICICI Lombard General Insurance
C) Life Insurance Corporation Of India D) Bharti AXA General Insurance
Answer : B
✓ ICICI Lombard introduces country's first 'anywhere cashless' facility.
✓ For the first time in the country, ICICI Lombard General Insurance launched 'Cashless Anywhere'
facility for health insurance policyholders to avail cashless facilities at any hospital.
✓ This facility will be subject to the approval of the hospital for cashless facility.
✓ Policyholders have to inform the company 24 hours before the date of admission giving basic information
about the patient, policy details, name of the hospital, diagnosis and treating doctor.
✓ Any hospital, if not a part of ICICI Lombard's existing network, can get treated with this new facility to
avail cashless facilities.
✓ About ICICI Lombard General Insurance
✓ It is a subsidiary of ICICI Bank Limited, a general insurance company.
ICICI Lombard is headquartered in Mumbai, India.
Q. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has increased the minimum support price (MSP)
of raw jute by Rs 300 to how much per quintal for the 2023-24 season?
A) Rs 5,050 B) Rs 3,020
C) Rs 4,010 D) Rs 5,050
Answer : D
✓ Government hikes raw jute MSP Rs 300 to Rs 5,050 per quintal.
✓ Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on 24 March increased the minimum support price
(MSP) of raw jute by Rs 300 to Rs 5,050 per quintal for 2023-24 season.
✓ The approval is based on the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices
(CACP).
✓ The MSP of Raw Jute (TD-3 equivalent to earlier TD-5 grade) has been fixed at Rs 5,050 per quintal for
2023-24 season.
✓ The announced MSP for raw jute for the 2023-24 season is in line with the principle of fixing the MSP at
a level of at least 1.5 times the all-India weighted average cost of production announced by the
Government in the Budget for 2018-19.
✓ It assures a minimum of 50 per cent as profit margin.
Q. In which city did UAE's Emaar start its first overseas mega-mall project?
A) Pulwama B) Jammu
C) Srinagar D) Kashmir
Answer : D
✓ UAE’s Emaar first overseas company to start a mega-mall project in Kashmir.
✓ Emaar, a Dubai-based real estate developer, has become the first foreign company to invest in a mega-
mall spread over one million square feet in Srinagar.
✓ Emaar Group will invest a total of ₹500 crore, including ₹250 crore for the mega-mall and setting up IT
towers in Jammu and Srinagar.
✓ This mega-mall is the first significant Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Jammu and Kashmir.
✓ The mall, a joint venture between Emaar and Delhi-based real estate firm Magna Waves Buildtech, is
likely to be operational by 2026

Q. Which ministry of steel signs 57 MoUs with 27 companies under PLI schemes for specialty steel?
C) Ministry of Education D) Ministry of Steel
Answer : D
✓ Ministry of Steel signs MoU with selected companies under PLI scheme.
✓ Ministry of Steel signed MoUs with selected companies under the Production-linked Incentive (PLI)
scheme for specialty steel in New Delhi.
✓ India has become a growth center for the future of the steel industry. India will play an important role in
this sector in the next two decades.
✓ A total of 57 MoUs were signed with 27 companies during the event.
✓ Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.
✓ It is an initiative that provides incentives to domestic industries to promote production at the local level.
✓ Through this scheme, the government aims to incentivize companies to increase the sales of
manufactured products in domestic units.
✓ The objective of the scheme is to make domestic manufacturing globally competitive and to become a
global champion in manufacturing.
✓ The government has launched this scheme with an outlay of around Rs 2 lakh crore for 14 sectors
Cell and Specialty Steel
Q. Which country central bank signed MoU with RBI to promote innovation in financial products?
A) UAE B) Singapore
C) South Korea D) Saudi Arabia
Answer : A
✓ RBI and Central Bank of UAE signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote innovation
✓ The MoU involves both the central banks working together to explore Central Bank Digital Currencies
✓ The cooperation aims to increase efficiency and reduce costs in cross-border transactions, which further
the economic ties between India and the UAE.
✓ The MoU also includes technical cooperation and knowledge sharing on matters related to fintech and
financial products and services.
✓ The collaboration between RBI and CBUAE is an important step towards fostering innovation and
collaboration in the area of FinTech.
✓ The joint exploration of CBDCs and cross-border testing is expected to pave the way for increased
efficiency and cost reduction in cross-border transactions, benefiting both India and the UAE
Q. Which bank has signed an MoU with Central Warehousing Corporation to facilitate financing under e-
NWR for farmers, food processors, and traders against the pledge of agriculture commodities stored in
CWC warehouses?
A) State Bank of India B) Punjab National Bank
C) Kotak Mahindra Bank D) Indian Overseas Bank
Answer : B
✓ PNB signs MoU with Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) to facilitate farmers' financing.

✓ Punjab National Bank (PNB) and Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) to facilitate financing undere-NWR (Electronic Negotiable Warehousing
Receipt).
✓ The main objective of this partnership is to provide easy finance to farmers, processors and traders against
the pledge of agricultural produce stored in Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) godowns.
✓ About Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC)
✓ It aims to provide reliable, cost-effective, value-added, integrated warehousing and logistics services in a
socially responsible and environment-friendly manner.
✓ About Punjab National Bank (PNB).
✓ It is an Indian public sector bank based in New Delhi and it is the third largest public sector bank in India.
✓ PNB has a banking subsidiary in the UK as well as branches in Dubai, Kabul, Kowloon and Hong Kong.
✓ Established - May 1894
✓ Founder - Dayal Singh Majithia, Lala Lajpat Rai
✓ Tagline - "The Name You Can Bank Upon"
✓ MD & CEO - Atul Kumar Goel
Q. India signed MoU with which country on semiconductor supply chain and innovation partnership?
A) United States B) Japan
C) Singapore D) France
Answer : A
✓ India, US signed MoU on semiconductor supply chain, innovation partnership.
✓ India and the US on 10 February signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on semiconductor
supply chain and innovation partnership during the Commercial Dialogue 2023 in New Delhi.
✓ At the invitation of Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, US Commerce Secretary Gina
Raimondo visited Delhi from March 7 to 10.
✓ What are Semiconductor Chips?
✓ It is a material which has conductivity between conductor and insulator.
✓ Compounds of silicon or germanium or gallium, arsenide or cadmium selenide are used in this.
Q. Which institution has launched the liquid nano diammonium phosphate DAP in India?
A) IFFCO
B) FICCI
C) FSSAI
D) NABARD
Answer : A
✓ Union Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on 5 March said the government has
approved the launch of nano liquid DAP (di-ammonium phosphate) fertilizer for the benefits of farmers
and making the country self-reliant.
✓ Fertilizer cooperative IFFCO, which is set to launch Nano Liquid Urea in 2021, also announced that the
government has approved the launch of its Nano DAP fertilizer.
✓ One bottle will be equivalent to one bag of DAP, which costs Rs 1,350.
✓ IFFCO is also planning to launch Nano-Potash, Nano-Zinc and Nano-Copper fertilizers.
✓ It has set up several manufacturing plants in Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh to produce Nano Urea.
✓ There is no government subsidy on Nano Urea and it is being sold at Rs 240 per bottle
Q. What penalty has been imposed by the Reserve Bank of India on Amazon Pay (India) Private Limited?

A) Rs 3.06 Crore B) Rs 5.78 Crore
C) Rs 2.43 Crore D) Rs 4.16 Crore
Answer : A
✓ RBI imposes Rs 3.06 Crore penalty on Amazon Pay (India).
✓ Reserve Bank of India has imposed a penalty of Rs 3.06 crore on Amazon Pay (India) Private Limited
for non-compliance of certain directions related to Prepaid Payment Instruments and Know Your
Customer.
✓ The penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers vested in RBI under section 30 of the Payment and
Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
✓ It was found that Amazon Pay (India) was not complying with the directions issued by RBI on KYC
requirements.
✓ Accordingly, notice was issued to the unit advising it to show cause why penalty should not be imposed
for non-compliance of the directions.
✓ Amazon Pay (India) Pvt Ltd is the online payments service owned by US-based Amazon.

FEBRUARY 2023
Q. The government has extended Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-
KUSUM) scheme till __.
A) March 2026 B) June 2027
C) September 2028 D) December 2029
Answer : A
✓ The government has extended PM-KUSUM scheme till March 2026 as its implementation was
significantly affected due to the pandemic.
✓ The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) Launched in 2019
✓ PM-KUSUM Aim : At adding solar capacity of 30,800 MW by 2022 with total central financial support
of Rs 34,422 crore, including service charges to the implementing agencies.
✓ The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has also conducted a third party evaluation of the
scheme and based on the recommendations, the scheme has been extended till 31.3.2026,"
✓ The scheme consists of three components :
✓ Component A is for installation of 10,000 MW of solar capacity by installing small power plants of
capacity up to 2 MW.
✓ Component B aims at installation of 20 lakh standalone solar-powered agriculture pumps.
✓ Component C is for solarisation of 15 lakh grid-connected agriculture pumps
SCHEME EXTENDED IN NEWS 2022-23

➢ Union government has extended the Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Jal) for two more years until December
2025.
➢ The government has extended PM-KUSUM scheme till March 2026.
➢ Government of India has extended the PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) Scheme
beyond March, 2022.
➢ The extension of the lending period will be till December 2024.
➢ The government the rooftop solar programme has been extended till March 31, 2026.

➢ Prime Minister's Employment Generation Program has been approved to continue till 2025-26 with a
total outlay of Rs 13,554.42 crore.
Q. India is the largest milk producer in the world, contributing what percent to the global milk production
in the year 2021-22?
A) 22% B) 24%
C) 28% D) 26%
Answer : B
✓ India is the world's largest milk producer, contributing 24 per cent to global milk production in the year
2021-22, according to production data from the Food and Agriculture Organization Corporate Statistics
Database (FAOSTAT).
✓ India's milk production has registered a growth of 51 per cent during the last eight years - 2014-15 and
2021-22 and has increased to 220 million tonnes in the year 2021-22.
✓ The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying runs various schemes to benefit the economically
weaker farmers in the dairy sector.
✓ The National Program for Dairy Development aims to enhance the quality of milk and milk products
and increase the share of organised procurement, processing, value addition and marketing.
✓ Rashtriya Gokul Mission - launched in December 2014 with an outlay of Rs 2025 crore for the
development and conservation of indigenous breeds through selective breeding.
✓ Indian Dairy Sector
✓ India ranks first in milk production and contributes 24% to global milk production.
✓ The top 5 milk-producing states are: Uttar Pradesh (14.9%), Rajasthan (14.6%), Madhya Pradesh (8.6%),
Gujarat (7.6%) and Andhra Pradesh (7.0%).
✓ Dairy is the single largest agricultural commodity contributing 5% of the national economy, witnessing
6.4% in the past 5 years.
Q. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has announced that the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban
(PMAY-U) scheme has been extended up to __.
A) 2025 B) 2024
C) 2030 D) 2026
Answer : B
✓ Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri has announced that the Pradhan
Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) scheme has been extended up to 2024
✓ Around 123 lakh houses were sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U)
during the last financial year, of which 68 lakh houses were completed till last month.
✓ The central government has sanctioned Rs 2 lakh crore under the scheme, out of which Rs 1.36 lakh
crore has been released so far.
✓ The survey conducted by the States and Union Territories shows that there is a demand of 112 lakh
houses under PMAY-U in the country.
✓ Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U)
✓ It was launched on 25 June 2015 by the Government of India and it is being implemented by the Union
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
✓ Around 1.12 crore houses are to be constructed under the scheme.
Q. Which is India's first fintech application to support credit cards on UPI?

A) Paytm B) MobiKwik
C) PhonePe D) BharatPe

Answer : B
✓ MobiKwik becomes the first fintech app to support RuPay Credit Card on UPI.
✓ With RuPay credit cards now linked directly to UPI IDs, MobiKwik customers can easily make payments
at merchants by scanning the UPI QR code and using the UPI PIN for payment authentication.
✓ This facility will provide an easy and secure payment experience to MobiKwik customers.
✓ It will also open up new opportunities for merchants to be part of the credit ecosystem, with the
acceptance of credit cards using asset-light QR codes without the need for point-of-sale (POS) terminals.
✓ RuPay credit cards are issued by all major banks (private and public sector) for both commercial and
retail use.
✓ The integration of RuPay Credit Card with UPI is in line with the vision of National Payments
Corporation of India (NPCI) and RBI.
✓ RuPay Credit Card promotes credit card acceptance in India for merchants who are not part of the credit
ecosystem.
Q. Who has won the 'ATD Best Awards-2023' for the sixth consecutive year?
A) NTPC B) ONGC
C) IOCL D) GAIL
Answer : A
✓ Country's largest power generation company NTPC Limited has been conferred with 'ATD Best Awards
✓ NTPC Limited has won this award for the sixth time for showcasing enterprise success in the area of
talent development.
NTPC IN NEWS 2023

Bangladesh.
➢ Country's largest power generation company NTPC Limited has been conferred with 'ATD Best Awards
➢ NTPC and Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) sign agreement for joint development
of nuclear power plants.
➢ NTPC hosts an international seminar on ‘Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage’ (CCUS) at First
Energy Transitions Working Group meeting in Bengaluru.
➢ NTPC Limited announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Energy Vault
Holdings (“Energy Vault).
➢ NTPC Renewable Energy Limited (NTPC REL) signs MoU with Government of Tripura for
cooperation in renewable energy development.
➢ NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd has signed an MoU with the Indian Army for setting up Green Hydrogen
➢ About NTPC
➢ The NTPC which was earlier known as National Thermal Power Corporation of India is owned by the
Government of India. It was set up in 1975.
➢ The Vindhyachal Thermal Power Station in the Singrauli district of Madhya Pradesh, with an installed
capacity of 4,760MW, is currently the biggest thermal power plant in India.
➢ Headquarters: New Delhi
➢ Chairman and Managing Director: Gurdeep Singh
Q. India has received foreign inward remittances of how many US dollars in 2021-22?

A) USD 74,127 million B) USD 89,127 million
C) USD 69,127 million D) USD 85,127 million
Answer : B
✓ India has received foreign inward remittances of USD 89,127 million in 2021-22, which was the highest
ever received in a single year.
✓ In 2017-18, the remittances were at USD 69,129 million, and have been rising since.
✓ The highest share of 5 major countries in inward remittances to India through Authorised Dealer (ADs)
banks are from the United States (23.4%), followed by United Arab Emirates (18%), United Kingdom
(6.8%), Singapore (5.7%), and Saudi Arabia (5.1%).
Q. How many crores have been earmarked for the centrally sponsored "Vibrant Village Programme" for the
Financial Years 2022-23 to 2025-26?
A) Rs. 4800 Crore B) Rs. 5000 Crore
C) Rs. 5300 Crore D) Rs. 6100 Crore
Answer : A
✓ The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved Centrally
Sponsored Scheme- “Vibrant Villages Programme” (VVP) for the Financial Years 2022-23 to 2025-26
with financial allocation of Rs. 4800 Crore.
✓ This will help encourage people to stay in their native places in border areas.
✓ This will stop migration from villages and improve border security.
✓ Funds will be provided under the scheme for development of essential infrastructure and creation of
livelihood opportunities in 19 districts and 46 border blocks, 4 states and 1 union territory along the
northern land border of the country.
✓ In the first phase, 663 villages will be included in the programme.
✓ The District Administration will prepare a Vibrant Village Action Plan with the help of Gram
Panchayats.
✓ 100 percent saturation of Central and State schemes will be ensured.
✓ About Vibrant Villages Programme
✓ This program was announced in the budget speech 2022.
✓ It aims to improve infrastructure in villages along India’s border with China.
✓ Under the programme, states such as Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh will
improve infrastructure and build residential and tourism hubs.
✓ The focus areas of the programme are livelihood, road connectivity, housing, rural infrastructure,
renewable energy, television and broadband connections.
Q. Who has been roped in as the new CEO of the Alphabet-owned Youtube, in replacement for outgoing
CEO Susan Wojcicki?
A) Satyajeet Salgar B) Dharamvir Yadav
C) Neal Mohan D) Adam Smith
Answer : C
✓ Alphabet-owned YouTube Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Susan Wojcicki has announced her plan to
step down after nine years at the helm of the world’s largest online video platform.
✓ Wojcicki became CEO of YouTube in 2014.
✓ An Indian-American Neal Mohan, who is currently the chief product officer at YouTube, will replace
the 54-year-old Wojcicki as the new CEO.
Q. What is the total Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of Government e Marketplace (GeM) as of FY23?

A) Rs 1.5 lakh crore B) Rs 2.5 lakh crore
C) Rs 3.5 lakh crore D) Rs 2.0 lakh crore
Answer : A
✓ Government e-Marketplace achieves a Gross Merchandise Value of Rs 1.5 Lakh Crores.
✓ As of 1 February 2023, the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has achieved Rs 1.5 lakh crore of Gross
✓ GeM is well positioned to cross its annual target of Rs 1.75 lakh crore.
✓ GeM has crossed a gross business value of Rs 3 lakh crore since inception with the support of its
stakeholders.
✓ The total number of transactions on GeM has crossed 1.3 crore.
✓ GeM has over 66,000 government buyer organisations and over 58 lakh sellers and service providers.
✓ GeM portal features over 11,000 product categories with more than 29 lakh listed products.
✓ About Government-e-Marketplace (GeM) platform
✓ Launch - 9 August 2016
✓ Purpose - to bring transparency and efficiency in the government buying process
✓ Nodal Ministry - Ministry of Commerce and Industry
✓ GeM works on inclusion, transparency and efficiency.
✓ Who registered on GeM - Artisans, weavers, SHGs, startups, women entrepreneurs & MSMEs are
registered on GeM
Q. Ministry of Cooperation signed MoU with which Ministry to enable Primary Agricultural Credit
Societies (PACS) function as Common Service Centers?
A) Ministry of Electronics and IT B) Ministry of Finance
C) Ministry of Home affairs D) Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare
Answer : A
✓ A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on February 2 to enable Primary Agricultural
Credit Societies (PACS) and provide services by Common Service Centers (CSC).
✓ The MoU was signed between the Ministry of Cooperation, Ministry of Electronics and Information
Technology, NABARD and CSC e-Governance Services India Limited in New Delhi.
✓ This agreement will enhance the business activities of PACS and help them to become a self-sustaining
economic entity.
✓ The Union Budget 2023-24 has allocated Rs. 2,516 crore for the computerization of 63,000 PACS over
the next 5 years
✓ Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS)
✓ These are grassroots level cooperative credit institutions that provide short-term and medium-term
agricultural loans to farmers for various agricultural and agricultural activities.
✓ It works at the gram Panchayat and village level.
✓ The first Primary Agricultural Credit Society (PACS) was set up in 1904.
✓ PACS are registered under the Co-operative Societies Act and regulated by RBI.
✓ Objectives of PACS
✓ Raise capital for the purpose of making loans.
✓ Supporting members' essential activities.
✓ Collect deposits from members with the goal of improving their savings habit.
✓ Arrange for the supply and development of improved breeds of livestock to the members.
✓ Supply agricultural inputs and services to members at reasonable prices
Q. APEDA signs MoU with Lulu Hypermarket to promote export of which product to GCC countries?
A)Wheat B) Sugar

C) Mango D) millets
Answer : D
✓ APEDA inks MoU with Lulu Hypermarket for export promotion of millets in GCC countries.
✓ In a move to harness export potential of millets to the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCCs), the
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Lulu Hypermarket LLC on 21 February 2023.
✓ APEDA aims to promote millet products and value-added products worldwide in collaboration with
Lulu Group.
✓ Lulu Group is an international retail hypermarket chain that operates stores and shopping malls
inBahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates..
✓ India has exported millets worthUSD 46.05 million during April-November 2022-23 and UAE is the
major importer of Indian millets.
Q. Which country is not the part of the I2U2 grouping of nations?

A) Israel B) Italy
C) United States D) United Arab Emirates
Answer : B
✓ The first conference of I2U2 Business Forum, a joint initiative of India, Israel, the US and the United
Arab Emirates, was held on 22 February 2023 in Abu Dhabi (UAE).
✓ According to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, the I2U2 Forum brought together representatives
from the private and public sectors of India, Israel, the United States and the United Arab Emirates to
discuss opportunities for cooperation between their business communities.
✓ Economic cooperation is going on in many areas among the member countries of I2U2. Which includes
food security, water, energy, space, transport, health and technology.
✓ The Forum aims to leverage private sector capital and expertise to help modernise infrastructure,
decarbonize industries, improve public health, and promote the development of green technologies.
✓ It is also known as the 'West Asian Quad' as it was referred to as the 'International Forum for Economic
Cooperation' in 2021.
✓ I2U2 aims to encourage joint investments in six mutually identified sectors – water, energy, transport,
space, health and food security.
Q. Which two countries recently launched a joint digital payment mechanism to enable cross-border
transactions?
A) India and Bhutan B) India and Maldives
C) India and Singapore D) India and Indonesia
Answer : C
✓ India and Singapore on 21 February launched a joint digital payment mechanism to enable residents of
both countries to make easier and faster cross-border transactions
✓ India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Singapore's PayNow have entered into an agreement in
this regard to facilitate these transactions.
✓ Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong participated in the
virtual launch of Real Time Payment Linkage
Q. What is the government set up to address the existing protection gap across the general insurance
business?
A) Direct Vector Portal B) Bima Sugam portal

C) Aspiring Avenue portal D) Online Nozzle portal
Answer : B
✓ Govt to set up Bima Sugam portal to address existing protection gap across general insurance business.
✓ Replying to a question in the Lok Sabha on 13 February, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that
the government will set up a Bima Sugam portal.
✓ The portal will address the existing protection gap across life, health and general insurance businesses in
the country.
✓ According to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India, the portal will be the
infrastructure of an insurance market where insurers, distribution networks and policy holders will meet
virtually on a seamless digital platform.
✓ The portal is expected to improve the accessibility and ease of purchasing insurance for policyholders.
✓ It will also serve as a readymade digital platform for insurers and distribution networks.
Q. What is the Tata group's expected compounded annual growth rate for 2022-23 according to chairman
N Chandrasekaran?
A) 10% B) 20%
C) 30% D) 40%
Answer : B
✓ Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran claimed on 13 February that the Tata group is set to record the
highest growth in its history and that its compounded annual growth is expected to be around 20% in
2022-23..
✓ Large capital expenditure (CapEx) plans have been drawn up through traditional and new businesses.
✓ Traditional businesses will finance their own growth through internal accruals.
✓ Tata group companies are registering strong growth across the board and are expected to clock a
compounded annual growth of around 20% in 2022-23.
✓ Tata Sons is the investment holding company of the Tata Group.
Q. With what percentage interests would the Government of India become Vodafone Idea's largest
shareholder?
A) 33.14%
B) 48.12%
C) 28.37%
D) 72.07%
Answer : A
✓ The government has approved the conversion of debt-ridden Vodafone Idea's interest dues of over Rs
16,133 crore into equity.
✓ The government said Aditya Birla Group, one of the promoters, has committed to bring in additional
funds.
✓ With this conversion, the government is expected to become the largest shareholder in the loss-making
telecom company with 33.14 per cent stake.
✓ Vodafone Idea will issue equity shares at a face value of Rs 10 each to the government.
✓ Merger of Vodafone and Idea
✓ Kumar Mangalam Birla's telecom company Idea Cellular agreed to merge with Vodafone in March 2017.
✓ According to the latest data published by telecom regulator TRAI, the company has 243 million mobile
subscribers, with a market share of 21.33 per cent.
✓ Largest mobile subscriber companies in India

✓ Reliance Jio is a leading wireless telecom company with more than 411 million customers across India.
✓ Bharti Airtel (21.5 crore), Vodafone Idea (12.2 crore) are in second and third place respectively.
✓ Vodafone Idea
✓ It is a joint venture of Vodafone (United Kingdom) and Aditya Birla Group.
✓ It has the third largest mobile telecommunication network in India.
✓ Headquarters: Gandhinagar, Gujarat
✓ Corporate Headquarters: Mumbai
✓ Chief Executive Officer: Akshay Moondra
Q. Which institution will be provided a grant of Rs 242 Crore to undertake research on Lab Grown
Diamonds?
A) IIT Madras B) IIT Bombay
C) IIT Kanpur D) IIT Hyderabad
Answer : A
✓ IIT Madras to get Rs 242 cr grant for research on Lab Grown Diamonds.
✓ Indian Institute of Technology Madras will be provided a grant of Rs 242 crore over a period of five years
to carry out research on Lab Grown Diamonds (LGD).
✓ It will encourage indigenous production of LGD seeds, machines and reduce import dependence.
✓ The research will focus on indigenization of the LGD manufacturing process.
✓ Presenting the Union Budget 2023-24, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that "Laboratory
grown diamonds (LGD) is a technology and innovation-driven emerging sector with high employment
potential.
✓ The government has proposed to cut duty on import of 'seeds', used as raw material for lab-grown
diamonds..
✓ Lab-grown diamonds are diamonds that are produced using specific technology that mimics the
geological processes that grow natural diamonds.
Q. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended the tenure of the 22nd Law Commission till which date?
A) August 31, 2023 B) August 31, 2024
C) August 31, 2025 D) August 31, 2026
Answer : B
✓ The Union cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on 22 February 2023 extended the term
of the 22nd Law Commission till August 31, 2024.
✓ The move came as the tenure of the 22nd Law Commission of India ended on February 20, 2023.
✓ Former chief justice of the Karnataka High Court Ritu Raj Awasthi is the chairperson of the current
commission, and its members include KT Sankaran, a retired judge of the Kerala High Court.
✓ About The Law Commission of India :The Law Commission of India is a non-statutory body constituted
by the Government of India from time to time.
✓ The first Law Commission of independent India was established in 1955 for a three-year term.
✓ The first Law Commission was established during the British Raj era in 1834 by the Charter Act of 1833
and was chaired by Lord Macaulay.
✓ Law commissions have been instrumental in the progressive development and codification of laws in the
country.
Q. HD-3385, which has been developed by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), is a new variety
of which species?
A) wheat B) rice

C) pulses D) cotton
Answer : A
✓ The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed a new variety of wheat which is 'HD-
3385'.
✓ It is capable of meeting the challenges arising due to climate change and rising heat.
✓ This new variety is suitable for early sowing. It can survive the wrath of heat and its crop can be harvested
before the end of March.
✓ The Central Government had recently announced setting up of a committee to monitor the situation
arising out of rise in temperature and its impact on the current wheat crop.
✓ ICAR has registered the news variety HD-3385 with the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights
Authority (PPVFRA).
✓ ICAR has also granted a license to Bioseed owned by DCM Shriram Limited to conduct multi-location
trials and seed multiplication.
✓ About Indian Council of Agricultural Research
✓ It is an autonomous body formerly known as the Imperial Council of Agricultural Research.
✓ Headquarters - New Delhi
✓ Established - 1929
✓ The Union Minister of Agriculture serves as its president. Presently its president is Narendra Singh
Tomar.
✓ ICAR is the largest network of agricultural research and education institutes in the world.
Q. Who has proposed that the listed entities should take approval from shareholders at least once in 5 years
for the appointment of directors to serve on their boards?
A) RBI B) SEBI
C) IRDA D) PFRDA
Answer : B
✓ The SEBI has proposed that the listed entities should take approval from shareholders at least once in 5
years for the appointment of directors to serve on their boards.
✓ Reason : To curb the practice of occupying permanent directorship in a company.
✓ SEBI also proposed norms, related to special rights granted to certain shareholders; sale, disposal, or lease
of assets of a listed entity outside the ‘scheme of arrangement’ framework and on agreements binding
listed entities.
✓ In the interest of good corporate governance at listed entities, all directors appointed to the board of a
listed entity need to go through periodic shareholders’ approval process, thereby providing legitimacy to
the
Q. India's first semiconductor facility will be set up by 'Vedanta-Foxconn JV' in Which State?
A) Karnataka B) Gujarat
C) Telangana D) Madhya Pradesh
Answer : B
✓ The Joint Venture (JV) between India’s "Vedanta Limited" and Taiwanese electronics manufacturer
"Foxconn" recently announced that it will set up its semiconductor and display manufacturing facility at
the Dholera Special Investment Region near Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
✓ Vedanta and Foxconn, in September 2022, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with
the Gujarat government to invest Rs 1,54,000 crore, independent India’s biggest-ever corporate
investment so far, to set up the country’s first semiconductor manufacturing facility.

✓ The Vedanata-Foxconn’s semiconductor manufacturing facility is likely to get huge subsidies and
incentives, like zero stamp duty on land purchase and subsidised water and electricity, under the ‘Gujarat
Semiconductor Policy 2022-27.’
✓ Under the Joint Venture , Volcan Investment will hold a majority stake of up to 60%, and the remaining
40% will be held by Foxconn.
Q. According to the Futures Industry Association (FIA), which of the following Stock Exchange has
emerged as the world’s largest derivatives exchange in 2022, in terms of the number of contracts traded?
A) Madras Stock Exchange B) Calcutta Stock Exchange
C) National Stock Exchange D) Bombay Stock Exchange
Answer : C
✓ According to the Futures Industry Association (FIA), the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) has
emerged as the world’s largest derivatives exchange in 2022, in terms of the number of contracts traded.
✓ NSE has secured the top position for the fourth consecutive year.
✓ NSE ranked third in terms of number of deals (Electronic Order Book) in the equity segment in 2022.
Whereas last year it was in fourth position.
Q. Which among the following ministry has becomes the largest buyer of MSME goods in 2022?
C) Ministry of Defence D) Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Answer : C
✓ Recently, Government e-Marketplace (GeM) informed through a tweet that in 2022, the Ministry of
Defense emerged as the largest buyer through MSME sellers.
✓ In 2022, the Ministry of Defense envisages procurement of goods and services worth Rs 16,747 crore
from the MSME sector. This was 250% more than the purchases made in 2021.
✓ Among the states, Uttar Pradesh procured the maximum. Uttar Pradesh procured goods and services
worth Rs 9,642 crore through GeM.
✓ GeM business in 2022
✓ GeM's turnover in 2022 is Rs 1,06,647 crore, which is expected to double in 2023.
✓ Compared to 2016, when GeM was first launched, its business has grown 17 times.
Q. The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) reported that in 2022, the Ministry of Defense has emerged as
the largest buyer through MSME vendors. In 2022, Defense Ministry has procured goods and services
worth how many rupees from the MSME sector?
A) Rs 16,747 crores B) Rs 20,747 crores
C) Rs 23,747 crores D) Rs 12,747 crores
Answer : A
✓ Government e-Marketplace (GeM) informed that in 2022, the Ministry of Defense emerged as the largest
buyer through MSME sellers.
✓ In 2022, the Defence Ministry procured Rs 16,747 crores worth of goods and services from the MSME
sector. This was 250% higher than that of the procurement made in 2021.
✓ Among the states, Uttar Pradesh procured the maximum. Uttar Pradesh procured goods and services
worth Rs 9,642 crore through GeM.
✓ In 2022, the turnover of GeM was Rs 106,647 crores. This is expected to double in 2023. As compared
to 2016, when GeM was first launched, its turnover had increased by 17 times
✓ About GeM

✓ The Government e–Marketplace was launched in 2016.
✓ It is an online platform used for procuring goods and services online.
✓ Objective – To increase transparency, promote Aatma Nirbhar Bharat, and support small and local
sellers.
✓ Nodal Ministry – Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Q. Reliance Consumer Products Limited announced a strategic partnership with Maliban Biscuit Limited.
Maliban Biscuit Limited is based in which country
A) Sri Lanka B) Nepal
C) Bangladesh D) Maldives
Answer : A
✓ Reliance Consumer Products Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Reliance Retail Ventures Limited
announced a strategic partnership with Sri Lanka-based Maliban Biscuit Limited.
✓ It was signed to bring Indian consumers a bouquet of domestic and globally recognized consumer brands
and product choices that offer superior value propositions with exceptional quality.
✓ Maliban, a heritage brand and a household name in Sri Lanka, is a pioneering biscuit manufacturer well-
known for the last 70 years for its range of quality products.
Q. The Adani Group has acquired the strategic Haifa Port for USD 1.2 billion recently. Haifa Port is located
in which country?
A) Philippines B) Maldives
C) Israel D) Germany
Answer : C
✓ The Adani Group has acquired the strategic Israeli port of Haifa for USD 1.2 billion.
✓ The deal was signed by Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani in presence of Israeli PM Benjamin
Netanyahu.
✓ The Haifa Port is the second largest port in Israel in terms of shipping containers and the biggest in
shipping tourist cruise ships.
Q. Which insurance company has launched a "Pay As You Drive" (PAYD) policy for vehicles recently?
A) Universal Sompo General Insurance B) New India Assurance Insurance
C) Bharti AXA General Insurance D) Bajaj Allianz General Insurance
Answer : B
✓ The New India Assurance has launched a “Pay As You Drive” (PAYD) policy for vehicles.
✓ It is a comprehensive motor insurance policy that charges premiums based on the usage of the vehicle.
✓ The policy has two components – third-party cover and own-damage cover.
✓ This policy offered features like discounts on renewals, coverage beyond the distance limit, and enhanced
protections.
✓ The discount will be applied to the basic own damage premium.
Q. Which Corporation has received Rs. 253.35 crore project from the State Bank of India (SBI) for providing
4G LTE connectivity to 15,000 offsite ATMs across the country?
A) Ircon International B) Rail Vikas Nigam
C) RailTel Corporation D) Container Corporation of India
Answer : C

✓ RailTel Corporation informed , that the company has received a Work Order from the State Bank of
India (SBI) for providing 4G LTE connectivity to 15,000 offsite ATMs across the country.
✓ This SBI project is one of the largest projects in providing last-mile connectivity on 4G LTE technology
in India.
✓ RailTel has been selected through competitive bidding and the total cost of the project is estimated at
₹253.35 Crores
Q. Which Retail has become the first Indian retailer to introduce Central Bank Digital Currency (Digital
Rupee)?
A) Reliance Retail B) DMart
C) Future Retail D) V-Mart Retail
Answer : A
✓ Reliance Retail has become the first Indian retailer to introduce Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC),
also known as digital rupee.
✓ The company has piloted the use of Digital Rupee in one store in Mumbai, and plans to make this facility
available in all its stores in Mumbai within the next three to four months, in accordance with Reserve
Bank of India (RBI) norms.
✓ The launch of this facility was in collaboration with Innoviti Technologies, ICICI Bank, and Kotak
Mahindra Bank.
Q. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated a helicopter manufacturing plant of Hindustan
Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in which state recently?
A) Tamil Nadu B) Uttar Pradesh
C) Kerala D) Karnataka
Answer : D
✓ The helicopter manufacturing unit of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Tumkuru, Karnataka
has been dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
✓ It is the largest helicopter manufacturing facility in Asia.
✓ Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation stone of this manufacturing unit in the year 2016
with an aim to promote the vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.
✓ Initially, the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) will be produced in this helicopter factory.
✓ The factory would later be expanded to manufacture Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and Indian
Multirole Helicopter (IMRH) as well as repair LCH, LUH, civil ALH and IMRH.
✓ This helicopter manufacturing unit is spread over 615 acres, which is by far the largest helicopter
manufacturing unit in India.
✓ This manufacturing unit will manufacture 30 helicopters per year, which will be increased to 90
helicopters per year in a phased manner.
✓ Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
✓ It was established as Hindustan Aircraft Limited in 1940 by Walchand Hirachand in Bangalore (now
Bengaluru), Karnataka.
✓ The name was changed to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited on 1 October 1964 after it was merged with
Aeronautics India Limited by the Government of India.
✓ It comes under the Ministry of Defence.
✓ Headquarters: Bengaluru
Q. How many million dollars Google invested in Artificial Intelligence (AI) startup 'Anthropic'?
A) $750 million B) $500 million

C) $300 million D) $150 million
Answer : C
✓ Google has invested about $300mn in artificial intelligence start-up Anthropic, days after Microsoft
announced a new multiyear, multibillion-dollar investment with ChatGPT-maker OpenAI.
✓ Anthropic was founded in January 2021 by the team behind AI breakthroughs such as GPT-3 and
Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF).
Q. Which company launched its conversational artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot named 'Bard'?
A) Microsoft B) Apple
C) Google D) Twitter
Answer : C
✓ Recently, Google has launched an Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered chatbot named "Google Bard"to
compete with ChatGPT.
✓ Bard is built on Google's existing language model LaMDA, the language model for the firm's Dialog
Application System.
✓ According to Google, it will be used by a group of testers first, after which Bard will be introduced to the
general public.
✓ Bard has been developed to compete with the currently fastest growing user application, ChatGPT, which
has overtaken platforms such as Tik Tok and Instagram.
✓ What is Chatbot?
✓ A chatbot is a software application used to conduct on-line chat conversations via text or text-to-speech
in lieu of providing direct interaction with a live human agent.
Q. Which companies are unveiled India's first Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H2-ICE) technology
solution for heavy duty trucks?
A) Larsen & Toubro and Eicher Motors
B) Bharat Petroleum and Ashok Leyland
C) Adani Group and Mahindra & Mahindra
D) Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) and Ashok Leyland
Answer : D
✓ India's first Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H2-ICE) truck was unveiled by Prime Minister
Narendra Modi during the 'India Energy Week' in Bengaluru.
✓ The ICE in the H2-ICE stands for Internal Combustion Engine.
✓ It is developed by Reliance Industries (RIL) in association with Ashok Leyland.
✓ The H2-ICE truck is the first of its kind in India to be powered by hydrogen.
✓ The truck uses hydrogen instead of conventional diesel fuel or liquefied natural gas (LNG), reducing
carbon emissions to almost zero.
✓ Hydrogen is considered the cleanest fuel. This emits only water and oxygen.
✓ The combustion principle in H2-ICE is as follows:
✓ 2H2 + O2 → 2H2O
✓ Two hydrogen atoms combine with one oxygen atom to form water. The heat energy released during
this reaction is used to ignite the spark plug.
✓ The first H2-ICE was developed by Francois Isaac de Rivaz in the year 1806. It ran on a mixture of
hydrogen and oxygen.

Q. Central Government has appointed K Satyanarayana Raju as the new Managing Director and CEO of
which bank?
A) Bank of Baroda B) Canara Bank
Answer : B
✓ The Central Government has appointed K Satyanarayana Raju as the new Managing Director and CEO
of the state-owned Canara Bank.
✓ He will replace LV Prabhakar, who resigned from his post on December 31, 2022.
✓ He was working as Executive Director in Canara Bank since March, 2021.
✓ Satyanarayana Raju has vast experience in Branch Banking, Corporate Credit, Retail Credit etc.
✓ Canara Bank:
✓ It is a leading commercial bank of India.
✓ It was established in 1906, by Sri Ammembal Subba Rao Pai.
✓ Syndicate Bank was merged with Canara Bank on 1 April 2020. After this merger, Canara Bank has
become the fourth largest bank in the country.
✓ Headquarters Bangalore, India
Q. Which Payments Bank has launched its current account “BizKhata” which offers unlimited transactions
and instant activation for account holders across the country?
A) Jio Payments Bank B) Paytm Payments Bank
C) Airtel Payments Bank D) India Post Payments Bank
Answer : C
✓ Airtel Payments Bank has launched its current account “BizKhata” which offers unlimited transactions
and instant activation for account holders across the country.
✓ Airtel Payments Bank’s BizKhata has been designed specifically for these small merchants and business
owners.
✓ It brings all business transactions to one platform and allows them to maintain clear records while
enjoying multiple banking benefits, like Zero Minimum Balance, Secure, hassle-free payments, Auto
Sweep Out etc.
✓ Airtel Payments Bank
✓ Founded : 2017
✓ Headquarters : New Delhi
✓ MD & CEO : Anubrata Biswas
✓ Stake : Bharti Airtel Limited(80.01%) & Kotak Mahindra Bank(19.9%)
✓ Subsidiaries : YTS Solutions Pvt. Ltd
Q. Which company has launched a service that will allow the fintech firm's Indian users traveling abroad to
pay foreign merchants using Unified Payments Interface (UPI)?
A) Google Pay B) PhonePe
C) Paytm D) Amazon Pay
Answer : B
✓ PhonePe has launched a service that will allow the fintech firm’s Indian users traveling abroad to pay
foreign merchants using Unified Payments Interface (UPI).

✓ 'UPI international' supports merchant outlets in UAE, Singapore, Nepal and Bhutan that have a local
QR (quick response) code.
✓ PhonePe, with a recent $350 million investment from General Atlantic and a $12 billion pre-money
valuation, became the most valuable fintech company in India.
✓ According to a report by Bain and Company, the money will enable PhonePe to expand its business and
compete with Google Pay, Paytm, and Amazon Pay in the $350 billion Indian fintech market by 2026.
Q. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $130 million (over Rs 1,072 crore) loan to enhance
agricultural productivity and farmers’ income in which state?
A) Maharashtra B) Uttar Pradesh
C) Himachal Pradesh D) Uttarakhand
Answer : C
✓ The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $130 million (over Rs 1,072 crore) loan to enhance
agricultural productivity and farmers' income in Himachal Pradesh and promote horticulture
agribusiness.
✓ ADB aims to benefit Himachal Pradesh, where more than half of its land area is mountainous and 90
percent of its population lives in rural areas dependent on agriculture.
Q. Which company has launched the first traffic management system for drones in India?
A) Aarav Unmanned Systems B) Skye Airon
C) Skylark Dronetech D) Teja Aerospace and Dynamics
Answer : B
✓ A Gurugram-based drone solutions provider, Skye Airon has launched the first traffic management
system for drones in India.
✓ The software will allow drone operators to plan routes, make flight plans and assess risks before running
drone-based operations in the country. The solution, called Skye UTM, is a first-of-its-kind for India.
✓ It was unveiled by the Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, Nitin Gadkari.
✓ Unmanned traffic management systems will play a key role in how airspace will be managed, allowing
multiple beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) drone operations to be run by different firms at the same
time.
✓ Globally, several companies, such as US-based AirMap and Netherlands-based Airbus, offer such
solutions.
Q. RBI's financial literacy week 2023 starts from __.
A) 10 February to 14 February 2023 B) 11 February to 15 February 2023
C) 12 February to 16 February 2023 D) 13 February to 17 February 2023
Answer : D
✓ RBI’s 'Financial Literacy Week' started on 13th and will last till February 17, 2023. The Reserve Bank of
India (RBI) has been conducting this every year since 2016 to propagate financial education messages on
a particular theme among members of public across the country.
✓ Last year (2022), RBI observed ‘financial literacy week’ from February 14 to February 18, 2022. The
central bank held an event to propagate financial education messages on the theme of “Go Digital Go
Secure”.
✓ Financial Literacy Week 2023 Theme : The theme for this year’s Financial Literacy Week to be observed
during February 13 - 17, 2023 is “Good Financial Behaviour, Your Saviour”, with emphasis on “Saving,

planning, and budgeting” and “Prudent use of digital financial services” which aligns with overall
strategic objectives of the National Strategy for Financial Education: 2020-2025.
Q. What is the theme of Financial Literacy week 2023 being observed by RBI in 2023?
A) Credit Discipline and Credit from Formal Institutions
B) Go Digital, Go Secure
C) Good Financial Behaviour, Your Saviour
D) MSME
Answer : C
✓ The theme for this year's Financial Literacy Week to be observed during February 13 - 17, 2023 is “Good
Financial Behaviour, Your Saviour”,
Q. The Financial Literacy Week is organised annually by which among the following organisations?
A) SEBI B) IRDAI
C) SBI D) RBI
Answer : D
Q. Since when is Reserve Bank of India celebration the Financial Literacy week?
A) 2010 B) 2015
C) 2016 D) 2013
Answer : C
Q. Which bank has launched a pilot project, 'OfflinePay', to test offline digital payments for merchants and
customers enabling payment transactions even when there is no mobile network?
C) Yes Bank D) Axis Bank
Answer : B
✓ HDFC Bank launched a pilot project for offline digital payments.
✓ Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC) Bank has launched a pilot project, ‘OfflinePay’, to
test offline digital payments for merchants and customers enabling payment transactions even when there
is no mobile network.
✓ HDFC has launched the first-of-its-kind digital payment solution, in partnership with Sweden-based
Crunchfish Digital Cash AB.
✓ Crunchfish Digital Cash AB is a subsidiary of Crunchfish AB, for merchants and customers under the
RBI’s Regulatory Sandbox Program.
Q. The Government has approved Namami Gange Mission-II Approved with Budgetary Outlay of How
Many crores till 2026?
A) ₹22,500 cr B) ₹25,500 cr
C) ₹27,500 cr D) ₹29,500 cr
Answer : A

✓ Government of India has further approved Namami Gange Mission-II with a budgetary outlay of
Rs.22,500 crore till 2026 interalia including projects for existing liabilities (Rs.11,225 Cr) and new
projects/interventions (Rs.11,275 crore).
✓ Namami Gange Programme was launched in June 2014 for a period up to 31st March, 2021 to rejuvenate
River Ganga and its tributaries with a budgetary outlay of Rs.20,000 crore.
✓ A total of Rs.14,084.72 crore has been released by the Government of India to the National Mission for
Clean Ganga (NMCG), from Financial Year (FY) 2014-15 till 31st January 2023, out of which
Rs.13,607.18 crore have been released by NMCG to State Governments, State Missions for Clean Ganga
and other agencies for implementation of projects related to Ganga rejuvenation.
✓ There is no State-wise allocation under the Namami Gange Programme. However, the amount released
by NMCG to various agencies for implementation of projects, compiled State-wise, from 2014-15 up till
31 January 2023, is as under
Q. How many Boeing planes will Air India buy for $34 billion?
A) 200
B) 220
C) 235
D) 250
Answer : B
✓ United States President Joe Biden hailed Air India's decision to purchase over 220 aircraft from Boeing
and called it a "historic agreement between Tata-owned airlines and Boeing.
✓ This purchase will support over one million American jobs across 44 states, and many will not require a
four-year college degree.
✓ This announcement also reflects the strength of US-India economic partnership, Joe Biden said in an
official statement released by The White House.
✓ According to reports, Air India will purchase as many as 220 planes from Boeing for USD 34 billion,
with an option to buy 70 more aircraft that could take the total transaction value to USD 45.9 billion
Q. Which bank has launched its own private cloud platform, 'MAHABANK NAKSHATRA', to strengthen
its digital infrastructure?
A) Bank of Maharashtra B) Kotak Mahindra Bank
C) Indian Overseas Bank D) Punjab National Bank
Answer : A
✓ Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) has launched its own private cloud platform, ‘MAHABANK
NAKSHATRA’, to strengthen its digital infrastructure at the 88th Business Commencement Day.
✓ It facilitates High-Performance Cloud Capabilities for Digital Infrastructure and hosting applications of
the Bank.
✓ Bank also launched a portal called Suvidha, an automated DCSS (Decease Claim Settlement System) to
simplify the deceased claim settlement process and keep customer ease into consideration
Q. Which company become the first company in India to launch and enable UPI transactions for foreign
nationals visiting India?
A) CoinTab B) EbixCash
C) MobiKwik D) Ultracash
Answer : B

✓ EbixCash Limited, a subsidiary of US-based Ebix Inc, has become the first company in India to launch
and enable Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions for foreign nationals visiting India.
✓ The RBI proposed permitting inbound travellers access to UPI for merchant payments (P2M) while they
are in the country.
✓ EbixCash World Money is the foreign exchange division of EbixCash and has a network of over 81 retail
branches, 250 franchisee partners and duty-free shops, 27 bank clients, 1,200 corporate clients and 5-star
hotels.
Q. Which company has recently launched India's first ChatGPT-powered AI Chatbot ‘Lexi’?
A) Axio B) Lentra
C) Velocity D) Razorpay
Answer : C
✓ ChatGPT-powered AI chatbot named Lexi has been launched in India by the Velocity company.
✓ The drone is considered the Indian version of the ChatGPT.
✓ Also, Velocity has integrated this new technology in artificial intelligence with its existing Analytics Tool
integrated with Velocity Business Insights.
✓ A chatbot is a computer program that uses Artificial intelligence and Natural Language Processing (NLP)
to understand and answer the queries put by customers.
Q. Which company has recently launched the ‘Sapphire Rapids’, a new processors for desktop workstation?
A) IBM B) Intel
C) AMD D) Nvidia
Answer : B
✓ Chip maker Intel has launched the new Xeon W-3400 and Xeon W-2400 processors for desktop
workstation.
✓ These processors are code-named as Sapphire Rapids.
✓ They have been built for professional creators to provide massive performance for media and
entertainment, engineering and data science professionals
Q. Which country has surpassed India as the sixth-largest equity market in the world for the first time since
May 2022?
A) Japan B) China
C) Saudi Arabia D) United Kingdom
Answer : D
✓ The United Kingdom has surpassed India as the sixth-largest equity market in the world for the first time
since May 2022.
✓ According to Bloomberg, the combined market capitalization of primary listings in the UK, excluding
‘exchanged-traded funds’ ETFs and ‘American depositary receipts’ ADR reached about $3.11 trillion in
February 2023.
✓ The MSCI India Index has dropped 6.1% this year, while the group of companies owned by Gautam
Adani — among Asia’s richest men — has lost about $142 billion in market capitalization since the
Hindenburg report was published on Jan 24.
✓ Adani has repeatedly denied the claims and has also cut expenses and repaid debt as he seeks to calm
traders concerned about the group’s access to financing.
Q. Who bagged the title of 'Entrepreneur of the Year 2022'?

A) V Vaidyanathan B) Deepak Bagla
C) Samina Hamied D) Sajjan Jindal
Answer : D
✓ Sajjan Jindal, Chairman and Managing Director, JSW Group was named the EY Entrepreneur of the
Year 2022 and will now represent India at the EY World Entrepreneur of the Year Award (WEOY) at
Monte Carlo in June 2023.
✓ Sajjan was selected for his exceptional entrepreneurial journey in scaling the global conglomerate with
presence in steel, cement, infrastructure, energy, and paints to revenues of US$22 billion, globally
employing over 40,000 people.
✓ Earning the sobriquet of ‘Man of Steel’, he was the first representative from India to serve as the
Chairman of the World Steel Association.
Q. Which Country becomes the 7th largest country ready to adopt crypto in 2023?
A) Singapore B) Canada
C) Brazil D) India
Answer : D
✓ According to HedgewithCrypto research, India emerged as 7th biggest nation ready to adopt crypto in
2023.
✓ Australia is the biggest country when it comes to the adoption of cryptocurrency in 2023 with a score of
7.37 out of 10. The sale of cryptocurrency and other digital assets is legal and regulated in Australia.
✓ Following this, USA ranks as the second biggest country in crypto adoption with a score of 7.07 out of
10. Currently, there 33,630 crypto ATMs throughout the country.
Q. Which country has accepted a $442 million wind power project of Adani Green Energy?
A) Sri Lanka B) Maldives
C) Bangladesh D) Phillipines
Answer : A
✓ Sri Lanka's Board of Investment approved two wind power plants by India's Adani Green Energy Ltd
with a total investment of $442 million.
✓ The two wind power plants of 350 MW are scheduled to be commissioned in two years and accordingly,
they will be added to the national grid by 2025.
✓ Adani Green Energy is the renewable energy unit of the embattled Adani Group, whse seven listed
companies have lost some $125 billion in market value after a US short seller last month alleged improper
use of tax havens and stock manipulation by the apples-to-airports conglomerate.
✓ Adani Green becomes the largest wind-solar hybrid power producer in the world
Q. Which Company announced that it will join the Indian government's ONDC (Open Network for Digital
Commerce) platform?
A) Amazon B) Apple
C) Google D) Flipkart
Answer : A
✓ E-commerce giant Amazon announced that it will join the Indian government’s ONDC (Open Network
for Digital Commerce) platform, and as part of its initial collaboration will integrate its Smart Commerce
and logistics services with the ONDC network.

✓ Amazon logistics services include pickup and delivery, while Smart Commerce is a suite of SaaS
(software-as-a-service) products hosted on AWS that can assist MSMEs build and scale their business
and integrate it with the ONDC network.
✓ ONDC is a non-profit organization set up by the commerce ministry’s Department for Promotion of
Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to democratise e-commerce services and provide small e-commerce
stores and online sellers with a level playing field.
✓ AMAZON
✓ Founded : 1994 (Online bookstore)
✓ Founder : Jeff Bezos
✓ Headquarters : Seattle, Washington DC
✓ CEO : Andy Jessy

JANUARY 2023
Q. Reserve Bank of India will issue Sovereign Green Bonds of how much rupees in two tranches on January
25 and February 9?
A) Rs 6,000 crore A) Rs 8,000 crore
Answer : B
✓ Reserve Bank of India on 6 January said that maiden Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs) would be issued
in two tranches of Rs 8,000 crore each on January 25 and February 9
✓ The central government is issuing these sovereign green bonds as part of its total market borrowing. These
bonds are being issued to promote green infrastructure.
✓ The Central Government had released the framework of Sovereign Green Bond on 9 November 2022.
✓ Sovereign green bonds worth Rs 8000 crore will be issued on January 25, 2023. In this, green bonds worth
Rs 4000 crore will be issued for 5 years and sovereign green bonds worth Rs 4000 crore will be issued for
10 years.
✓ Apart from this, Sovereign Green Bonds worth Rs 8000 crores will be issued as the next instalment on 9
February 2023. In which green bonds worth Rs 4000 crore will be issued for 5 years and sovereign green
bonds worth Rs 4000 crore will be issued for 10 years.
✓ What are Sovereign Green Bonds?
✓ These are bonds that are used by the government to finance projects that have a positive impact on the
environment.
✓ The Green Bond was launched in 2007 by the European Investment Bank and the World Bank.
✓ A Green Bond is an instrument that helps in raising funds for green projects.
✓ Funds from these bonds will be invested in public sector projects that help reduce carbon intensity.
✓ These bonds fall into 9 broad categories. Some of these are projects like renewable energy, energy
efficiency, clean transportation, green building.
✓ The government aims to attract foreign investors through these bonds.
✓ Being asset linked, it becomes easier for the government to raise money through these bonds.
Q. According to the government of India’s Public Enterprise survey 2021-22, which is the most profitable
Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSE) in 2021-22?
A) ONGC B) Indian Oil Corporation
C) SAIL D) NTPC
Answer : A
✓ According to the government of India’s Public Enterprise survey 2021-22, ONGC was the top profit
making central public sector enterprises (CPSE) in 2021-22. After ONGC the other most profit making
CPSE were Indian Oil Corporation, Power Grid, NTPC and SAIL.
✓ The net profit of operating public sector enterprises jumped 50.87 per cent to Rs 2.49 lakh crore during
2021-22. It was Rs 1.65 lakh crore in 2020-21.
✓ The net loss of loss-making CPSEs reduced to Rs 0.15 lakh crore in 2021-22 from Rs 0.23 lakh crore in
2020-21, showing a decrease of 37.82 per cent.
✓ The top five CPSEs contributing the highest under CSR were ONGC, NTPC, Indian Oil Corporation,
NMDC and Power Grid.

Q. What is the name of the new Integrated Food Security Scheme to provide free food grains to Antyodaya
Anna Yojana (AAY) and Primary Household (PHH) beneficiaries ?
A) PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)
B) Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
C) Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana
D) Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana
Answer : A
✓ Centre named new Integrated Food Security Scheme as Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana.
✓ The new integrated food security scheme has been named as PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana
((PMGKAY) to provide free food grains to Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Primary Household
(PHH) beneficiaries.
✓ Keeping in view the welfare of the beneficiaries and to maintain uniformity across states, all PHH and
AAY beneficiaries will be provided free food grains under PMGKAY for 2023.
✓ This integrated scheme will strengthen the provisions of NFSA, 2013 in terms of access, affordability and
availability of food grains to the poor.
✓ The implementation of this new scheme has started from January 1, 2023, which is benefiting more than
80 crore poor people.
✓ The central government will spend over Rs 2 lakh crore in 2023 as food subsidy under NFSA and other
welfare schemes to ease the financial burden of the poor.
✓ PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY).
✓ It is a part of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP) to help the poor fight the battle against
Covid-19.
✓ Its nodal Ministry is the Ministry of Finance.
✓ Under this scheme, the government provides additional free of cost 5 kg per person per month food-grains
(rice/wheat) to around 80 crore beneficiaries of National Food Security Act (NFSA) including the Direct
Benefit Transfer (DBT) beneficiaries.
✓ The PMGKAY has now been linked with One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) plan where migrant
workers can get the benefit of the scheme through any ration shops in India
Q. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved Central Sector Broadcasting
Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND) Scheme with an outlay of how many rupees up to
2025-26?
Answer : B
✓ The Central Government has approved Central Sector Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network
Development (BIND) Scheme with an outlay of over two 2,539 crore rupees up to 2025-26 on 4 January.
✓ The scheme will financially assist Prasar Bharati in expansion and upgradation of its broadcasting
infrastructure, content development and civic works.
✓ The scheme will broaden the reach in Left Wing Extremism, border and strategic areas.
✓ The scheme is a means of providing financial assistance to Prasar Bharati for expenses related to
expansion and upgradation of its broadcasting infrastructure, content development and civic work related
to the organisation.
✓ The scheme will enable the public broadcaster to upgrade facilities with better infrastructure.

✓ This will enhance the reach of the scheme including Left Wing Extremism, Border and Strategic Sectors
and provide high quality content to the viewers.
Q. The Union Government has approved the National Green Hydrogen Mission with an initial outlay of
how many rupees?
Answer : A
✓ Union Cabinet headed by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 4 January 2023 approved the National
Green Hydrogen Policy which aims to make India a Global Hub for the production, utilisation and
export of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives.
✓ Green Hydrogen refers to the breaking down of the water molecule into hydrogen and oxygen using
✓ Outlay for the Scheme
✓ The initial outlay for the Mission is Rs.19, 744 crore, including an outlay of Rs.17, 490 crore for the
Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition Programme (SIGHT), Rs.1, 466 crore for pilot
projects, Rs.400 crore for Research and Development, and Rs. 388 crore towards other Mission
components.
✓ Main Objective of the National Green Hydrogen Mission
✓ The aim of the National Hydrogen Mission is to enable India to meet its climate change target of net zero
carbon emission by 2070 and make India a production and export hub of hydrogen fuel.
✓ Achieve the capacity to produce 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen per year by 2030 ,
✓ Capacity addition of 125 GW of renewable energy by 2030.
Q. Which company commissioned India’s first green hydrogen blending project at Kawas, Gujarat?
A) Reliance Industries B) TATA Group
C) Adani Group D) NTPC Limited
Answer : D
✓ India’s largest power company NTPC Ltd has commissioned India’s first green hydrogen blending
project at Kawas, Gujarat. The piped natural gas (PNG) blended with green hydrogen gas is being
supplied through the Gujarat Gas limited piped natural gas (PNG) network in the NTPC Kawas
township, Surat.
✓ In April 2022 the NTPC signed an agreement with Gujarat Gas for blending of green hydrogen in the
piped natural gas (PNG) to be supplied to the NTPC Kawas Township.
✓ The Central government owned NTPC provides the green hydrogen produced at its 1 megawatt (MW)
floating solar project of NTPC Kawas in the Surat district of Gujarat for blending purposes.
Q. Piyush Goyal will launch the MAARG platform to facilitate mentorship between startups and
entrepreneurs across sectors, stages, and functions. What does the stand for second A in MAARG?
A) Assistance B) Advisory
C) Association D) Application
Answer : A

✓ Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal launched the MAARG platform (Mentorship, Advisory,
Assistance, Resilience, and Growth) on 16 January.
✓ The portal would facilitate mentorship between startups and entrepreneurs across sectors, stages, and
functions.
✓ It will allow startups to connect with mentors and discuss their mentorship needs.
✓ Startups can connect with academics, industry experts, successful founders, seasoned investors and others
to receive personalised mentorship, clarity and practical advice on growth strategy.
✓ Objectives of the MAARG Portal
✓ To provide guidance and support to startups throughout their life cycle.
✓ To establish a formal and structured platform that facilitates matchmaking between mentors and startups
at large across diverse sectors.
✓ Establishing a result-oriented mechanism that allows tracking of the progress of the mentor-startup
engagement.
✓ Key Functions of MAARG Portal
✓ Tracking mentor and startup interactions to deliver impact.
✓ Enabling video calls and communication through the platform.
✓ Mobile friendly interface for ease of use.
✓ Communicate recognition and benefits of mentor contributions.
✓ Facilitate ecosystem supporters to host friendly events.
✓ Providing feedback, query and complaint mechanism.
Q. Warehousing Development Regulatory Authority (WDRA) has signed an MoU with which bank to help
farmers in getting low-interest-rate loans?
A) Punjab National Bank B) Indian Overseas Bank
C) State Bank of India D) Kotak Mahindra Bank
Answer : C
✓ Warehousing Development Regulatory Authority (WDRA) signed a memorandum (MoU) of
understanding with State Bank of India to help farmers in getting low interest rate loans.
✓ The objective of the MoU is to provide information on the benefits to the depositors besides carrying out
further activities to improve agricultural finance in India.
✓ It is envisaged that the product will have far reaching consequences with regard to acceptance of e-NWRs
(electronic Negotiable Warehouse Receipt) among small and marginal farmers.
✓ Combined with the inherent security and negotiability of the e-NWR system, the Produce Marketing
Loan will go a long way in improving rural liquidity and increasing farmers income.
✓ Warehousing Development Regulatory Authority (WDRA)
✓ WDRA was constituted on 26 October, 2010 under the Warehousing (Development and Regulation)
Act, 2007.
✓ It is a Statutory Authority under the Department of Food and Public Distribution, Government of India.
✓ The Authority has its Headquarters in New Delhi.
✓ The Authority consists of a Chairperson and two Members appointed by the Central Government.
Q. Which Indian has been ranked number 2 globally on the Brand Guardianship Index 2023?
A) Gautam Adani B) Sunil Bharti Mittal
C) Mukesh Ambani D) Anand Mahindra
Answer : C
✓ India’s Billionaire Mukesh Ambani has overtaken the likes of Satya Nadella of Microsoft and Google's
Sundar Pichai to be ranked No.1 among Indians and second globally on the Brand Guardianship Index
2023.

✓ Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Reliance Industries Ltd's Mukesh Ambani are ranked first and
secondrespectively in the Index (BGI).
✓ Microsoft's Satya Nadella, who topped last year, is at number three.
✓ Most of the top 10 in the index are from India or Indian-origin CEOs.
✓ Adobe’s Shantanu Narayen and Pichai are ranked fourth and fifth.
✓ Deloitte's Punit Rejen is at No.6 and Tata group chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran at the eighth spot.
✓ Piyush Gupta of DBS is at No 9.
✓ Mukesh Ambani, Managing Director and Chairman of Reliance is the longest serving CEO in the
ranking at 40 years
✓ About Brand Guardianship Index
✓ The Brand Guardianship Index consists of an 'equity' factors which reflects current beliefs, a
'performance' factor, which reflects the concrete results of these beliefs, and an 'investment' factor, which
supports future performance.
✓ It is based on a survey of 1,000 market analysts and journalists.
✓ Only 50% of the respondents to the survey conducted in November-December 2022 live in India.
Q. Which financial Institutions has agreed to provide a $1.22 billion loan to the government of India for
Infrastructure development in various states?
A) ADB B) AIIB
C) World Bank D) NDB
Answer : A
✓ The Manila based Asian Development Bank (ADB) has agreed to provide a $1.22 billion loan to the
government of India for Infrastructure development in various states.
✓ An agreement to this effect was signed between the Indian Government and ADB in New Delhi on 3
January 2023.India is the largest borrower of ADB.
✓ The agreements would cover projects for improving the power sector and highways in the Northeastern
states of Tripura and Assam, metro rail connectivity in the southern city of Chennai, and improvement
of key economic areas in the western state of Maharashtra.
Q. India’s economy is expected to grow how much percent in the financial year 2023, according to the first
advance estimates by the National Statistical Office (NSO) in January 2023?
A) 7.0% B) 6.8%
C) 8.1% D) 6.9%
Answer : A
✓ India’s economy is expected to grow 7.0% in the financial year 2023, according to the first advance
estimates by the National Statistical Office (NSO) in January 2023.
✓ It had pegged India’s growth at 8.7% in the fiscal year 2022.
✓ The economy grew 9.7 percent in the first half (April-September) of FY23, the data for which was released
on November 30.
✓ The RBI and the World Bank have projected 6.8 per cent and 6.9 percent GDP growth, respectively, in
FY23.
✓ The economy grew 8.7 percent in FY22. In FY23, gross value added (GVA) at basic prices is expected
to grow at 6.7 percent.
Q. Which Indian public sector bank got the approval from RBI to hold special rupee Vostro accounts of
three banks from Sri Lanka?
A) State Bank of India B) Canara Bank

C) Punjab National Bank D) Indian Bank
Answer : D
✓ Indian Bank, which has a lengthy history in Sri Lanka, has acquired the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
regulatory approval to maintain special rupee Vostro accounts of three banks from the South Asian island
nation, which is dealing with a severe foreign exchange crisis.
✓ The special accounts are anticipated to be activated soon by the Chennai-based public sector bank.
Q. Name the Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) whose tenure has been extended for one
year till 2024?
A) M Rajeswara Rao B) T Rabi Shankar
C) MK Jain D) Michael Debabrata Patra
Answer : D
✓ The Central Government has extended the tenure of Dr. Michael Debabrata Patra as Deputy Governor
of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for one more year with effect from January 15, 2023
✓ He took over as Deputy Governor of the RBI on 15 January 2020. Patra's three-year term ended on
January 14.
✓ He was an Executive Director of India's central bank before being elevated to the post of Deputy
Governor.
✓ Patra oversees themonetary policy department in his capacity as deputy governor of the central bank and
also serves as a member of the rate-setting monetary policy committee.
✓ The six-member Monetary Policy Committee is headed by RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das.
✓ Apart from the Governor, RBI has four Deputy Governors.
✓ The three other deputy governors of the bank are MK Jain, M Rajeswara Rao and T Rabi Shankar.
Q. The Union Cabinet approved a scheme of how many rupees as incentive to banks to promote digital
payments?
Answer : C
✓ Centre approved ₹2,600 crore as incentive for banks to promote digital payments
✓ The Union Cabinet on 11 January approved a ₹2,600 crore scheme for promoting RuPay debit cards and
low-value BHIM-UPI transactions
✓ Under the scheme, banks will be given financial incentives in the current financial year 2022-23 to
promote 'Point of Sale' (PoS) i.e. payment machines and e-commerce transactions using RuPay and UPI.
✓ The Cabinet has approved this incentive scheme to promote small amount transactions between
individuals and merchants through RuPay Debit Cards and BHIM-UPI.
✓ This will further strengthenIndia's progress in digital payments. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
had said in the last budget, will continue to provide financial help to increase digital payments.
✓ India has remained a cash-dependent economy since independence. India's Cash to GDP ratio is 13%
while the global average is at most 8%.
✓ Significance of the Incentive Scheme
✓ The government had approved an incentive scheme in pursuance of the budget announcement for FY
2022 to promote digital transactions.
✓ As a result, total digital payment transactions registered a year-on-year growth of 59 percent.
✓ This increased from ₹5,554 crore in FY21 to ₹8,840 crore in FY22.

✓ BHIM-UPI transactions registered a year-on-year growth of 106 per cent, from Rs 2,233 crore in FY21
to Rs 4,597 crore in FY22.
✓ This incentive scheme will promote as a digital payment solution and enable further deepening of digital
payments in the country
Q. How much stake has Alibaba Group sold in Paytm's parent company One-97 Communications?
A) 9.1% B) 5.1%
C) 3.1% D) 4.1%
Answer : C
✓ Alibaba Group has sold its majority stake of 3.1% in Paytm's parent company One-97 Communications.
✓ Ant Financial, a company of Alibaba Group, has sold shares of Paytm worth $ 125 million, or about Rs
1,125 crore, through a bulk deal.
✓ Alibaba Group company Ant Financial has sold 2 crore shares of Indian Digital Payment and Financial
Services Company Paytm at Rs 536.95 per share.
✓ Earlier, Alibaba Group had 6.26% stake in Paytm.
✓ Paytm shares fell 6.16%, or Rs 35.65, to close at Rs 543.50 after Alibaba's stake sale.
✓ Paytm's IPO of $ 2.5 billion i.e. Rs 20,361 crore was presented in November 2021. At that time it was the
biggest IPO in the country.
✓ What is block deal?
✓ Block deal refers to a trade in which 500,000 shares or shares of a particular company listed on the
exchange are traded for a value of more than Rs 5 crore.
✓ Block deals can only be conducted during a particular trading window in the opening trading hours.
Q. India’s Fastest Payment App recently launched which is built on the cutting-edge technology of Web 3.0.
What is the name of this app?
A) PayBharat B) PayRup
C) PayCash D) PayDigital
Answer : B
✓ India’s fastest payment app has launched. PayRup is built by the cutting-edge technology of web 3.0.
✓ It provides advanced digital payment experience with outstanding user experience.
✓ PayRup users can pay utility bills and landline bills, recharge their mobile, broadband, DTH, and
purchase Gift Cards.
✓ PayRup services are planned to expand across various financial instruments, including multiple payment
services such as school fees, pay rent, and other payment collection services.
✓ Recently, PayRup has announced ticketing and booking services for flights, buses, and hotels along with
a few other USPs.
✓ PayRup opens 24/7 customer care facilities for help and support for users. The customer support desk
runs with leading CRM technologies and supports by global standard.
✓ PayRup ensures the 5 dimensions of service quality and follows SERVQUAL standard to provide the
best service experience.
✓ The launching event was hosted in Bangalore and was launched by Mahadevappa Halagatti
Q. Who has been ranked fourth in the list of world's richest actors released by World of Statistics?
A) Akshay Kumar B) Shah Rukh Khan
C) Salman Khan D) Aamir Khan
Answer : B

✓ Shahrukh Khan on the fourth position in the list of world's richest actors.
✓ The list of world's richest actors was released on the Twitter account of World of Statistics, in which
Indian actor Shah Rukh Khan has overtaken Hollywood star Tom Cruise to become the world's richest
actor.
✓ Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan is the only actor from India in this list, whose total assets are more
than 770 million dollars i.e. 6 thousand 300 crores.
✓ Jerry Seinfeld has been placed at number one in this list.
✓ Shahrukh Khan has also left behind Tom Cruise and Jackie Chan.
✓ Hollywood star Jackie Chan is at number six on the list with earnings of $520 million.
✓ 5 Richest Actors In The World
1. Jerry Seinfeld (American) – (Rs 8200 crore)
2. Tyler Perry (American) – (Rs 8200 crore)
3. Dan Johnson (American) – (6500 crores)
4. Shahrukh Khan (Indian) – (6300 crores)
5. Tom Cruise (American) – (5900 crores)
✓ Recently, Shah Rukh Khan is the only Indian actor who has been included in an international list of 50
greatest actors of all time by a prominent British Magazine Empire.
Q. According to an EY report, the Indian Economy will become $26 trillion economy by which year?
A) 2030 B) 2040
C) 2047 D) 2035
Answer : C
✓ An EY report states that the Indian economy is likely to reach $26 trillion by the year 2047, which will
also be the 100th year of India's independence.
✓ The report also pointed out that the country's per capita income would cross $15,000, making it among
the top developed economies.
✓ The report also pointed out that despite maintaining a steady but modest growth rate of 6% per annum,
India would still be able to become a $26 trillion economy by 2047–48, with per capita income six times
higher than current levels.
✓ According to the report certain factors have contributed to bring India to a position of high and
sustainable growth.
✓ These include accelerated pace of economic reforms in critical areas such as social inclusion, financial
inclusion, fiscal, physical and digital infrastructure.
✓ This has ultimately resulted in increased global competitiveness of Indian businesses and entrepreneurs.
✓ An area with major potential is services exports which are set to grow by 14% over the past two decades
to reach $254.5 billion in 2021-22.
Q. G Kamala Vardhana Rao has taken over the charge as the CEO of which organisation?
A) SEBI B) FSSAI
C) FICCI D) SIDBI
Answer : B
✓ G Kamala Vardhana Rao has taken over the charge as the CEO of food regulator FSSAI (Food Safety
and Standards Authority of India).
✓ The FSSAI is a statutory body established under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Prior to
this, Rao was serving as the Managing Director of Indian Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), a
Miniratna PSU under the Ministry of Tourism.
✓ Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
✓ Founded : 2008

✓ Chairperson : Rajesh Bhusan
✓ CEO : G Kamala Vardhana Rao
Q. Which nation recently adopted Euro as its currency?

A) Croatia B) Armenia
C) Belarus D) Denmark
Answer : A
✓ Croatia adopted the euro currency and also joined Europe's free passport club (Schengen area), nearly a
decade after joining the European Union.
✓ Croatia with a population of about 4 million said goodbye to its Kuna currency and became the 20th
member of the Eurozone.
✓ It will be the 27th country in the world's largest passport-free Schengen zone, which enables more than
400 million people to move freely within its member states.
✓ Adoption of the euro will help Croatia's economy at a time when global inflation has been rising since
Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which has pushed up fuel and food prices.
✓ It will also boost Croatia's major tourism industry, which accounts for 20 percent of its gross domestic
product (GDP).
✓ The Eurozone consists of 19 members of the European Union (EU), which uses the Euro as their official
currency.
✓ What is the Schengen Zone?
✓ The border-free Schengen Area guarantees visa-free movement for over 400 million EU citizens, as well
as tourists, students living in the EU and visiting the EU.
✓ Croatia
✓ Croatia is a country located in the northwestern part of the Balkan Peninsula.
✓ Prime Minister : Andrej Plenković
✓ President : Zoran Milanović
✓ Capital : Zagreb
✓ Currency : euro
Q. As per the Nikkei Asia report, India has overtaken which country to become the world’s third-largest
auto market?
A) China B) United States
C) Japan D) German
Answer : C
✓ India becomes 3rd largest auto market globally, surpasses Japan: Report
✓ For the first time, India surpassed Japan in auto sales last year and became the third-largest auto market
in the world, according to Nikkei Asia.
✓ The country’s sales of new vehicles totaled at least 4.25 million units, topping the 4.2 million sold in
Japan.
✓ According to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, new vehicles delivered in India totaled
4.13 million between January and November 2022.
✓ Adding December’s sales volume reported by Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest carmaker, brings the total to
roughly 4.25 million units.
Q. Which Foundation and CARE launched a programme 'She Feeds the World'?
A) Ford foundation B) PepsiCo foundation

C) MacArthur Foundation D) Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Answer : B
✓ PepsiCo Foundation and CARE launched a programme 'She Feeds the World'.
✓ It is a USD 18.2-million global agriculture-focused women empowerment programme in India.
✓ It commenced from two districts in North Bengal of West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh could be the next
state.
✓ The PepsiCo Foundation invested USD 18.2 million to scale CARE's 'She Feeds the World' initiative in
six countries.
✓ President, PepsiCo India : Ahmed ElSheikh.
Q. Which company to Launch M-Sand Projects in Broader Schemes?

A) ITC Limited B) NTPC Limited
C) Coal India Ltd D) Oil and Natural Gas Corporation
Answer : C
✓ Coal India Ltd to Launch M-Sand Projects in a Big Way.
✓ With a focus on cost-effective and high-quality sand production, Coal India Limited's subsidiaries will
commission five M-Sand (sand) plants by 2024.
✓ Sand is classified as a "minor mineral" under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation)
Act, 1957.
✓ Administrative control of minor minerals rests with the state governments and is regulated through state
specific rules.
✓ The 'Sand Mining Framework' (2018) prepared by the Ministry of Mines envisages alternative sources of
sand obtained in the form of sand (M-Sand) manufactured from crushed rock fines (crusher dust) from
overburden (OB) of coal mines .
✓ During 'opencast mining', the top soil and rocks are removed as waste and the broken rock (overburden
or OB) is dumped in the dump to extract the coal.
✓ What is M-sand?
✓ It is a form of artificial sand, which is made by crushing hard stones, mainly rocks or granite, into fine
particles, which are then washed and pulverized.
Q. According to the Futures Industry Association (FIA), which of the following Stock Exchange has
emerged as the world’s largest derivatives exchange in 2022, in terms of the number of contracts traded?
A) Madras Stock Exchange B) Calcutta Stock Exchange
C) National Stock Exchange D) Bombay Stock Exchange
Answer : C
✓ According to the Futures Industry Association (FIA), the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) has
emerged as the world’s largest derivatives exchange in 2022, in terms of the number of contracts traded.
✓ NSE has secured the top position for the fourth consecutive year.
✓ NSE ranked third in terms of number of deals (Electronic Order Book) in the equity segment in 2022.
Whereas last year it was in fourth position.
Q. Which company commissioned India’s first green hydrogen blending project at Kawas, Gujarat?
A) Reliance Industries B) TATA Group
C) Adani Group D) NTPC Limited
Answer : D

✓ India’s largest power company NTPC Ltd has commissioned India’s first green hydrogen blending
project at Kawas, Gujarat. The piped natural gas (PNG) blended with green hydrogen gas is being
supplied through the Gujarat Gas limited piped natural gas (PNG) network in the NTPC Kawas
township, Surat.
✓ In April 2022 the NTPC signed an agreement with Gujarat Gas for blending of green hydrogen in the
piped natural gas (PNG) to be supplied to the NTPC Kawas Township.
✓ The Central government owned NTPC provides the green hydrogen produced at its 1 megawatt (MW)
floating solar project of NTPC Kawas in the Surat district of Gujarat for blending purposes.
Q. Who has been appointed as the new Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of
Paytm Payments Bank Limited (PPBL)?
A) Abhishek Singhvi B) Surinder Chawla
C) Dheeraj Sharma D) Amit Singh
Answer : B
✓ Veteran banker Surinder Chawla has been appointed as new Managing Director (MD) and Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) of the Paytm Payments Bank Limited (PPBL).
✓ The appointment has been approved by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for a period of three years.
✓ Paytm Payments Bank CEO Satish Kumar Gupta was retired in October 2022.
✓ Since then, Deependra Singh Rathore has been serving as interim CEO of the payments bank.
✓ Chawla is currently serving as head of branch banking at RBL Bank
Q. Which bank has partnered with the digital banking fintech company OPEN to launch a digital current
account for its customers?
Answer : A
✓ Private lender Axis Bank has partnered with the digital banking fintech company OPEN to launch a
digital current account for its customers including SMEs, freelancers, homepreneurs, influencers and
others.
✓ The current account holders will get access to Axis bank’s over 250 banking services along with OPEN’s
financial automation tools for business management including payments, accounting, payroll,
compliance, expense management and other such services.
✓ The authentication process of the digital current account will be completely online using PAN
(permanent account number) and Aadhaar followed by a Video KYC (know your customer).
Q. Which bank has launched an MSME online portal providing instant online ‘In Principle’ approval of up
to ₹1 crore?
A) South Indian Bank B) Kotak Mahindra Bank
C) Indian Overseas Bank D) State Bank of India
Answer : A
✓ South Indian Bank launched a MSME online portal providing instant online ‘In Principle’ approval of
up to ₹1 crore.
✓ South Indian Bank is facilitating MSMEs to get instant funds. This initiative will help thousands of micro
and small businesses avail loans quickly.

✓ MSME enterprises are the most important pillars of the economy and the government is working towards
making the sector stronger.
✓ This development is at the backdrop of central government considering to make India a $5 trillion
economy.
Q. India’s first centre of excellence for online gaming in which city?

A) Bengaluru B) Chennai
C) Shillong D) Indore
Answer : C
✓ Digital India startup hub through software technology parks of India will set up India’s first centre of
excellence for online gaming in Shillong by March, said IT Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar.
✓ The Center of Excellence in Shillong is expected to catalyse startups and entrepreneurs from India's
Northeast to build the next generation online gaming ecosystem.
✓ The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) recently released the draft amendments to the IT Rules 2021
with respect to online gaming for public consultation.
✓ MeitY will also set up a state-of-the-art facility under the National Institute of Electronics and IT
(NIELIT) in Shillong to impart training on digital skills.
✓ A 10-acre campus will soon be prepared for this.
✓ Government is relaunching Skill India through PMKVY 4.0 which will provide skill training to around
50,000 youth in Meghalaya with industry supported job opportunities
Q. Tech startup firm IG Drones has developed India's first 5G-enabled drone capable of vertical take-off and
landing. This drone is named ?
A) Skyhawk B) Ghatak
C) Archer D) Trinetra
Answer : A
✓ Tech startup firm IG Drones has developed India's first 5G-enabled drone capable of vertical take-off and
landing.
✓ This drone has been named Skyhawk.
✓ he Skyhawk can fly for about five hours with a payload of 10 kg, as this drone is also equipped with
capabilities like artificial intelligence and thermal imaging.
✓ Due to the facility of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL), it does not require any special runway or track
for take-off or landing, so it can be operated in any area.
✓ The drone is IP67 rated and can be controlled through a combination of NavIC + GPS navigational
satellites.
✓ This drone can travel 100 km in 12 to 15 minutes at its maximum speed.
✓ About IG Drones
✓ IG Drones is an India-based tech company providing drone survey, mapping and inspection services.
✓ It was established at Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology in Sambalpur, Odisha.
✓ Its headquarter is located in New Delhi
Q. Who has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cognizant?
A) Leena Nair B) Ravi Kumar S
C) Parag Agrawal D) CS Venkatakrishnan
Answer : B

✓ Cognizant IT head has announced the appointment of former Infosys chairman Ravi Kumar S as CEO
and board member.
✓ Ravi Kumar S has replaced Brian Humphries in both the roles.
✓ To facilitate a smooth transition, Brian Humphries will remain with the company as a Special Advisor
until March 15, 2023.
✓ Ravi Kumar S has worked in Infosys for 20 years.
Q. Which city hosting the 14th edition of World Spice Congress in 2023?
A) Chennai B) Bengaluru
C) Hyderabad D) Mumbai
Answer : D
✓ The 14th Edition of World Spice Congress is all set to unfurl at the 'Economic Capital of India', Mumbai
during 16-18 February 2023.
✓ Organised by Spice Board India, this biennial event is the premier forum that brings together the global
spice industry to deliberate on the problems and prospects in the spice sector.
✓ The Spice Board is organising the World Spice Congress as G20 during India's G20 Presidency for the
period from December 2022 to November 2023, with a greater focus on further strengthening India's
trade ties with the G20 countries.
✓ 14th World Spice Congress Theme - ‘Vision 2030: SPICES’ (Sustainability– Productivity – Innovation –
Collaboration- Excellence and Safety)."
✓ About World Spice Congress
✓ It is a conglomerate of the global spice industry, which in its three decades long presence has become the
most appropriate forum to deliberate upon the concerns and views of the sector.
✓ It is organised under the leadership of the Spices Board, Ministry of Commerce and Industry,
✓ It was established in 1990.
✓ Spices Board (Ministry of Commerce and Industry) is the premier organisation for the development and
worldwide promotion of Indian spices.
Q. Which public sector bank partnered with ‘Garuda Aerospace’ under the Kisan Pushpak Scheme?
A) Punjab National Bank B) Union Bank of India
C) Canara Bank D) State Bank Of India
Answer : B
✓ Garuda Aerospace, a drone company based in Chennai, has teamed with the Union Bank of India to
finance 150 Garuda Agri Kisan drones under the Kisan Pushpak Scheme.
✓ The drone loan will assist farmers in digitizing land record activities for agricultural production as well
as spraying fertilizers, chemicals, and pesticides.
✓ The Agri Infrastructure Fund Scheme funds 150 drone applications that will assist farmers and train 150
qualified pilots to become entrepreneurs.
Q. Which bank has awarded the Best Small Bank Award 2022 in the ‘Best Banks Survey for the year 2022’,
conducted by Business Today-KPMG (BT-KPMG Best banks survey)?
A) Saptagiri Grameena Bank B) Bandhan Financial Holdings
C) Tamilnad Mercantile Bank D) Dhanlaxmi Bank Ltd
Answer : C

✓ Tamilnad Mercantile Bank (TMB) has awarded the Best Small Bank Award 2022 in the ‘Best Banks
Survey for the year 2022’, conducted by Business Today-KPMG (BT-KPMG Best banks survey).
✓ The bank has won the Best Small Bank Award under the category of banks with a book size of less than
Rs 1 Lakh crore.
✓ TMB, MD and CEO Shri S Krishnan has received the awards from Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.
✓ BT-KPMG is conducting BT-KPMG Best banks survey and awarding the best banks with 37 parameters.
✓ Tamilnad Mercantile Bank Limited (TMB) was founded in 1921 as the Nadar Bank, later it was changed
to Tamilnad Mercantile Bank in 1962.
Q. Which company has signed an agreement with Ashok Leyland and Ballard Power (Canada) to develop
a hydrogen fuel cell electric truck (FCET) for mining logistics and transportation?
A) NTPC Limited B) JSW Energy
C) ReNew Power D) Adani Enterprises
Answer : D
✓ Adani Enterprises has signed an agreement with Ashok Leyland and Ballard Power (Canada) to launch
a pilot project to develop a hydrogen fuel cell electric truck (FCET) for mining logistics and
transportation.
✓ The agreement marks Asia’s first planned hydrogen-powered mining truck.
✓ The demonstration project will be led by Adani Enterprises Limited a company focused on both mining
operations and developing green hydrogen projects for sourcing, transporting, and building out hydrogen
refueling infrastructure.
✓ The mining truck will weigh 55 tons and will have a 200-km working range.
✓ The FCET is scheduled to be launched in India in 2023.
✓ Ballard will supply the FCmoveTM fuel cell engine for the hydrogen truck.
✓ Ashok Leyland will provide the vehicle platform and technical support.
Q. How many crores will Bharti Airtel invest to set up a hyperscale data center in Hyderabad?
A) Rs 2,000 Crore B) Rs 3,200 Crore
C) Rs 4,500 Crore D) Rs 5,000 Crore
Answer : A
✓ Telecom giant Bharti Airtel Group in association with the government of Telangana announced an
investment to the tune of Rs 2,000 crore to set up a large hyperscale data center in Hyderabad.
✓ Through its Data Center arm — Nxtra Data Centers — the group will invest an amount of Rs 2000 crore
as capital investment for the infrastructure which will further attract investments from their customers.
Q. Who has been appointed as the new CEO of JP Morgan Chase & Co (India)?
A) Thierry Delaporte B) Prabdev Singh
C) Nikesh Arora D) Guenter Butschek
Answer : B
✓ The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has given its approval to appoint Prabdev Singh as the new CEO of JP
Morgan Chase & Co (India) for three years.
✓ Singh had been JP Morgan’s interim CEO since November, replacing Madhav Kalyan who was named
head of payments for Asia Pacific.
✓ Singh, a trained engineer, had worked for a decade at HSBC Holdings Plc before joining JPMorgan in
2010.

Q. Which of the following company through its subsidiary will complete the acquisition of Ford India’s
manufacturing plant in Sanand?
A) Tata Motors B) Hyundai
C) Maruti Suzuki D) Kia Motors
Answer : A
✓ Tata Motors to complete the acquisition of Ford India’s manufacturing plant at Sanand through its
subsidiary on 10th January 2023.
✓ The subsidiary, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Limited (TPEML), on August 2022, announced that
would acquire Ford India Pvt Ltd’s (FIPL) Sanand plant in Gujarat for ₹725.7 crore.
Q. Non-banking financial company Shriram Finance Ltd. has secured a $100 million loan from which of
the following organizations?
A) ADB B) IMF
C) AIIB D) NDB
Answer : A
✓ Non-banking financial company Shriram Finance Ltd. has secured long-term funding of $100 million
from Asian Development Bank (ADB) to finance its purchase of new and used vehicles across India.
✓ The loan amount will be used by Shriram Finance to provide loans to customers to buy new or used BS
VI-compliant vehicles and electric vehicles”, besides providing financial support to women entrepreneurs
and under-developed states.
✓ Shriram Finance Limited is the largest retail NBFC in India. It was formed after the merger of mainly
Shriram City Union Finance and Shriram Transport Finance
Q. Who has been appointed as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bombay
Stock Exchange (BSE) Limited?
A) Pramod Shukhla B) Sundararaman Ramamurthy
C) Prakash Chauhan D) Vinod Badaria
Answer : B
✓ Sundararaman Ramamurthy has been appointed as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive
Officer (CEO) of Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Limited
✓ He has been appointed for a five-year term with effect from January 4.
✓ In November, BSE received consent from regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) to
appoint Ramamurthy as MD and CEO of the exchange.
✓ The position has been vacant since July when the then MD and CEO Ashishkumar Chauhan resigned
from the post to join the National Stock Exchange (NSE). He was appointed as MD and CEO of NSE,
in late July.
✓ Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE)
✓ Founded : 1875
✓ HQ : Mumbai Maharashtra
✓ Chairman : Subhash Sheoratan Mundra
✓ MD & CEO : Sundararaman Ramamurthy
✓ Premchand Roychand founded the Bombay Stock Exchange(BSE)
✓ BSE became the first stock exchange to be recognized by the Government of India in 1956.

✓ The BSE is established in 1875, it is the oldest stock exchange of Asia, and also the tenth oldest in
the world.
✓ Bombay Stock Exchange became the first stock exchange in India to launch commodity derivatives
contracts in gold and silver.
✓ SENSEX(SENSitve indEX) is a free-float market-weighted stock market index of 30 well-established and
financially sound companies listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange.
Q. Ajay Kumar Srivastava has been appointed as Managing Director and CEO of which of the following
bank?
A) Canara Bank B) Indian Overseas Bank
C) Bank of Baroda D) Indian Bank
Answer ; B
✓ Ajay Kumar Srivastava has been appointed as Managing Director and CEO of Indian Overseas Bank.
✓ Prior to taking up the new role, Srivastava was serving as an executive director in the bank.
✓ He replaced Partha Pratim Sengupta whose tenure ended on 31 December 2022.
✓ Indian Overseas Bank (IOB)
✓ Founded : 1937
✓ Founder : M. Chidambaram Chettyar
✓ Headquarters : Chennai, Tamil Nadu
✓ MD & CEO : Ajay Kumar Srivastava
✓ Tagline : Good People to Grow With
Q. What is the total investment made by the Department of Science & Technology in the Science and
Technology system in 2022-23?
Answer : C
✓ The total investment made by the Department of Science & Technology in Science and Technology
system in 2022-23 is Rs 6002 crore.
✓ In the last 8 years, the investment has doubled from about Rs 2900 crore in 2014-15 to Rs 6002 crore in
2022-23.
✓ The Gross Expenditure on R&D (GERD) has increased more than three times in the last 10 years, as per
the year-end review report of the Ministry
Q. Which of the following entity has urged stock exchanges to set up Investor Risk Reduction Access (IRRA)
platform?
A) RBI B) SEBI
C) NITI Aayog D) SIDBI
Answer : B
✓ Markets regulator SEBI has asked stock exchanges to set up an Investor Risk Reduction Access (IRRA)
platform
✓ The platform will give investors an opportunity to square off their position or cancel pending orders in
case of disruption of trading services.
✓ There is a rise in instances of glitches in systems of trading members, some of which lead to disruption of
trading services.
Q. What is the target for agricultural and processed food products from India for 2022-23?

A) USD 15.56 billion B) USD 13.56 billion
C) USD 23.56 billion D) USD 43.56 billion
Answer : C
✓ India’s agricultural and processed food products exports rose by 16 per cent in the first eight months
(April-November) of the current financial year 2022-23 on an annual basis.
✓ For the year 2022-23, an export target of $23.56 billion has been fixed for the agricultural and processed
food products basket.
✓ At present, the agricultural exports attained 74 per cent of its annual export target.
Q. 'Nidhi Aapke Nikat' is an outreach programme of which institution?
A) SEBI B) FICCI
C) EPFO D) FSSAI
Answer : C
✓ Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) launches “Nidhi Aapke Nikat 2.0”.
Outreach Program for expanding its presence in more than 685 districts of the country on 27 January.
✓ It is a massive district outreach program in all the districts of the country through Nidhi Aapke Nikat
program.
✓ The objective of this program is to reach all the districts of the country on the same day i.e. 27th of every
month. EPFO has organised camps in 685 districts of the country

BEST MCQ WITH FACTS
MAY 2023
Q. Which State has ranked second in country with 48 GI-tags?

A) Kerala B) Madhya Pradesh
C) Andhra Pradesh D) Uttar Pradesh
Answer : D
✓ Uttar Pradesh has received the Geographical Indications (GI) tags for three more ODOP crafts -
Mainpuri tarkashi, Mahoba Gaura stone craft, and Sambhal horn craft.
✓ Uttar Pradesh has now 48 GI tags.
✓ Currently Tamil Nadu has a maximum of 55 GI-tagged goods while UP and Karnataka have 48 and 46
GI products respectively.
✓ Among the 48 GI goods of UP, 36 products belong to the handicraft category. In Varanasi region alone,
18 GI-tagged goods out of 23 belong to the handicraft category.
GI TAG IN NEWS 2023
➢ Mircha rice variety from West Champaran district of Bihar has recently been granted the GI tag.
➢ After getting GI tag for three more One District One Product (ODOP) crafts, Uttar Pradesh has now
come second in the country in terms of maximum number of items with Geographical Indication tag.
➢ The ODOP crafts which have got GI tag include Mainpuri Tarkashi, Mahoba Gaura Stone Craft and
Sambhal Horn Craft.
➢ Tamil Nadu leads with 55 GI-tags, followed by UP and Karnataka with 48 and 46 GI products,
respectively.
➢ According to data shared by the GI Registry, Kerala received the highest number of Geographical
Indication (GI) tags for products among all states in India in the fiscal year 23 (FY23).
➢ Ladakh wood carvings, also known as 'Ladakh Shingskos', have been granted the Geographical
Indication (GI) tag.
➢ The GI tag was granted to Tamil Nadu's famous Cumbum Paneer Thirachai, also known as Cumbum
Grapes.
➢ Gond paintings from Madhya Pradesh have bagged the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
➢ Banarasi paan has been awarded the GI tag, which signifies its unique identity and origin. Three other
foods from the Varanasi region, including Banarasi Langda Mango, Ramnagar Bhanta (Brinjal), and
Adamchini rice, have also received the GI tag.
➢ Chhattisgarh's Nagri Dubraj rice variety gets geographical indication tag.
➢ Gamocha’, a symbol of the culture and identity of Assam, has received the Geographical Indication (GI)
tag.
➢ European Commission (EC) has recently granted Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status to
Kangra tea, aunique variety of tea grown in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh in India.
➢ The Central Government has granted Geographical Indication (GI) tag to Mithila Makhana, Bihar.
➢ GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS (GI) :-
➢ GI tags are issued as per the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act,1999.
This tag is issued by the Geographical Indication Registry under the Department of Industry Promotion
and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
➢ Darjeeling Tea was the first Indian product to get the geographical indication tag in 2004.
➢ The second GI tag in India was given to Aranmula Kannadi (Handicraft) which is a mirror and made in
Kerala.
➢ A GI is registered for an initial period of ten years, which must be renewed after 10 years.

➢ Kerala has topped among Indian states for having most number of products securing the Geographical
Indication (GI) tag in financial year 2022-23.
➢ What is GI tag?
➢ A 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.
Q. Which IIT has launched 15 Centres of Excellence (CoE) as part of the 'Institute of Eminence (IoE)'
Scheme?
A) IIT Delhi
B) IIT kharagpur
C) IIT Guwahati
D) IIT Madras
Answer : D
➢ Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) launched 15 Centres of Excellence (CoE) as part of
the ‘Institute of Eminence’ (IoE) Scheme.
➢ The IoE Scheme was launched by the Government of India to empower Higher Educational Institutions
to become world-class teaching and research institutions.
➢ The financial support through IoE will enable IIT Madras faculty members to pursue ambitious research
goals, undertake cutting-edge projects and attract top talent to work on groundbreaking research topics.
IIT IN NEWS 2023
➢ India, Israel to jointly develop Center of Water Technology at IIT Madras.
➢ IIT Madras researchers partner for development of materials and micro-device processing techniques.
➢ IIT Kanpur’s C3iHub, a cybersecurity Technology Innovation Hub, has launched a Cybersecurity
Skilling Programme .
➢ IIT Madras to set up its first international campus in Tanzania.
➢ Indian Institute of Technology Madras will be provided a grant of Rs 242 crore over a period of five years
to carry out research on Lab Grown Diamonds (LGD).
➢ Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has been ranked 1st in India and 47th globally in
engineering and technology by the QS World University Rankings for 2023.
➢ IIT Indore, in partnership with NASA-Caltech and the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, has
designed an inexpensive camera setup.
➢ Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) Researchers have developed a three-dimensional
(3D) paper-based portable device that can detect adulteration in milk within 30 seconds.
➢ IIT Kanpur to Host Youth20 Consultation under G20 Presidency of India.
➢ IIT Bombay’s SHUNYA secures second place in ‘Solar Decathlon’ Build Challenge in US.
➢ Students of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore won an award of AED (Emirates Dirham) 1
million along with a gold medal at the World Government Summit in Dubai.
➢ IIT Indore Students Awarded with Global Best M-GOV Awards by Egyptian President.
➢ Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) at IIT Kanpur has entered into a Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR) agreement with Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited.
➢ DRDO Industry Academia Centre of Excellence inaugurated at IIT Hyderabad.
➢ IIT Madras-incubated firm has developed an indigenous mobile operating system called BharOS.
➢ IIT Madras Centre of Excellence working with DRDO on Advanced Defence Technologies including
Combat Vehicle Technologies.
➢ IIT Madras researchers develop machine learning tool to detect tumour in brain, spinal cord.
➢ ISRO plans to develop astronaut training module with IIT Madras.
➢ IIT-Bombay and Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) join hands to develop touchless
biometric system.

➢ IIT delhi has been ranked among the top 50 engineering institutions in the QS World University
Rankings by Subject .
➢ An IIT Madras incubated firm has developed an indigenous mobile operating system 'Bharos’ that can
benefit India's 100 crore mobile phone users.
Q. In which state will Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) set up a new ethanol plant?
A) Himachal Pradesh B) Uttar Pradesh
C) Bihar D) Assam
Answer : A
✓ Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu informed that Hindustan Petroleum
Corporation Limited (HPCL) will set up an ethanol plant at Jeetpur Baheri in Una district at a cost of Rs
500 crore.
✓ This ethanol plant will be set up on 30 acres.
✓ HPCL is a subsidiary of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, functioning under the Ministry of Petroleum
and Natural Gas, Government of India.
Q. Who has been appointed as the first woman chairperson of the Competition Commission of India?
A) Rekha Sharma B) Ravneet Kaur
C) Gurmeet Singh Badal D) Kavya Kohli
Answer : B
✓ Ravneet Kaur has been appointed as the new chairperson of the Competition Commission of India (CCI)
by the Central Government.
✓ She has become the first woman officer to reach this position.
✓ Significantly, this post was vacant since the retirement of Ashok Kumar Gupta in October 2022.
✓ Sangeeta Verma is currently serving as the interim chairperson.
✓ Competition Commission of India is a statutory body, it was formed in 2003.
✓ Competition Commission of India (CCI)
✓ It is the chief national competition regulator in India.
✓ It was set up under the Competition Act, 2002.
✓ It comes under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
✓ It promotes healthy market competition and prevents activities that have an adverse effect on competition
in India.
✓ CCI also approves merger and acquisitions of companies in India so that the two merging entities do not
dominate the market unfairly.
✓ Headquarter - New Delhi
FIRST'S FEMALE IN NEWS 2023
➢ Lieutenant Shivangi Singh is the first woman Rafale pilot to take part in Orion Exercise 2023.
➢ Wing Commander Deepika Mishra has become the first woman Air Force officer to receive the Gallantry
Medal.
➢ New Zealand-born Kim Cotton has become the first female umpire to officiate in a Men’s T20
International (T20I) cricket match involving two ICC full-member nations.
➢ Sheenu Jhawar becomes first woman president of TiE Rajasthan.
➢ American Space Agency, NASA has selected the first woman astronaut, Christina Koch for its Artemis
II mission.
➢ Surekha Yadav, Asia’s 1st woman loco pilot who now operates Vande Bharat, From Solapur to
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminal (CSMT) in Maharashtra.
➢ Shalija Dhami becomes first woman officer to command a fighter unit in Indian Air Force (IAF).

➢ Colonel Geeta Rana became the first woman officer to command a field workshop.
➢ Captain Shiva Chauhan becomes the first women officer to be operationally deployed in the highest
battleground in Kumar Post on the Siachen glacier.
➢ The first woman officer to be posted on foreign assignment in the Border Roads Organization (BRO) -
➢ Rae Bareli's hockey stadium is named after hockey star Rani Rampal, first woman player from India to
achieve this feat.
➢ Hekani Jakhalu became the first female MLA of Nagaland Assembly.
➢ Equatorial Guinea appoints Manuela Roka Botey as first female PM.
➢ Indian-origin Manpreet Monica Singh sworn in as 1st female Sikh judge of USA.
➢ Santhi Kumari Appointed as First Woman Chief Secretary of Telangana.
➢ Saudi Arabia's Rayna Barnawi first female astronaut is set to go into space this year .
➢ Dina Boluarte became Peru’s first female president.
➢ FIFA has announced that Stephanie Frappart of France will be the first woman to referee a men’s’ World
Cup match.
➢ PT Usha Become First Women President of Indian Olympic Association.
Q. Which rescue operation has been launched by India in Myanmar affected by Cyclone Mocha?
A) Operation Durga B) Operation Shakti
C) Operation Madad D) Operation Karuna
Answer : D
✓ India launched "Operation Karuna" to provide humanitarian assistance for people in Myanmar, which
is affected by Cyclone Mocha.
✓ Three ships from India carrying relief material reached Yangon on 18th May.
✓ Indian Naval Ships Shivalik, Kamorta and Savitri were the first Naval ships to arrive at Yangon with
relief material on 18th May.
✓ The ships are carrying emergency food supplies, tents, essential medicines, water pumps, portable
generators, clothes, hygiene items, etc.
✓ About Cyclone Mocha
✓ Cyclone Mocha which recently hit Myanmar has been classified as an extremely severe cyclonic storm
by the IMD.
✓ It has been classified as a 'Super Cyclone' by the global weather website Zoom Earth.
✓ The name of the storm 'Mocha' has been suggested by Yemen.
✓ Mocha originated in the Bay of Bengal.
✓ With a recorded wind speed of 277 kmph, Mocha has become the strongest all-season cyclone to form in
the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal since 1982.
IMPORTANT OPERATION & CODE NAME IN NEWS 2023
➢ OPERATION KARUNA
India launched "Operation Karuna" to provide humanitarian assistance for people in Myanmar, which
is affected by Cyclone Mocha.
➢ OPERATION KAVERI
India launches Operation Kaveri to evacuate Indian citizens stranded in Sudan
➢ OPERATION DOST
Due to the recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria, India has launched a campaign named 'Operation
Dost' to help the affected people.
➢ OPERATION GARUDA
Central Bureau of Investigation has launched a multi-phase ‘Operation Garuda’ against illicit drug
trafficking network.
➢ OPERATION YATRI SURAKSHA

To give assurance of the safety to the passengers, the Indian railways with the coordination of Railway
Protection Force has launched a pan India drive under the code name Operation Yatri Suraksha.
➢ OPERATION “NARCOS”
Railway Protection Force (RPF) recently recovered narcotic products worth Rs 7.40 crore under
"Operation Narcos".
➢ OPERATION SANKALP
Indian Navy’s stealth Frigate, INS Talwar is presently deployed for Op-Sankalp commemorating the 3rd
continuous year of Indian Navy’s presence in the Gulf.
➢ OPERATION SATARK
Railway Protection Force (RPF) has recently started “Operation Satark” taking action against illicit
liquor, fake currency circulation, etc.
➢ OPERATION GANGA
India launches mission named Operation Ganga to evacuate Indian nationals from Ukraine
Q. Who has been recently featured on the latest cover of TIME magazine?
A) Deepika Padukone B) Scarlett Johansson
C) Jennifer Lawrence D) Julia Roberts
Answer : A
✓ Bollywood star Deepika Padukone has been featured on the latest cover of TIME magazine.
✓ The iconic American magazine described Padukone as a ‘global star’ bringing ‘the world to Bollywood’.
✓ It had previously named Padukone among its list of 100 most influential people in the world in 2018.
✓ Deepika is called ‘the most popular actress in the world’s most populous country’.
Q. Who becomes the first city in India to adopt the localisation of the United Nations sustainable
development goals (SDG)?
A) Indore B) Bhopal
C) Surat D) Hyderabad
Answer : B
✓ Bhopal becomes the first city in India to adopt the localisation of the United Nations sustainable
development goals (SDG).
✓ India's Bhopal city has conducted India's first city-level Voluntary Local Review (VLR)of the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs).
✓ Bhopal has launched 'Agenda for Action: Sustainable Urban Transformation in Bhopal', which was
unveiled by Madhya Pradesh Chief MinisterShivraj Singh Chouhan.
✓ In 2015, all 193 UN member states adopted "Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development",which included 17 Sustainable Development Goals and 169 targets, as a plan of action
for people, planet and prosperity.
✓ Member countries report on their progress towards achieving the goals through Voluntary National
Reviews (VNRs) to the United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF).
Q. Who has been conferred with the highest honors by Fiji and Papua New Guinea?
A) Amit Shah B) Yogi Adityanath
C) Narendra Modi D) Droupadi Murmu
Answer : C
✓ PM Modi conferred with highest civilian honours by Fiji, Papua New Guinea.

✓ PM Modi was honored with the island nation's highest civilian award during his visit to Papua New
Guinea to attend the 3rd India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) summit.
✓ PM Modi was awarded "The Companion of the Order of Fiji" by his Fijian counterpart Sitweni Rabuka
for his global leadership, a rare honor for a non-Fijian.
✓ Papua New Guinea conferred its highest civilian honour, Grand Companion of the Order of Loghu
(GCL) on PM Modi for his efforts towards unity of the Pacific island nation.
✓ Republic of Fiji
✓ Capital: Suva
✓ Currency: Fijian Dollar
✓ Prime Minister: Sitiveni Rabuka
✓ Papua New Guinea
✓ Prime Minister: James Marape
✓ Capital: Port Moresby
✓ Currency: kina (K)
Q. Who has been re-elected as the External Auditor of the World Health Organisation (WHO) for a four-
year term (2024-2027)?
A) Rajiv Mehrishi B) Girish Chandra Murmu
C) Ajay Banga D) Harsha Bhogle
Answer : B
✓ CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) Girish Chandra Murmu has been re-elected as the external
auditor of the World Health Organization (WHO) for a period of four years from 2024 to 2027.
✓ He has held this position at the WHO since 2019, with his current term set to end in 2023.
✓ The re-election took place during the 76th World Health Assembly in Geneva.
✓ Mr. Murmu secured a massive majority of 114 votes out of 156 in the first round of voting.
✓ This is the second major international audit assignment for CAG Girish Chandra Murmu this year.
✓ Earlier in March, he was selected as the external auditor of the International Labor Organization.
✓ World Health Organization (WHO)
✓ Formation : 7 April 1948
✓ Headquarters : Geneva, Switzerland
✓ First President : Andrija Štampar
✓ Director General : Tedros Adhanom (Ethiopia)
✓ Deputy Director General : Soumya Swaminathan (Indian)
✓ Member Countries : 194.
Q. India's First International Multimodal Logistics Park Coming at which state?

A) Odisha B) West Bengal
C) Assam D) Meghalaya
Answer : C
✓ Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal reviewed progress of
India’s first International Multi Modal Logistics park in Jogighopa, Assam.
✓ The park is likely to be completed within this year.
✓ The Union Minister expressed satisfaction at the pace of work as the road and railway connectivity is
also aimed at completion by the end of this year.
INDIA’S FIRST IN NEWS 2023
➢ India’s first International Multi Modal Logistics park in Jogighopa, Assam.
➢ India’s First Undersea Tunnel in Mumbai Set to Open by November 2023.

➢ According to the Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation, India's first underwater metro service, the East-West
Metro Corridor project is expected to be completed by December 2023.
➢ Tech startup firm IG Drones has developed India's first 5G-enabled drone capable of vertical take-off and
landing. This drone has been named Skyhawk.
➢ Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari unveiled the country's first drone-air
traffic management system "Sky UTM".
➢ India’s First Centre of Excellence in Online Gaming to be set up in Shillong, Meghalaya.
➢ Luminous Power Technologies announced its plan to build the country's first green energy-based solar
panel manufacturing factory in Uttarakhand.
➢ India’s First AC Double Decker Electric Bus Introduced in Mumbai.
➢ NCERT Launched India’s First National Assessment Regulator “PARAKH”.
➢ PARAKH stands for The Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic
Development.
➢ Uttar Pradesh on track to be first Indian state with 100% EVs in govt depts.
➢ Shivangi Singh being the first woman pilot to fly the Rafale fighter aircraft, is a trailblazer in the Indian
Air Force.
➢ India’s first “Water Metro” services will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April
25, 2023 in Kochi, Kerala.
➢ Mana village on India-China border in UK’s Chamoli district declared as ‘India’s first village’ by BRO.
➢ Narendra Modi has laid the foundation stone for India’s first Digital Science Park coming up at the
Technocity campus in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
➢ PM Modi laid the foundation stone of the India’s first urban transport ropeway on March 24, 2023, in
Varanasi.
➢ City Union Bank (CUB) launched India's first Voice Biometric Authentication banking app for its mobile
➢ India’s first semi high-speed regional rail services in NCR named ‘RAPIDX’.
➢ India's first 3D-printed post office is being built in Bengaluru.
➢ NSE Indices Ltd, a subsidiary of National Stock Exchange (NSE), has launched India’s first-ever Real
Estate Investment Trusts (Reits) and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) Index.
➢ India’s first National Centre of Excellence in Green Port & Shipping (NCoEGPS) in Gurugram,
Haryana.
➢ IPL India’s first unicorn with a $1.1 billion valuation.
➢ Northern India’s first nuclear plant to come up in Haryana’s Gorakhpur.
➢ MobiKwik becomes India's first app to Support Credit Cards on UPI.
➢ India’s 1st National Metro Rail Knowledge Centre to be built in Delhi.
Q. India's AI supercomputer 'AIRAWAT' has bagged which position in the prestigious Top 500 Global
Supercomputing list?
A) 70th B) 75th
C) 81st D) 86th
Answer : B
✓ The AI Supercomputer ‘AIRAWAT’, installed at C-DAC, Pune has been ranked 75th in the top 500
Global Supercomputing List.
✓ The announcement was made during the 61st edition of the International Supercomputing Conference
(ISC 2023) held in Germany.
✓ The establishment of 'AIRAWAT' at C-DAC Pune is part of the National Program on AI initiated by the
✓ The list has been topped by the United States (US) Frontier. This HPE Cray EX system is the first US
system with a performance exceeding one Exaflop/s (EXA Floating point Operations per Second).
✓ About supercomputer AIRAWAT

✓ AIRAWAT is the name for an in-house cloud platform for big data.
✓ The proposed AIRAWAT system is a 100+ petaflop AI-focused supercomputer.
✓ There are parallels drawn to Japan’s AI Bridging Cloud Interface supercomputer in the NITI Aayog
report.
✓ This system is a 130 petaflop computer focused on providing compute for AI, ML and big data tasks.
✓ What are supercomputers?
✓ A supercomputer can perform high-level processing at a faster rate than a normal computer.
✓ They work together to perform complex operations that are not possible with normal computing systems.
✓ Fast speed and fast memory are the characteristics of supercomputers.
✓ National Supercomputing Mission
✓ The National Supercomputing Mission was launched In 2015.
✓ The aim of the mission was to enhance the research capacities in the country to form a Supercomputing
grid.
✓ It supports the government's vision of 'Digital India' and 'Make in India' initiatives.
✓ It is implemented by Center for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Pune and IISc,
Bengaluru.
✓ Some important facts about supercomputer
✓ China has the maximum number of supercomputers followed by the US, Japan, France, Germany,
Netherlands, Ireland and the United Kingdom..
✓ India’s first supercomputer - PARAM 8000
✓ first supercomputer assembled indigenously - PARAM Shivay, installed in IIT (BHU).
✓ PARAM Shakti, PARAM Brahma, PARAM Yukti, PARAM Sanganak are some name of india's
supercomputers.
✓ India's PARAM-Siddhi AI, has been ranked 63rd in the Top 500 list of most powerful supercomputers
in the world
Q. Who has been appointed as Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) President for 2023-2024?
A) R. Dinesh B) B. Govindarajan
C) Niranjan Gupta D) Puneet Chhatwal
Answer : A
✓ TVS Supply Chain Solutions Executive Vice President R. Dinesh was appointed as the President of the
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) for 2023-24.
✓ Sanjiv Puri, Managing Director of ITC has been named the Chairman and the announcement was made
during the CII National Council meeting in New Delhi.
✓ Rajeev Memani, President, EY India Region, has been appointed as the Vice President of CII.
✓ Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is a non-governmental trade association and advocacy group
headquartered in New Delhi, India, founded in 1895.
✓ President : R Dinesh
✓ Director General : Chandrajit Banerjee.
Q. Who has won the Best Male actor award in the International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA) 2023
held in Abu Dhabi?
A) Akshay Kumar B) Hrithik Roshan
C) Ranveer Singh D) Sidharth Malhotra
Answer : B
✓ Hrithik Roshan has won the award for Best Actor in a Leading Role at the International Indian Film
Academy Awards (IIFA) 2023 held in Abu Dhabi.

✓ Alia Bhatt also won the award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her role in the movie Gangubai
Kathiawadi.
✓ Veteran actor Kamal Haasan was conferred the Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema award.
✓ Another veteran actor Anil Kapoor has presented the award for Performance In A Supporting Role
(male) for the movie Jug Jugg Jeeyo.
Q. Which film won the Best Film award at the IIFA Awards ceremony in 2023?
A) Shershaah
B) The Kashmir Files
C) Adipurush
D) Drishyam 2
Answer : D
✓ Drishyam 2 is a 2022 Indian Hindi-language crime thriller film directed and co-produced by Abhishek
Pathak.
✓ List of all the award winners at IIFA 2023
✓ Best Film: Drishyam 2
✓ Best Director: R Madhavan for Rocketry: The Nambi Effect
✓ Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female): Alia Bhatt for Gangubai Kathiawadi
✓ Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male): Hrithik Roshan for Vikram Vedha
✓ Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Female): Mouni Roy for Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva
✓ Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Male): Anil Kapoor for Jugg Jugg Jeeyo.
✓ Outstanding Achievement for Fashion in Cinema: Manish Malhotra
✓ Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema: Kamal Haasan.
✓ Best Playback Singer (Female): Shreya Ghoshal for the song Rasiya from Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva
✓ Best Playback Singer (Male): Arijit Singh for the song Kesariya from Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva.
MOST IMPORTANT FLIMFARE AWARDS IN NEWS 2023
➢ INTERNATIONAL INDIAN FILM ACADEMY AWARDS (IIFA) 2023
➢ Best Film: Drishyam 2
➢ Best Director: R Madhavan for Rocketry: The Nambi Effect
➢ Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female): Alia Bhatt for Gangubai Kathiawadi
➢ Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male): Hrithik Roshan for Vikram Vedha
➢ 68TH FILMFARE AWARDS, (also known as HYUNDAI FILMFARE AWARDS 2023)
➢ Best Film: Gangubai Kathiawadi
➢ Best Actor : Rajkummar Rao for Badhaai Do
➢ Best Actress : Alia Bhatt for Gangubai Kathiawadi
➢ Best Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali for Gangubai Kathiawadi.
➢ 95TH ACADEMY AWARDS (OSCARS AWARDS 2023)
➢ Best Picture : Everything Everywhere All At Once
➢ Best Actress : Michelle Yeoh (Everything Everywhere All at Once)
➢ Best Actor : Brendan Fraser (The Whale)
➢ Best Director : Daniel Kwan and Daniel Schienert (Everything Everywhere All at Once)
➢ Best Original Song : “Naatu Naatu” (RRR)
➢ Best Documentary Short Film : ‘The Elephant Whisperers’ by Kartiki Gonsalves and Guneet Monga
➢ 76TH BRITISH ACADEMY FILM AWARDS ( BAFTAs)
➢ Best Film : All Quiet on the Western Front
➢ Best Actress : Cate Blanchett, (Tar)
➢ Best Actor : Austin Butler, (Elvis)
➢ Best Director : Edward Berger, (All Quiet on the Western Front)

➢ DADASAHEB PHALKE INTERNATIONAL FILM AWARDS - 2023
➢ Best Film: The Kashmir Files
➢ Best Actor: Ranbir Kapoor for Brahmastra: Part 1
➢ Best Actress: Alia Bhatt for Gangubai Kathiawadi
➢ Best Director: R Balki for Chup: Revenge of The Artist
➢ Film of The Year : RRR
OTHERS FLIMFARE AWARDS IN NEWS 2023
➢ South Cinema's film RRR has created history at the 80th 'Golden Globe Awards 2023' award ceremony,
the film's Telugu song 'Naatu Naatu' has won the Best Song award.
➢ RRR has bagged three big awards at the Hollywood Critics Association (HCA) Film Awards 2023.
➢ SS Rajamouli's film 'RRR' won the 28th Critics' Choice Awards 2023 for Best Foreign Language Film
and Best Song.
➢ The film is based on the lives of real-life Indian revolutionaries Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram
Bheem.
➢ The song 'Naatu Naatu' is composed by MM Keeravani and sung by Kaal Bhairav and Rahul Sipligunj.
➢ Aparna Sen Awarded with Lifetime Achievement Award at Jaipur Film Festival.
Q. Which team won the IPL 2023 title?

A) Gujarat Titans B) Chennai Super Kings
C) Mumbai Indians D) Rajasthan Royals
Answer : B
✓ Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has defeated defending champions Gujarat Titans by 5 wickets to win its
5th IPL title.
✓ The final match of IPL 2023 was held at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
✓ Chennai Super Kings has equaled Mumbai Indians’ record for most IPL titles.
✓ Chennai Super Kings won the toss and invited Gujarat Titans to bat first, scoring 214 runs in 20 overs.
✓ After this, Chennai got the target of 171 runs in 15 overs due to Duckworth-Lewis rule due to rain.
✓ This was the 16th season of IPL
Q. Which player won the 'Emerging Player of the Season' award in IPL 2023?
A) Shubman Gill B) Yashasvi Jaiswal
C) Rinku Singh D) Akash Madhwal
Answer : B
✓ In this season of IPL 2023, Rajasthan Royals' young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was awarded the 'Emerging
Player of the Season' award. Yashasvi batted brilliantly this season, scoring 625 runs at an average of
48.08 and a strike rate of 163.61.
✓ Jaiswal also scored the fastest half-century in IPL history, crossing the 50-run mark in just 13 balls.
Q. Which player won the 'Orange Cap' by scoring the most runs in IPL 2023?
A) Yashasvi Jaiswal B) David Warner
C) Virat Kohli D) Shubman Gill
Answer : D
✓ In IPL 2023, Gujarat Titans (GT) opener Shubman Gill won the 'Orange Cap' by scoring the most runs.
✓ Gill won this award by scoring 890 runs this season.

✓ This season, Gill scored maximum 890 runs in 17 matches at an average of 59.33. Gill also scored three
centuries in IPL 2023.
✓ 2023 Indian Premier League (also known as Tata IPL 2023)
✓ Title Sponsor : TATA (₹440 crores)
✓ Season : 16th ( 2023)
✓ Opening Match : Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad ( CSK Vs GT)
✓ Final Match : Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad ( CSK Vs GT)
✓ Total teams : 10
✓ Champions : Chennai Super Kings (5th title) [ 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023]
✓ Runners-up : Gujarat Titans (1st title) [ 2022]
✓ Orange Cap award (most runs in a season) – Shubman Gill (Gujrat Titans) – 890 runs
✓ Purple Cap (highest wicket-taker)– Mohammad Shami (Gujrat Titans) – 28 wickets
✓ Most Valuable Player of the Season award – Shubman Gill (Gujrat Titans)
✓ Dream11 Gamechanger of the Season award – Shubman Gill (Gujrat Titans)
✓ Emerging Player of the Year award – Yashasvi Jaiswal (Rajasthan Royals).
✓ Sam Curran became the most expensive IPL player during the 2023 auction. He was signed by Punjab
Kings for ₹18.50 crore .
✓ Cameron Green was signed by Mumbai for Rs 17.50 crore at the IPL 2023 auction, becoming the second
most expensive player in the IPL.
✓ Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
✓ Captain : MS Dhoni
✓ Coach : Stephen Fleming
✓ Owner : N. Srinivasan (Indian Cements Limited)
✓ CSK became India's first unicorn sports enterprise.
✓ Super Kings have won the IPL title five times (in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023).
✓ Gujarat Titans (GT) .
✓ Captain : Hardik Pandya
✓ Coach : Ashish Nehra
✓ Owner : CVC Capital Partners
✓ The winning team will get Rs 20 crore, the runner-up will get Rs 13 crore
Q. Which bowler won the 'Purple Cap' by taking the most wickets in IPL 2023?
A) Rashid Khan B) Mohammed Shami
C) Hardik Pandya D) Mohit Sharma
Answer : B
✓ Purple Cap is given to the player who takes the most wickets in any season of IPL.
✓ In IPL 2023, Gujarat Titans (GT) fast bowler Mohammed Shami won the Purple Cap by taking 28
wickets.
✓ The Fairplay of the Season award was given to the Delhi Capitals team.
✓ This time the Most Valuable Player of the Season (MVP) award was given to Shubman Gill of Gujarat
Titans
Q. Who has been honoured with the 57th Jnanpith Award?
A) Nilmani Phookan B) Damodar Mauzo
C) Amitav Ghosh D) Krishna Sobti
Answer : B
✓ Goan writer Damodar Mauzo has been honoured with the 57th Jnanpith Award, India's highest literary
honour.

✓ He is a renowned short story writer, novelist, critic and screenwriter in Konkani language.
✓ Damodar Maujo is the second Goan to receive the Jnanpith Award after Ravindra Kelekar in 2008.
✓ He has written 25 books in Konkani and one in English, many of which have been translated into various
languages.
✓ Mauzo’s famous novel ‘Karmelin’ received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1983.
✓ The award ceremony took place at the Raj Bhavan near Panaji, the capital of Goa
✓ It is the oldest and highest Indian literary award presented annually by Bharatiya Jnanpith.
✓ JNANPITH AWARD
✓ Field : Literature
✓ Instituted : 1961
✓ First awarded : 1965
✓ First recipient : G. Sankara Kurup
✓ First women to receive : Ashapoorna Devi
✓ First Jnanpith in English : Amitav Ghosh (54th Jnanpith)
✓ First Jnanpith in Hindi : Kunwar Narayan in 2005
✓ Akkitham : Jnanpith Award (55th)
✓ Language : 22 languages mentioned in the Eighth
✓ Total awarded : 62
✓ First Jnanpith Awardee – G.Sankara Kurup (1965) Malayalam language
✓ First woman Jnanpith Awardee – Ashapurna Devi (1976) Bangla language
✓ First English author to receive Jnanpith Award: Amitav Ghosh (2018)
✓ First Hindi author to receive Jnanpith Award : Sumitranandan Pant (1968)
Q. India has operationalized the Sittwe Port with the departure of the inaugural shipment, the MV-ITT
LION (V-273), from Syall Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata. Sittwe Port is located in which country?
A) Bangladesh B) Afghanistan
C) Maldives D) Myanmar
Answer : D
✓ India has operationalized the Sittwe Port in Myanmar with the departure of the inaugural shipment, the
MV-ITT LION (V-273), from Syall Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata.
✓ Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal will receive the first Indian cargo ship at
Sittwe Port in Myanmar.
✓ Sittwe Port is a part of the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project and its development will enable
multi-modal transit connectivity with Southeast Asia.
✓ The port has been built under a framework agreement between India and Myanmar to set up a
multimodal transit transport facility on the Kaladan River, which connects Sittwe Port in Myanmar to
Mizoram in India.
✓ The Kaladan River route has the potential to open up economic opportunities for the entire Bay of Bengal
peninsula.
Q. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has announced a new introductory-level online training
programme called START. What is the full form of START?
A) Space Science and Technology Awareness Training
B) Scholarship of Science and Technology Awareness Training
C) Space Science and Technology Astrophysics Training
D) Space Science and Technology Academic Training
Answer : A

✓ Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has announced a new introductory-level online training
programme called Space Science and Technology Awareness Training (START).
✓ START is aimed at postgraduate and final-year undergraduate students of Physical Sciences and
Technology.
✓ The programme will cover various domains of Space Science, including Astronomy and Astrophysics,
Heliophysics and Sun-Earth interaction, Instrumentation, and Aeronomy.
ISRO IN NEWS 2023
➢ ISRO has announced a new online training programme for post-graduate and final-year undergraduate
students of physical sciences and technology. The programme is called Space Science and Technology
Awareness Training (START) .
➢ ISRO will launch Singapore's TeLEOS-2 satellite using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) from
the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota.
➢ ISRO has successfully conducted the Reusable Launch Vehicle Autonomous Landing Mission (RLV
LEX) at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR), Chitradurga, Karnataka.
➢ ISRO has successfully launched India’s largest Launch Vehicle Mark-III (LVM3) rocket/OneWeb India-
2 Mission with 36 satellites onboard from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
➢ ISRO successfully launched a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle -C52(PSLV-C52) on 14 February 2022 from
the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.
➢ The PSLV-C52 rocket carried three satellites EOS-04 ,INSPIR Esat-1and INS-2TD).
➢ Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch OneWeb India-2 mission from Satish Dhawan
Space Centre in Sriharikota.
➢ Under a commercial agreement with NewSpace India Ltd, will launch 72 satellites of UK-based Network
➢ Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) recently successfully carried out a controlled descent of its
12-year-old low earth orbit satellite Megha Tropiques-1 (MT-1) into the Pacific Ocean.
➢ Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has recently released images of Earth captured by the EOS-
06 satellite.
➢ Earth Observation satellite (EOS-6) is the third-generation satellite in the Oceansat series.
➢ Indian Space Research Organization has launched its smallest rocket SSLV-D2 into space from Satish
Dhawan Space Center (Sriharikota).
➢ ISRO's SSLV-D2 flew into space carrying three satellites with it.
➢ These include ISRO's satellite EOS-07, Chennai-based space startup Spacekidz's satellite Azad SAT-2
and American company Antaris's satellite JANUS -1.
➢ All these three satellites will be placed in circular orbit 450 km apart.
➢ An Earth-observation satellite jointly developed by National Aeronautics and Space Administration
(NASA) and ISRO will be sent to India in late February 2023 for a possible launch in September.
➢ India's first ever private Vikram-S (Suborbital) rocket was launched on 18 November from the Satish
Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
➢ Vikram-S, designed by Skyroot Aerospace.
➢ ISRO has successfully launched its heaviest rocket LVM3-M2, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in
Sriharikota spaceport, Andhra Pradesh on 23 October 2022. The mission, which was named LVM3-
M2/OneWeb India-1, carried 36 broadband communication satellites of OneWeb Company.
➢ ISRO will launch 36 satellites of OneWeb, the UK's global communications network, on October 23,
2022.
➢ The name of the rocket is LVM3, it was earlier called GSLV Mk III.
➢ ISRO ‘Shukrayaan I’ mission to planet Venus reportedly shifted to 2031.
➢ ISRO is doing to boost the use of ‘NAVigation with the Indian Constellation’ (NavIC), India’s version
of GPS.
➢ ISRO has unveiled spectacular images of the Earth taken by its Earth Observation Satellite (EOS-06),
also known as Oceansat-3.

➢ CE-20 cryogenic engine, which will power the nation’s rocket for the third moon mission, Chandrayaan-
3, had a flight acceptance hot test that was successfully completed, according to the ISRO.
➢ Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
➢ Founded : 15 August 1969
➢ HQ : Bengalore, Karnataka
➢ Founder / 1st Chairman : Vikram Sarabhai
➢ 10th Chairman : S Somanath
➢ Aryabhata India's first satellites Launched on 19 April 1975.
➢ GSAT-1 India's first commercial satellite.
➢ SLV-3 was India's first experimental satellite launch vehicle.
➢ Ariane Passenger PayLoad Experiment, (APPLE) first communication satellite in India 19 June 1981.
➢ Udupi Ramachandra Rao : satellite Man of India
Q. Which is the first airport in India to have a 'Reading Lounge'?
A) Rajiv Gandhi International Airport
B) Lal Bahadur Shastri International (LBSI) Airport
C) Chennai International Airport
D) Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International (CSMI) Airport
Answer : B
➢ The country's first reading lounge has been inaugurated at the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport
in Varanasi, the parliamentary constituency of PM Modi.
AIRPORT IN NEWS 2023

➢ Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is the first in India to offer a free reading lounge to the
passengers, with a huge collection of litreature.
➢ Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi ranked 9th busiest airports globally in 2022 , as per
Airports Council International (ACI). United States-based Atlanta airport has retained its position as the
world’s busiest airport.
➢ According to the Airport Council International (ACI), Delhi International Airport has been ranked
among the cleanest airports in Asia-Pacific.
➢ Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 27 February 2023 launched the newly built Shivamogga airport along
➢ Bangalore’s Kempegoda International Airport and Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport
both ranked second and seventh in Cirium’s list of the world’s best-performing airports for 2022.
➢ Mopa International Airport Goa named after former CM Manohar Parrikar.
➢ Jaipur International Airport Limited has received the Aerodrome licence from the Directorate General
of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
➢ Union Cabinet has given its approval for the naming of the new Greenfield Airport at Hollongi, Itanagar,
the State Capital of Arunachal Pradesh as “Donyi Polo Airport, Itanagar”.
Q. Which player has been honored with the 2023 “Laureus Sportsman of the Year” Award?
A) Cristiano Ronaldo B) Lionel Messi
C) Lewis Hamilton D) Rafael Nadal
Answer : B
✓ Argentina footballer, Lionel Messi has been named the Sportsman of the Year at the 2023 Laureus World
Sports Awards.

✓ Messi also became the first athlete to scoop both the World Sportsman 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 the Sportsman of the Year award in 2020 in a ceremony that took place in Berlin.
✓ He was awarded for his remarkable achievements on the pitch in the past year, which included leading
Argentina to victory in the FIFA World Cup.
✓ Sportswoman of the Year: Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (Jamaica) Athletics.
✓ World Breakthrough of the Year Award – Carlos Alcaraz (Spain)
✓ World Comeback of the Year Award – Christian Eriksen
✓ World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award – Catherine Debrunner
✓ World Action Sportsperson of the Year Award – Eileen Gu
✓ Laureus Sport for Good Award -TeamUp
✓ World Sportsman of the Year Award – Lionel Messi
✓ World Sportswoman of the Year Award – Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce
✓ World Team of the Year Award – Argentina Men’s Football Team
Q. Name the female player who has been felicitated with the “Sportswoman of the Year” at the 2023
Laureus World Sports Awards
A) Simona Halep B) Anna Van Hooft
C) Ashleigh Barty D) Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce
Answer : D
✓ Sportswoman of the Year: Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (Jamaica) Athletics
Q. Who among the following has been awarded the World Breakthrough of the Year Award at the 2023
Laureus World Sports Awards?
A) Novak Djokovic B) Kylian Mbappe
C) Carlos Alcaraz D) Eliud Kipchoge
Answer : C
✓ World Breakthrough of the Year Award – Carlos Alcaraz.
✓ Carlos Alcaraz Garfia is a Spanish professional tennis player.
✓ Swiss tennis player Roger Federer holds the record for the most awards with six, five for Sportsman of
the Year and one for Comeback of the Year.
✓ Serena Williams holds the record for most awards held by a female with five, four for Sportswoman of
the Year and one for Comeback of the Year.
Q. Who was appointed as the new CBI director for a period of two years?
A) Ravi Gupta B) Sudhir Saxena
C) Praveen Sood D) Rajendranath Reddy
Answer : C
✓ Praveen Sood appointed as new CBI director.
✓ Praveen Sood, a 1986 batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Karnataka cadre, has been
appointed as the next director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
✓ Praveen Sood will replace current CBI Director Subodh Jaiswal when his term ends on May 25.
✓ The Department of Personnel and Training approved the appointment of Sood as CBI Director for a
period of two years.

✓ Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI):
✓ CBI is the premier investigative agency of India.
✓ It was established in 1941 as Special Police Establishment and later renamed as Central Bureau of
Investigation in 1963.
✓ Its primary objective is to maintain the integrity and credibility of administration, ensure justice and
uphold the rule of law.
✓ It is responsible for the investigation of a wide range of cases including corruption, economic offences,
fraud, organised crime and other serious crimes of national and international importance.
Q. Who has become India’s 82nd Grandmaster?
A) Sayantan Das B) Vuppala Prraneeth
C) Pranesh M D) Rahul Srivastava
Answer : B
✓ Telangana’s Vuppala Prraneeth became India’s 82nd Grandmaster.
✓ A 15-year-old chess player from Telangana, V. Prraneeth has
✓ Achieved the title of Grandmaster, becoming the sixth from the state and the 82nd in India.
✓ He secured this milestone by defeating GM Hans Niemann from the US during the penultimate round
of the Baku Open 2023.
CHESS GRANDMASTER IN NEWS 2023

➢ Magnus Carlsen (Norway) won the 2023 Superbet Rapid & Blitz Poland
➢ Telangana’s Vuppala Prraneeth became India’s 82nd Grandmaster.
➢ Ding Liren has become 17th world chess champion – the first from China – defeating Russia's Ian
Nepomniachtchi in a tie-breaker.
➢ Global Chess League (GCL) announced Dubai as the inaugural edition of the world's largest and first
franchise-based chess league.The league is a joint venture between FIDE and Tech Mahindra.
➢ Ding Liren became China's first world chess champion after defeating Russia's Ian Nepomniachtchi in a
tie-breaker.
➢ Sayantan Das from West Bengal has become India's 81st Chess Grandmaster.
➢ Vignesh NR became the 80th Grandmaster of the country.
➢ Dutch player Anish Giri, five times the runner-up in Wijk aan Zee, has won Tata Steel Masters 2023.
➢ Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh Wins Title At World Chess Armageddon Asia And Oceania Event.
➢ 16-year-old from Tamilnadu, M Pranesh became India's 79th chess grandmaster .
➢ Kolkata-based chess player, Koustav Chatterjee became India’s 78th Grandmaster.
Q. Which country is hosting the G-7 Summit 2023?
A) Germany B) Italy
C) Canada D) Japan
Answer : D
✓ The 49th G-7 summit will be held in Hiroshima, Japan from 19 to 21 May 2023.
✓ Japan has also invited eight countries including India as guest countries in this conference.
✓ Apart from India, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has invited South Korea, Australia, Brazil,
Vietnam, Indonesia, Comoros and Cook Islands.
✓ PM Modi will participate in this summit from the Indian side.
✓ About the G7
✓ The G7 is a group of seven major industrialised countries, includingCanada, France, Germany, Italy,
Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

✓ The G7 holds annual meetings to discuss various global issues, but these meetings are usually held in
different locations each year.
✓ SURPRISE FACTS G7 SUMMIT
✓ 1st - 1975 : France
✓ 46th - 2020 : United States
✓ 47th - 2021 : United Kingdom
✓ 48th - 2022 : Germany
✓ 49th - 2023 : Japan
✓ 50th - 2024 : Italy
✓ Trick to remember G7 Countries
✓ Trick - Drink JUICE with GF (girlfriend)
✓ JUICE case :-
✓ J for Japan
✓ U for USA
✓ I for Italy
✓ C for Canada
✓ E for England
✓ GF case :-
✓ G for Germany
✓ F for France
Q. Who has recently been conferred with the highest civilian honor of France?
A) Draupadi Murmu B) N. Chandrasekaran
C) Narendra Modi D) Sachin Tendulkar
Answer : B
✓ Tata Group Chairman N. Chandrasekaran has recently been awarded France's highest civilian honor
'Knight of the Legion of Honour'.
✓ French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna gave him this honor.
✓ Chandrasekaran has been given this award for strengthening business relations between India and
France.
Q. Who is the author of the book titled "The Golden Years: The Many Joys of Living a Good Long Life"?
A) Chetan Bhagat B) Shashi Tharoor
C) Arvind Adiga D) Ruskin Bond
Answer : D
✓ Indian author Ruskin Bond wrote a book titled "The Golden Years: The Many Joys of Living a Good
Long Life".
✓ The Golden Years book is published by HarperCollins India and released on 19 May 2023, Bond's 89th
birthday.
✓ "The Golden Years" focuses on Bond's experiences during the 60s, 70s and 80s.
Q. Which state has overtaken Maharashtra in sugar production in the current season?
A) Karnataka B) Andhra Pradesh
C) Uttar Pradesh D) Gujarat
Answer : C

✓ Uttar Pradesh surpasses Maharashtra in sugar production this season.
✓ Uttar Pradesh has overtaken Maharashtra in sugar production in the current season, with 118 sugar mills
operating in UP during the period as compared to 210 mills in the western state.
✓ The total sugar produced by Uttar Pradesh in the sugar season 2022-2023 is 107.29 lakh tonnes, while
the total sugar produced by Maharashtra is 105.30 lakh tonnes.
✓ The area under sugarcane cultivation in Uttar Pradesh is 28.53 lakh hectares (highest in India) as
compared to 14.87 lakh hectares in Maharashtra.
✓ The sugarcane crushing season runs from October to June.
✓ Total cane crushed by sugar mills in UP in the 2022-2023 season was 1,084.57 lakh tonnes, whereas it
was 1,053 lakh tonnes in Maharashtra.
✓ In Uttar Pradesh, 19.84 lakh tonnes of sugar was converted into ethanol, while in Maharashtra it was
15.70 lakh tonnes.
✓ The number of sugar mills established in UP is 157 as compared to 246 sugar mills established in
Maharashtra.
✓ There are 210 sugar mills operating in Maharashtra as compared to 118 in Uttar Pradesh.
✓ India has emerged as the world's largest producer and consumer of sugar.
✓ India has also become the second largest sugar exporter in the world after Brazil.
Q. Who has announced a new initiative titled ‘NEP SAARTHI to involve students in the implementation
of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020?
A) UGC B) NCERT
C) CBSE D) UPSC
Answer : A
✓ UGC Launches ‘NEP SAARTHI’ to Involve Students in Implementing NEP 2020.
✓ 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.
✓ Objective: To create an environment where students could engage and participate to make effective use
of the provisions of NEP 2020.
UGC IN NEWS 2023.
➢ UGC Launches ‘NEP SAARTHI’ to Involve Students in Implementing NEP 2020.
➢ University Grants Commission (UGC) has launched two UGC websites, UTSAH (Undertaking
Transformative Strategies and Actions in Higher Education) and POP (Professor of Practice) portals.
➢ University Grants Commission (UGC) has launched a new portal named ‘CU-Chayan’ for faculty
appointments in central varsities..
➢ Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar appointed as the Chairman of UGC.
➢ About University Grants Commission (UGC)
➢ It came into existence in 1953.
➢ It became a statutory Organization of the Government of India by an Act of Parliament in 1956.
➢ Its functions are coordination, determination and maintenance of standards of teaching, examination
and research in university education
Q. India will host the Quad Leaders’ Summit in which year?
A) 2024 B) 2025
C) 2026 D) 2027
Answer : A
✓ India will host the Quad Leaders’ Summit in 2024.

✓ The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QSD), commonly known as the Quad, is a strategic security
dialogue between Australia, India, Japan, and the United States of America.
✓ It aims to help countries mitigate the effects of climate change and strengthen their climate resilience.
✓ Australia will host thethird in-person Quad summit in Sydney.
✓ The Quad summit is a meeting between the leaders of four countries: the United States, Japan, India,
and Australia.
✓ The Quad was first established as a strategic dialogue in 2007, but remained dormant for several years
until it was revived in 2017.
✓ The Quad Summit, to be held in Washington DC in September 2021, was the first in-person meeting of
the Quad leaders.
✓ The agenda of the Quad summit focused on four key areas: COVID-19 vaccine delivery, climate change,
critical and emerging technologies and regional security.
Q. Who has becomes world No. 1 in World Athletics men's javelin throw ranking?
A) Anderson Peters B) Neeraj Chopra
C) Jakub Vadlejch D) Julian Weber
Answer : B
✓ Neeraj Chopra makes history, becomes World No 1 in men's javelin throw.
✓ Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Neeraj Chopra on May 22 achieved the number one ranking in men's
javelin throw for the first time. This is a major milestone in his career.
✓ Neeraj Chopra is on top with 1455 points, 22 ahead of Anderson Peters of Granada.
✓ The Indian national record holder in men's javelin throw, took part 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 throw of 85.88m.
✓ Top 5 in Men's javelin throw
1. Neeraj Chopra (India) -1455 points
2. Anderson Peters (Granada) - 1433 points
3. Jakub Vadlejch (Czech Republic)- 1416 points
4. Julian Weber (Germany)- 1385 points
5. Arshad Nadeem (Pakistan) - 1306 points
✓ Switzerland Tourism has appointed Olympic Gold medalist Neeraj Chopra as the ‘Friendship
Ambassador’.
✓ Neeraj Chopra's Olympic gold medal-winning throw of 87.58m at Tokyo 2020 .
✓ The men's javelin must weigh at least 800g and be 2.6m-2.7m long while the women's javelin must weigh
600g and be 2.2m-2.3m long.
✓ Neeraj Chopra presently holds the rank of Subedar in the Indian Army.
✓ Neeraj Chopra is from Khandra village, Panipat district, Haryana.
Q. A naval exercise Al Mohammad Al Hindi 2023 will be held between India and which country?
A) Qatar B) Iran
C) Saudi Arabia D) UAE
Answer : C
✓ AL-MOHED AL-HINDI 2023 Naval Exercise.
✓ Indian Navy ships INS TARKASH and INS SUBHADRA arrived at Port Al-Jubail in Saudi Arabia.
✓ The visit of these ships marks the beginning of the harbor phase of the second edition of the naval exercise
between the two countries, known as 'Al-Mohad Al-Hindi 2023'.
MILITARY EXERCISE IN NEWS 2023

➢ The first ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME-2023) began on 2 May in Singapore.
➢ Harbour Phase - to be conducted at Changi Naval Base.
➢ Sea Phase - to be conducted in the South China Sea.
➢ India, Iran and Armenia have formed a trilateral grouping, to further deepen regional cooperation
between the three countries.
➢ The 7th edition of joint military exercise between India and the United Kingdom, named “AJEYA
WARRIOR-23” is being conducted at Salisbury Plains, United Kingdom.
➢ Indian Navy and Royal Navy conducted annual bilateral maritime Exercise KONKAN 2023 off Konkan
Coast in the Arabian Sea.
➢ Indian Air Force and the US Air Force will conduct the bilateral air exercise ‘Cope India’ from April 10
to 21, 2023 at the air force base in Kalaikunda, West Bengal.
➢ INS Androth, second in a series of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC),
was launched on March 21, 2023, in Kolkata.
➢ Africa-India field training exercise AFINDEX-23 to be held in Pune.
➢ Indian Navy deployed a P8I aircraft to Guam, USA, on March 14, 2023, to participate in the third edition
of ‘Exercise Sea Dragon 23’, a coordinated multi-lateral Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) exercise for
Long Range MR ASW aircraft organized by the US Navy.
➢ Operation Bold Kurukshetra, a bilateral armour training exercise, was held from March 6–13, 2023, in
Jodhpur Military Station in India.
➢ Indian Ocean Area will host the third edition of the multilateral exercise La Perouse. The Royal
Australian Navy, French Navy, Indian Navy, Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force, Royal Navy, and
United States Navy.
➢ Indian Navy’s indigenously built guided missile frigate, INS Sahyadri participated in a Maritime
Partnership Exercise (MPX) with French Navy (FN) ships FS Dixmude, a Mistral Class Amphibious
Assault Ship and FS La Fayette, a La Fayette Class Frigate, in the Arabian Sea.
➢ 2023 edition of Indian Navy’s major maritime exercise Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise
(TROPEX), is currently underway in the Indian Ocean Region.
➢ Indian Army and the French Army will hold their first joint military exercise, FRINJEX-23, at Pangode
Military Station in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
➢ Indian warship INS Trikand has arrived in Bahrain for her first participation in the International
Maritime Exercise organised by the US-led Combined Maritime Forces.
➢ A joint training exercise “Exercise Trishakri Prahar” was conducted in North Bengal.
➢ The fourth iteration of the biennial training exercise DUSTLIK (2023) will be held in Pithoragarh,
Uttarakhand.
➢ First joint exercise between the special forces of the Indian and the Egyptian Army, ‘Exercise Cyclone –
I‘ started on 14 January at Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
➢ A joint counter-terrorism exercise Tarkash between National Security Guard (NSG) and US Special
Operations Forces (SOF) culminated in Chennai.
➢ India and Japan has kick started an exercise ‘Ex Dharma Guardian’ at Camp Imazu in Shiga Province,
Japan.
➢ Indian Air Force to Conduct Exercise ‘PRALAY’ in Northeastern Part of India
Q. Georgi Gospodinov has won International Booker Prize 2023 for ‘Time Shelter’. She is from which
country?
A) Norway B) Sweden
C) Bulgaria D) Ethiopia
Answer : C
✓ Bulgarian author Georgi Gospodinov won the 2023 International Booker Prize for his novel "Time
Shelter".

✓ The novel was translated into English by Angela Rodel and is the first Bulgarian novel to win the
International Booker Prize.
✓ "Time Shelter" is a captivating and remarkable literary work that explores themes of time, identity, and
the human experience.
✓ Georgi Gospodinov was born in Yambol, Bulgaria.
✓ Angela Rodel originally from Minnesota, the United States of America (USA) is a literary translator.
✓ The award carries a cash prize of 50,000 pounds, divided equally between the author and the translator.
In addition, the shortlisted authors and translators each receive £2,500.
✓ DON'T CONFUSED
✓ The International Booker Prize is an international literary prize awarded every year for a single book that
is translated into English and published in the UK or Ireland.
✓ Booker Prize for Fiction is a literary prize awarded each year for the best original novel written in the
English language and published in the United Kingdom
✓ Don't Confused First's Indian Booker Prize and International Booker Prize.
✓ Geetanjali Shree has become the first Indian author to win the prestigious International Booker Prize for
her novel 'Tomb of Sand'
✓ Arundhati Roy was the first Indian to win the Prestigious Booker prize in 1997 for her first novel The
God of Small Things
✓ DON'T CONFUSED
Shelter".
✓ Shehan Karunatilaka, a Sri Lankan author wins the Booker prize 2022 for “The Seven Moons of Maali
Almeida”.
Q. Which of the following books was awarded the International Booker Prize 2023?
A) Klara and the sun
B) Somebody's Daughter: A Memoir
C) Cloud Cuckoo Land
D) Time Shelter
Answer : D
Shelter".
Q. Great prayer festival is celebrated in which state/UT?
A) Jammu and Kashmir B) Ladakh
C) Kerala D) Madhya Pradesh
Answer : B
✓ Ladakh’s Annual Great Prayer Festival ‘Ladakh Monlam Chenmo 2023’ held from May 11 to 16 2023.
✓ Ladak’s annual five day group prayer camp of Buddhist monks and nuns named ‘Ladakh Monlam
Chenmo 2023’ which is also called as Great Prayer Festival was held from May 11 to 16, 2023 in Leh
(Ladakh) for world peace and happiness
FESTIVAL IN NEWS 2023
➢ Great Prayer Festival : Ladakh
➢ Sinthan Snow Festival : Jammu and Kashmir
➢ Heritage Festival : Goa
➢ Thawe Festival : Bihar

➢ Bohag Bihu festival : Assam
➢ 49th Khajuraho Dance Festival : Madhya Pradesh
➢ Yaoshang festival : Manipur
➢ Purple Fest : Goa
➢ Orange Festival : Nagaland
➢ Kala Ghoda Arts Festival : Mumbai, Maharashtra
➢ Losar Festival : Ladakh
➢ 23rd Hornbill Festival : Nagaland
➢ Gaan Ngai festival : Manipur
➢ Cherchera Festival : Chhattisgarh
➢ 26th National Youth Festival 2023 : Hubbali, Karnataka
➢ International Yoga Festival 2023 : Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
➢ Tribal Dance Festival & Military Tattoo : New Delhi
➢ Mongeet Festival : Assam
➢ International Kite Festival 2023 : Ahmedabad, Gujarat
➢ Vigyanika Science Literature Festival : Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
➢ Baisakhi is a harvest festival : Punjab and Haryana
Q. Who is the author of the book "Made in India: 75 Years of Business and Enterprise" ?
A) Rajiv Dixit B) Amitabh Kant
C) Aravind Adiga D) B. V. R. Subrahmanyam
Answer : B
✓ The book "Made in India: 75 Years of Business and Enterprise" is written by Amitabh Kant and published
by Rupa Publications India.
✓ The book coincides with India becoming the 5th largest economy in the world, overtaking the United
Kingdom after 75 years of independence.
✓ This book presents a multidimensional survey of India's business heritage and culture to understand the
country's remarkably strong and resilient growth story of Indian business and enterprise.
✓ Through the book, Amitabh Kant aims to provide insight into the success of Indian businesses and
enterprises and how they can move forward in the future.
✓ Amitabh Kant is a retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer who served as the Chief Executive
Officer (CEO) of the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) from 2016 to 2022.
✓ He has also written other books like "Branding India-An Incredible Story," "Incredible India 2.0," and
edited "The Path Ahead - Transformative Ideas for India."
✓ India’s G-20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant.
Q. What is the rank of India in the 2023 World Press Freedom Index?
A) 172 B) 150
C) 161 D) 143
Answer : C
✓ India ranks 161 in 2023 World Press Freedom Index; Norway tops.
✓ India has slipped by 11 positions, to be ranked at 161st position among 180 countries in the 2023 World
Press Freedom Index.
✓ In 2022, India’s rank was at 150.
✓ The index is released annually by the global media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF), to
evaluate the press freedom situation in 180 countries and territories.
✓ Norway has achieved the first position for the seventh consecutive year on the 2023 World Press Freedom
Index.

✓ It is followed by Ireland, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Netherlands, Lithuania, Estonia, Portugal and
Timor-Leste among top 10 countries.
✓ The last three position has been occupied by Vietnam (178), China (179) and North Korea (180).
✓ India’s performance in the World Press Freedom Index is also poor compared to other countries in South
Asia.
✓ India is ranked 161 out of 180 countries. Press freedom in India has gone from “problematic” to “very
bad”, with the country slipping 11 ranks since the 2022 report.
✓ Neighbours have a better rank than India -- Bhutan (90), Nepal (95), Sri Lanka (135), Pakistan (150),
Afghanistan (152).
✓ The ranking is based on five categories -- political, legislative, economic, sociocultural and safety of
journalists.
✓ Key Facts about Reporters Without Borders (RSF):
✓ It is an international NGO whose self-proclaimed aim is to defend and promote media freedom.
✓ Headquarters: Paris, France.
✓ It has consultative status with the United Nations.
✓ RSF defines press freedom as “the ability of journalists as individuals and collectives to select, 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.”
Q. Which country has topped the 2023 World Press Freedom Index?
A) Netherlands B) Singapore
C) Norway D) Finland
Answer : C
✓ Norway has achieved the first position for the seventh consecutive year on the 2023 World Press Freedom
Index.
✓ It is followed by Ireland, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Netherlands, Lithuania, Estonia, Portugal and
Timor-Leste among top 10 countries.
Q. The World Press Freedom Index is published by which institution?

A) World Economic Forum
B) International Monetary Fund
C) Reporters Without Borders
D) U.S. Chamber’s Global Intellectual Property Center
Answer : C
Q. Who has been awarded the prestigious Leipzig Book Prize for European Understanding in 2023?
A) Toni Morrison B) Maria Stepanova
C) Margaret Atwood D) Toni Morrison
Answer : B
✓ Maria Stepanova, a powerful contemporary voice of Russian literature now living in exile in Berlin, has
been awarded the prestigious Leipzig Book Prize for European Understanding in 2023.
✓ She was honored in Leipzig for her volume of poetry “Madchen ohne Kleider” (Girls Without Clothes).
✓ It is described as a sensitive and highly poetic study of often hidden violence against the female body and
the power imbalance that drives this oppression.

✓ The prize has been granted since 1994 with the aim of promoting reconciliation in Europe, and it was
previously won by another Russian exile, Masha Gessen, a journalist residing in the United States, for
her book The Future Is History: How Totalitarianism Reclaimed Russia in 2019.
✓ Prize money: 20,000 euros
Q. Who has become the first Indian man to summit Mt. Annapurna 1?
A) Pranav Rawat B) Kunal Joisher
C) Arjun Vajpai D) Prerna Dangi
Answer : C
✓ Indian professional mountaineer and 2023 Fit India Champion, Arjun Vajpai, has become the first Indian
man to summit Mt. Annapurna 1.
✓ It is the 10th highest mountain in the world, located in Nepal, at 8,091 metres (26,545 ft) above sea level.
✓ Arjun is also the first Indian mountaineer to scale 7x8000m peaks, means seven mountain peaks which
are above 8000 metres in height. He now wants to become the first Indian to scale all the 14 8000m
summits in the world.
✓ He has already scaled Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Manaslu, and Cho-
Oyu. He even holds record of being the then youngest mountaineers to climb Mount Everest in 2010 and
Mt. Lhotse in May 2011
✓ ‘Ironman’ Krishna Prakash becomes first person to swim from Gateway of India to Elephanta Caves.
Q. Which state is set to declare itself India’s first “total e-governed state”?
A) Telangana B) Kerala
C) Karnataka D) Tamil Nadu
Answer : B
✓ Kerala is set to declare itself India’s first “total e-governed state”.
✓ The state has achieved this feat through policy initiatives aimed at transforming it into a digitally
empowered society.
✓ The government focused on setting up a knowledge-based economy and achieving 100% digital literacy.
✓ Important services across various sectors were digitized to ensure transparency, inclusiveness and
accessibility for all citizens.
KERALA IN NEWS 2023

➢ Kerala has become the first and only state in the country to have its own internet services.
➢ According to data shared by the GI Registry, Kerala received the highest number of Geographical
Indication (GI) tags for products among all states in India in the fiscal year 23 (FY23).
➢ Kerala has adopted a water budget, the first of its kind in the country, to deal with the problem of water
scarcity in summer.
➢ Dharmadam, Kerala becomes first complete library constituency in India.
➢ Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan launches 'One Panchayat, One Playground' project.
➢ India’s first Graphene Innovation center to be set up in Kerala.
➢ Recently, a group of researchers discovered a butterfly subspecies from the fringes of Akkulam and
Vembanad lakes in Kerala.
➢ Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 25th April flagged off Kerala’s first Vande Bharat Express between
Thiruvananthapuram and Kasargod at Thiruvananthapuram Central Station.
➢ Kerala declared first State to enable digital banking service.
➢ M T Vasudevan Nair was awarded the "Kerala Jyoti", the highest civilian honour in Kerala.

➢ The Ministry of Women and Child Development has launched the 2nd G20 Empower meeting in
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala under the theme “Women Empowerment: Win-win for Equality and
Economy”.
➢ Kerala to become first State to use robotics tech extensively for manhole cleaning.
➢ National Green Tribunal (NGT) in New Delhi has imposed a fine of Rs 10 crore on the Kerala
government for failing to protect the Vembanad and Ashtamudi lakes, listed as Ramsar sites.
Q. The Indian Railways handed over 20 Broad Gauge locomotives to which country as part of a grant
assistance program?
A) Bangladesh B) Sri Lanka
C) Maldives D) Nepal
Answer : A
✓ India hands over 20 broad gauge locomotives to Bangladesh
✓ Taking a significant step towards enhancing bilateral cooperation in the railway sector, India and
Bangladesh handed over 20 broad gauge locomotives to Bangladesh.
✓ The initiative is aimed at meeting the growing demand for passenger and freight traffic between the two
neighboring countries.
BANGLADESH IN NEWS 2023
➢ The 6th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) is taking place in Dhaka, Bangladesh from May 12-13, 2023.
➢ India and Bangladesh have recently jointly launched the '50 Start-up Exchange Programme' to promote
collaboration and exchange between the start-up ecosystems of the two countries.
➢ Mohammad Shahabuddin elected President of Bangladesh .
➢ He will be the 22nd President of Bangladesh.
➢ Bangladesh will be connected to North-East by 2024.
➢ The 21st meeting of the Bangladesh–India Joint Steering Committee (BIJSC) on the power sector was
held on 4th May at Khulna, Bangladesh.
➢ a new border-haat was inaugurated between India and Bangladesh at Bholaganj under Companyganj
Upazila of Sylhet.
➢ The High Commission of India opened its 16th Visa application center in Kushtia town of Southwestern
Bangladesh.
➢ Bangladesh Power Development Board received 450 MW of electricity from Adani Power.
➢ Power is supplied from Adani's power plant in Godda, Jharkhand.
➢ India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline to be jointly inaugurated by PM Modi and Sheikh Hasina.
➢ Bangladesh, India, and Japan are set to hold a connectivity event in Tripura, India on April 11-12.
➢ Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the first submarine base of Bangladesh ‘BNS Sheikh Hasina’
at Pekua in Cox’s Bazar.
Bangladesh.
➢ People’s Republic of Bangladesh
➢ Capital: Dhaka
➢ Currency : Taka
➢ Prime Minister: Sheikh Hasina Wazed
➢ President: Mohammad Shahabuddin
Q. Rayyanah Barnawi has becomes the first Arab woman astronaut to go to space. She is from which
country?
A) UAE B) Saudi Arabia
C) Kuwait D) Qatar

Answer : B
✓ Part of Axiom Space’s private mission to the International Space Station (ISS), Rayyanah Barnawi
became the first Arab woman astronaut to go into space.
✓ Barwani is part of a team which has travelled to the ISS in a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Kennedy
Space Center at Cape Canaveral in the southern state of Florida.
✓ The group — also including Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut who will be making her fourth
flight to the ISS, and John Shoffner, a businessman from Tennessee — will stay aboard the space station
for around eight days to carry out a variety of experiments.
✓ What is Axiom Space’s private mission?
✓ Called Axiom Mission 2, or Ax-2, this is the second private mission by Axiom Space, an American
privately funded space infrastructure manufacturing company that was co-founded by Michael
Suffredini, who served as NASA’s International Space Station Program Manager from 2005 to 2015
Q. Who has been appointed as the Tennis Ambassador for Sony Sports Network?
A) PV Sindhu B) Saina Nehwal
C) Sania Mirza D) Ankita Raina
Answer : C
✓ Sania Mirza appointed as the Tennis Ambassador for Sony Sports Network.
✓ Leading sports broadcaster Sony Sports Network has announced the exclusive onboarding Sania Mirza
as the Tennis Ambassador for Sony Sports Network.
✓ Sony Sports Network has also launched a campaign called Home of Tennis.
✓ The second film is Mirza presenting Roland Garros, Clay that Slays, to Indian audiences.
✓ International Tennis Career of Sania Mirza
✓ Sania has won the mixed doubles title of Australian Open in 2009, French Open in 2012, US Open in
2014.
✓ Apart from this, she has won the 2016 Australian Open, 2015 Wilmington, 2015 US Open title in
women's doubles.
✓ Sania Mirza has won many titles and honours in her career. She has been awarded the Arjuna Award in
LATEST BRAND AMBASSADOR IN NEWS 2023
➢ Sania Mirza : Sony Sports Network
➢ Sourav Ganguly : Brand ambassador of Tripura Tourism
➢ Virat Kohli : Duroflex
➢ Alia Bhatt : Gucci, the luxury fashion brand from Italy
➢ Ayushman Khurana : Wakefit
➢ Rishabh Pant : Star Sports
➢ Rohit Sharma : JioCinema
➢ Virat Kohli : HSBC India
➢ Ranveer Singh : Star Sports Network
➢ Shreya Ghodawat : India's ambassador for She Changes Climate
➢ MC Mary Kom, Farhan Akhtar : Brand ambassadors of IBA Women's World Championships 2023
➢ Sachin Tendulkar : World’s first ‘Hand Ambassador’ for Savlon India
➢ Ranveer Singh : Pepsi
➢ Ayushmann Khurrana : UNICEF India child rights
➢ Yastika Bhatia and Renuka Singh Thakur : Hyundai Motor India Ltd
➢ Vir Das : Plant-based meat brand UnCrave
➢ Harmanpreet Kaur : Puma
➢ Nikhat Zareen : National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC)

➢ Saurav Ganguly : Bandhan Bank 'Jahaan Bandhan, Wahaan Trust' campaign
➢ Anushka Sharma : Puma
➢ Deepika Padukone : Pottery Barn
➢ Virat Kohli : Smart watch Noise
➢ Prasoon Joshi : Uttarakhand State
➢ Lionel Messi : Byjus
➢ Janhvi Kapoor : Marico’s Saffola Fittify
➢ Deepa Malik : Ambassador of Nikshay Mitra (TB Campaign)
➢ Suryakumar Yadav : UrbanGabru
➢ MS Dhoni : Navi Technologie
➢ Neeraj Chopra : Friendship Ambassador of Switzerland Tourism.
Q. Under which initiative of the government of India the Vande Bharat Express was designed and
manufactured by integral coach factory at perambur chennai?
A) Mitra Scheme B) NISHTHA
C) Make in India D) Niryat Rin Vikas
Answer : C
✓ Prime Minister Narendra Modi has virtually inaugurated the Delhi (Anand Vihar)-Dehradun Vande
Bharat Express.
✓ This is the first Vande Bharat to be introduced in Uttarakhand.
✓ The train will cover a distance of 302 km in 4 hours and 45 minutes.
✓ Earlier, PM Modi flagged off the Vande Bharat Express between Puri and Howrah.
✓ About Vande Bharat Express Train
✓ The first Vande Bharat Express was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 15 February 2019.
✓ These trains have a self-propelled engine which can save diesel and reduce electricity usage by up to 30%.
✓ The first Vande Bharat Express was manufactured by Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai.
✓ It was manufactured under the ‘Make in India’ programme, at a cost of about Rs 100 crore.
✓ These trains can achieve a maximum speed of 160 kmph.
✓ In the Union Budget for 2022-2023 the government has proposed the development and manufacture of
400 new Vande Bharat trains in the next three years
Q. Which country will introduce mandatory health labelling of alcoholic drinks, warning of the links to
cancer, liver disease, and the risk of drinking while pregnant?
A) Ireland B) Norway
C) Denmark D) Sweden
Answer : A
✓ Ireland to become the first country in the world to introduce health warnings on alcohol.
✓ Ireland's health minister, Stephen Donnelly, signed new regulations on May 22 that will carry warnings
about the health risks of drinking alcohol, as well as the product's calorie count
✓ This innovative step aims to raise awareness about the potential health risks associated with alcohol
consumption.
✓ The introduction of health warnings on alcohol bottles and cans will serve as a powerful tool for public
health promotion and education.
✓ Republic of Ireland
✓ The Republic of Ireland is a western European country which shares a boundary with Great Britain.
✓ The Parliament of Ireland is called the Oireachtas.
✓ President of Ireland: Michael D. Higgins
✓ Currency: Euro

✓ Capital: Dublin
Q. Which Country celebrates Bhoto Jatra?
A) Bhutan B) Mongolia
C) Nepal D) Sri Lanka
Answer : C
✓ Nepal celebrates Bhoto Jatra which is a public holiday in Kathmandu Valley.
✓ This celebration is a part of Rato Machhindranath Jatra which is a month-long chariot procession.
✓ In Bhoto Jatra, a "lost & found" bejeweled Nepali vest "bhoto" of Rato Machchindranath is displayed to
the public to find its "rightful owner"..
NEPAL IN NEWS 2023
➢ Nepal celebrates Bhoto Jatra which is a public holiday in Kathmandu Valley.
➢ Nepal designates 2025 as a ‘Special tourism year’.
➢ Nepali climber Kami Rita Sherpa reached the top of Mount Everest for the 27th time, reclaiming the
record for the most summits of the world’s highest mountain.
➢ Pasang Dawa Sherpa becomes 2nd person to scale Everest 26 times.
➢ Indian E-Wallets to be Accepted in Nepal for Digital Payments.
➢ Nepal becomes founding member of International Big Cats Alliance.
➢ Ram Chandra Paudel has been elected to serve as the new president of Nepal.
➢ Nepal have qualified for the Asia Cup 2023 after winning the ACC Men’s Premier Cup.
➢ Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav becomes Nepal’s third Vice President.
➢ 16th Edition of Indo-Nepal joint training Exercise “SURYA KIRAN-XVI” between India and Nepal will
be conducted at Nepal Army Battle School, Saljhandi, Nepal.
➢ General Bipin Rawat, a bell has been placed at Nepal’s revered Shree Muktinath Temple. The bell named
“Bipin Bell,”.
➢ Aasif Sheikh, a wicketkeeper from Nepal, has been awarded the 2022 Christopher Martin-Jenkins Spirit
of Cricket Award.
➢ About Nepal
➢ The kingdom of Nepal was established by the Shah dynasty.
➢ It is a landlocked country in South Asia.
➢ Prime Minister - Pushpa Kamal Dahal
➢ President - Ram Chandra Paudel
➢ Capital - Kathmandu
➢ Currency - Nepalese Rupee
Q. Who has been appointed as Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) President for 2023-2024?
A) R. Dinesh B) B. Govindarajan
C) Niranjan Gupta D) Puneet Chhatwal
Answer : A
✓ TVS Supply Chain Solutions Executive Vice President R. Dinesh was appointed as the President of the
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) for 2023-24.
✓ Sanjiv Puri, Managing Director of ITC has been named the Chairman and the announcement was made
during the CII National Council meeting in New Delhi.
✓ Rajeev Memani, President, EY India Region, has been appointed as the Vice President of CII.
✓ Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is a non-governmental trade association and advocacy group
headquartered in New Delhi, India, founded in 1895.
✓ President : R Dinesh

✓ Director General : Chandrajit Banerjee.
Q. Who has been elected the chairman of the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) for 2023-
25?
A) Bhavit Sheth B) Harsh Jain
C) Vani Kola D) Anand Jain
Answer : B
✓ Harsh Jain, CEO of online gaming platform 'Dream11', has been appointed as the new chairman of
'Internet and Mobile Association of India' (IAMAI) for two years (2023-2025).
✓ Harsh Jain has replaced Sanjay Gupta, Vice President and Country Manager, Google India at IAMAI.
✓ Along with this, MakeMyTrip co-founder and Group CEO Rajesh Mago has been appointed as IAMAI
Vice Chairman and Times Internet Vice Chairman Satyan Gajwani as Treasurer.
✓ Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI)
✓ Establishment : 2004
✓ IAMAA is a non-profit industrial body registered under the Societies Act, 1896.
Q. Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) under the Union Ministry of AYUSH has organized
a mega ‘Yoga Festival’ in which city?
A) Bengaluru B) Hyderabad
C) New Delhi D) Mumbai
Answer : B
✓ Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) under the Union Ministry of AYUSH organized a
mega 'Yoga Festival' at NCC Parade Ground, Hyderabad.
✓ Telangana Governor Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan was the chief guest at the Yoga Festival being
organized at NCC Parade Ground, Hyderabad on May 27.
✓ This event was organized 25 days before the Yoga Festival to be held in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh on
the occasion of 'International Yoga Day' on June 21, 2023.
HYDERABAD IN NEWS 2023
➢ Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) under the Union Ministry of AYUSH organized a
mega 'Yoga Festival' at NCC Parade Ground, Hyderabad.
➢ Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao recently unveiled a 125-feet tall bronze statue of BR
➢ Hyderabad to become India’s first city with 100% sewerage facilities by May 2023.
➢ The G20 Second Digital Economy Working Group meeting began on April 17 in Hyderabad.
➢ ‘Grand start-up Conclave’ on Animal Husbandry and Diary in Hyderabad.
➢ The two-day 'Food Conclave-2023' will be organized on April 28 and 29 in Hyderabad, Telangana.
➢ World Economic Forum (WEF) has chosen Hyderabad to set up its Center for the Fourth Industrial
Revolution focused on healthcare and life sciences.
➢ The seasoned Jean Eric Vergne of DS Penske automobiles won an action-packed Formula E Prix in
Hyderabad.
➢ Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Narendra Singh Tomar officially inaugurated the
➢ two-day inception meeting of the Startup-20, the new engagement group of G-20 initiated by India, has
begun in Hyderabad.
➢ Hyderabad host Street Circuit Car Racing before the India’s first Formula E grand Prix to be held in
February 2023.

Q. Which of the following state has recently achieved 100 percent household coverage of banking services
extending them to all sections of people under Jan Dhan Yojana?
A) Madhya Pradesh B) Gujarat
C) Haryana D) Telangana
Answer : D
✓ Telangana achieves 100% coverage of PMJDY.
✓ Since the launch of Prime Minister Jan Dhan Yojana, Telangana State has achieved 100 percent
household coverage of banking services extending them to all sections of people.
✓ As per the Social Security Administration survey, the state has achieved 100 percent coverage and the
benefits of 135 welfare schemes and programmes under 20 departments are credited to these zero-balance
bank accounts of the beneficiaries..
TELANGANA IN NEWS 2023

➢ Telangana achieves 100% coverage of PMJDY.
➢ Telangana govt launches first of its kind State Robotics Framework.
➢ Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao laid the foundation for the Hare Krishna Heritage
Tower in Hyderabad. The 400 feet tall structure will be constructed on six acres of land in Narsingi at a
cost of Rs 200 crore.
➢ The two-day 'Food Conclave-2023' will be organized on April 28 and 29 in Hyderabad, Telangana.
➢ Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao recently unveiled a 125-feet tall bronze statue of BR
➢ World Economic Forum (WEF) has chosen Hyderabad to set up its Center for the Fourth Industrial
➢ Hyderabad to become India’s first city with 100% sewerage facilities by May 2023.
➢ IAS 'Shanti Kumari' becomes first woman Chief Secretary of Telangana.
➢ National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with
the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
➢ The G20 Second Digital Economy Working Group meeting began on April 17 in Hyderabad.
➢ Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the occasion of Pongal on 15 January, virtually flagged off the Vande
Bharata Express train connecting Secunderabad with Vishakhapatnam.
➢ Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)
➢ Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is a nation-wide financial inclusion program of Government
of India.
➢ It was announced by the Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi on 15 August 2014.
➢ Slogan Mera Khatha, Bhagya Vidhatha (“My account brings me good fortune”)
➢ Age of Eligible Beneficiaries 18-65 Years
➢ Overdraft facility up to Rs.10000 after satisfactory operation of the account for 6 months
➢ Account holder will get RuPay Debit card with inbuilt accident insurance cover of Rs 2 lakh.
➢ Life insurance cover of Rs 30,000
Q. Who has been selected to serve on the Advisory Committee to the President of the Conference of the
Parties (COP28) of the UNFCCC?
A) Mukesh Ambani B) Gautam Adani
C) Ratan Tata D) Kumar Mangalam Birla
Answer : A

✓ Indian business tycoon Mukesh Ambani has been nominated to the Consultative Committee for the 28th
session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change (UNFCCC).
✓ This committee will work to guide and advise the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28)
on Climate Change.
✓ Apart from Sunita Narayan, director general of the Center for Science and Environment, Ambani is the
only Indian to be included in the COP28 President's Advisory Committee.
✓ It is noteworthy that Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) is promoting renewable
energy.
✓ About COP28
✓ The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change convention is known as the Conference
of the Parties (COP).
✓ The COP28 conference will be held in Dubai from 30 November to 12 December 2023.
✓ The COP28 UAE Advisory Committee brings together climate experts from 6 continents, representing
policy, industry, energy, finance and civil society.
✓ There are 31 members in this committee
✓ About, UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
✓ Till date, it has been ratified by 197 countries.
✓ UNFCCC is headquartered in Bonn, Germany
✓ UNFCCC is the parent treaty of the 2015 Paris Agreement as well as 1997 Kyoto Protocol.
✓ The UNFCCC was established to work towards “stabilisation of greenhouse gas concentrations in the
atmosphere
✓ 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 26) to the UNFCCC was originally scheduled to take
place from 9-19 November 2020, in Glasgow, UK.
✓ 27th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 27) to the UNFCCC will take place in Sharm El-
Sheikh, Egypt.
✓ 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 28) to the UNFCCC is scheduled to take place from
6-17 November 2023. It will take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Q. Who has won the Men’s Singles title of Malaysia Masters 2023 at Kuala Lumpur?
A) HS Prannoy B) Srikanth Kidambi
C) Lakshya Sen D) B. Sai Praneeth
Answer : A
✓ India's star shuttler HS Prannoy won the gold medal in the Malaysia Masters Badminton Championship
2023 played in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
✓ Prannoy won the final by defeating China's Wang Hongyang in three games 21-19, 13-21 and 21-18. The
match between the two lasted for 94 minutes.
✓ Prannoy became the third Indian after Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu to win the Malaysia Masters
Championship.
✓ Also became the first Indian to win in the men's singles category.
✓ This is Pranay's first medal this season.
✓ With Prannoy, India has won the championship 4 times.
✓ Gold came in Men's Singles for the first time. At the same time, India has won gold three times in
women's singles.
✓ PV Sindhu twice and Saina Nehwal once won the championship.
Q. When is the World Hunger Day observed?
A) 25 May B) 28 May
C) 26 May D) 27 May

Answer : B
✓ Every year on May 28, The Hunger Project celebrates the World Hunger Day.
✓ The day was started in 2011 by The Hunger Project to raise awareness about the people living in chronic
hunger worldwide and celebrate sustainable solutions to hunger and poverty and to inspire everyone to
be a part of the solution!
✓ The Hunger Project is US based organization committed to the sustainable end of world hunger.
Q. Who has been appointed as the new Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC)?
A) Rajiv Jain B) Praveen Sood
C) Praveen Kumar Srivastava D) Dineshwar Sharma
Answer : C
✓ Praveen Kumar Srivastava has been appointed as the new Central Vigilance Commissioner.
✓ President Draupadi Murmu (President Draupadi Murmu) administered the oath of office to Vigilance
Commissioner Praveen Kumar Srivastava as the Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC).
✓ Srivastava was serving as the acting Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) since December last year
after the completion of Suresh N Patel's tenure as the Central Vigilance Commissioner.
✓ The Commission is headed by the CVC and can have a maximum of two Vigilance Commissioners..
✓ About Central Vigilance Commission
✓ CVC is an apex vigilance institution, which is free from any executive authority.
✓ It is an independent body whose accountability is only to the Parliament.
✓ It was established in February 1964 on the basis of the recommendations of the Anti-Corruption
Committee constituted under the chairmanship of K. Santhanam.
✓ The Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003 (CVC Act) has been enacted by the Parliament conferring
statutory status on CVC.
✓ It submits its report to the President of India.
✓ Appointment of commissioners
✓ The Central Vigilance Commissioner and Vigilance Commissioners are appointed by the President on
the recommendation of a committee consisting of the Prime Minister (Chairman), the Home Minister
(Member) and the Leader of the Opposition (Member) in the Lok Sabha.
✓ Tenure : Their tenure is for 4 years or 65 years (whichever is earlier).
Q. The Government of Nepal has approved India’s _ to develop the second hydroelectric project in the
country.
A) NTPC Limited B) JSW Energy
C) Adani Enterprises D) Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited
Answer : D
✓ India gets approval to set up second hydroelectric project in Nepal.
✓ The Government of Nepal has approved India's Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVN) to develop the
second hydroelectric project in the country.
✓ SJVN is currently involved in the development of the Arun-III Hydroelectric Project in eastern Nepal
with a capacity of 900 MW.
✓ The Investment Board Nepal (IBN), chaired by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, approved the draft
Project Development Agreement (PDA) between Nepal and SJVN.
✓ The PDA is for development of the Lower Arun Hydroelectric Project in eastern Nepal with a capacity
of 669 MW.
✓ The Lower Arun Hydroelectric Project is to be developed by SJVN.

Q. BPCL has developed a diesel-ethanol blend to reduce emissions and achieve its net zero targets by which
year?
A) 2025 B) 2030
C) 2035 D) 2040
Answer : D
✓ Public sector oil marketing company BPCL has developed an ethanol-diesel blend in a bid to reduce
emissions.
✓ The move is in line with its net zero target of 2040.
✓ The R&D centre of BPCL, according to the company has filed 164 patents and 87 patents have been
granted across multiple countries, 17 technologies or products commercialized so far said a company
statement.
✓ BPCL is focusing on petrochemicals and sustainable aviation fuel among other products to diversify its
operations.
✓ It has also developed two new technologies, namely the ‘K Model’ for crude compatibility and
‘BPMARRK’ for quick and accurate real-time crude assay
Q. World No Tobacco Day is observed on which day?

A) 31 May B) 28 May
C) 30 May D) 29 May
Answer : A
✓ World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) is observed every year on 31 May, globally to inform the public on
the dangers of using tobacco and to discourage the use of tobacco in any form.
✓ Theme of the 2023 WNTD is : "We need food, not tobacco”
✓ The Day was created by the member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1987
Q. Which state has been ranked the most innovative state by the National Manufacturing Innovation Survey
2021-22?
A) Karnataka B) Telangana
C) Tamil Nadu D) Maharashtra
Answer : A
✓ A survey conducted by the government’s Department of Science and Technology in collaboration with
the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) on the level of innovation in
manufacturing in India has found that the state of Karnataka is not only the most innovative in its
manufacturing sector but also has the highest number of companies in manufacturing that carry out
innovations.
✓ The National Manufacturing Innovation Survey (NMIS) 2021-22, released earlier this month, also found
that innovation in manufacturing is the lowest in the Northeastern states (excluding Assam), followed by
Bihar.
✓ DST ranked Karnataka, followed by Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Haryana as high
innovation states.
Q. Olympic champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra won the Diamond League 2023 title with a throw
___.
A) 85.55 meter
B) 87.97 meter

C) 88.67 meter
D) 86.88 meter
Answer : B
✓ India's Neeraj Chopra has started the 2023 season on a bright note by winning the javelin throw title at
the ongoing Diamond League in Doha.
Q. Japan has decided to provide specialized training to how many Indian engineers ahead of starting work
on the high-speed rail track system for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor (MAHSR)?
A) 800 B) 1000
C) 750 D) 1200
Answer : B
✓ Japan has decided to provide specialized training to 1,000 Indian engineers ahead of starting work on the
✓ National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) has signed an MoU with Japan Railway
Technical Service (JARTS) to operationalize bullet trains in the country.
✓ Work on the high-speed rail track system will be started only under this agreement.
✓ The bullet train being built between Mumbai and Ahmedabad will use a ballastless slab track system,
similar to that used in the Japanese Shinkansen high-speed railway. Because the Japanese Shinkansen
high speed railway will be used in the Indian bullet train.
✓ The ballastless slab track system is known as J slab track system.
✓ The Japanese track system is one of the best in the world and its construction requires a very high level
of skill from all the technicians.
✓ According to the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) in this regard, the track is
the most important part of the HSR system and needs to be laid with a very high degree of precision.
✓ For this purpose, 20 Japanese experts will provide intensive training to Indian engineers, supervisors and
technicians and certify their skills.
✓ Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor (MAHSR)
✓ The total length of the corridor between Ahmedabad and Mumbai is 508 km, of which 348 km falls in
Gujarat and 156 km in Maharashtra. The remaining four kilometers will fall in Dadra Nagar Haveli.
✓ A total of 12 stations will be set up in the journey between Ahmedabad and Mumbai, of which eight
stations will be in Gujarat and four in Maharashtra.
Q. In which district, the Uttar Pradesh government has approved the setting up of the state’s first Pharma
Park?
A) Ghaziabad B) Meerut
C) Lalitpur D) Kushinagar
Answer : C
✓ The state government has given green signal to the project of setting up a state's first Pharma Park in
Lalitpur district of Bundelkhand.
✓ For this, the state government will transfer 1500 hectares of land in Lalitpur district to the Animal
Husbandry Department.
✓ The state government will spend Rs 1560 crore for development works and providing necessary facilities
to the investors in Lalitpur Pharma Park.
✓ Sangam Sir (Kumar Kaushal Sir), [03-06-2023 19:56]
PARK IN NEWS 2023

➢ The government has given green signal to the project of setting Uttar Pradesh a state's first Pharma Park
in Lalitpur district of Bundelkhand.
➢ India’s First International Multimodal Logistics Park Coming at Jogighopa, Assam.
➢ Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy laid the foundation stone of Vizag Tech Park.
➢ Adani Group is setting up two data centers in the Rs 21,844-crore tech park, one of 200 MW and the
other of 100 MW.
➢ India has put forward a proposal to construct a G20 park in Delhi.
➢ Tiger spotted in Haryana’s Kalesar National Park after 10 years.
➢ Bandipur National Park, located in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, recently completed 50 years
as a Project Tiger Reserve.
➢ A rare orange-colored bat was spotted in the Banana plantation in Parali Bodal village of Kanger Valley
National Park in Bastar, Chhattisgarh.
➢ Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari laid the Foundation Stone of the
world’s largest and unique Divyang Park – Anubhuti Inclusive Park in Nagpur, Maharashtra.
➢ Uttar Pradesh government is planning to develop a theme park ‘Ramaland’ modelled on Disneyland to
narrate the story of Lord Ram.
➢ Government, Ministry of Textiles, has issued a notification to set up 7 Mega Integrated Textile Region
and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks with a total outlay of Rs. 4,445 crore.
➢ Seven sites were chosen out of 18 proposals for PM MITRA parks which were received from 13 States.
➢ Eravikulam National Park in Munnar, Kerala, which is home to the Nilgiri tahr, now features a new
attraction: a fernarium located within the park.
➢ World’s largest safari park to be developed in Gurugram.
➢ A Namibian Cheetah passed away at Kuno National Park in MP, India. The cheetah, named Sasha.
➢ Silent Valley National Park, located in Kerala, in the last month identified 141 species of birds of which
17 were new species of birds.
Q. India has operationalized the Sittwe Port with the departure of the inaugural shipment, the MV-ITT
LION (V-273), from Syall Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata. Sittwe Port is located in which country?
A) Bangladesh B) Afghanistan
C) Maldives D) Myanmar
Answer : D
✓ India has operationalized the Sittwe Port in Myanmar with the departure of the inaugural shipment, the
MV-ITT LION (V-273), from Syall Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata.
✓ Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal will receive the first Indian cargo ship at
Sittwe Port in Myanmar.
✓ Sittwe Port is a part of the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project and its development will enable
multi-modal transit connectivity with Southeast Asia.
✓ The port has been built under a framework agreement between India and Myanmar to set up a
multimodal transit transport facility on the Kaladan River, which connects Sittwe Port in Myanmar to
Mizoram in India.
✓ The Kaladan River route has the potential to open up economic opportunities for the entire Bay of Bengal
peninsula.
Q. Which Indian Navy ship has been decommissioned recently after a distinguished service of 36 years?
A) INS Magar
B) INS Karanj
C) INS Shardul
D) INS Airavat

Answer : A
✓ INS Magar, the oldest landing ship of the Indian Navy has decommissioned after a prestigious service to
the country for 36 years.
✓ The ship, commanded by Cdr Hemant V Salunkhe, has decommissioned at a sunset ceremony held at
the Naval Base here.
✓ INS Magar was launched on November 16, 1984 by Meera Tahiliani and commissioned on July 18, 1987
at Garden Reach Shipyard and Engineers Limited, Kolkata by late Admiral R H Tahiliani.
✓ INS Magar – Indian Navy’s Landing Ship Decommissioned After 36 Years of Service at the Naval base
in Kochi.
Q. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) observes its Raising Day every year on 7 May. In 2023, the BRO
is celebrating which edition of its raising day?
A) 64 B) 55
C) 72 D) 36
Answer : A
✓ Border Roads Organization (BRO) celebrated its 64th Raising Day on 7 May 2023 at all its detachments
across the country.
✓ The main function ‘Chief Engineers and Equipment Management Conference’ was organized at BRO
School & Centre in Pune.
✓ The Prime Minister has praised the initiative by Border Roads Organisation Project Dantak to
commemorate 64th Raising Day.
✓ Project Dantak is one of the oldest projects of the Border Roads Organization (BRO).
✓ It was established on 24th April1961.
✓ It was a result of the visionary leadership of the King of Bhutan and Jawahar Lal Nehru, then Prime
Minister of India.
✓ It was established under the provision of the Indo-Bhutan Treaty of Peace and Friendship, 1949.
✓ It is tasked with the construction and maintenance of roads suitable for motorized transport in Bhutan.
✓ About Border Roads Organisation (BRO)
✓ BRO, a pioneer in the field of infrastructural development in the border areas of the country.
✓ BRO is a major road construction agency under the Ministry of Defence with the primary objective of
providing road connectivity to the border areas.
✓ BRO was formed on 7th May 1960.
✓ It develops and maintains the road network in India's border areas and friendly neighbouring countries.
✓ One of the biggest infrastructural achievements of BRO - longest highway tunnel built in Himachal
Pradesh, and its name is Atal Tunnel.
✓ Atal tunnel under Rohtang Pass is an 8.8-kilometer-long tunnel.
✓ This will reduce the distance between Manali and Leh by 46 kms and will save on transportation costs.
✓ Director General of BRO - Lieutenant General Rajeev Chaudhry
Q. The trailer of ‘Love in 90s’, the first film made in Tagin language has launched by Union Law and Justice
Minister Kiren Rijiju in New Delhi. Tagin is a language of which Indian state?
A) Sikkim B) Tripura
C) Nagaland D) Arunachal Pradesh
Answer : D
✓ The trailer of 'Love in 90s', the first film made in Tagin language of Arunachal Pradesh, was launched by
Union Law and Justice Minister Kiren Rijiju on 6th May in New Delhi.

✓ The film depicts the vibrant and colorful world of the 90s, based on the Tagin community in Upper
Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh and the first film made entirely in Tagin language.
✓ Directed by Tapen Natam, the film brings to the national platform the rich culture, tradition and local
filmmaking initiatives of Arunachal Pradesh.
✓ The film highlights the love story of two youths amidst the challenges faced by this community in
Arunachal Pradesh during the 1990s.
✓ The film not only celebrates local talent and filmmaking initiatives, but also offers a unique perspective
on the struggles and triumphs of the Tagin community.
✓ Through this film, viewers can witness the beauty and rich heritage of Tagine culture and traditions.
Q. The World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is observed annually on which day?
A) 08 May B) 06 May
C) 07 May D) 05 May
Answer : A
✓ The World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is observed every year on 8 May.
✓ The day aims to celebrate the principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, to
reduce the suffering of people and enabling them to lead a dignified life with independence, humanity,
impartiality, universality, unity and neutrality.
✓ Theme 2023 : "Everything we do comes #fromtheheart."
✓ The day also marks the anniversary of the birth of Henry Dunant (8 May 1828), who was the founder of
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
✓ He was the recipient of the first Nobel Peace Prize.
Q. Which ministry has launched the Learning Management Information System 'Saksham'?
A) Ministry of Health B) Ministry of Education
C) Ministry of Coal D) Ministry of Home Affairs
Answer : A
✓ Union Health Ministry launched the SAKSHAM Learning Management Information System and it was
launched by Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan.
✓ SAKSHAM stands for Stimulating Advanced Knowledge for Sustainable Health Management.
✓ It aims to provide online training and medical education to all health professionals across the country.
✓ This digital learning platform will facilitate comprehensive capacity building among health professionals.
✓ Currently, it offers over 200 public health and 100 clinical courses in an online format.
✓ Health professionals can register for these courses by visiting the website lmis.nihfw.ac.in.
✓ After completing the required training and meeting the evaluation criteria, participants will receive
certification.
✓ SAKSHAM was developed by the National Institute of Health and Family Welfare in New Delhi.
Q. The Petersberg Dialogue 2023 on Climate Change has been held in which city?
A) Berlin, Germany B) Paris, France
C) Vienna, Austria D) Geneva, Switzerland
Answer : A
✓ The Petersberg Dialogue on Climate Change was held in Berlin from May 2-3, 2023.
✓ The Petersberg Climate Dialogue (PCD) was hosted by Germany and the United Arab Emirates, which
is hosting the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change.

✓ Ministers from 40 countries attended the conference to discuss the way forward towards COP28.
✓ The main topics of discussion at the event were renewable targets, climate finance and global stocktake.
Q. The 42nd Summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) started in Indonesia. What
is the theme of ASEAN 2023?
A) We Care, We Prepare, We Prosper
B) Stronger Together
C) ASEAN Together
D) ASEAN Affairs: Epicenter of Growth
Answer : D
✓ The 42nd Summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) started in Indonesia.
✓ Theme 2023 – ASEAN Affairs: Epicenter of Growth.
✓ The summit aims to demonstrate the bloc’s hopes and efforts to become the center and driving force
behind global development.
✓ President Joko Widodo, who holds the presidency of the bloc.
✓ Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
✓ Founded : 1967
✓ Headquarteres : Jakarta, Indonesia
✓ Secretary General : Lim Jock Hoi
✓ Member : 10 (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore,
Thailand & Vietnam)
✓ Trick to Remember Countries of ASEAN
✓ Trick : TV CLIP of MBBS
✓ T - Thailand
✓ V - Vietnam
✓ C - Cambodia
✓ L- Laos
✓ I - Indonesia
✓ P - Philippines of silent
✓ M - Malaysia
✓ B - Burma (Myanmar)
✓ B - Brunei
✓ S - Singapore.
✓ Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has agreed ‘in principle’ to admit East Timor as the
group’s 11th member.
Q. Oil ministry panel has recommended the Indian government to ban the use of diesel-powered four-
wheeler vehicles by which year?
A) 2027 B) 2030
C) 2035 D) 2026
Answer : A
✓ Oil Ministry panel proposes ban on 4-wheeler diesel vehicles by 2027.
✓ An oil ministry panel has recommended the Indian government to ban the use of diesel-powered four-
wheeler vehicles by 2027 and switch to electric and gas-fuelled vehicles in cities with more than a million
people and polluted towns in order to cut emissions.
✓ By 2030, no city buses should be added which are not electric…diesel buses for city transport should not
be added from 2024 onwards.

✓ The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has set up an Energy Transition Advisory Committee,
headed by former oil secretary Tarun Kapoor.
✓ The country aims at producing 40% of its electricity from renewables to achieve its 2070 net zero goal.
Q. Which state has become first state to make digital health cards for children?
A) Andhra Pradesh B) Telangana
C) Kerala D) Uttar Pradesh
Answer : D
✓ Uttar Pradesh becomes first state to make digital health cards for children.
✓ The Uttar Pradesh’s Urban Development Department and Lucknow Smart City launched a “School
Health Program”.
✓ Under the pilot project, the School Health Program has been started by Lucknow Smart City in three
schools in Lucknow.
✓ A digital health report card for the overall physical and mental well-being of 1765 municipal school
students is also being prepared under the project.
✓ The benefit of health insurance worth Rs 25,000 is also being given to these children
Q. The National Technology Day is observed every year on which day?

A) 10 May B) 11 May
C) 09 May D) 08 May
Answer : B
✓ In India, the National Technology Day is observed every year on May 11 since 1999 to mark the
anniversary of 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests and India’s technological advancements in space.
✓ It was on this day in 1998 that India successfully fired an Operation Shakti missile at the Indian Army’s
Pokhran Test Range in Rajasthan. The Test was led by late aerospace engineer and President Dr. APJ
Abdul Kalam.
✓ It also highlight the achievements of our scientists and engineers in the field of science and technology
and encourage students to embrace Science as a career option.
Q. Which company has collaborated with the NASA to to convert satellite data into high resolution maps?
A) TCS B) IBM
C) Intel D) Oracle
Answer : B
✓ International Business Machines (IBM) has collaborated with the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA) to launch a new geospatial foundation model.
✓ International Business Machines Corporation (IBM)
✓ Founded : 1911
✓ Founders : Charles Ranlett Flint
✓ Headquarters : Armonk, New York, U.S.
✓ Chairman & CEO : Arvind Krishna.
Q. Which country will host the 6th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC)?
A) India B) Bangladesh
C) Singapore D) Sri Lanka
Answer : B

✓ The 6th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) is taking place in Dhaka, Bangladesh from May 12-13, 2023.
✓ The sixth edition of the conference is being organized by the India F oundation in collaboration with
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh and the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies.
✓ The theme of this year's conference is 'Partnership for Peace, Prosp erity and a Resilient Future'.
✓ The conference was inaugurated by Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
✓ According to Bangladesh Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Shaha ryar Alam, around 150 foreign
guests including representatives from D8, SAARC and BIMSTEC will participate in the conference.
Q. Who has been appointed as Chairman and Managing Director of Infrastructure major Larsen & Toubro
(L&T)?
A) Vivek Sankaran B) Punit Renjen
C) Vasant Narasimhan D) S N Subrahmanyan
Answer : D
✓ S N Subrahmanyan has been appointed as Chairman and Managing Director of Infrastructure major
Larsen & Toubro, with effect from October 1, 2023.
✓ He will succeed A M Naik, who steps down as Non-Executive Chairman of the L&T Group at the end
of his tenure on 30 September 2023.
✓ Currently, S N Subrahmanyan is serving as the CEO and MD of L&T.
✓ Subrahmanyan has also worked as Deputy MD & President leading L&T’s infrastructure business to its
position as the country’s largest construction organization
Q. Who is the author of book titled “The Indian Metropolis: Deconstructing India’s Urban Spaces”?
A) Feroze Varun Gandhi B) Vikram Seth
C) Chetan Bhagat D) Salman Rushdie
Answer : A
✓ The book titled "The Indian Metropolis: Deconstructing India’s Urban Spaces" is authored by Feroze
Varun Gandhi.
✓ The book examines the challenges facing India’s urban spaces, including poverty, inequality, crime, and
environmental degradation.
✓ Gandhi argues that India’s cities need to be transformed in order to be more inclusive and sustainable.
✓ The book is based on Gandhi’s own experiences as a politician and urban planner.
Q. Which actor has been included in the Indian team as an ambassador for the Special Olympics trip to
Berlin?
A) Akshay Kumar B) Ajay Devgn
C) Amitabh Bachchan D) Ayushmann Khurrana
Answer : D
✓ Ayushmann Khurrana has been chosen to inspire and support the Indian contingent participating in the
upcoming Special Olympics for individuals with intellectual disabilities, set to take place in Berlin from
June 16 to June 25, 2023.
✓ Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana, has been appointed as the National Ambassador of Child Rights
for UNICEF India.
✓ Manufacturer of mattresses, Wakefit Innovations Private Limited, has signed actor Ayushmann
Khurrana as Wakefit.co’s brand ambassador.

Q. Which of the following entity has launched the Automated Return Scrutiny Module for GST returns?
A) Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC)
B) Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT)
C) Reserve Bank Information Technology Private Limited (ReBIT)
D) Indian Financial Technology and Allied Services (IFTAS)
Answer : A
✓ The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has recently launched the Automated Return
Scrutiny Module for GST returns.
✓ This module will enable tax officers to scrutinize GST returns of centrally administered taxpayers based
on data analytics and risks identified by the system.
✓ The module identifies discrepancies in the returns and shows them to the tax officer, who can
communicate with the taxpayer through the GSTN Common Portal to resolve any issues.
✓ The Automated Return Scrutiny Module will help in streamlining the GST return scrutiny process and
ensure that it is more efficient, transparent and effective.
Q. When is the International Nurses Day celebrated?

A) May 10 B) May 11
C) May 12 D) May 09
Answer : C
✓ The International Nurses Day is celebrated on May 12, every year to mark the contributions and hard
work of nursing staff around the world.
✓ The theme of 2023 International Nurses Day is “Our Nurses, Our Future”.
✓ The day was created by the International Council of Nurses, and is celebrated globally since January
1974.
✓ This day also marks the birth anniversary of nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale, who was born on
May 12, 1820.
Q. The International Nurses Day marks the birth anniversary of which social reformer?
A) Clara Barton B) Florence Nightingale
C) Marie Curie D) Mother Teresa
Answer : B
✓ The International Nurses Day marks the birth anniversary of nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale, who
was born on May 12, 1820.
Q. Which state has become the first state in the country to have a drone surveillance system in all police
districts in the state?
A) Uttar Pradesh B) Punjab
C) Kerala D) Tamil Nadu
Answer : C
✓ Kerala has become the first state in the country to have a drone surveillance system in all police districts
in the state.

✓ Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan distributed the drones to all police districts and the drone pilot licences
to the specially trained drone pilots.
✓ He also launched indigenously developed anti-drone software on the occasion.
✓ Kerala has been at the forefront of modernization of the police force and that since the use of drones has
increased in society, the development of an anti-drone system is also important.
Q. London Stock Exchange Group to set up Technology Centre of Excellence in Which City?
A) Hyderbad B) Chennai
C) Bengaluru D) Kolkata
Answer : A
✓ Telangana IT and Industries Minister "KT Rama Rao's" four-day tour of the United Kingdom (UK) to
attract investors to Telangana has got off to a good start.
✓ London Stock Exchange Group PLC (LSEG) announced that it will establish a Technology Centre of
Excellence in Hyderabad, which will generate employment for about 1000 people in a year.
✓ The establishment of the Technology Centre of Excellence by London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG)
in Hyderabad is a significant boost to the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector in the
city.
Q. The first ministerial meeting of the India and the European Union Trade and Technology Council (TTC)
will be held in which City?
A) Paris B) London
C) Brussels D) Geneva
Answer : C
✓ The first ministerial meeting of the India and the European Union Trade and Technology Council (TTC)
will be held in Brussels on 16 May.
✓ The meeting will be co-chaired by the Ministers of External Affairs, Commerce and Industry and
Communications, Electronics and Information Technology from the Indian side.
✓ India is only the second country after the US with which the European Union (EU) has a TTC, and the
two sides agreed to launch the strategic mechanism during the visit of European Commission President
Ursula von der Leyen to India in April 2022.
✓ The TTC aims to deepen trade and investment ties between India and the European Union, as well as
foster greater cooperation on technology and innovation.
✓ About India-EU Trade and Technology Council
✓ The trade and technology council was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during Ms Leyen's visit to India in April 2022.
✓ About European Union
✓ The European Union is a group of 27 European countries.
✓ The United Kingdom which was the founding member of the European Union has left the organisation.
✓ It was founded on 1 November 1993
✓ Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium
Q. Which Port has been awarded the prestigious Sagar Shreshta award 2023 ?
A) Jawaharlal Nehru Port B) Cochin Port
C) Tuticorin Port D) Paradip Port
Answer : B

✓ Cochin Port has been awarded the prestigious Sagar Shreshta award for the year 2023 by the Ministry of
Shipping in recognition of its outstanding performance in the maritime sector.
✓ The Sagar Shreshta award is given to Indian ports for achieving excellence in various categories,
including efficiency, productivity, and environmental sustainability.
✓ Cochin Port was selected for the award based on its impressive track record of achieving high standards
of operational efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability, as well as its contribution to the
development of the maritime sector in India.
✓ Cochin Port's receipt of the Sagar Shrestha award reflects its leadership in the maritime sector and its
commitment to driving innovation and excellence in the industry
Q. Who has been appointed as the US Ambassador for Global Women's Issues?
A) Neera Tanden
B) Vanita Gupta
C) Uzra Zeya
D) Geeta Rao Gupta
Answer : D
✓ 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.
Q. Karthik Balagopalan has been appointed as the new Managing Director of which company?
A) Puma B) Nike
C) Adidas D) Reebok
Answer : A
✓ Sportswear retailer Puma has appointed Karthik Balagopalan as the new Managing Director of PUMA
India.
✓ He will succeed Abhishek Ganguly, who worked for PUMA’s Indian business for 17 years and has been
the Managing Director of PUMA India since 2014.
Q. The Asian Kabaddi Championship 2023 is scheduled to be held in which country?
A) China B) Thailand
C) South Korea D) Singapore
Answer : C
✓ The Asian Kabaddi Championship 2023 is scheduled to be held in Busan, South Korea from June 27 to
30.
Q. The 3rd Energy Transition Working Group Meeting (ETWG) under India's G20 chairmanship began in
which hich city?
A) New Delhi B) Mumbai
Answer : B

✓ The 3rd Energy Transition Working Group Meeting (ETWG) under India's G20 chairmanship began in
Mumbai from May 15 to 17, 2023.
✓ The meeting was organized to discuss and address issues related to energy transition in the context of
global energy challenges and sustainable development.
Q. Indian government will soon launch a ‘Trusted Traveller Programme’ for faster immigration clearance
of pre-verified travellers. This program will be launched on pilot basis at how many airports this year?
A) three B) two
C) four D) six
Answer : B
✓ Indian govt to launch faster immigration clearance scheme for ‘trusted travellers’
✓ With an aim to reduce congestion at airport check points, Indian government will soon launch a ‘Trusted
Traveller Programme’ for faster immigration clearance of pre-verified travellers.
✓ The new scheme will be launched for travellers with Indian passports across international airports in
India.
✓ The program will be started on a pilot basis at Delhi and Mumbai airports this year.
✓ Later it will be expanded to 15 more international airports by 2027 and all airports by 2032.
Q. The technology firm Cisco will establish a manufacturing facility in which state of India?
C) Tamil Nadu D) Kerala
Answer : C
✓ The technology firm Cisco has announced its plans to commence manufacturing operations in India,
aiming to establish a more diverse and resilient global supply chain and support India’s vision of
becoming a global manufacturing hub.
✓ The company’s CEO, Chuck Robbins, stated that the manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu would
generate 1,200 job opportunities.
✓ Cisco has set a target of $1 billion in combined domestic production and exports in the upcoming years.
✓ Cisco plans to establish core manufacturing capabilities in India, including testing, development,
logistics, and expanding in-house repair operations
Q. Who has been conferred the first Govind Swarup Lifetime Achievement Award instituted by the
Astronomical Society of India (ASI)?
A) Karan Jani B) Ramana Athreya
C) Shrinivas Kulkarni D) Jayant Naralikar
Answer : D
✓ Veteran astronomer Jayant Naralikar has been conferred the first Govind Swarup Lifetime Achievement
Award instituted by the Astronomical Society of India (ASI).
✓ Naralikar, a past president of ASI, was the founding director of the Inter-University Centre for
Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) and amongst the first to initiate cosmology research in the
country.
✓ The award is named in honour of Prof. Govind Swarup (1929-2020), widely regarded to be the founder
of radio astronomy in the country.
Q. Who becomes 2nd person to scale Everest 26 times?

A) Pasang Dawa Sherpa B) Oliver Scoubes

C) Gurdial Singh D) Gombu Sherpa
Answer : A
✓ 46 year old Pasang Dawa Sherpa (From Nepal), has become the second person to climb Mount Everest
for the26th time.
✓ The Himalayan database confirms that Pasang Dawa Sherpa has previously climbed Everest 25 times,
including two in 2022.
✓ He has been climbing Everest almost every year since his first successful climb in 1998.
✓ Kami Rita, a climber who is a U.S. Leading the team, and is the first person to conquer Mount Everest
for the 26th time.
✓ Mount Everest:
✓ It is the highest mountain in the world, located in the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas.
✓ Its summit point is located on the China–Nepal border with a confirmed elevation of 8,848.86 m
(29,031.69 ft) in 2020.
Q. The annual ASEAN Tourism Forum will be hosted by Which Country in January 2024?
A) Laos B) Cambodia
C) Malaysia D) Philippines
Answer : A
✓ The annual ASEAN Tourism Forum will be hosted by Laos in January 2024.
✓ Theme : The theme of the forum will be "Quality and Responsible Tourism -- Sustaining ASEAN
Future".
✓ Previously, Laos hosted the ASEAN Tourism Forum in 2004 and 2013.
✓ The 42nd Summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) started in Indonesia.
✓ Theme 2023 – ASEAN Affairs: Epicenter of Growth.
Q. Who has taken oath as the chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)?
A) Vinay Mittal B) Arvind Saxena
C) Manoj Soni D) Bhim Sain Bassi
Answer : C
✓ Eminent educationist Manoj Soni has taken oath as the chairman of the Union Public Service
Commission (UPSC).
✓ Soni, who joined the Commission as a member on June 28, 2017, has been performing the duties of the
UPSC chairman since April 5, 2022.
✓ He was administered the oath of office and secrecy as chairman, UPSC by Smita Nagaraj, senior most
member in the Commission.
✓ Prior to his appointment in the UPSC, Soni has served three terms as Vice-Chancellor.
✓ Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is the central recruiting agency in India. It is an independent
constitutional body.
✓ Articles 315 to 323 in Part XIV of the constitution contain elaborate provisions regarding the composition
of the UPSC.
✓ The commission usually consists of 9 to11 members including the Chairman
✓ UPSC is consists of the Chairman and the members appointed by the President of India.
✓ The Chairman and the members of the UPSC hold the office for a term of 6 years or till the age of 65
years.
✓ Note – Article 315 of the Indian Constitution deals with Public Service Commissions.
✓ Article 316 deals with the appointment and term of office of members.
✓ Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

✓ Formed : 1 October 1926
✓ Chairman : Manoj Soni
Q. RuPay has introduced the CVV free payment experience for its debit, credit, and prepaid cardholders.
What is the full form of CVV?
A) Card Verified Value B) Card Value Verification
C) Credit Verification Value D) Card Verification Value
Answer : D
✓ RuPay has introduced the CVV (Card Verification Value) free payment experience for its debit, credit
and prepaid cardholders who have tokenized their cards on the merchant application or webpage.
✓ This new CVV less experience ensures that the cardholder will not have to reach out to their wallet or
remember any card details, if they have saved (tokenized) their card on the e-commerce merchant which
supports this feature.
✓ They will just have to enter the OTP or their device will auto-populate the OTP during the domestic e-
commerce transaction and the payment will be done.
✓ Tokenization is a simple technology to secure card transactions without sharing clear or real card details
with the merchants.
Q. Who has won La Liga for 1st time since 2019?

A) Manchester United B) Manchester City
C) Barcelona D) Liverpool
Answer : C
✓ Barcelona has won its first Spanish league title after the departure of Lionel Messi with a 4-2 victory
against Espanyol
✓ Robert Lewandowski scored twice to lead the Catalan club to its first league title since 2019.
✓ The title was secured with four rounds remaining and two years after Lionel Messi left amid the club’s
financial struggles.
✓ Alejandro Balde and Jules Koundé also scored for Barcelona, which now has 27 league titles, eight fewer
than Real Madrid
Q. Sumit Mukherjee won the gold medal at the Bridge Federation of Asia and Middle-East Championship
(BFAME). In which country is the BFAME Championship being organized?
A) Bangladesh B) Pakistan
C) Vietnam D) Thailand
Answer : B
✓ Sumit Mukherjee, a metro employee from Kolkata, won four gold medals at the Bridge Federation of
Asia and Middle-East Championship (BFAME) held in Lahore, Pakistan.
✓ Sumit Mukherjee was the only railway staff member in the 24-member Indian contingent.
✓ The games were divided into four categories: Open, Women's, Mixed and Senior, and Sumit represented
India in the Open category.
✓ Sumit Mukherjee had earlier won a bronze medal at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games and the 4th Asia Cup
Bridge Championships to be held in Jakarta in 2022.
Q. When is the International Museum Day observed globally?

A) 15 May B) 16 May

C) 17 May D) 18 May
Answer : D
✓ The International Museum Day is celebrated on 18 May, since 1977, to raise awareness about the fact
that “Museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development
of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples.”
✓ Theme of International Museum Day 2023 : Museums, Sustainability and Well-being
✓ It is coordinated by the International Council of Museums (ICOM).
Q. University Grants Commission (UGC) has recently launched two UGC websites named, UTSAH and
POP portals. What is the meaning of S in UTSAH and second P in POP respectively?
A) Solution, Practice B) Strategies, Professor
C) Student, Professor D) Strategies, Practice
Answer : D
✓ UGC Chairman Prof. M Jagadesh Kumar redesigned the UGC website, UTSAH and POP portal.
✓ University Grants Commission (UGC) has launched two UGC websites, UTSAH (Undertaking
Transformative Strategies and Actions in Higher Education) and POP (Professor of Practice) portals.
✓ The redesign is part of the UGC's transformational strategies and actions for higher education.
✓ The updated website aims to provide a user-friendly interface for students, teachers and stakeholders.
✓ The UGC website, UTSAH and POP portals are now live and accessible.
Q. Who has been appointed as the new Law Minister of the country?
A) DK Shivakumar B) Arjun Ram Meghwal
C) KC Venugopal D) Kiren Rijiju
Answer : B
✓ Arjun Ram Meghwal was appointed as the new Law and Justice Minister and the previous Law and
Justice Minister Kiren Rijiju was assigned the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
✓ Meghwal will also continue in his current position as Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and
Culture.
✓ Arjun Ram Meghwal will replace Kiren Rijiju in the Ministry of Law and Justice
Q. Who was the chairman of Hinduja Group, who passed away recently?
A) S.P. Hinduja B) Ashok Hinduja
C) Ajay Hinduja D) Jai Hinduja
Answer : A
✓ Recently, Chairman of Hinduja Group S.P. Hinduja died in London at the age of 87.
✓ After completing his education in 1952, he joined his father and Hinduja Group founder P.D. Entered
into business with Hinduja.
✓ The Hinduja Group was founded in 1914 by Parmanand Deepchand Hinduja.
Q. Which state government has approved the 'Mukhya Mantri Sikho Kamao Yojana' for unemployed
youth?
A) Madhya Pradesh B) Uttar Pradesh
C) Chhattisgarh D) Bihar
Answer : A

✓ Madhya Pradesh cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, on May 17 approved the
'Mukhya Mantri Sikho Kamao Yojana' for unemployed youth.
✓ It was decided in the meeting that the name of Mukhya Mantri Kaushal Kamai Yojana will be
'Mukhyamantri Sikho-Kamao Yojana' (Chief Minister Learn-Earn Scheme).
MADHYA PRADESH IN NEWS 2023

➢ Madhya Pradesh cabinet approves 'Mukhya Mantri Sikho Kamao Yojana' for unemployed youth.
➢ Gond paintings from Madhya Pradesh have bagged the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, a recognition
that protects and acknowledges the work of tribal artists.
➢ Madhya Pradesh government launched Chief Minister's Residential Land Rights Scheme.
➢ Madhya Pradesh government announced that Islam Nagar village located in Bhopal district has been
➢ Madhya Pradesh Government on 5 March launched Ladli Bahna scheme under which each woman will
be given one thousand rupees per month..
➢ Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced on March 4 to make Tehsil Mauganj
Q. What is the theme of World Food India 2023?

A) Recover Together, Recover Stronger B) Processing for Prosperity
C) People, Planet, Prosperity D) One Earth One Family One Future
Answer : B
✓ Secretary, Food Processing Industries (FPI) Anita Praveen, chaired the First Inter- Ministerial
Committee Meeting with senior representatives from Ministries/Departments/Boards on 16th May 2023
in New Delhi.
✓ The agenda of the committee meeting was to apprise the officials about the preparations made so far for
World Food India 2023 and to discuss the participation of concerned
Ministries/Departments/Organizations in the event.
✓ About World Food India
✓ World Food India (WFI) is a global event to facilitate partnerships between Indian and international
businesses and investors.
✓ It is a gateway to the Indian food economy and an opportunity to showcase, connect and collaborate.
✓ It is organized by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India.
✓ World Food India 2023 theme is “Processing for Prosperity”.
✓ It aims to provide investment and business opportunities in the food processing sector for leading Indian
and international companies.
Q. Union Health Ministry announced the "75/25" initiative to provide standard care to 75 million people
with hypertension and diabetes by which year?
A) 2024 B) 2025
C) 2030 D) 2027
Answer : B
✓ Union Health Ministry announced the "75/25" initiative to provide standard care to 75 million people
with hypertension and diabetes by 2025 through Primary Health Centers (PHCs).
✓ 75/25 Initiative:
✓ 40,000 primary health care medical officers will be trained on standard treatment workflow for non-
communicable diseases (NCDs) through the SASHAKT portal.
✓ India has the largest coverage of NCDs globally, aiming to reach 75 million people with hypertension
under standard care in primary healthcare by 2025.

✓ The initiative was launched during the G20 co-branded event "Accelerating Prevention and Management
of Hypertension and Diabetes".
✓ SASHAKT Portal:
✓ The National Health Systems and Resources Center (NHSRC) has developed a web portal named
SASHAKT (Systematic Assessment of Health care providers Knowledge and Training).
✓ The portal supports states in implementing and monitoring training for health workers
Q. Uttar Pradesh government will set up a pharmaceutical research and innovation institute in which city?
A) Lucknow B) Kanpur
C) Prayagraj D) Gaziabad
Answer : A
✓ Uttar Pradesh government will set up a pharmaceutical research and innovation institute in Lucknow.
✓ The institute will promote research and manufacturing in the pharma sector.
✓ UP is the sixth-largest state in the nation in terms of the number of pharmaceutical manufacturing
facilities.
✓ UP’s contribution to pharma manufacturing in the country is currently 2%, which needs to be increased
to 10-12%.
Q. The World Bee Day is observed on which day of the year?

A) 20 May B) 19 May
C) 18 May D) 17 May
Answer : A
✓ World Bee Day is held annually on 20 May to raise awareness and recognition of the important role that
bees and other pollinators play in our ecosystem.
✓ The theme for World Bee Day 2023 is “Engaging in Pollinator-Friendly Agricultural Production,”
promoting agricultural methods that prioritise the well-being of pollinators, especially bees.
✓ United Nations established World Bee Day in 2017 to raise awareness of the important role played by
bees and other pollinators in the ecosystem and food production.
Q. Who unveiled bust of Mahatma Gandhi at Hiroshima Peace Park in Japan?
A) Narendra Modi B) Amit Shah
C) J. P. Nadda D) S. Jaishankar
Answer : A
✓ Prime Minister Narendra Modi has unveiled bust of Mahatma Gandhi at Hiroshima Peace Park in Japan,
ahead of the second day of G-7 summit.
✓ The bust was gifted by India to Hiroshima as a symbol of friendship and goodwill between India and
Japan on the occasion of PM Modi’s visit to the city for the G7 summit.
✓ The 42-inch tall bronze bust has been sculpted by Padma Bhushan awardee Ram Vanji Sutar
JAPAN IN NEWS 2023

➢ Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, was present at the unveiling ceremony of the bust of
Mahatma Gandhi in Hiroshima, Japan.
➢ Japan ‘seriously looking’ at joining India’s UPI payments system.
➢ India invited to attend G7 Hiroshima summit in Japan.
➢ United Kingdom has announced sanctions on the military-industrial complex and metals as well as
Russian diamonds in a new round of sanctions ahead of the G7 meeting in Japan.

➢ Japan has decided to provide specialized training to 1,000 Indian engineers ahead of starting work on the
➢ The total length of the corridor between Ahmedabad and Mumbai is 508 km, of which 348 km falls in
Gujarat and 156 km in Maharashtra.
➢ Japan will provide an Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan of USD 1.24 billion to Bangladesh
for infrastructure and connectivity projects.
➢ Japan has decided to provide specialized training to 1,000 Indian engineers ahead of starting work on the
➢ Exercise ‘Veer Guardian 2023’ between the Indian Air Force and the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force
(JASDF) will be conducted from January 12 to 26 at Hyakuri air base and Iruma air base in Japan.
➢ The dialogue on April 05, 2023 was co-chaired by Mr. Giridhar Armane, Defense Secretary of India and
Mr. Oka Masami, Defense Minister of International Affairs of Japan.
➢ According to the latest Nikkei Asia industry data, India has overtaken Japan to become the third largest
auto market for the first time.
➢ Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya addressed the G7 Health
Ministerial meeting on Global Health Architecture in Nagasaki, Japan.
➢ India and Japan will conduct their first Air exercise from 16 January to 26 January 2023 at the Hyakuri
Air Base and at the Iruma Air Base in Sayama Japan.
➢ The 4th edition of the joint military exercise between India and Japan, "X Dharma Guardians" will be
conducted from 17 February to 2 March 2023 at Camp Imazu, Shiga Prefecture, Japan.
➢ Bangladesh, India, and Japan are set to hold a connectivity event in Tripura, India on April 11-12.
➢ Japan to invest ₹7,200 crores in Uttar Pradesh, HMI Group is developing 30 hotels in the state.
➢ SJVN Ltd, a state-owned company, has secured Rs 915 crore in ‘GREEN’ financing from Japan Bank
for International Cooperation (JBIC) to support its 90 MW Omkareshwar floating solar project in
Madhya Pradesh and 100 MW Raghanesda solar project in Gujarat.
➢ Indian Air Force (IAF) participated in Exercise Shinyuu Maitri with the Japan Air Self-Defence Force
(JASDF) which was conducted from 13 February 2023 to 02 March 2023 at Komatsu, Japan.
➢ Japan, U.S., South Korea, Taiwan launch ‘Chip 4’ talks for supply chain.
➢ India has surpassed Japan in terms of auto sales last year to become the third-largest auto market globally
for the first time.
➢ JAPAN
➢ Capital : Tokyo
➢ Currency : Yen
➢ Emperor : Naruhito
➢ 100th Prime Minister : Fumio Kishida.
Q. In 2025 year to be observed as 'special tourism year' in Which country?
A) Nepal B) Sri Lanka
C) Maldives D) Vietnam
Answer : A
✓ The decade of the 2080s of Bikram Samvat will be marked as 'the Visit Nepal decade' and the year 2025
as the special year for tourism.
✓ This was announced by the President of Nepal Ram Chandra Paudel while presenting the policies and
programmes for the fiscal year, 2080/81 at the joint meeting of the federal parliament.
Q. Who took oath as the 24th Chief Minister of Karnataka?

A) D. K. Shivakumar B) B. S. Yediyurappa
C) H. D. Kumaraswamy D) Siddaramaiah
Answer : D

✓ Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader Siddaramaiah was sworn in as the 24th Chief Minister of
Karnataka for his second term and Karnataka Congress President DK Shivakumar was sworn in as the
Deputy Chief Minister.
KARNATAKA IN NEWS 2023

➢ Siddaramaiah was sworn in as the 24th Chief Minister of Karnataka for his second term .
➢ The National Manufacturing Innovation Survey (NMIS) 2021-22 Karnataka, overall, is the most
“innovative” State, followed by Telangana, and Tamil Nadu.
➢ According to the India Justice Report (IJR) 2022, which assesses the performance of states in terms of
justice delivery, the state of Karnataka has achieved the top rank .
➢ World Bank has granted a loan of USD 363 million to the state of Karnataka in India, which will help to
provide clean drinking water.
➢ Karnataka ended their 54-year wait to win the Santosh Trophy national football championship, beating
Meghalaya .
➢ The Karnataka Government will build the country’s first Marina or a boat basin offering dockage, at
Byndoor in Udupi district to promote coastal tourism in Karnataka.
➢ Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying announced that the fourth phase of the Sagar
Parikrama program began in Karnataka.
➢ Karnataka bags National Award For Fasal Bima Yojana, implementing the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima
Yojana (PMFBY) scheme.
➢ Karnataka Bank awarded ‘Prathista Puraskar for achieving highest percentage in BHIM-UPI
transactions.
➢ Mysuru and Hampi are the two popular destinations in Karnataka to be promoted as a part of the new
Tourism policy ‘The Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Scheme, which focuses on revving up destination tourism.
➢ Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah has laid the foundation stone of the Central
Detective Training Institute (CDTI) at Devanahalli in Karnataka.
➢ About Karnataka State
➢ Formation - 1 November 1956
➢ Capital- Bengaluru
➢ Chief minister : Siddaramaiah
➢ Governor- Thawar Chand Gehlot
➢ Legislative Assembly seats- 224
➢ Lok Sabha seats- 28
➢ Jog Falls (Garsoppa) located in Karnataka is the highest waterfall in India which is on Sharavathi River.
➢ Yakshagana is the main folk dance of Karnataka.
Q. Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, lies in which state?
A) Assam B) Karnakata
C) Madhya Pradesh D) Uttar Pradesh
Answer : C
✓ An official said a tiger cub was found dead with injuries in the core area of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
(BTR) in Madhya Pradesh.
✓ The cub had injuries on the neck and back, which were caused by mauling.
✓ About Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve :
✓ It is located in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh.
✓ It is spread over the Vindhya hills.
✓ Bandhavgarh was declared a national park in 1968 and then became Tiger Reserve in 1993.
Q. Which state CM has inaugurated one of India’s longest Skywalk bridges, which spans 570 meters in
length and 4.2 meters in width?

A) Karnataka B) Madhya Pradesh
C) Uttar Pradesh D) Tamil Nadu
Answer : D
✓ Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has inaugurated a 570-meter long and 4.2-meter-wide skywalk
bridge connecting the Mambalam railway station and T Nagar bus terminus.
✓ The multi-modal project connects the railway station and bus stand. It will help pedestrians.
✓ The bridge was constructed by the Greater Chennai Corporation at a cost of Rs 28.45 crore from Smart
City funds.
Q. When is the United Nations recognised International Tea Day observed?
A) May 20 B) May 19
C) May 21 D) May 18
Answer : C
✓ The United Nations recognised International Tea Day is observed annually on May 21 by the UN Food
and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to raise awareness of the deep cultural and economic significance
of tea around the world and promote its importance in fighting hunger and poverty.
✓ The day was adopted by United Nations on December 21, 2019.
✓ DON'T CONFUSED
✓ It must be noted that the United Nations recognised International Tea Day is observed on 21 May.
✓ The International Tea Day is observed annually on December 15 since 2005 in tea producing countries
like India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Vietnam, Indonesia, Kenya, Malawi, Malaysia, Tanzania and
Uganda.
✓ Assam is the largest producer of tea in India.
✓ China is the largest producer of tea in the world.
✓ India is the second largest producer
Q. Amy Pope has been selected as the first female Director-General of International Organization for
Migration (IOM). She is from which country?
A) Denmark B) Sweden
C) United States D) United Kingdom
Answer : C
✓ Amy Pope of the United States has been selected as the first female Director-General of the United
Nations Migration Agency.
✓ She will head the Geneva-based International Organization for Migration (IOM).
✓ Pope is currently serving as deputy to Director General Antonio Vitorino.
✓ Her five-year term as director general will begin on October 1, replacing Vitorino
✓ International Organization for Migration (IOM)
✓ It is an agency of the United Nations and provides services and advice related to migration.
✓ Formation - 6 December 1951
✓ Headquarters - Geneva, Switzerland.
✓ Membership (2023) - 175 member states and 8 observer states.
Q. Who has becomes the first state in the country to approve Good Governance Regulations?
A) Rajasthan B) Maharashtra
C) Gujarat D) Kerala

Answer : B
✓ Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde approved the first Good Governance Regulations in the
country.
✓ The purpose of the rules is to enhance accountability, accessibility, dynamism and transparency in state
administration.
MAHARASHTRA IN NEWS 2023
➢ Maharashtra Government launched Namo Shetkari Mahasanman Yojana.
➢ Maharashtra becomes the first state in the country to approve Good Governance Regulations.
➢ Uttar Pradesh surpasses Maharashtra in sugar production this season.
➢ A new initiative called ‘beggar-free city’ started in Nagpur, Maharashtra.
➢ Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister, is scheduled to present the ‘Maharashtra Bhushan’ Award to
Dattatreya Narayan Dharmadhikari, also known as Appasaheb Dharmadhikari, on April 16 for his
notable work as a social worker and reformer.
➢ Maharashtra Government has introduced a 4% quota for employees with disabilities in promotions.
➢ Bank of Maharashtra inaugurated its first dedicated Branch for Start-ups in Pune.
➢ Ramesh Bais Appointed as the New Governor of Maharashtra.
➢ Maharashtra became the first state in the country to pass the Lokayukta Bill.
➢ Recently a rare low altitude basalt plateau has been discovered in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra..
➢ Nilesh Sambre conferred with 'Maratha Udyog Ratna 2023' by Maharashtra State.
➢ Talon Grikspoor of the Netherlands won the singles title at the Maharashtra Open tennis tournament in
Pune.
Q. Which country will host the 44th edition of the annual ISO COPOLCO Plenary ?
A) Japan B) Russia
C) India D) Germany
Answer : C
✓ India will host the 44th edition of the annual ISO COPOLCO Plenary from May 23-26, 2023, by the
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
✓ The event to be held in New Delhi will be inaugurated by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush
Goyal.
✓ COPOLCO President Sadie Denton, ISO Secretary General Sergio Mujica and other high ISO officials
will also attend the event.
✓ Organized by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the grand event will include interactive sessions and
workshops on relevant topics, apart from various activities aimed at enhancing consumer engagement in
the standardization process.
Q. Which state cabinet has approved a financial proposal of Rs 106.46 crore for developing Geographic
Information System (GIS) based 3D models of 4 cities?
A) Uttar Pradesh B) Uttarakhand
C) Rajasthan D) Madhya Pradesh
Answer : C
✓ The state cabinet of Rajasthan chaired by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot approved a financial proposal of
Rs 106.46 crore for developing Geographic Information System (GIS) based 3D models of 4 cities in the
state namely Jodhpur, Udaipur, Kota and Ajmer.
✓ The state government will develop GIS-based 3D models of the four cities for better planning and
management of urban development.

✓ The financial approval has been made for the implementation of GIS-based 3D city and Rajdhara
Satellite Imagery Repository projects in these four cities.
Q. Who is the author of the book titled “Partitioned Freedom”?
A) Ram Madhav B) Umesh Lalit
C) Rajesh Verma D) Rajiv Dixit
Answer : A
✓ 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.
✓ The book “Partitioned Freedom” offers profound insights into the events that unfolded during 1905 and
the pre-independence era.
✓ 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”.
Q. Which IIT has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Israel to build an ‘India-Israel Center of Water
Technology’ (CoWT) in Water Resources Management and Water Technologies?
A) IIT Kanpur B) IIT Bombay
C) IIT Madras D) IIT Kharagpur
Answer : C
✓ Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Israel to build an
‘India-Israel Center of Water Technology’ (CoWT) in Water Resources Management and Water
Technologies.
Q. Elena Rybakina has won the women’s single title at the Italian Open 2023 Tennis tournament. She
represents which country?
A) Russia B) Poland
C) Spain D) Kazakhstan
Answer : D
✓ Italian Open 2023: Daniil Medvedev wins Men’s Singles title; Elena Rybakina wins Women’s singles
title.
✓ Russian tennis player Daniil Medvedev won the Men’s Singles title at the 2023 Italian Open (also known
as the Rome Masters or the Internazionali BNL d’Italia) by defeating Holger Rune of Denmark in the
final. The 2023 Italian Open was from 2nd to 21st May 2023 at Foro Italico in Rome, Italy.
✓ This marks Daniil Medvedev’s first-ever Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) tile on the clay court
of his career and his first-ever Italian Open title.
✓ With this win, Daniil Medvedev ascended to world number 2 in the ATP rankings.
✓ Women’s Singles:
✓ The 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina won the Women’s singles title at the Italian Open 2023
by defeating Anhelina Kalinina of Ukraine. This marks her first major title on clay.
✓ Italian Open 2023:
✓ Italian Open 2023 is the 80th edition of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia
Q. Which player has won the men’s singles title at the Italian Open 2023 Tennis Tournament?
A) Daniil Medvedev B) Casper Ruud
C) Stefanos Tsitsipas D) Carlos Alcaraz

Answer : A
✓ Russian tennis player Daniil Medvedev won the Men’s Singles title at the 2023 Italian Open (also known
as the Rome Masters or the Internazionali BNL d’Italia) by defeating Holger Rune of Denmark in the
final
Q. PM Narendra Modi has addressed the 76th Session of the World Health Assembly in which country?
A) Switzerland B) Sweden
C) Norway D) Denmark
Answer : A
✓ The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has addressed the 76th Session of the World Health Assembly in
Geneva, Switzerland.
✓ India shipped almost 300 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to over 100 countries including many
countries from the Global South.
✓ India’s commitment to international cooperation and informed that the country shipped almost 300
million doses of covid-19 vaccines to over 100 countries including many countries from the Global South.
✓ India’s vision for good health is ‘One Earth One Health’, which extends to the entir.
Q. Which Countries are signed agreement in the field of Green Hydrogen?

A) India and United Kingdom B) India and Switzerland
C) India and New Zealand D) India and Australia
Answer : D
✓ The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was exchanged after a bilateral meeting between Prime
Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese in Sydney.
✓ Prime Minister Modi invited Prime Minister Albanese and Australian cricket fans to India for the Cricket
World Cup.
✓ Prime Minister Albanese announced the establishment of a new Australian Consulate General in
Bengaluru to link Australian businesses to India's digital and innovation ecosystem.
Q. Which Company launched 'GAINS' 2023 Startup Challenge in Kolkata?
A) HSL B) GRSE
C) BEML D) MIDHANI
Answer : B
✓ Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd launched GRSE Accelerated Innovation
Nurturing Scheme 2023 or ‘GAINS 2023’ in Kolkata, West Bengal (WB) to utilize the eco-system that
tackles current and future challenges in the ship design and construction sector.
✓ GAINS 2023 is a part of GRSE’s drive to identify and promote the development of innovative solutions
towards technological advances in shipbuilding by Startups.
Q. Which government has formulated the 'Green Hydrogen' policy to promote the use of green hydrogen?
A) Assam B) Himachal Pradesh
C) Meghalaya D) West Bengal
Answer : B

✓ Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has ‘Green Hydrogen’ policy would be
formulated to promote the use of green hydrogen and establish the state as a leading hub for its
production.
✓ The state’s abundant renewable energy resources, including ample sunlight, water and wind, make it an
ideal location for generating green hydrogen.
Q. Which country has won the 13th Sudirman Cup title defeating South Korea 3-0 at Suzhou?
A) China B) India
C) South Korea D) Denmark
Answer : A
✓ China has claimed a record 13th Sudirman Cup title defeating South Korea 3-0 at Suzhou.
✓ Chen Yufei defeated World Number two An Se Young 21-16,22-20, in the women’s singles to seal the
victory.
✓ In the men’s singles, Korea’s Lee Yun Gyu was easily outmatched by Shi Yuqi.
✓ The tournament is one of badminton’s most important because performances will count towards
qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Q. Machilipatnam port is located in which state?

A) Kerala B) Gujarat
C) Maharashtra D) Andhra Pradesh
Answer : D
✓ Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy formally launched the Machilipatnam port
works worth Rs 5,156 crore recently.
✓ The port, with an initial cargo capacity of 35 million tonnes, will be completed in two years.
✓ The capacity of the 4-berth deep water port will be increased to 116 million tonnes as cargo traffic
gradually increases.
✓ The port will help develop Machilipatnam on the lines of developed port cities like Mumbai and Chennai
as it will be connected by National Highway 216 and Gudivada-Machilipatnam railway line soon.
✓ About Machilipatnam Port
✓ It is a proposed deep sea port on the Bay of Bengal coast located at Machilipatnam, the district
headquarters of Krishna district in Andhra Pradesh.
✓ The project is being implemented by the Machilipatnam Port Development Corporation Limited
(MPDCL).
✓ The first phase of the port is expected to have a capacity of 35 million tonnes.
Q. Where will be the 3rd khelo India University Games?
A) Madhya Pradesh B) Karnataka
C) Haryana D) Uttar Pradesh
Answer : D
✓ The third Khelo India University Games will begin with a Kabaddi event on May 23 in Gautam Budh
Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh.
✓ 15 teams representing different universities are participating in the Kabaddi competition.
✓ The matches will be held at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Stadium in Gautam Budh Nagar district.
✓ The official opening ceremony of the Khelo India University Games will take place on May 25 in
Lucknow and will continue till June 3.

✓ The Khelo India University Games will be held in four cities: Gautam Buddha Nagar, Lucknow,
Gorakhpur and Varanasi and the closing ceremony of the Games will be held in Varanasi.
✓ Wrestling and Yogasana (yoga postures) events will be organised in Varanasi during the Khelo India
University Games.
Q. Who has become the 17th world chess champion after defeating Russia’s Ian Nepomniachtchi in a tie-
breaker?
A) Levon Aronian B) Magnus Carlsen
C) Anish Giri D) Ding Liren
Answer : D
✓ Ding Liren became China's first world chess champion after defeating Russia's Ian Nepomniachtchi in a
tie-breaker.
✓ Ding Liren has become the 17th World Chess Champion.
Q. When is the World Press Freedom Day commemorated all over the world?
A) 01 May B) 02 May
C) 04 May D) 03 May
Answer : D
✓ World Press Freedom Day is observed annually on 3 May to increase understanding about the
importance of a free press.
✓ This year's theme is "Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a Driver for All Other Human
Rights".
✓ World Press Freedom Day was proposed by UNESCO's General Conference in 1991 to celebrate and
promote press freedom.
✓ World Press Freedom Day also provides an opportunity to honour journalists who have lost their lives
in the line of duty.
Q. India's first undersea tunnels are being completed in which city, likely to open in November 2023?
A) Mumbai B) Kochi
C) Chennai D) Ahmedabad
Answer : A
✓ India’s First Undersea Tunnel in Mumbai Set to Open by November 2023.
✓ The tunnels begin close to Girgaon (before Marine Drive), travel under the Arabian Sea, Girgaon
Chowpatty, and Malabar Hill, and finally terminate at Breach Candy’s Priyadarshini Park.
✓ The high-speed coastal route aims to reduce the 45-minute peak-time trip from Girgaon to Worli to only
10 minutes.
✓ The diameter of the tunnels is 12.19 meters which is 17-20 meters below sea level. About 1 kilometer part
is under the sea.
✓ The tunnels reach a depth of 72 meters in Malabar Hill.
✓ Construction of tunnels is a part of the Mumbai Coastal Road Project (MCRP) being built by the
Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
Q. Who has become the first Indian to complete the prestigious Golden Globe Race 2022?
A) Armaan Ebrahim B) Akhil Rabindra
C) Abhilash Tomy D) Karun Chandhok

Answer : C
✓ Abhilash Tomy becomes the first Indian to complete Golden Globe Race 2022.
✓ He finished second in the race, a solo around-the-world sailing race.
✓ The race started on September 4, 2022, from Les Sables-d’Olonne in France, with 16 sailors from 11
countries.
✓ Only two of them managed to complete the gruelling challenge while sailing non-stop. This tested their
physical and mental stamina to the limit.
✓ The only other finisher so far has been the sailor Simon Curwen who had been forced to make stops to
address problems with his boat, unlike Abhilash Tomy and Kirsten Neuschafer who completed the race
non-stop
Q. Who is the author of book titled ‘Collective Spirit, Concrete Action’?

A) Vikram Seth B) Anita Desai
C) Chetan Bhagat D) Shashi Shekhar Vempati
Answer : D
✓ A book called ‘Collective Spirit, Concrete Action’ written by Shashi Shekhar Vempati, former CEO of
Prasar Bharati (2017-2022) was launched.
✓ The book was released during a day-long National Conclave on Mann Ki Baat @100 held in the New
Delhi.
✓ According to the author, ‘Mann Ki Baat’ is a combination of the power of radio and the vision of a
nation’s leader.
Q. Three jailed women journalists Nilofar Hamidi, Elahe Mohammadi and Nargis Mohammadi were given
the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize 2023. These three women are from which
country?
A) Saudi Arabia B) Iran
C) Iraq D) United Arab Emirates
Answer : B
✓ Three imprisoned Iranian women journalists awarded 2023 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press
Freedom Prize.
✓ Award winners include Niloufer Hamidi, Elaheh Mohammadi and Nargis Mohammadi.
✓ Neelofer had informed people about 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who had died in September last year,
through a news item.
✓ Amini was arrested by the ethics police for not wearing a headscarf properly.
✓ Elaheh wrote about Amini's funeral.
✓ Amini's death triggered months of protests in Iran's cities.
✓ The third winner, Nargis Mohammadi, worked for many years as a journalist and is one of Iran's most
prominent activists.
✓ UNESCO World Press Freedom Prize.
✓ This award was started in 1997.
✓ The award is given to a person, organization or institution who, at the risk of life, has made an
outstanding contribution to the defense and, or promotion of freedom of the press, anywhere in the world.
✓ The award was established at the initiative of the Executive Board of UNESCO.
✓ The award is formally presented by UNESCO on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day on 3 May.
✓ The award is named in honor of Guillermo Cano Isaza, a Colombian journalist who was assassinated
on 17 December 1986 in front of the office of his newspaper El Espectador in Bogotá, Colombia.
Q. The World Press Freedom Prize is awarded annually by__

A) UNESCO B) World Bank
C) International Monetary Fund D) UNICEF
Answer : A
Q. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman attends the 56th Annual General Meeting of the Board of
Directors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in which country?
A) Saudi Arabia B) United Arab Emirates
C) South Korea D) Japan
Answer : C
✓ Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman attends the 56th Annual General Meeting of the Board of
Directors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in South Korea.
✓ The meetings are attended by official delegations of ADB members, observers, non-governmental and
civil society organizations, financial institutions and banks, and other private sector companies.
✓ During the four-day visit, Sitharaman will also participate in annual meeting focal events like the
Governors’ Business, and also as a panelist in the ADB Governors’ Seminar on Policies to Support Asia’s
Rebound.
✓ SOUTH KOREA
✓ Capital : Seoul
✓ Currency : Won
✓ President : Yoon Suk-yeol
✓ Prime Minister : Kim Boo-kyum
Q. Name the player who has won the 2023 World Snooker Championship?
A) Luca Brecel B) Ricky Walden
C) Mark Selby D) Robert Milkins
Answer : A
✓ Belgium’s Luca Brecel has become the first European player to win 2023 World Snooker Championship.
This was his first world title.
✓ He defeated Mark Selby of England with an 18-15 win.
✓ The tournament was held from 15 April to 1 May 2023 at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, England
Q. Name the recruitment portal launched by the University Grant Commission (UGC) for recruitment of
the faculties in Central Universities?
A) CU-Niyukt B) CU-Chayan
C) CU-Adhikar D) CU-Sweekar
Answer : B
✓ The University Grant Commission (UGC) Chairman M Jagadesh Kumar launched the Central
University Faculty recruitment portal CU-Chayan, which is completely user-friendly.
✓ CU-Chayan is a unified recruitment portal, designed and developed specifically for recruitment of the
faculties in Central Universities.
✓ CU-Chosen is an integrated recruitment portal, specially designed and developed for faculty recruitment
in Central Universities.
✓ The portal is completely user friendly and caters to the needs of all the stakeholders in the recruitment
process.
✓ UGC has developed this portal to create an enabling environment for both universities and applicants.

✓ The portal was launched on May 2, 2023 by Professor Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar,Chairman, UGC.
Q. The Ministry of Defence, in the Government of India, has recently handed over Fast Patrol Vessel and a
Landing Craft Assault ship, to which of the following countries?
A) Maldives B) Russia
C) Ukraine D) Bangladesh
Answer : A
✓ Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh handed over two made-in-India platforms, namely, Fast Patrol
Vessel and a Landing Craft Assault ship, to the Maldives National Defence Forces (MNDF) 0n May 02,
2023.
✓ Minister Rajnath Singh is on 3-day visit to the Maldives from May 01 to 03, 2023.
✓ The Fast Patrol Vessel was commissioned as MNDF Coast Guard ship Huravee. It is capable of coastal
and offshore surveillance at high speeds.
✓ The handing over of the two vessels is a symbol of the shared commitment of India and the Maldives
towards peace and security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
✓ About Maldives
✓ It is also called Maldives Islands, an independent island country in the north-central Indian Ocean.
✓ Basis of economy -fisheries, tourism
✓ Industries - handicraft or cottage including the making of coir (coconut-husk fibre) and coir products, fish
canning, and boatbuilding.
✓ Capital -Male
✓ President -Ibrahim Mohamed Solih
✓ Currency -Rufiyaa
Q. What is the new deadline set by EPFO for employees to submit applications regarding higher pension?
A) June 26 B) May 03
C) July 01 D) May 31
Answer : A
✓ The retirement fund body Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has extended the deadline
to apply for pension on higher wages till June 26, 2023.
✓ The decision has been taken to provide a larger window of opportunity and to enable all eligible persons
to file their applications.
✓ The initial deadline of March 3 was extended till May 3, 2023.
✓ The Central Board of Trustees (CBT) of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has raised
the interest rate on the provident fund (PF) deposits marginally to 8.15 percent for FY23.
Outreach Program for expanding its presence in more than 685 districts of the country
Q. The Ministry of Tourism participated in Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023, with the theme Incredible
India. The event was organised at which place?
A) Doha B) Cairo
C) Dubai D) Sharjah
Answer : C
✓ The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, is participating in the Arabian Travel Market (ATM)
2023, being held in Dubai, UAE from May 01 to 04, 2023.

✓ The ATM 2023 is a leading global events for the travel and tourism industry, attracting visitors and
exhibitors from around the world.
✓ The Indian pavilion is participation in the ATM 2023 event with the theme “Incredible India”. It shall
showcase India’s rich cultural and natural heritage, including its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, wildlife
sanctuaries, and spiritual destinations.
✓ India has also launched Visit India Year 2023 campaign at the event.
✓ With this, India aims to present itself as a preferred travel destination among the Middle East and North
Africa (MENA) markets.
Q. Bharti Airtel has planned to merge its which overseas business operations with Dialog Axiata to become
the largest telecom provider in that country?
A) Bangladesh B) Maldives
C) Malaysia D) Sri Lanka
Answer : D
✓ The telecom major Bharti Airtel has announced its plan to merge its Sri Lanka operations with Dialog
Axiata, the largest telecom provider in Sri Lanka.
✓ The merged entity will become the largest telecom provider in Sri Lanka.
✓ Under the pact Bharti Airtel will be granted a stake in Dialog, representing fair value of Airtel Lanka.
Bharti Airtel will accordingly be issued new shares in Dialog upon completion of the deal.
✓ Bharti Airtel
✓ Founded : 1995
✓ Founder : Sunil Bharti Mittal
✓ Chairman : Sunil Bharti Mittal
✓ MD & CEO : Gopal Vittal.
SRI LANKA IN NEWS 2023
✓ Bharti Airtel has announced its plan to merge its Sri Lanka operations with Dialog Axiata, the largest
telecom provider in Sri Lanka.
✓ The 10th annual SLINEX-2023 bilateral maritime exercise between India and Sri Lanka has commenced
in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
✓ Sri Lanka assent to Adani Green’s $442 Million Wind Power Project.
✓ India will support Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring plan as the island nation looks to trim its huge public
expenditure to win approval for a crucial bailout from the International Monetary Fund.
✓ India has supplied 50 buses to Sri Lanka on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of independence.
✓ Indian High Commission signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Sabaragamuwa
University of Sri Lanka to establish a Hindi Chair.
✓ India & Sri Lanka inaugurate exhibition ‘Geoffrey Bawa’ in New Delhi.
✓ Reliance Retail Ventures Limited announced a strategic partnership with Sri Lanka-headquartered
Maliban Biscuit Manufactories Limited.
✓ SRI LANKA
✓ Capital : Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (legislative)
✓ Colombo (executive and judicial)
✓ Currency : Rupee
✓ President : Ranil Wickremesinghe
✓ Prime Minister : Dinesh Gunawardena
✓ Mitra Shakti Military Exercise : India and Sri Lanka
✓ Slinex Navel Exercise : India and Sri Lanka
✓ Parliament : parliamenthua (225 seats)
✓ National day : 4 February 1948

Q. Sharad Pawar has stepped down as the National President of which political party?
A) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) B) Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)
C) Indian National Congress (INC) D) Communist Party of India (Marxist)
Answer : B
✓ The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) President Sharad Pawar has stepped down from his position on
May 02, 2023.
✓ The noted politician made the announcement of his retirement during the release of his autobiography
titled, ‘Lok Majhe Sangati – Political Autobiography’.
✓ He was the first and former president of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which was founded in
1999, after separating from the Indian National Congress.
✓ Apart from this, Pawar has served as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra for four terms.
✓ Pawar has also served as the Minister of Defence in the Cabinet of P.V Narsimha Rao and Minister of
Agriculture in the Cabinet of Manmohan Singh.
Q. Who is the author of the autobiography titled ‘Lok Majhe Sangati – Political Autobiography’?
A) Uddhav Thackeray B) Sharad Pawar
C) Devendra Fadnavis D) Eknath Shine
Answer : B
✓ The noted politician made the announcement of his retirement during the release of his autobiography
titled, ‘Lok Majhe Sangati – Political Autobiography’.
AUTOBIOGRAPHY IN NEWS 2023
➢ Sharad Pawar autobiography ‘Lok Maze Sangati’ (Lok Maze Sangati) .
➢ Tennis player Jaideep Mukherjee launches his autobiography "Crosscourt".
➢ Ghulam Nabi Azad’s Autobiography ‘Azaad’ .
➢ K.K. Abdul Gaffar’s autobiography, ‘Njaan Sakshi’ (me as the witness).
Q. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently launched a book titled ‘Reflections’. Who is the author
of this book?
A) Subramaniam Ramadorai B) Keki Dadiseth
C) Narayanan Vaghul D) Arundhati Bhattacharya
Answer : C
✓ Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman launched a book titled
‘Reflections’, in Mumbai recently.
✓ The book has been written by eminent banker Shri Narayanan Vaghul, who is widely considered as the
architect of modern banking in India..
✓ Author Shri Vaghul has complied his decades-long experiences in India’s financial landscape in this
book..
Q. The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), New Delhi celebrated its which Foundation Day in 2023?
A) 60th B) 90th
C) 50th D) 75th
Answer : A

✓ The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), New Delhi celebrated its Diamond Jubilee, means, 60th
Foundation Day on May 02, 2023.
✓ Established in 1963, IIFT is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
✓ It is a leading business school in India with its main campus in New Delhi and additional campuses in
Kolkata and Kakinada.
✓ It also functions as a civil services training institute
✓ Late Shri HD Shourie was the founding Director General, who laid the foundation of IIFT with the
motto, ‘Excellence is a way of life’.
✓ Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT).
✓ The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) was established in 1963 as an autonomous body under the
Union Ministry of Commerce & Industry to contribute in the skill building for the external trade sector
of India.
✓ It is one of the top business schools of India with a special focus on Trade and Finance.
✓ The Institute was granted “Deemed to be University” status in 2002.
Q. Telangana state has introduced an insurance scheme for toddy tappers named ‘Geetha Karmikula
Bhima’. What amount of insurance cover will be provided under this scheme?
A) Rs 10 lakh B) Rs 3 lakh
C) Rs 2 lakh D) Rs 5 lakh
Answer : D
✓ The state government of Telangana, led by Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has planned to
introduce a new insurance scheme for toddy tappers, under the name ‘Geetha Karmikula Bhima’.
✓ AS per the scheme, an insurance money of Rs 5 lakh would be deposited directly in the bank account of
the respective family members in case any toddy tapper dies accidentally while collecting toddy from
palm trees in the fields.
✓ The insurance amount would be disbursed within a week.
Q. India’s first Rafale lady pilot Shivangi Singh participating in Orion Military Exercise 2023 belongs to
which state?
A) Andhra Pradesh B) Bihar
C) Kerala D) Rajasthan
Answer : B
✓ Lieutenant Shivangi Singh is the first woman Rafale pilot to take part in Orion Exercise 2023.
✓ She hails from Fatehabad, Bihar and is considered a major fighter serving in the Indian Navy.
✓ The fourth and final phase of the Orion Military Exercise is being held between April 19 to May 05, 2023.
✓ This is a multilateral international exercise of the Indian Air Force..
Q. India has signed an MoU with which country on Industrial Research and Development Cooperation
with focus on several key technology areas
A) France B) South Korea
C) Israel D) Germany
Answer : C
✓ India and Israel signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance industrial research and
development cooperation in high-tech areas such as AI, quantum, semiconductors, healthcare,
aerospace, sustainable energy and agriculture.

✓ The partnership aims to facilitate collaborative initiatives for industrial research and development in a
diverse range of high-tech domains, including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, semiconductor
technology, synthetic biology, healthcare, aerospace, sustainable energy and agriculture.
✓ The MoU will focus on specific projects and will be monitored by a Joint Steering Committee to ensure
effective implementation.
✓ Memorandum of Understanding (MOU):
✓ It is a type of agreement between two or more parties that expresses a shared intention to take a common
line of action.
✓ Memoranda of Understanding can be used in situations where the parties do not intend a legal
commitment or cannot form a legally enforceable agreement.
✓ About Israel
✓ Israel is a Middle Eastern country on the Mediterranean Sea.
✓ It is considered the Holy Land of the Bible by Jews, Christians and Muslims.
✓ Tel Aviv is the financial centre of the country and is known for its beaches and Bauhaus architecture.
✓ Capital and largest city - Jerusalem
✓ Official language - Hebrew
✓ Recognized Language - Arabic
✓ Government - Unitary parliamentary republic
✓ President - Isaac Herzog
✓ Prime Minister - Benjamin Netanyahu
Signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) IN NEWS 2023
➢ India and Israel sign MoU for cooperation on industrial research and development.
➢ India and the United Kingdom have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for collaboration
on science and innovation.
➢ United States and India will sign a memorandum of understanding on semiconductors.
➢ India-Armenia sign MoU on High Impact Community Development Projects.
➢ India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Climate
Action.
➢ India, Mexico ink MoU on research, technology and innovation collaborations.
➢ India, Panama sign agreement on cooperation in training diplomats.
➢ India and Fiji sign MoU on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and official passports.
➢ Cabinet Approves Signing of the MoU between the India and South Africa for cooperation in Disability
Sector.
➢ RBI, Central Bank of UAE sign MoU to promote innovation in financial products and services.
➢ India and Egypt signed an MOU to facilitate content exchange, capacity building, and Co-Productions
between Prasar Bharati and the National Media Authority of Egypt.
➢ India signs MoU with Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle Joint Business Council to promote
adoption of energy efficiency.
Q. Which country has named the cyclonic storm 'Cyclone Mocha' in the Bay of Bengal?
A) Yemen B) Sri Lanka
C) Indonesia D) Bangladesh
Answer : A
✓ The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a cyclonic storm 'Cyclone Mocha' in the Bay
of Bengal and adjoining areas which is expected to hit the east coast between May 7 and May 9.
✓ The cyclonic storm has been named Mocha which is given by Yemen.
✓ The name is inspired by the name of Mocha (or Mokha), a Yemeni city on the Red Sea coast
Q. India’s domestic coal production has risen by how much percent during the last five years?

A) 22% B) 25%
C) 16% D) 31%
Answer : A
✓ India’s domestic coal production rises by over 22 % during last 5 years.
✓ The country’s overall coal production has seen a quantum jump to 893.08 million tonnes in the Financial
Year 2022-23 as compared to 728.72 million tonnes in the Financial Year 2018-2019 with a growth of
about 22.6 percent.
✓ The priority of the Ministry is to enhance domestic coal production to reduce the dependence on
substitutable coal imports.
✓ The production of Coal India Limited (CIL) has increased by 703.21 million tonnes as compared to
606.89 million tonnes in the Financial Year 2018-2019 with a growth of 15.9 percent in the last five years
Q. Which UT has organized a two-day Sinthan Snow Festival-2023?
A) Ladakh B) Jammu and Kashmir
C) New Delhi D) Puducherry
Answer : B
✓ The Directorate of Tourism, Jammu and Kishtwar Tourism Development Authority (KTDA) has
organized a two-day Sinthan Snow Festival-2023 at Sinthan Maidan, Kishtwar, J&K.
✓ The snow festival has been organized in collaboration with the District Administration Kishtwar, the
Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages (JKAACL), and the Army.
Q. Indian Army appointed five women officers to which division of military forces?
A) Armoured Regiment B) Artillery Regiment
C) Infantry Regiment D) Mechanised Regiment
Answer : B
✓ Indian Army inducts first batch of “Five Women Officers” into the Regiment of Artillery.
✓ For the first time ever, five women cadets have been inducted into the Indian Army’s Regiment of
Artillery, on April 29, 2023, during their passing out parade at the Officers Training Academy (OTA),
Chennai.
✓ Lt Mehak Saini, Lt Sakshi Dubey, Lt Aditi Yadav, Lt Pious Mudgil and Lt Akanksha have been
commissioned into Army’s premier artillery units after successfully completing their training at the OTA,
Chennai.
✓ Out of the five women officers, three have been posted to units deployed along the borders with China
(Line of Actual Control (LAC)).
✓ The other two have been deployed in “challenging locations” near the frontier with Pakistan.
✓ These OTA, Chennai women cadets will receive the same opportunities and challenges as their male
counterparts.
Q. When is the International Workers’ Day commemorated?

A) 2 May
B) 1 May
C) 29 April
D) 30 April
Answer : B

✓ The International Workers’ Day is observed annually on May 01 to honour the contributions of the
labourers or working class people.
✓ This day is also known as Workers’ Day, Labour Day as well as May Day in some of the countries.
✓ India celebrated the first Labour day in the year 1923.
✓ In India, the day is referred to as Antarrashtriya Shramik Diwas or Kamgar Din
Q. Zafar Kizilkaya has been awarded the 2023 Goldman Environment Prize for the Asia region. Which
country is he from?
A) Turkey B) Thailand
C) Sweden D) Norway
Answer : A
✓ The 34th edition of the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize was announced recently, to honor one
grassroot environmental activist from each of the world’s six geographic regions: Africa, Asia, Europe,
Islands and Island Nations, North America, and South and Central America.
✓ Region-wise winner of the Goldman Environmental Prize 2023.
1. Islands and Island Nations – Delima Silalahi from Indonesia,
2. Africa – Chilekwa Mumba from Zambia,
3. South & Central America – Alessandra Korap Munduruku from Brazil,
4. North America – Diane Wilson from United States,
5. Europe – Tero Mustonen from Finland,
6. Asia – Zafer Kizilkaya from Turkey
✓ The Goldman Environmental Prize is given annually by the Goldman Environmental Foundation
headquartered in San Francisco, California.
✓ The award is dubbed as the “Green Nobel Prize.
✓ Asia region winner Paul is the co-founder of the Karen Environmental and Social Action Network
(KESAN), which was established in 2001, which supported Karen indigenous communities in
establishing the Salween Peace Park in Myanmar and on the border of Thailand, to conserve the
biodiversity.
Q. Which Indian state organised the ‘Food Conclave 2023’ brainstorming event?
Answer : B
✓ The first edition of the Food Conclave-2023 was hosted by the Telangana government on April 28 and
29, 2023 at Hyderabad.
✓ The conclave was inaugurated by the state IT and Industries Minister KT Rama Rao. The state
government also announced that Food Conclave will become an annual event from now.
✓ As a part of this conclave, the Telangana Agriculture Minister S Niranjan Reddy launched a Grand
Challenge for Innovation to promote innovation in the food processing sector.
Q. Who has become the first Indian men’s doubles pair to win a gold medal at the Badminton Asia
Championships?
A) Lakshya Sen and Chirag Shetty

B) Srikanth Kidambi and Chirag Shetty
C) Satwik SaiRaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty
D) Srikanth Kidambi and Lakshya Sen
Answer : C
✓ Satwik SaiRaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty becomes first Indian Men’s Doubles pair to win Badminton
Asia Championships Title.
✓ In the Badminton Asia Championship 2023, the Indian pair of Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj
Rankireddy won the men’s doubles title, held in Dubai on April 30, 2023.
✓ They defeated eighth-seeded Malaysian pair Teo Ee Yi and Ong Yew Sin in the final, 16-21, 21-17, and
21-19.
✓ With this win, the duo became the first Indian men’s doubles pair to win the Badminton Asia
Championships title.
✓ Also, this was India’s second-ever Badminton Asia Championships title after Dinesh Khanna in 1965.
✓ Winner’s List
✓ Men’s singles – Anthony Sinisuka Ginting (Indonesia)
✓ Women’s singles – Tai Tzu-ying (Taiwan)
✓ Men’s doubles – Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy
✓ Women’s doubles – Yuki Fukushima and Sayaka Hirota (Japan)
✓ Mixed doubles – Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin (China)
Q. Tai Tzu-ying who won women’s single title at the 2023 Badminton Asia Championships belongs to which
country?
A) Japan B) China
C) Taiwan D) Indonesia
Answer : C
✓ Women’s singles – Tai Tzu-ying (Taiwan)
Q. Who has become first Indian to Finish on Podium in British F4 Championship?

A) Nikhil Bohra B) Jaden Pariat
C) Karun Chandhok D) Alisha Abdullah
Answer : B
✓ Jaden Pariat Becomes First Indian to Finish on Podium in British F4 Championship
✓ Young Indian Racer Jaden Pariat, made the country proud by finishing on podium in the first round of
ROKit British F4 Championship at Donington Park in Leicestershire.
✓ The 16-year-old Meghalayan racer Pariat is hired for Argenti Motorsport.
✓ He is only the second Indian to get an international podium in a Tatuus F4 car after Kush Maini in 2017.
Q. India is going to host the 23rd edition of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in New
Delhi. What is the theme of this summit?
A) SECURE-SCO B) Cohesive and Responsive
C) Realizing Opportunities D) Shared Security and Innovative Growth
Answer : A

✓ India is set to host the 23rd edition of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit on July 3-
4, 2023 in New Delhi.
✓ The theme of India’s Chairmanship of SCO in 2023 is ‘SECURE-SCO’.
✓ The 22nd edition of the SCO Summit was held in September 2022 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
✓ The SCO is an intergovernmental organization established in 2001. The members of the bloc includes
India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
✓ Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
✓ Founded : 2001
✓ HQ : Beijing, China
✓ Secretary General : Zhang Ming (China)
✓ Member Countries = 9 ( Iran ,China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,Pakistan,Russia, Tajikistan &
Uzbekistan)
✓ SCO Summit 2021 : Dushanbe,Tajikistan.
✓ SCO Summit 2022 : Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
✓ SCO Summit to be hosted by the Indian side in 2023.
✓ The founding members (5) of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) were China, Russia,
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,Tajikistan. India and Pakistan officially joined this organisation in 2017
✓ Trick to remember SCO Countries.
✓ TRICK :- PICK IN KURTA
✓ P - Pakistan
✓ I - India
✓ C- China
✓ K - Kazakhstan
✓ IN - Iran
✓ K - Kyrgyzstan
✓ U - Uzbekistan
✓ R - Russia
✓ TA - Tajikistan
Q. India will join the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Carbon Offsetting and Reduction
Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) and Long-Term Aspirational Goals (LTAG) from which
year?
A) 2025 B) 2027
C) 2026 D) 2030
Answer : B
✓ India to join international climate action in civil aviation from 2027.
✓ India will join the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Carbon Offsetting and Reduction
Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) and Long-Term Aspirational Goals (LTAG) from 2027.
✓ ICAO has adopted several key ambitious targets, including a two percent annual fuel efficiency
improvement by 2050, carbon neutral development, and net zero by 2050, all covered under CORSIA
and LTAG.
✓ India's Ministry of Civil Aviation stated that joining these measures from 2027 would help airlines from
developing countries like India to achieve greater growth and avoid adverse financial consequences due
to CORSIA
✓ Headquarters -Montreal, Canada
Q. How many new wildlife conservation reserves have been declared in Rajasthan recently?
A) 5 B) 4
C) 3 D) 6

Answer : C
✓ The Forest Department of Rajasthan has announced the creation of three new conservation reserves in
the state to protect the rare and endangered wildlife of Rajasthan.
✓ These three new wildlife conservation reserves are
1. Sorsan in Baran,
2. Khichan in Jodhpur,
3. Hamirgarh in Bhilwara
✓ With the addition of these 3 new reserves, the total number of wildlife conservation reserves in Rajasthan
has gone up to 26.
Q. When is the World Tuna Day observed globally?

A) First Saturday of May B) May 1
C) May 2 D) First Sunday of May
Answer : C
✓ World Tuna Day is observed on May 2 every year to raise awareness about the Tuna fish and its
importance to humans and earth and also to promote more sustainable fishing practices.
✓ The United Nations (UN) officially recognised the World Tuna Day in 2017.
✓ The first World Tuna Day was observed in the year 2017.
✓ Tuna is a saltwater fish comprising of some 15 different species across five genera.
Q. India's exports to the UAE are expected to reach __ by 2026-27
Answer : A
✓ India's exports to the UAE are expected to reach $50 billion by 2026-27 from $31.3 billion at present on
the back of the free trade agreement between the countries.
✓ The India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) which was signed between
the two nations on 18 February 2022.
UAE IN NEWS 2023

➢ UAE India's second largest export destination and third largest source of imports.
➢ The first conference of I2U2 Business Forum, a joint initiative of India, Israel, the US and the United
Arab Emirates, was held on 22 February 2023 in Abu Dhabi (UAE).
➢ United Arab Emirates (UAE) will host the 13th World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ministerial meeting
in February 2024.
➢ UAE will host the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
(COP28) in November 2023.
➢ Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) signed an agreement to set up its first overseas office in Abu
Dhabi Global Market.
➢ UAE and India launched the UAE India Business Council - UAE Chapter (UIBCUC) to strengthen
economic ties and enhance bilateral trade and investment.
➢ EDGE, UAE’s leading defence group signed a Memorandum of Understanding with India’s aerospace
firm Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) at the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX).

➢ India, France, UAE Establish Trilateral Cooperation Initiative, in fields including Energy, Defence &
Economy.
➢ India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is shortly to be connected to comparable networks in Indonesia,
Mauritius, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
➢ RBI, Central Bank of UAE sign MoU to promote innovation in financial products and services.
➢ Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan appointed President of UAE.
➢ Emaar, a Dubai-based real estate developer, has become the first foreign company to invest in a mega-
mall spread over one million square feet in Srinagar.
➢ Indian Air Force contingent of 110 Air Warriors reached Al Dahfra airbase of United Arab Emirates
(UAE) on 25 February for participating in Exercise 'Desert Flag VIII.
➢ President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has appointed
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, his brother, as the Vice President of the country.
➢ Agricultural and Process Food Export Development Authority (APEDA) is participating in the 28th
edition of Gulfood 2023 which will be held in UAE.
➢ The ‘Study in India Pavilion’ at the Global Education & Training Exhibition (GETEX) in Dubai, UAE.
➢ HDFC Bank and UAE-based financial services company Lulu Exchange, have partnered to strengthen
cross-border payments between India and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.
➢ About UAE
➢ Official Language : Arabic
➢ Capital : Abu Dhabi
➢ Currency : Emirati Dirham
➢ President of UAE : Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
➢ Prime Minister: Sheikh Mohammed ibn Rashid Al Maktoum
Q. ASEAN Maritime Exercise 2023 begins today in Harbour Phase, the event is held at which military port?
A) Norfolk Naval Base B) Zapadnaya Litsa Naval Base
C) Washington Navy Yard D) Changi Naval Base
Answer : D
✓ The first ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME-2023) began on 2 May in Singapore.
✓ The maiden exercise is being conducted off the coast of Singapore.
✓ It aims to enhance interoperability and exchange of best practices among the participating navies.
✓ INS Satpura and INS Delhi, accompanied by RADM Gurcharan Singh, Flag Officer Commanding
Eastern Fleet, have reached Singapore to participate in the exercise.
✓ Indian Navy ships will also participate in the International Maritime Security Conference (IMSC) and
the International Maritime Defense Exhibition (IMDEX-23).
✓ Phase of the exercise
✓ Harbour Phase - to be conducted at Changi Naval Base.
✓ Sea Phase - to be conducted in the South China Sea.
Q. Who will be honored at the BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) Television Awards?
A) Nina Wadia B) Meera Syal
C) Mandy Takhar D) Rhona Mitra
Answer : B
✓ British-Indian Meera Syal to be awarded BAFTA TV fellowship.
✓ Meera Syal, who starred in the hit BBC comedy, Goodness Gracious Me and The Kumars at No 42, will
be honored at the BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) Television Awards on May 14
at the Royal Festival Hall.

✓ It is the highest honor given to an individual for outstanding and extraordinary contribution in the field
of film, sports or television.
✓ Sanya is best known for her performances in 'Goodness Gracious Me' and 'The Kumars at No 42'.

BEST MCQ WITH FACTS
APRIL 2023
Q. Which operation was launched to evacuate Indians from Sudan?

A) Operation Krishna B) Operation Ganga
C) Operation Godavari D) Operation Kaveri
Answer : D
✓ India launched Operation Kaveri to evacuate its nationals from unrest-hit Sudan and it is the latest
evacuation operation launched by India to rescue its citizens and those of friendly nations from war
zones.
✓ Official figures show that there are about 4,000 Indians in Sudan.
✓ Sudan is currently experiencing a violent power struggle between the army and the paramilitary Rapid
Support Force (RSF)across the country.
✓ About Sudan
✓ Capital - Khartoum
✓ Currency - Sudanese pound (SDG)
✓ Region -North Africa
✓ President - Abdel Fatah al-Burhan (Chairman of the Sovereignty Council)
✓ Official language - Arabic, English
Q. Which state launched the ‘State Wide Attention on Grievances by Application of Technology -
SWAGAT’ initiative?
A) Gujarat B) Haryana
C) Madhya Pradesh D) Rajasthan
Answer : A
✓ Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually participated in a program to mark the completion of 20 years of
the StateWide Attention on Grievances by Application of Technology (SWAGAT) Initiative on April
27, 2023.
✓ The SWAGAT initiative was launched by the Gujarat government in 2003 when PM Modi was the Chief
Minister of the state.
✓ The state government is observing the SWAGAT Saptah (week) to mark the successful completion of 20
years of this problem-solving mechanism.
✓ SWAGAT is an effective grievance redressal mechanism of the Gujarat government, by using technology
to quickly and efficiently solve the grievances of the citizens, serving as a bridge between the government
and citizens.
GUJARAT IN NEWS 2023
➢ Urban-20 City Sherpas’ meet begins at Ahmedabad in Gujarat.
➢ BJP leader Bhupendra Patel took oath as the Chief Minister of Gujarat for a second straight term.
➢ Madhvendra Singh has been appointed as the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Gujarat Maritime
Cluster by Gujarat Ports Infrastructure Company Limited.
➢ First G20 Tourism Working Group meeting at Dhordo in Kutch region of Gujarat.
➢ Former Gujarat governor and veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Om Prakash Kohli passed
away.

➢ Gujarat Day is celebrated on May 1 every year. The state was established on May 1, 1960.
➢ Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has declared the last week of April as “Swagat Saptah” in
commemoration of the completion of 20 years of the “State Wide Attention on Grievances by
Application of Technology” (SWAGAT) initiative.
➢ Deakin University of Australia to set up campus in GIFT city.
➢ Two Australian Universities Wollongong and Deakin to set up Campuses in Gujarat’s GIFT City.
➢ The Youth 20 India Summit will be held at the Maharaja Sayajirao University Vadodara in Gujarat.
➢ International Kite Festival 2023 begins in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
➢ Vedanta-Foxconn JV choose Dholera SIR for India’s first semiconductor facility.
Q. What is the rank of India globally in SIPRI’s report for military spending in 2022?
A) 3rd B) 4th
C) 6th D) 7th
Answer : B
✓ India was the fourth biggest military spender in the world in 2022 as per the report published by the
Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (Sipri) on April 24, 2023.
✓ The total military spending of India was of $81.4 billion in 2022. It was 6.0 percent more than in 2021,
and up by 47% from 2013.
✓ AS per the report, the United States emerged as the largest military spender, reaching $877 billion in
2022.
✓ China (2nd)($292 billion), Russia (3rd) ($86.4 billion) and Saudi Arabia (5th) ($75.0 billion) are the top
5 biggest military spender in 2022.
✓ The total global military expenditure in 2022 increased by 3.7 percent in real terms to reach an all-time
high of $2240 billion. This was an increase for the eighth consecutive year.
✓ The three largest spenders of 2022, that means the United States, China and Russia,—accounted for 56
percent of the world total spending.
✓ About SIPRI
✓ The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) is a global non-profit research institute.
✓ SIPRI focuses on resolving conflicts, controlling arms and promoting disarmament.
✓ The institute provides data, analysis and advice regarding armed conflicts, military expenditure and the
arms trade.
✓ Establishment - 6 May 1966
✓ Founders - Tage Erlander, Alva Myrdal
✓ Chairman - Stefan Lofven
✓ Director - Dan Smith
✓ Headquarter - Solna, Sweden.
Q. What was the total military spending across the globe in 2022, as per the report of SIPRI?
Answer : B
✓ The total global military expenditure in 2022 increased by 3.7 percent in real terms to reach an all-time
high of $2240 billion. This was an increase for the eighth consecutive year
Q. Which country was the biggest military spender in 2022, as per the report of SIPRI?
A) China B) Russia
C) United States D) France

Answer : C
✓ AS per the report, the United States emerged as the largest military spender, reaching $877 billion in
2022.
Q. India’s first “Water Metro” services has been inaugurated in which state?
C) Kerala D) Manipur
Answer : C
✓ India’s first “Water Metro” services will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April
25, 2023 in Kochi, Kerala.
✓ This initiative will give boost to economic growth, tourism and transport connectivity, as well as
accelerate the growth and development of Kochi.
✓ The Water Metro service is a unique urban mass transit system, which will give similar experience and
ease of travel as that of conventional metro system.
✓ Overall project cost is of Rs 1,136.83 crore, which will be funded by Government of Kerala and German
bank KfW.
Q. Who among these has been conferred with the Order of Australia (AO), the highest civil honour of
Australia in 2023?
A) Ratan Tata B) Bernard Arnault
C) Bill Gates D) Azim Premji
Answer : A
✓ Ratan Tata has been awarded with the highest civil honour of Australia, Order of Australia (AO), on
April 22, 2023.
✓ He has been awarded for his longstanding commitment to Indo-Australian ties specifically in the areas
of trade, investment, and philanthropy.
✓ Australia’s High Commissioner to India Barry O’Farrell conferred the honour on Ratan Tata, the titan
of biz, industry and philanthropy
Q. The Mana village has been designated as ‘India’s first village’ by BRO, as it is situated on the India-China
border. In which state is this village located?
A) Himachal Pradesh B) Uttarakhand
C) Sikkim D) Arunachal Pradesh
Answer : B
✓ Mana village on India-China border in UK’s Chamoli district declared as ‘India’s first village’ by BRO.
✓ The Border Road Organisation (BRO) of India has put up a signboard saying ‘India’s first village’ in
Mana, a village in Uttarakhand.
✓ The Mana village is on the India-China border in Chamoli District.
✓ This decision is based on the initiative by PM Modi to declare all border villages in the country as the
first villages and not the last as they are usually called.
✓ Mana village is situated near Himalayan temple, Badrinath.
✓ Devotees going to the temple usually go up to the village for sightseeing.
Q. Which country will host the 2023 Quad Leadership Summit in May 2023?
A) Japan B) Australia

C) India D) United States
Answer : B
✓ Australia will host QUAD leadership summit in Sydney in May 2023.
✓ Australia will be hosting the Quad Leadership Summit on May 24, 2023 in Sydney. This will be the first
time that Australia will host the summit.
✓ The meeting will be attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, Prime
Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
✓ The Australia Summit will be the fourth Quad leaders’ summit and the third held in person meet. The
previous in-person meeting was hosted by Japan in Tokyo in 2022.
✓ QUAD stands for the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue.
✓ It was set up in 2017 by the US, Australia, India and Japan to develop a strategy to keep critical sea routes
in the Indo-Pacific region free of any influence.
Q. Who has been sworn in as the 22nd President of Bangladesh?

A) Mohammad Shahabuddin Chuppu B) Sheikh Russell
C) Sheikh Hasina D) Sheikh Salahuddin Jewel
Answer : A
✓ Mohammad Shahabuddin Chuppu, a retired judge, has been sworn in as the new president of Bangladesh
for a five-year term, replacing Abdul Hamid.
✓ Chuppu, the nominee of the ruling Awami League (AL) party
✓ With 302 members, the AL party has the majority in the 350-seat national parliament, and no other party
had the numbers to nominate a presidential candidate
✓ People’s Republic of Bangladesh
✓ Capital: Dhaka
✓ Currency : Taka
✓ Prime Minister: Sheikh Hasina Wazed
✓ President: Mohammad Shahabuddin
NEWLY PRESIDENT IN NEWS 2023

➢ Edgars Rinkevics : Latvian
➢ Tayyip Erdogan : Turkey
➢ Bola Tinubu : Nigeria
➢ Mohammed Shahabuddin Chuppu : Bangladesh
➢ Ram Chandra Paudel : Nepal
➢ Xi Jinping : China (third term)
➢ Vo Van Thuong : Vietnam
Q. Dubai-based airline Emirates has unveiled the world’s first robotic check-in assistant. What is the name
of this robot?
A) Nadine B) Talos
C) Sara D) Sophia
Answer : C
✓ Dubai-based airline Emirates has unveiled 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
✓ What is the world's first robotic check-in assistant 'Sara'?

✓ 'SARA' will match customers' faces with scanned passports, check in passengers and guide them to the
baggage drop area.
✓ This facility allows customers to drop off their luggage at the airport up to 24 hours in advance and up to
4 hours before their flight.
✓ Passengers cancheck-in via self-check-in kiosks, with Emirates agents at dedicated desks or with the help
of Sara.
ROBOTIC IN NEWS 2022-23
➢ Dubai-based airline Emirates has unveiled the world's first robotic check-in assistant named 'Sara'.
➢ Kerala becomes first state to use robotic scavengers to clean manholes.
➢ Kerala temple become India’s first to induct robotic elephant for ritual duties.
➢ Indian-origin robotics engineer Amit Kshatriya to head NASA’s newly-established Moon to Mars
Programme
➢ Svaya Robotics unveils India’s first homegrown quadruped robot and exoskeleton.
➢ India’s first teaching robot, Eagle Robot introduced by Indus International School
➢ First-Ever ‘Made In India’ surgical robotic system installed at Rajiv Gandhi Institute.
➢ Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, unveiled a model of the humanoid “Optimus” robot,.
➢ The country’s first Artificial Intelligence & Robotics Technology Park (ARTPARK) was launched in
Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Q. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated NAMO Medical Education and Research Institute in
which city?
A) Port Blair B) Silvassa
C) Puducherry D) Kavaratti
Answer : B
✓ Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated NAMO Medical Education and Research Institute in
Silvassa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.
✓ Notably, the foundation stone of NAMO Medical Education and Research Institute was also laid by the
Prime Minister himself in January 2019.
✓ Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone and inaugurated 96 projects worth more than Rs 4,850
crores to the nation at Sayli ground, Silvassa. People lit mobile flashlights to welcome PM Modi in
Silvassa.
Q. Who is the author of the “Smoke and Ashes: A Writer’s Journey Through Opium’s Hidden Histories”
A) Chetan Bhagat B) Shashi Tharoor
C) Amitav Ghosh D) Arundhati Roy
Answer : C
✓ Amitav Ghosh's new non-fiction book, "Smoke and Ashes: A Writer's Journey Through Opium's Hidden
Histories", will be published by HarperCollins Fourth Estate on July 15, 2023
✓ The book is a combination of memoir, travelogue, and cultural and economic history, which explores
the often overlooked effects of opium on society and history.
✓ About Amitav Ghosh
✓ He is a renowned writer who was born in Kolkata and brought up in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
✓ He has written many acclaimed works of fiction, including "The Shadow Lines," "The Glas Palace,"
"The Hungry Tide," "Gun Island," "The Nutmeg's Curse," "Jungle Nama," and "The Living Mountain."
.,
✓ His works have been translated into more than 30 languages, making him a globally recognized author.

✓ In 2019, Ghosh received the Jnanpith Award, India's highest literary honour, becoming the first English-
language writer to receive this recognition.
Q. The tallest Ambedkar statue in India has been unveiled in which state?
A) Uttar Pradesh B) Telangana
C) Bihar D) Rajasthan
Answer : B
✓ The 132nd birth anniversary of Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, considered the architect of the Indian
Constitution, is being celebrated across the country.
✓ On the birthday of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, Chief Minister of Telangana K Chandrasekhar Rao
inaugurated his 125 feet tall statue, which is believed to be the tallest statue of Ambedkar in India.
✓ This statue has been designed by renowned sculptor Ram Vanji Sutar and his son Anil Ram Sutar in
Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
✓ This statue has been built by KPC Projects Limited. Its total cost is Rs 146.50 crore.
STATUE IN NEWS 2023

➢ Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled a 54 feet tall statue of Lord Hanuman at Sarangpur temple in
➢ Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah unveiled the statues of Lord
Basaveshwara ji and Nadaprabhu Kempegowda ji at the State Assembly premises in Bengaluru,
Karnataka.
➢ Samatha Kumbh is being held on the premises of the Statue of Equality at Muchintal, Telangana.
➢ Union Home Minister Amit Shah has unveiled a 120-feet-tall statue of a polo player riding a pony at
Marjing Polo Complex in Manipur’s Imphal East district.
➢ Tamil Nadu CM Stalin inaugurated statue of ‘Mahakavi Subramanian Bharathiyar’.
➢ Prime Minister Narendra Modi has unveiled a 108-feet tall bronze ‘Statue of Prosperity’
➢ of Sri Nadaprabhu Kempegowda in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
➢ 369-foot-tall Shiva statue called “Viswas Swaroopam” that has been built in Nathdwara, Rajasthan’s
Rajsamand district, will be dedicated.
➢ The Viswas Swaroopam statue was built by Tat Padam Sansthan.
Q. Which state has bagged the GI tag for its famed GOND Painting?
A) Bihar B) Madhya Pradesh
C) Maharashtra D) Uttar Pradesh
Answer : B
✓ The famed Gond painting of Madhya Pradesh has received the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI)
tag.
✓ GI Tag ensures that no one other than the registered authorised user is allowed to use the name of the
popular product.
✓ Apart from this, the famous Cumbum Panneer Thratchai from Tamil Nadu, commonly known as
Cumbum grapes has also receievd the GI tag.
✓ The Cumbum valley in Tamil Nadu’s Western Ghats, is regarded as the “Grapes City of South India”.
✓ The Authoor betel leaves, (locally known as vetrilai) of Tamil Nadu has also bagged GI tag.
✓ Tamil Nadu’s Malai Poondu, Srivilliputtur Palkova and Palani Panchamirtham have also been awarded
the GI tag
Q. The famous Cumbum grapes, which has bagged the GI tag, is from which state?
A) Tamil Nadu B) Kolkata

C) Arunachal Pradesh D) Karnataka
Answer : A
✓ The famous Cumbum Panneer Thratchai from Tamil Nadu, commonly known as Cumbum grapes has
also receievd the GI tag.
✓ The Cumbum valley also called Kambam Valley, located at the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu, is known
as the 'Grapes city of South India'.
Q. Which among the following political party has been granted national party status?
A) Trinamool Congress B) AAP
C) CPI D) Nationalist Congress Party
Answer : B
✓ The Election Commission of India (ECI) has granted national party status to Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam
Aadmi Party (AAP).
✓ The AAP party has been named as a national party based on its electoral performance in four states
namely Delhi, Goa, Punjab and Gujarat.
✓ Currently, the Arvind Kejriwal-led party is in power in Delhi and Punjab.
✓ Aam Aadmi Party ( AAP) is a political party in India. It was founded in November 2012 by Arvind
Kejriwal and his then-companions,following the 2011 Indian anti-corruption movement.
✓ AAP is currently the governing party in the Indian state of Punjab and the union territory of Delhi.
✓ On 10 April 2023, AAP was officially granted the status of National party by ECI.
✓ The party's election symbol is a broom.
✓ Apart from this, the commission has revoked the national party status of Trinamool Congress , CPI, and
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
✓ Now, the national political parties recognised in India will be the BJP, Congress, CPI(M), Bahujan Samaj
Party (BSP), National People’s Party (NPP) and the AAP.
✓ Right now there are only six national parties in the country:
✓ Indian National Congress (INC)
✓ Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M)
✓ Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
✓ Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)
✓ National People's Party (NPP)
✓ Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)
Q. What is the name given to India’s first semi-high-speed regional rail services, launched by National
Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC)?
A) TEMPO B) RAPIDX
C) AMRUTH D) ZOOM
Answer : B
✓ India’s first semi high-speed regional rail services in NCR named ‘RAPIDX’.
✓ The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), has named India’s first semi-high-speed
regional rail services as ‘RAPIDX’, which will run on the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS)
corridors.
✓ RAPIDX is being implemented by NCRTC to connect key urban nodes across the National Capital
Region (NCR).
✓ RAPIDX signifies speed and progress, while the letter X denotes next generation technology and the
new-age mobility solution. It also represents youth, optimism, and energy.

✓ The overall aim of launching this brand is decarbonisation, which means decongesting NCR by reducing
the number of vehicles on the road and by the use of green energy.
Q. The Kibithoo village, which is termed as India’s first village by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, is in
which state?
A) Tripura B) Arunachal Pradesh
Answer : B
✓ The Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the “Vibrant Villages Program (VVP)” at the Kibithoo
town of Arunachal Pradesh.
✓ Home Minister Shah also urged people to term Kibithoo as India’s first village as the Sun’s rays fall first
in this village in the country.
✓ The VVP is a centrally sponsored scheme of the Modi government to link all the border villages and also
provide trans valley connectivity, in states sharing Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
✓ Under this VVP scheme, 2,967 villages in 46 blocks of 19 districts, in the states of Arunachal Pradesh,
Sikkim, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh and UT of Ladakh have been identified for comprehensive
development.
✓ The programme will help in improving the quality of life of people living in identified border villages and
encourage people to stay in their native locations thereby reversing the out migration from these villages
and adding to security of the border.
ARUNACHAL PRADESH IN NEWS 2023

✓ Assam and Arunachal Pradesh have signed an agreement for the settlement of an inter-state boundary
dispute between the two States.
✓ A tripartite committee recommended that some areas be transferred from Assam to Arunachal..
✓ Union Home Minister and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on 10 April launched the 'Vibrant Villages
Programme' at Kibithu, a border village in Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh.
✓ Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurates Siyom bridge in Arunachal Pradesh.
✓ A fish museum, the first of its kind in the Northeast, would soon be built in Arunachal Pradesh.
✓ The Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, inaugurated the newly renovated Shar Nyima
Tsho Sum Namyig Lhakhang (Gonpa) at Gyangkhar, his native village in Tawang district.
✓ February 20, 2023, Arunachal Pradesh is celebrating its 37th Statehood Day.
✓ A bipartisan resolution was passed by the US, formally recognizing the McMahon Line as the
international boundary between China and India’s Arunachal Pradesh.
✓ The trailer of 'Love in 90s', the first film made in Tagin language of Arunachal Pradesh.
Q. Which metro company has become the first in India to launch under water service?
A) Hyderabad B) Mumbai
C) Delhi D) Kolkata
Answer : D
✓ The Kolkata Metro has become the first metro in India to operate an under water metro train. The trail
run for the same was successfully completed on April 13, 2023.
✓ The Kolkata Metro rake travelled through the tunnel under the Hooghly river, running from Howrah
Maidan to Esplanade, covering four stations along the way – Esplanade, Mahakaran, Howrah, and
Howrah Maidan.
✓ The new route will help to ease congestion, by providing a faster, more efficient means of transportation.
✓ During this trial, the metro rail was operated from a 520-meter tunnel under the Hooghly River

Q. Who has been crowned Femina Miss India World 2023?
A) Shreya Poonja B) Rubal Shekhawat
C) Thounaojam Strela Luwang D) Nandini Gupta
Answer : D
✓ 19-year-old Nandini Gupta, from Rajasthan, has been crowned as the Femina Miss India World 2023,
at the 59th edition of Femina Miss India beauty pageant, held on April 15, 2023 at Imphal, Manipur.
✓ She was crowned by the 2022 Femina Miss India Sini Shetty.
✓ Nandini hails from Kota in Rajasthan.
✓ She will now represent India at the 71st Miss World pageant, to be held in the United Arab Emirates
(UAE) in May 2023.
✓ Meanwhile, Delhi’s Shreya Poonja was declared the first runner-up, and Manipur’s Thounaojam Strela
Luwang as the 2nd runner-up.
MISS WORLD / UNIVERSE IN NEWS 2022-23

✓ Rajasthan’s Nandini Gupta crowned 2023 Femina Miss India.
✓ America's R'Bonnie Gabriel won the Miss Universe 2022 title at the 71st Miss Universe pageant.
✓ South Korea’s Mina Sue Choi Crowned Miss Earth 2022.
✓ Divita Rai from Karnataka won the prestigious title of Miss Diva Universe 2022.
✓ Reita Faria is the first Indian to win the Miss World in 1966.
✓ Sushmita Sen first Indian to win the Miss Universe title in 1994.
Q. What is the name of the mission launched by the European Space Agency (ESA) to Jupiter’s moon?
A) JADE B) JUICE
C) JUPITER D) JUNG
Answer : B
✓ European Space Agency successfully launches its mission JUICE to reach Jupiter’s moons.
✓ The European Space Agency (ESA) successfully launched its mission to Jupiter’s moons on April 13,
2023.
✓ The Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) project of ESA was launched on the Ariane 5 rocket from the
spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.
✓ The 1.6 billion Euros Project JUICE aims to send a satellite on an eight-year journey to reach the major
icy moons of the Jupiter, namely Ganymede, Callisto and Europa and find whether they have the
conditions to support simple life.
✓ The spacecraft is scheduled to finally reaching the gas giant in July 2031.
Q. The 125-ft tall bronze statue of Dr. BR Ambedkar, which is the highest such statue of him, has been built
in which city recently?
A) Lucknow B) Kolkata
C) Hyderabad D) Gandhinagar
Answer : C
✓ In Telangana, the Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao unveiled the 125-ft tall bronze statue of Dr. BR
Ambedkar in Hyderabad on April 14, 2023, on the occasion of the 132nd birth anniversary of the
architect of the Indian Constitution.
✓ The 125-ft tall bronze statue in Hyderabad is the tallest statue of Ambedkar in India.
✓ The statue costs ₹ 146.50 crore. It is built using 360 tonnes of stainless steel and 114 tonnes of bronze.

Q. Which team has won the Women's Premier League 2023 title?
A) Delhi Capitals B) UP Warriors
C) Mumbai Indians D) Royal Challengers Bangalore
Answer : C
✓ Mumbai Indians has defeated the Delhi Capitals by 7 wickets and with that they become the first-ever
Women’s Premier League champions.
✓ Mumbai Indians Captain : Harmanpreet Kaur
✓ Delhi Capitals Captain : Meg Lanning
✓ Player of the match : Nat Sciver-Brunt (Mumbai Indians)
✓ Purple cap : Hayley Matthews (Mumbai Indians)
✓ Orange cap : Meg Lanning (Delhi Capitals)
✓ Most valuable player : Hayley Matthews (Mumbai Indians).
✓ India’s star opener Smriti Mandhana has become the costliest player in the ongoing player auction for
the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
✓ Mandhana joined Royal Challengers Bangalore for Rs 3.4 crore.
✓ Viacom 18 has acquired the media rights of the Women’s Indian Premier League (WIPL).
✓ Viacom18 has bought the media rights of the women’s IPL for five years from 2023 to 2027 for Rs 951
crore.
✓ Tata Group has bagged the title sponsorship rights for the Women's Premier League (WPL) for five
seasons.
Q. The central government has sanctioned how much rupees under the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing
of Electric Vehicles (FAME) Scheme Phase-II for setting up 7432 public fast charging stations across the
country?
Answer : B
✓ Union Government has sanctioned 800 crore rupees under the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of
Electric Vehicles (FAME) Scheme Phase -2 for setting up 7432 public fast charging stations across the
country.
✓ The government has formulated Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) India
Scheme in 2015 to improve the infrastructure required for the large-scale use of electric vehicles.
✓ At present, there are about 6,586 charging stations across the country. The addition of the new 7,432
public charging stations will be a significant push to Electric Vehicles charging ecosystem.
✓ This move will boost the electric vehicle ecosystem in India and encourage more people to switch to
cleaner modes of transportation.
Q. The government has recently launched a new centrally sponsored scheme named 'New India Literacy
Programme' with a financial outlay of over___ for implementation during the financial years 2022-23 to
2026-27.
Answer : C
✓ The government has recently launched a new centrally sponsored scheme named 'New India Literacy
Programme' with a financial outlay of over Rs 1000 crore for implementation during the financial years
2022-23 to 2026-27.

✓ The scheme aims to cover five crore illiterates in the age group of 15 years and above.
✓ Beneficiaries under this scheme are identified through door to door survey on mobile app by the surveyors
in the States and Union Territories.
✓ About New India Literacy Program.
✓ The program has been launched for the period FY 2022-2027 to align with the National Education Policy
2020 and cover all aspects of adult education.
✓ The scheme has been approved with a financial outlay of Rs 1037.90 crore, which includes central share
of Rs 700.00 crore and state share of Rs 337.90 crore.
✓ The center and state share for all states is in the ratio of 60:40 while for North Eastern Region (NER) and
Himalayan states the share between center and state is in the ratio of 90:10.
✓ The scheme will cover non-literates in the age group of 15 years and above in all the States/UTs of the
country.
✓ It aims to cover 1 crore learners per year (total target of 5 crore) using "Online Teaching, Learning and
Assessment System (OTLAS)" in collaboration with National Informatics Centre, NCERT and NIOS
✓ Five components of the scheme

✓ Foundational Literacy and Numeracy.
✓ Critical Life Skills.
✓ Vocational Skills Development.
✓ Basic Education.
✓ Continuing Education
Q. Which state has received the protected geographical indication (PGI) tag from the European Commission
(EC) for the Kangra tea?
C) Rajasthan D) Sikkim
Answer : A
✓ Kangra Tea of Himachal Pradesh grabs European geographical indication (GI) tag
✓ The European Commission (EC) has officially granted protected geographical indication (PGI) for the
Kangra tea, which is grown in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh.
✓ The Kangra Tea received the PGI recognition on March 22, 2023 and will come into effect from April
11, 2023.
✓ The PGI tag will help tea farmers of Kangra to get better prices for their produce in the European
countries.
✓ Kangra tea, which is grown since the mid-19th Century, is known for its unique flavour and taste.
✓ It is available as black and green teas.
HIMACHAL PRADESH IN NEWS 2023
➢ Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu informed that Hindustan Petroleum
Corporation Limited (HPCL) will set up an ethanol plant at Jeetpur Baheri in Una district at a cost of Rs
500 crore.
➢ European Commission (EC) has awarded protected geographical indication (PGI) status to Kangra tea,
a unique variety of tea grown in the Kangra district of India’s Himachal Pradesh.
➢ Himachal Pradesh (HP) has become the first Indian state to develop a DNA database for unidentified
bodies.
➢ Himachal Pradesh launched Sanjeevani Project to uplift the livelihood of small dairy farmers and
livestock owners.
➢ Himachal Pradesh targets to be first ‘green energy state’ by 2025.
➢ Himachal Cabinet approves monthly incentive of Rs 1,500 for women of Spiti Valley.

➢ Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced to set up of Rs 101 crore CM’s
Sukhashraya Sahayata Kosh for the destitute in the state.
➢ Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu laid the foundation stone of ‘Himachal Niketan‘
which will provide accommodation facilities to the students and residents of Himachal Pradesh visiting
New Delhi.
➢ Himachal Pradesh celebrates its 53rd Statehood Day with joy and enthusiasm across the state on 25th
January 2023
Q. Finland has been officially inducted as the_ member of the NATO organisation.
A) 35th B) 29th
C) 31st D) 40th
Answer : C
✓ Finland has received the green light to join NATO, after Turkey unanimously voted to allow Finland to
become the 31st member of the alliance on March 31, 2023.
✓ Turkey was the only country among the 30-member Western military alliance to sign off for the
membership of Finland in the NATO alliance.
✓ It is necessary that all NATO members must vote unanimously to rope in a new country as the member
of NATO.
✓ With this, Finland will now be able to formally attend the NATO Summit 2023, which will be held in
July in Lithuania.
✓ North Atlantic Treaty Organization(NATO), is a military alliance between North American and
European countries formed in 1949 and headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.
✓ The founding members of NATO were the United States, Canada, and ten European countries, including
Belgium, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and the
United Kingdom.
✓ North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
✓ Formation : 4 April 1949
✓ Headquarters : Brussels, Belgium
✓ Secretary General : Jens Stoltenberg
✓ Total Member : 30 (North Macedonia)
✓ North Atlantic Treaty, also referred to as the Washington Treaty.
Q. The Anil Agarwal International Cricket Stadium is proposed to be developed at which place in India?
A) Amritsar B) Jaipur
C) Agra D) Ujjain
Answer : B
✓ India’s second largest and World’s third-largest cricket stadium to be developed in Jaipur.
✓ The world’s third-largest and India’s second largest cricket stadium is proposed to be set up in Jaipur
village, Chonp.
✓ For this, the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) has signed an MoU with Vedanta’s Hindustan Zinc
Limited (HZL).
✓ The stadium would be named as Anil Agarwal International Cricket Stadium, Jaipur.
✓ It is the world’s third biggest Cricket stadiums with a seating capacity of 75,000.
✓ The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, (earlier known as Sardar Patel Stadium and Motera
Stadium) is the largest cricket stadium in India. It has seating capacity of 1.32 lakh spectators.
✓ The second largest stadium is Australia’s Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) which has a capacity of
1,00,024 spectators.

STADIUM IN NEWS 2023
✓ India’s second largest and World’s third-largest cricket stadium to be developed in Jaipur.
✓ The stadium would be named as Anil Agarwal International Cricket Stadium, Jaipur.
✓ Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik inaugurates "Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium" in Rourkela ahead of Hockey
World Cup 2023.
✓ Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has inaugurated the world’s largest dedicated hockey stadium at Rourkela
ahead of the men’s FIH Hockey World Cup .
✓ It has a capacity of hosting over 20,000 spectators.
✓ England’s Leicester Cricket Ground has been named after India’s legendary cricketer, Sunil Gavaskar.
✓ Stadium named after hockey star Rani Rampal, first woman to get this honour.
✓ While previously the stadium was named the 'MCF Rae Bareli', it has now been renamed as 'Rani's Girls
Hockey Turf'.
Q. MF Hydra is world’s first liquid hydrogen-powered ferry. It has been launched by which country?
A) Netherlands B) Germany
C) Finland D) Norway
Answer : D
✓ The world’s first liquid hydrogen-powered ferry, MF Hydra, became operational on April 04, 2023 in
Norway after the Norwegian Maritime Administration granted MF Hydra the clearance to sail, following
rigorous development and testing.
✓ The MF Hydra has been launched by the Norwegian shipping company Norled.
✓ This 82.4-meter-long MF Hydra ferry will cover zero-emission journey on a triangular route in Norway
between Hjelmeland, Skipavik, and Nesvik.
✓ The hydrogen system was provided by Linde Engineering, the fuel cell by Ballard and the battery by
Corvus Energy. The ferry was completed by Westcon and systems integrator SEAM.
✓ About Norway
✓ Capital : Oslo
✓ Currency : Norwegian Krone
Q. Union Rural Ministry has launched Captive Employment scheme to provide employment opportunity
and livelihood to rural youths. How many Captive Employers have been hired under phase 1 of the
scheme to provide training to youths?
A) 15 B) 21
C) 19 D) 26
Answer : C
✓ The Union Ministry for Rural Development has launched a unique initiative named ‘CAPTIVE
EMPLOYMENT, under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY).
✓ The Captive Employer scheme aims to bridge the gap between job seeker and job provider by fulfilling
job needs of rural poor and improve their standard of living. This program shall also contribute to
sustainable development goals.
✓ Union Minister Giriraj Singh also onboarded 19 Captive Employers, who will train Rural Poor Youth
and provide employment to trained youth in their company or subsidiary.
✓ The training to rural poor youth will be given in their respective industries, namely, hospitality, apparel
& textiles, manufacturing, IT/ITeS, telecom, retail, Power etc.
✓ Through this initiative, more than 31,000 jobs are expected to be provided to rural poor youth
Q. How many member of astronauts have been named for NASA’s Artemis II crew mission?

A) 4 B) 3
C) 7 D) 5
Answer : A
✓ American space agency, NASA and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) announced the names of four
astronauts, who will venture around the Moon for science and exploration under Artemis II mission.
✓ The Artemis II mission is the first crewed voyage around the moon in more than 50 years. The previous
human flight to lunar surface was the Apollo program in 1972.
✓ The Artemis II crew members consists of three from NASA and one from CSA.
✓ They are Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Hammock Koch, from NASA and Jeremy Hansen
from CSA.
✓ Out of these four, Christina Hammock Koch is the first ever female, Victor Glover is the first ever African
American and Jeremy Hansen is the first ever Canadian and first non- American to be sent on a lunar
mission.
✓ The Artemis II will mark the debut crewed flight, but not the first lunar landing.
Q. Kiran Nadar has recently been felicitated with the highest civilian honour award by which country?
A) Australia B) Sweden
Answer : C
✓ Philanthropist and art collector Kiran Nadar, (wife of Shiv Nadar, the founder of HCL Technologies),
has been conferred with the highest French civilian award “Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur” (Knight
of the Legion of Honour).
✓ The award was conferred upon Kiran Nadar by French Ambassador to India Emmanuel Lenain, for her
outstanding contribution in the field of art, her commitment to providing greater access to culture both
nationally and internationally, and her leading role in fostering Indo-French cultural ties.
✓ Kiran Nadar is the chairperson of the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA), a philanthropic initiative
in art, and a trustee of the Shiv Nadar Foundation.
Q. Dhawan-II is an advanced fully 3D-printed cryogenic rocket engine, which was successfully test fired
recently by which company?
A) Skyroot Aerospace B) ISRO
C) Pixxel D) Dhruva Space
Answer : A
✓ Hyderabad-based space tech startup Skyroot Aerospace successfully test fired an advanced fully 3D-
printed cryogenic rocket engine `Dhawan-II’ on April 04, 2023.
✓ Skyroot Aerospace is India’s first private rocket builder.
✓ The endurance test of ‘Dhawan-II’ was carried out at Solar Industries propulsion test facility in Nagpur,
Maharashtra. It lasted for a long duration of almost 200 seconds.
✓ The ‘Dhawan-II’ Cryogenic engine will power the upper stage of Vikram-2.
A) 2025 B) 2026
C) 2030 D) 2035

Answer : B
Q. Which state government has recently launched Cool Roof Policy 2023-28?
C) Telangana D) Tamil Nadu
Answer : C
✓ Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister K T Rama Rao launched the Telangana
Cool Roof Policy 2023-28 to make the state more thermally comfortable and heat-resilient by reducing
the impact of the urban heat island effect and heat stress and also to bring down energy consumption.
✓ A cool roof, which uses special paints or tile cover, is designed to reflect more sunlight than a
conventional roof, thus reducing heat retention and cooling indoor spaces.
✓ Telangana Cool Roof Policy 2023-28 suggests the adoption of a cool roof as a measure for
implementation to build resilience against extreme heat.
✓ Telangana became the first state to introduce a cool roof policy, having incorporated it in building
permission applications.
✓ Cool roofs are now mandatory for all government as well as commercial buildings irrespective of their
site area or built-up area
Q. Which country has successfully launched the “Ofek-13” spy satellite into space by the Shavit launch
vehicle, from Palmachim Airbase spaceport?
A) Japan
B) China
C) Israel
D) Russia
Answer : C
✓ Israel has successfully launched the “Ofek-13” spy satellite into space by the Shavit launch vehicle, from
Palmachim Airbase spaceport.
✓ This satellite was manufactured by state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
✓ The ‘Ofek 13’ is the most advanced of its kind with unique radar observation capabilities and will enable
intelligence collection in any weather and conditions of visibility.
✓ It is the latest in a series of domestically produced satellites that were first put into orbit in 1988.
✓ Israel joined the club of space powers in 1988 with the deployment of its first Ofek (Horizon in Hebrew)
satellite.
ISRAEL IN NEWS 2023.

➢ Israel successfully launched a new spy satellite, named Ofek-13, into orbit. The satellite, Ofek-13,
launched from the Palmachim Airbase in central Israel.
➢ Adani Group acquired the strategic Israeli port of Haifa for USD 1.2 billion.
➢ Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) to Manufacture Israel’s LORA Ballistic Missile for Indian Tri-Services.

➢ Benjamin Netanyahu Sworn in as the Prime minister of Israel for a Record 6th Time, Israel’s longest-
serving Prime Minister.
➢ India and Israel have started a series of events to mark the 30 years of establishment of diplomatic
relationship between the two countries.
➢ ISRAEL
➢ Capital : Jerusalem
➢ Currency : New Shekel
➢ President : Isaac Herzog
➢ Prime Minister : Benjamin Netanyahu
➢ Parliament : Knesset
Q. Which state has topped the world’s busiest airport list in 2022, by the Airports Council International
(ACI)?
A) Denver International Airport
B) Atlanta International Airport
C) Guangzhou Bai Yun International Airport
D) Orlando International Airport
Answer : B
✓ The United States-based Atlanta airport has retained its position as the world’s busiest airport. It handled
9.37 crore passengers in 2022.
Q. Which airport in India is ranked among top 10 busiest airport in the world for passenger traffic, as per
Airports Council International (ACI) report?
A) Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad
B) Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi
C) Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru
D) Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai
Answer : B
✓ The Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi has been ranked among the world’s top 10 busiest
airports by passengers traffic, as per Airports Council International (ACI).
✓ It is the only airport from South and Southeast Asia to feature in ACI’s list of the 10 busiest airports for
2022.
✓ The global rank of the Delhi airport is at the ninth spot for 2022.
✓ It handled almost 5.95 crore passengers in 2022.
✓ In 2021, the airport was ranked at 13th and in 2019, at 17th.
✓ Top airport – The United States-based Atlanta airport has retained its position as the world’s busiest
airport. It handled 9.37 crore passengers in 2022.
✓ Top 10 busiest airport in the world list
1. Atlanta 2.Dallas
3. Denver 4. Chicago
5. Dubai 6. Los Angeles
7. Istanbul 8. London Heathrow
9. New Delhi 10. Paris

Q. Which state has topped the India Justice Report 2022?
A) Karnataka
B) Uttar Pradesh
C) Maharashtra
D) Tamil Nadu
Answer : A
✓ Karnataka has secured the top position in the India Justice Report-2022.
✓ This ranking has been given in the category of large and medium-sized states including 18 states.
✓ Tamil Nadu comes in 2nd place and Telangana is in 3rd place.
✓ While Uttar Pradesh acquires the 18th position in this list.
✓ Gujarat is 4th and Andhra Pradesh is 5th in this current index.
✓ It was prepared based on the comprehensive data collected on 4 pillars of justice delivery which are the
Police System, Judiciary, Prison System and Legal Aid.
✓ Among small states, Sikkim topped the list of seven small states with less than one crore population,
followed by Arunachal Pradesh. Goa is at the bottom, at seventh position.
✓ About India Justice Report
✓ Tata Trusts launched the India Justice Report (IJR) in 2019.
✓ This is the third edition.
✓ Center for Social Justice, Common Cause, Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, Daksh, TISS-
Prayas, Vidhi Institute for Law Policy, and How India Lives, data partner of IJR, are among its partners.
Q. Which state in India has been ranked at first position for having the most number of products recognised
with Geographical Indication (GI) tag ?
A) Bihar B) Uttarakhand
C) Kerala D) Himachal Pradesh
Answer : C
✓ As per the data shared by the GI Registry, Kerala has topped among Indian states for having most number
of products securing the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in financial year 2022-23.
✓ The data showed that between April 2022 and March 2023, 6 products from Kerala were selected for GI
recognition.
✓ These are Attappady Aattukombu Avara, Attappady Thuvara, Onattukara Ellu, Kanthaloor Vattavada
Veluthuli, Kodungallur Pottuvellari.
✓ Overall 12 products were selected for the recognition in FY23. Of them 2 were from overseas.
✓ Other Indian products to receive GI tag were Mithila Makhana (aquatic fox nut) from Bihar, Alibag
white onion from Maharashtra, Tandur Redgram (the local variety of pea) from Telangana, Ladakh
Raktsey Karpo Apricot from Ladakh and Gamosa handicrafts from Assam.
✓ The two overseas products include Brandy De Jerez from Spain, and Provolone Valpadana from Italy.
✓ For the period between April 2022 and March 2023, a total of 12 products were selected for GI
recognition, including two foreign ones - Brandy de Jerez from Spain and Provolone Valpadana from
Italy
Q. Kim Cotton is the first female umpire to officiate in a Men’s T20 International (T20I) cricket match
involving two ICC full-member nations. She is from which country?
A) South Africa B) England
C) Australia D) New Zealand

Answer : D
✓ Auckland, New Zealand-born Kim Cotton has become the first female umpire to officiate in a Men’s T20
International (T20I) cricket match involving two ICC full-member nations.
✓ She achieved the feat in the second T20I held between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Dunedin on April
05, 2023, in which New Zealand won by nine wickets.
✓ Till date, Cotton has officiated in 16 women’s one-day international (ODI) games and 44 women’s T20Is.
✓ She was one of the on-field umpires for 50-over Women’s World Cup final in 2022 and the Women’s
T20 World Cup final in February 2023.
✓ New Zealand
✓ Capital: Wellington
✓ Currency : dollar
✓ Prime Minister : Chris Hipkins
Q. The Geographical Indications Registry has granted Geographical Indication (GI) tag to Nagari Dubraj,
fragrant rice to give a unique identity to the brand. Nagari Dubraj is the rice of which state?
A) Chhattisgarh B) Bihar
C) Assam D) Odisha
Answer : A
✓ The Geographical Indications Registry has granted Geographical Indication (GI) tag to Nagari Dubraj,
a fragrant rice from Chhattisgarh, to give a unique identity to the brand.
✓ The Morena and Rewa Mango (Madhya Pradesh) have also been given the GI Tag.
✓ The origin of Dubraj is believed to be from Shringi Rishi Ashram area of Sihawa. Its reference is found
in Valmiki Ramayana. Sihawa area is considered to be the source of Dubraj in various research papers.
Q. Based on the report of India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2021, the total forest cover in the country is
7,13,789 square kilometer. This is an increase of how much sqkm compared to ISFR 2019?
A) 1,540 B) 1,240
C) 1,340 D) 1,140
Answer : A
✓ As per latest India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2021, the total forest cover in the country is 7,13,789
square kilometer.
✓ This is 21.71% of the geographical area of India.
✓ The ISFR report is released by the Forest Survey of India (FSI), Dehradun, biennially, since 1987 based
on forest cover.
✓ The last survey was done in 2019.
✓ As per the report, between ISFR 2019 and ISFR 2021, the forest cover has increased by 1,540 square
kilometer.
✓ FSI is an organisation under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, founded in June
1981.
✓ It conducts forest surveys, studies and researches to monitor the changing situations of land and forest
resources and present the data for national planning, conservation and sustainable management of
environmental protection as well for the implementation of social forestry projects.
Q. Name the high resolution space based air-quality monitoring instrument launched by NASA, onboard
SpaceX rocket recently to monitor air quality over North America?
A) TOUR B) TEMPO
C) TORPOR D) TURBO

Answer : B
✓ The US space agency National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) launched an air-quality
monitor called TEMPO (Tropospheric Emissions Monitoring of Pollution instrument) on April 07, 2023,
in collaboration with Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
✓ TEMPO was launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida atop a SpaceX Falcon 9
rocket.
✓ It will be the first space-based instrument to measure air quality over North America hourly during the
daytime and at spatial regions of four square miles, far better than existing limits of about 100 square
miles in the U.S.
✓ TEMPO is merely the size of a dishwasher.
✓ TEMPO slogan is ‘It’s about time,’. It signifies at TEMPO’s ability to provide hourly air pollution data,
to help improve life on Earth by revolutionizing the way scientists observe air quality from space.
Q. What is the rank of India in the latest football FIFA rankings released in April 2023?
A) 101 B) 82
C) 95 D) 122
Answer : A
✓ The Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) released the latest rankings of
international football teams and Argentina topped the FIFA rankings for the first time in six years.
✓ According to the latest FIFA rankings, the Indian men’s football team has climbed up five spots and is
now ranked at 101.
✓ The top five teams in the FIFA rankings as of April 2023 are Argentina, France, Brazil, Belgium and
England.
✓ BYJU’S becomes an Official Sponsor of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
✓ FIFA WORLD CUP
✓ 2022 : Qatar (32 Teams)
✓ 2026 : Canada, Mexico,US (48 teams)
✓ FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup
✓ 2022 : Costa Rica
✓ FIFA U-17 World Cup
✓ 2022- Women's : India
✓ 2023 - Women's : Australia and New Zealand
✓ Most successful team(s) Men's: Brazil (5 titles)
✓ Fédération Internationale de Football Association(FIFA)
✓ Founded : 21 May 1904
✓ Founded : Paris, France
✓ Headquarters : Zürich, Switzerland
✓ Membership : 211
✓ President : Gianni Infantino (Switzerland)
✓ Secretary General : Fatma Samoura
Q. ISRO conducted the successful launch of RLV Autonomous Landing Mission (RLV-LEX) recently from
Aeronautical Test Range (ATR), Chitradurga in Karnataka. What does RLV stands for?
A) Reusable Launch Vehicle B) Rotating Launch Vehicle
C) Radial Launch Vehicle D) Revolutionary Launch Vehicle
Answer : A

✓ The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted the Reusable Launch Vehicle
Autonomous Landing Mission (RLV LEX) on April 02, 2023.
✓ The test was conducted at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR), Chitradurga, in Karnataka.
✓ Under this mission, a winged body was carried to an altitude of 4.5 km by a helicopter and released for
carrying out an autonomous landing of a space vehicle on a runway.
✓ It was the first-of-its-kind mission in the world.
Q. The Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre (JCBC) has been set up as the world’s first conservation
and breeding centre for Asian king vulture in which state of India?
A) Bihar B) Maharashtra
C) Uttar Pradesh D) Tamil Nadu
Answer : C
✓ World’s first Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre set up in Maharajganj district of Uttar Pradesh.
✓ The Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre (JCBC) has been set up as the world’s first conservation
and breeding centre built and designed exclusively for the conservation of Asian king vulture.
✓ The JCBC is built at Farenda in Maharajganj district, located in the Gorakhpur Forest Division of Uttar
Pradesh.
✓ The objective of this centre is to breed king vultures in captivity and release them in the wild to maintain
a sustainable population of the species. The Asian king vulture is critically endangered and protected
under the Wildlife Protection Act.
✓ The state-of-the-art facility is worth around Rs 15 crore and spread over 1.5 hectares area.
✓ The JCBC is a 15-year project, and aims to raise at least 40 vultures.
WORLD'S FIRST IN NEWS 2023
➢ World’s first Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre set up in Maharajganj district of Uttar Pradesh.
➢ World’s first’ bamboo crash barrier installed on Maharashtra highway.
➢ The world's first museum of palm leaf manuscripts established in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
➢ Visva-Bharati University is expected to get the status of the world's first "Living Heritage University"
from UNESCO by April-May 2023.
➢ World's first vaccine for honeybees approved for use by United States.
Q. Who has been selected for the 2023 International Prize in Statistics?
A) David Cox B) CR Rao
C) Bradley Efron D) Nan Laird
Answer : B
✓ Indian origin American Mathematician CR Rao win 2023 International Prize in Statistics.
✓ Calyampudi Radhakrishna Rao, a prominent Indian-American mathematician and statistician, has been
named for the 2023 International Prize in Statistics, the highest honor in the field.
✓ The International Prize in Statistics is awarded biennially by a collaboration among five leading
international statistics organisations, to recognise a major achievement by an individual or team in the
statistics field, particularly an achievement of powerful and original ideas that have led to practical
applications and breakthroughs in other disciplines.
Q. AS per the 2022 Tiger Census, what is the estimated number of tigers in India?
A) 3,167 B) 3,758
C) 3,816 D) 3,286
Answer : A

✓ Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi released the 2022 India’s Tiger Census report on April 09, 2023.
✓ As per the latest census report, the numbers of tigers in India showed an increase in 2022, and stands at
3,167.
✓ There were 2,967 tigers in India, as per the 2018 Tiger Census, released in July 2019.
✓ The 2022 Tiger Census shows that tiger’s population has increased by 200 in the past four years.
✓ This is 6.7 percent higher than the number of tigers during the 2018 census.
✓ It must be noted that the Tiger Census is conducted every four years in India, since 2006 by the National
Tiger Conservation Authority.
✓ The 2022 Tiger Census is the 5th cycle of the tiger evaluation in the country.
✓ The estimate is based only on camera-caught snapshots of tigers and does not consider camera-free tiger
areas, which may have otherwise further increased the tiger’s number.
✓ The report recorded a substantial increase in the tiger population in the Shivalik Hills and Gangetic plains
where camera traps captured 804 unique tigers compared with 646 tigers in 2018.
✓ Similarly, in the Sunderbans, 100 unique tigers were photographed in the 2022 census, compared to 88
tigers in 2018.
✓ Estimates of Tiger in Different Cycles of Tiger Evaluation
✓ 2006 – 1,411
✓ 2010 – 1,706
✓ 2014 – 2,226
✓ 2018 – 2,967
✓ 2022 – 3,167
Q. Who has become the first woman Air Force officer to receive the 'Gallantry Award'?
A) Bhawana Kanth B) Deepika Mishra
C) Avni Chaturvedi D) Shalija Dhami
Answer : B
✓ Wing Commander Deepika Mishra has become the first woman Air Force officer to receive the Gallantry
Medal.
✓ The award was announced by the President on the occasion of Independence Day last year.
✓ Wing Commander Mishra, a Rajasthan-based helicopter pilot, has been awarded the Vayu Sena Medal
(Gallantry) for "extraordinary courage" displayed during a flood relief operation in Madhya Pradesh
Q. Which country has emerged as the most populous country in the world as per the data by UNFPA?
A) China B) United States
C) India D) Indonesia
Answer : C
✓ According to a report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), India is now the most populous
country in the world.
✓ The UN report titled “The State of World Population Report, 2023” with the subtitle ‘8 Billion Lives,
Infinite Possibilities: The Case for Rights and Choices’, was released on April 19, 2023.
✓ The report shows that India’s population is recorded to be 1,428.6 million, while that of China is 1,425.7
million, making a difference of 2.9 million. .
✓ It will be for the first time that India’s population has overtaken China since 1950 when the UN began to
collect and release population data.
✓ Around 25% of India’s population comprise of people within the age group of 0-14, 18% in the age group
of 10-19, 26% in the age group of 10-24, 68% in the age group of 15-64, and 7% above the age of 65.

✓ Talking about cities, New Delhi is the most populated city in India. About 30 million inhabitants reside
in and around NCR. It is followed by Mumbai (20 million), Kolkata (15 million) and Bengaluru (12
million)
Q. The government is committed to build a drug-free India by which year?

A) 2035 B) 2047
C) 2030 D) 2045
Answer : B
✓ The Union Minister, Amit Shah (Union Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Cooperation)
inaugurated and addressed the first National Conference of Heads of Anti-Narcotics Task Forces of
States and Union Territories in New Delhi on April 18, 2023.
✓ He informed that the government is committed to “build a drug-free India by 2047”, the year in which
India will celebrate 100th year of independence.
Q. Which city has been ranked as the wealthiest city in the world by the Henley & Partners?
A) New York B) London
C) Singapore D) Tokyo
Answer : A
✓ The investment migration consultancy Henley & Partners has released the World’s Wealthiest Cities
Report for 2023, on April 18, which ranks the world’s wealthiest and fastest-growing cities.
✓ As per the annual report, New York City has secured the top spot as the wealthiest in the world. The city
comprised of 340,000 high-net-worth individuals in 2022.
✓ Among Indian cities, Mumbai is India’s richest city with 60,000 high-net-worth individuals (HNIs).
Globally Mumbai is ranked at 21st spot.
✓ List of World’s Top 10 Wealthiest Cities
1. New York City (340,000) 2. Tokyo (290,300)
3. San Francisco Bay Area (285,000) 4. London (258,000)
5. Singapore (240,100) 6. Los Angeles (205,400)
7. Hong Kong (129,500) 8. Beijing (128,200)
9. Shanghai (127,200) 10. Sydney (126,900)
Q. Who has been selected for the Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar award for 2023?
A) Asha Bhosle B) Narendra Modi
C) KL Rahul D) Raghuram Rajan
Answer : A
✓ Bollywood’s Legendary singer Asha Bhosle has been named for the Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar award
for 2023.
✓ She will receive the award on April 24, 2023, which marks the memorial day of theatre-music veteran
Deenanath Mangeshkar.
✓ The Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar award has been instituted in the memory of Lata Mangeshkar, who
died on February 6, 2022.
✓ This award is given to an individual who has made a path-breaking contribution towards the nation, its
people

✓ and society.
✓ Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was the first recipient of this award.
Q. Which city will host the 2023 Intercontinental Football Cup?
A) Chennai B) Bhubaneswar
C) Hyderabad D) Bengaluru
Answer : B
✓ The 2023 Intercontinental Football Cup will be held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, from June 9 to 18, 2023.
✓ This will be the third edition of the Intercontinental Cup, organized by the AIFF.
✓ It will be a 4-nation football tournament, including India, Lebanon, Vanuatu and Mongolia.
✓ The first edition of the tournament was won by India in 2018, by defeating Kenya in the Final by 2–0.
Q. Which among these satellites were recently launched by SpaceX under its most recent Starlink mission?
A) Starlink “V1 mini” satellites B) Starlink “V2.5 mini” satellites
C) Starlink “V1.5 mini” satellites D) Starlink “V2 mini” satellites
Answer : D
✓ Elon Musk-led SpaceX has launched a new batch of 21 Starlink satellites into the orbit, from Florida’s
Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on April 19, 2023.
✓ The new Starlink “V2 mini” satellites were launched on a Falcon 9 rocket.
✓ This launched marked the 25th launch of SpaceX in 2023 so far.
✓ The “Starlink V2 Mini” satellites are launched under the mission known as Starlink 6-2.
✓ These satellites are fitted with improved phased array antennas with four times the communications
capacity of earlier generations of Starlink satellites, known as Version 1.5.
✓ SpaceX has already launched over 4,000 Starlink satellites in orbit.
Q. Who is the author of the book ‘The bee, the beetle, and the money bug- The bank bazaar guide to the
financial world’?
A) Arjun Shetty and IYPE ISAC B) Ramesh Shetty and Sriram V
C) Adhil Shetty and AR Hemant D) Rati Shetty and Pankaj Bansal
Answer : C
✓ A new book titled ‘The bee, the beetle, and the money bug- The bank bazaar guide to the financial world’
has been released.
✓ It has been authored by Adhil Shetty (CEO and Co-founder of Bankbazaar.com) and AR Hemant (former
journalist and now head of communications at Bankbazaar.com).
✓ The book emphasises on the advantage of starting investments at an early age.
Q. The first Global Buddhist Summit was recently held in which city?
A) New Delhi B) Hyderabad
C) Patna D) Gurugram
Answer : A
✓ Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the first Global Buddhist Summit (GBS) in New Delhi
on April 20, 2023.
✓ The two-day Summit has been organised by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the
International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) .

✓ The theme of the Summit is “Responses to Contemporary Challenges: Philosophy to Praxis.”
✓ The Summit will help to enhance the significance and importance of India in Buddhism, as Buddhism
was born in India.
Q. Name the winner of the Malcolm Adiseshiah Award for 2023?

A) Raja Jesudoss Chelliah B) Varadaraja Rao
C) Utsa Patnaik D) Jagdish Bhagwati
Answer : C
✓ Utsa Patnaik, a renowned Indian Marxian economist has been selected for the Malcolm Adiseshiah
Award 2023.
✓ The Malcolm Adiseshiah Award is given every year by the Malcolm & Elizabeth Adiseshiah Trust since
2000, for Distinguished Contributions to Development Studies.
✓ The award comes with a prize money of ₹2 lakh and a citation
Q. Who has launched the 'SATHI Portal and Mobile App'?
A) S. Jaishankar B) Parshottam Rupala
C) Nirmala Sitharaman D) Narendra Singh Tomar
Answer : D
✓ Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on 19th April launched the SATHI
(Seed Traceability, Authentication and Holistic Inventory) Portal and Mobile App to deal with the
challenges of seed production, quality seed identification, and seed certification.
✓ It has been created by NIC in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
on the theme of 'Best Seeds - Prosperous Farmer'.
✓ SATHI portal is also an important step in this direction. When its use starts till the bottom, it will prove
to be a revolutionary step in the field of agriculture.
NARENDRA SINGH TOMAR IN NEWS 2023
➢ Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Narendra Singh Tomar officially inaugurated the
➢ India’s Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar recently launched the Millets Experience Centre
(MEC) at Dilli Haat in New Delhi.
➢ Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Narendra Singh Tomar launched the SATHI (Seed
Traceability, Authentication and Holistic Inventory) Portal and Mobile App to deal with the challenges
of seed production, quality seed identification, and seed certification.
➢ Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Narendra Singh Tomar inaugurated the three-day
'Northeast Krishi Kumbh-2023' at Umiam in Meghalaya.
➢ Narender Singh Tomar inaugurates “AgriUnifest” in Bengaluru.
➢ It was organized by Bangalore Agricultural University in collaboration with the Indian Council of
Agricultural Research (ICAR).
➢ Narendra Singh Tomar inaugurated the Summit on Farm Machinery Technology, organized by the
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Tractor and Mechanisation Association (TMA) in New
Delhi.
➢ Narendra Singh Tomar inaugurated the integrated ‘Agriculture Investment Portal’ will prove to be a
milestone in terms of investment in the agriculture sector.
➢ Narendra Singh Tomar, has introduced a new platform called ‘DigiClaim’ on the national crop insurance
portal.
Q. Who received Germany's highest Order of Merit from the German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier?

A) Joachim Sauer B) Angela Merkel
C) Irene Kasner D) Annalena Baerbock
Answer : B
✓ Former Chancellor "Angela Merkel" received Germany's highest Order of Merit.
✓ The Grand Cross award was handed to her by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
✓ The award has only been given twice before, to former chancellors Konrad Adenauer and Helmut Kohl.
✓ All three former leaders belong to the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU).
✓ Merkel led Germany from 2005 to 2021, totaling four terms in office. She did not seek a fifth term.
✓ She was the first woman to take the post of chancellor and the first German head of government to have
grown up in socialist East Germany..
✓ Former German chancellor Angela Merkel has been awarded the Felix Houphouet-Boigny UNESCO
Peace Prize in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast.
Q. Who has become the first Indian woman to win Wisden Almanack’s Leading Cricketer of the Year
Award 2022?
A) Smriti Mandhana B) Harmanpreet Kaur
C) Jemimah Rodrigues D) Shafali Verma
Answer : B
✓ Wisden Cricketers Almanack has released the list of top-5 cricketers of the year 2022. It also includes
India's women's team captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Suryakumar Yadav of the men's team.
✓ Apart from Kaur, the list also includes the names of Tom Blundell (New Zealand), Ben Foakes
(England), Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand) and Matthew Potts (England).
✓ Suryakumar Yadav has been selected as the T20 Cricketer of the Year.
✓ Harmanpreet Kaur created history by becoming the first Indian woman to be named in Wisden
Cricketers of the Year.
✓ Apart from this, Ben Stokes of England has been selected as the best cricketer in the world for the year
2022-23 among male players.
✓ At the same time, Beth Mooney (Australia) has received this award among women cricketers.
Suryakumar Yadav has been selected as the T20 Cricketer of the Year.
Q. ISRO will launch the Earth Observation satellite TeLEOS-2 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in
Sriharikota . TeLEOS-2 is a satellite of which country?
A) Vietnam B) Singapore
C) Ethiopia D) Switzerland
Answer : B
✓ ISRO will launch Singapore's TeLEOS-2 satellite using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) from
the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota.
✓ TeLEOS-1, Singapore's first commercial Earth observation satellite, was launched by ISRO in 2015 and
since then, ISRO has launched nine satellites for Singapore.
✓ TeLEOS-2 is an Earth observation satellite built by ST Engineering that will carry a Synthetic Aperture
Radar (SAR) capable of providing 1-metre resolution data. The satellite will have a 500 GB onboard
recorder and 800 Mbps downlink.
Q. IIT Madras has planned to set up its first International campus in which country?
A) Tanzania B) Kenya
C) Senegal D) Ethiopia

Answer : A
✓ The IIT Madras has planned to set up its first International campus in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
✓ This will be the first Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) to be set up in an African country.
✓ IIT Madras observed its 64th Institute Day on April 20, 2023.
✓ About Tanzania
✓ Tanzania, East African country situated just south of the Equator.
✓ President: Samia Suluhu Hassan
✓ Capital: Dodoma
✓ Currency: Tanzanian shilling
Q. Who is the author of the book titled “SACHIN@50: Celebrating a Maestro”?

A) Ravi Chaturvedi B) Jatin Sapru
C) Sushil Doshi D) Boria Majumdar
Answer : D
✓ Boria Majumdar, one of India’s most influential sports commentators and columnist has come out with
a new book on the legendary cricket star Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar.
✓ The book titled “SACHIN@50: Celebrating a Maestro” will be released on April 24, 2023, the day when
Sachin will mark his 50th birthday.
✓ This book is a collection of the remarkable achievements of Tendulkar, the ‘God of cricket’ as a tribute.
✓ Playing It My Way is the autobiography of former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar.
SACHIN TENDULKAR IN NEWS 2023
✓ A new book titled ‘Sachin@50’- Celebrating A Maestro by Boria Majumdar.
✓ Sachin Tendulkar now ‘smile ambassador’ for Maharashtra govt under the state’s ‘Swachh Mukh
Abhiyan’.
✓ Savlon India appoints Sachin Tendulkar as world’s first ‘Hand Ambassador’.
✓ Master blaster Sachin Tendulkar has turned 50 this year on 24 April and to honour him the iconic Sydney
Cricket Ground in Australia has unveiled a set of gates named after him.
✓ In honor of Sachin Tendulkar’s 50th birthday, the West Stand at the renowned Sharjah cricket stadium
has been renamed as the ‘Sachin Tendulkar Stand.’
✓ 10 yrs post-retirement, a life-size statue of Sachin Tendulkar at Wankhede stadium Mumbai
Q. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is committed to develop around 10,000 kilometres
of Optic Fibre Cables (OFC) infrastructure across the country by which year?
A) 2025 B) 2024
C) 2023 D) 2026
Answer : A
✓ The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) aims to develop around 10,000 kilometres of Optic
Fibre Cables (OFC) infrastructure across the country by 2024-2025.
✓ This initiative will help in providing internet connectivity to remote locations and expediting the roll-out
of new-age telecom technologies like 5G & 6G.
✓ The National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), NHAI’s fully-owned special
purpose vehicle, will implement the network of “digital highways” by developing integrated utility
corridors along the national highways to develop OFC infrastructure.
Q. INIOCHOS-23 Exercise will be conducted between India and which country from 24 Apr 2023 to 4 May
2023?

A) China B) Greece
C) Ethiopia D) Norway
Answer : B
✓ The Indian Air Force (IAF) will be participating in Exercise INIOCHOS-23, a multi-national air exercise
hosted by the Hellenic Air Force, the air force of Greece.
✓ The exercise will be conducted at the Andravida Air Base in Greece from 24 Apr 2023 to 4 May 2023.
✓ The Indian Air Force will be participating with four Su-30 MKI and two C-17 aircraft.
✓ The exercise will be conducted in a realistic combat scenario involving a wide variety of air and surface
assets.
✓ Objective of Exercise INIOCHOS-23.
✓ The exercise aims to enhance international cooperation, synergy and interoperability among the
participating air forces.
Q. Who launched the world's largest and most powerful rocket 'Starship' Key launching failure?
A) ISRO B) European Space Agency
C) NASA D) SpaceX
Answer : D
✓ SpaceX’s next-generation Starship, the world’s biggest rocket, exploded during its first test-flight to space
near Brownsville, Texas.
✓ SpaceX’s Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket– collectively referred to as Starship.
✓ Super Heavy rocket is the first stage, or booster, of the Starship launch system.
✓ It is powered by 33 Raptor engines using sub-cooled liquid methane (CH4) and liquid oxygen (LOX).
SPACEX IN NEWS 2023
➢ Elon Musk sets low expectations before first SpaceX launch of Starship, most powerful rocket ever .
➢ SpaceX launched NASA’s Crew-6 mission to orbit en route to the International Space Station, with a
Russian cosmonaut and United Arab Emirates astronaut joining two NASA crewmates for the flight..
➢ SpaceX Sends First Saudi Arabian Astronauts Rayyanah Barnawi to the International Space Station.
➢ SpaceX Launches 51 Starlink satellites from California.
➢ SpaceX Awarded shared NASA contract worth up to $100 million.
➢ Airtel-backed OneWeb successfully launched and deployed 40 satellites onboard a SpaceX launcher.
Q. International Mother Earth Day is observed on which day of the year?
A) 20 April B) 22 April
C) 21 April D) 19 April
Answer : B
✓ World Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on 22 April to show support for environmental protection.
✓ Its purpose is to create awareness among people about environmental protection.
✓ The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970, and is now coordinated globally by EARTHDAY.ORG
(formerly Earth Day Network).
✓ The event is celebrated by over 1 billion people in over 193 countries.
✓ The official theme for World Earth Day 2023 is "Invest in our Planet".
✓ The idea of Earth Day was proposed by peace activist John McConnell at a UNESCO conference in San
Francisco in 1969.
✓ The first Earth Day was celebrated on March 21, 1970, and later changed to April 22, 1970 by United
States Senator Gaylord Nelson

✓ World Earth Day was initially focused on the United States, but became an international event in 1990
with events held in 141 countries.
✓ The landmark Paris Agreement was signed by the United States, the United Kingdom, China and 120
other countries on Earth Day 2016.
Q. The book titled ‘Crosscourt’ is the autobiography of which sports person?

A) Zeeshan Ali B) Naresh Kumar
C) Ramesh Krishnan D) Jaidip Mukerjea
Answer : D
✓ Legendary Indian tennis player Jaidip Mukerjea has come out with his autobiography titled
“Crosscourt”.
✓ The book brings out the journey of Mukerjea, in which he shares his life experiences of tennis career,
which may act as motivation for future generations to take up the sport.
Q. What is the rank of India in the World Bank’s Logistic Performance Index 2023?
A) 38 B) 44
C) 25 D) 32
Answer : A
✓ India has been ranked at 38th position among 139 countries in the World Bank’s Logistic Performance
Index 2023, which is a measure of countries’ ability to move goods across borders with speed and
reliability.
✓ India has improved its ranking by 6 places, than its previous rank of 44 in 2018.
✓ The Logistics Performance Index by World Bank helps developing countries to identify where
improvements can be made to boost competitiveness.
✓ Singapore has topped the index. It is followed by Finland at second position
Q. Which country has topped the World Bank’s Logistic Performance Index 2023?
A) Finland B) Singapore
C) Norway D) Switzerland
Answer : B
✓ Singapore has topped the index. It is followed by Finland at second position.
Q. The world’s largest cyber defence exercise named ‘Locked Shields-2023’ was conducted by which alliance
recently?
A) NATO B) SAARC
C) G-20 D) SCO
Answer : A
✓ NATO conducted the world’s largest cyber defence exercise named ‘Locked Shields-2023’ in Tallinn,
Estonia from April 18 to April 21, 2023.
✓ The four-day exercise saw participation of more than 3,000 IT-specialists from 38 nations.
✓ The event is organised every year since 2010, by NATO Cooperative Cyber Defense Center of Excellence
(CCDCOE).
✓ The purpose of this exercise is to boost the strategical and technical abilities of the participants in fighting
cyber attacks.

Q. Name the winner of World Press Photo of the Year award for 2023?
A) Anthony Suau B) Evgeniy Maloletka
C) Spencer Platt D) Tim Hetherington
Answer : B
✓ Ukrainian journalist and photographer, Evgeniy Maloletka, from the Associated Press has won the
World Press Photo of the Year award for 2023.
✓ He has won the image, which shows Iryna Kalinina, a 32-year-old wounded pregnant being carried on a
stretcher by emergency workers, through the shattered grounds of a maternity hospital in the Ukrainian
city of Mariupol, that was damaged during a Russian airstrike.
✓ The annual photo contest is awarded by World Press Photo Foundation which rewards photographers
for the best single exposure pictures contributing to the past year of visual journalism.
Q. Which state government has launched a ‘Salokha Yojana’ in the state?

A) Gujarat B) Rajasthan
Answer : C
✓ The Maharashtra government launched a ‘Salokha Yojana’ in the state.
✓ This scheme provides an opportunity for farmers to exchange their agricultural land in lieu of a nominal
registration fee of Rs 1,000 and a stamp duty of Rs 1,000.
✓ The aim of the scheme is to resolve disputes between farmers regarding land ownership and possession,
promote harmony in society and increase peace and harmony among them.
Q. Who has been selected as a finalist for the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2023?
A) Shanti Lakra B) Shanti Lal
C) Kajal Sharma D) Ramesh Kandula
Answer : A
✓ Shanti Lakra, a nurse from India, has been selected as a finalist for the Aster Guardians Global Nursing
Award 2023.
✓ The winner of the award will receive a cash prize of $25,000 and will be announced in May 2023.
✓ The award recognizes and honors exceptional nurses from around the world who have made significant
contributions to patient care.
✓ Lakra works as a nurse in a hospital in Port Blair.
Q. In India, which day is celebrated as the National Panchayati Raj Day?

Answer : D
✓ Panchayati Raj Day is celebrated every year on 24th April to commemorate the enactment of the 73rd
Amendment Act, 1992 of the Constitution in the year 1993.
✓ The day is celebrated to acknowledge national local self-governance and democratic decentralisation.
✓ The theme of National Panchayati Raj Day 2023 is 'Sustainable Panchayat: Building Healthy, Water
Sufficient, Clean & Green Villages.'

✓ The Ministry of Panchayati Raj is the nodal ministry responsible for empowering, enabling and ensuring
accountability of Panchayati Raj Institutions for achieving inclusive growth with social justice and
efficient service delivery.
✓ Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the National Panchayati Raj Day celebrations in Madhya
Pradesh and laid the foundation stone and inaugurated projects worth over Rs 17,000 crore.
Q. Who has launched new features in eShram Portal ?

A) Ashwini Vaishnaw B) Bhupender Yadav
C) Kiren Rijiju D) Mansukh L. Mandaviya
Answer : B
✓ Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender
Yadav, launched new features in eShram Portal on 24th April
✓ The new features added in eShram portal will enhance the utility of the portal and facilitate ease of
registration for unorganised workers.
✓ The eShram registered workers can now connect with Employment opportunities, Skilling,
Apprenticeship, Pension Scheme, Digital Skilling and States’ schemes through eShram portal.
✓ The Union Minister also formally launched the Data Sharing Portal (DSP) for sharing of eShram data
with the State/ UT Governments.
✓ What are new features added?
✓ Facility to enter details of families of migrant workers has been added in the e-Shram Portal.
✓ This facility can help migrant workers migrating with family to get benefits of child education and women
centric schemes.
✓ In addition, a new feature has been added regarding sharing of data of construction workers registered
on Eshram with the concerned Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) Welfare Board.
✓ It will ensure registration of Ishram construction workers with the concerned BOCW board and ensure
access to schemes for them.
✓ About e-Shram portal
✓ The Ministry of Labor and Employment has developed an eSHRAM portal to create a national database
of unorganised workers.
✓ It was launched in 2021.
✓ Its aim is to welfare of workers in the unorganised sector who are not members of the EPFO or ESIC.
✓ Registered members will be eligible for a range of benefits after signing up for Shramik Yojana and getting
the e-Shram Card.
✓ This will allow workers to receive Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) through e-Shramik Unique ID Number.
Q. Which country refinery to be built by India by 2025?
A) Thailand B) Cambodia
C) Mongolia D) Philippines
Answer : C
✓ Mongolia will have its first oil refinery up and running by 2025.
✓ The first phase of the $1.2 billion Indian soft loan-funded Mongol Oil Refinery will be finished by the
end of the year.
✓ Given that Russia is the only source of energy imports for Mongolia, the development has strategic
ramifications.
✓ Mongolia refinery to be built by India by 2025 :
✓ The refinery will enable Mongolia to satisfy 70% of its domestic demand.

✓ According to the nation’s ambassador, Dambajav Ganbold, the first oil refinery in Mongolia, which is
being constructed on the outskirts of the capital city of Ulaanbaatar with funding from India, would be
finished by 2025
Q. Ministry of Health plans to launch how many food streets across country to promote hygiene and safety?
A) 75 B) 100
C) 150 D) 200
Answer : B
✓ The Health Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, has asked States
and Union Territories to develop 100 food streets in 100 districts across the country.
✓ Aim : The aim of this project is to encourage safe and healthy practices to reduce food-borne illnesses
and improve overall health outcomes, said the Health Ministry.
✓ The initiative is being taken up as a pilot project to create an example for best practices for food
businesses.
✓ The communication further said that safe food practices would not only boost the “eat right campaign”
and food safety but also improve the hygiene credibility of local food businesses.
✓ The initiative will be implemented through the National Health Mission (NHM) in convergence with the
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and with technical support from the Food Safety and Standards
Authority of India (FSSAI).
✓ Financial assistance of ₹1 crore per food street/district will be given to States and Union Territories.
✓ The project envisages 100 such food streets in 100 districts across the country.
✓ Assistance will be provided under the NHM in the ratio of 60:40 or 90:10, with the condition that
standard branding of these food streets will be done as per FSSAI guidelines..
Q. Who took over as the Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)?
A) Sanjay Sinha B) Rajesh Kumar Singh
C) Ashok Khemka D) Nripendra Mishra
Answer : B
✓ Senior IAS officer Rajesh Kumar Singh assumed the charge of Secretary in the Department for
Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
✓ He succeeds Anurag Jain, who was appointed Secretary of the Ministry of Road Transport and
Highways. Earlier, IAS Rajesh worked as a Secretary in the Department of Animal Husbandry and
Dairying.
✓ The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade functions under the Ministry of
Commerce and Industry.
Q. The iconic Sydney Cricket Ground unveiled a gate named after which player?
A) Kapil Dev B) Mahendra Singh Dhoni
C) Sachin Tendulkar D) Shane Warne
Answer : C
✓ A gate named after legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar was unveiled at Australia's iconic Sydney
Cricket Ground in his honour on his 50th birthday. Tendulkar turned 50 on April 24.
✓ Sachin played an unbeaten historical inning of 241 runs in the Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 2004
and he also scored 785 runs including 3 centuries in that series.
✓ This ground was one of Sachin's favourite cricket grounds

Q. Which State Gandhisagar Sanctuary to be second new home of Cheetahs?
A) Kerala B) Uttar Pradesh
C) Karnataka D) Madhya Pradesh
Answer : D
✓ Madhya Pradesh's Gandhisagar Sanctuary will be developed as a second home for cheetahs within six
months to retain the tag of cheetah state, Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
✓ The move comes after experts suggested that Kuno National Park (KNP) does not have enough space
for all cheetahs.
MADHYA PRADESH IN NEWS 2023
➢ Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary will be the New Home of Cheetahs in Madhya Pradesh.
➢ Madhya Pradesh cabinet approves 'Mukhya Mantri Sikho Kamao Yojana' for unemployed youth.
➢ Gond paintings from Madhya Pradesh have bagged the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, a recognition
that protects and acknowledges the work of tribal artists.
➢ Madhya Pradesh government launched Chief Minister's Residential Land Rights Scheme.
➢ Madhya Pradesh government announced that Islam Nagar village located in Bhopal district has been
➢ Madhya Pradesh Government on 5 March launched Ladli Bahna scheme under which each woman will
be given one thousand rupees per month..
➢ Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced on March 4 to make Tehsil Mauganj
Q. Which state in India has topped in terms of number of water bodies, as reported in the first-ever census
of water bodies across the nation conducted by the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti?
A) Sikkim B) Maharashtra
C) West Bengal D) Uttarakhand
Answer : C
✓ Union Ministry of Jal Shakti conducted the first-ever census of water bodies across the nation, in order
to have a comprehensive national database of all water bodies.
✓ The basic objective of this census was to:
✓ provide a comprehensive inventory of India’s water resources, including natural and man-made water
bodies like ponds, tanks, lakes, and more, collect data on the encroachment of water bodies, highlight
disparities between rural and urban areas and varying levels of encroachment, reveal crucial insights into
the country’s water resources
✓ The key features of the Census 24,24,540 water bodies have been enumerated in the country. Of these,
97.1% (23,55,055) are in rural areas and only 2.9% (69,485) are in urban areas.
✓ Top 05 States in terms of number of water bodies (constituting around 63% of the total water bodies)
1. West Bengal, 2. Uttar Pradesh,
3. Andhra Pradesh, 4. Odisha
5. Assam
✓ Top 05 States in terms of number of water bodies in urban areas – West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala,
Uttar Pradesh and Tripura
✓ 59.5% of water bodies are ponds, followed by tanks (15.7%), reservoirs (12.1%), Water conservation
schemes/percolation tanks/check dams (9.3%), lakes (0.9%) and others (2.5%).

✓ Among public owned water bodies, maximum water bodies are owned by Panchayats, followed by State
Irrigation/State WRD.
✓ Among all private owned water bodies, maximum water bodies are owned by Individual owner/farmer
followed by group of individuals and other private bodies.
✓ Top 05 States which lead in the private owned water bodies – West Bengal, Assam, Andhra Pradesh,
Odisha and Jharkhand
✓ Among all ‘in use’ water bodies, mostly water bodies are used in pisciculture followed by Irrigation.
✓ Top 05 States with major use of water bodies in pisciculture – West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, Uttar
Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh;
✓ Top 05 States with major use of water bodies in irrigation – Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana,
West Bengal and Gujarat.
✓ 78% water bodies are man-made water bodies whereas 22% are natural water bodies.
✓ 1.6% (38,496) water bodies out of all the enumerated water bodies are reported to be encroached. Out of
them, 95.4% are in rural areas and remaining 4.6% in urban areas.
✓ Union Minister for Jal Shakti – Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
Q. Name the e-commerce web portal launched by Centre for artisans and weavers, so that they can sell their
handloom and handicraft products directly to customers without any middlemen
A) Indiacrafthouse.com B) Itokri.com
C) Indiahandmade.com D) HandicraftsInIndia.in
Answer : C
✓ The Central Government has launched an e-commerce portal named ‘Indiahandmade.com’, for artisans
and weavers, so that they can sell their handloom and handicraft products directly to customers without
any middlemen, and get fair remuneration.
✓ The portal will not charge any commission from sellers. It shall also provide free shipping with a return
option to customers along with multiple payment gateways to pay online.
✓ Products from more than 35 lakh handloom weavers and 27 lakh handicraft artisans will be displayed on
the portal from options like clothing, home decor, jewellery, accessories, and other products handmade
by skilled artisans
Q. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research – National Dairy Research Institute (ICAR-NDRI)
celebrated its 19th Convocation on April 24, 2023. The institute is located at which place?
A) Chennai B) Port Blair
C) Jodhpur D) Karnal
Answer : D
✓ The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu addressed the 19th convocation of the Indian Council of
Agricultural Research – National Dairy Research Institute (ICAR-NDRI) at Karnal, Haryana on April
24, 2023.
✓ The dairy sector contributes about 5 percent to the country’s GDP.
Q. India’s Jyothi Surekha Vennam has won gold medal for the country in individual event of which sports
recently?
A) Archery B) Badminton
C) Tennis D) Shooting
Answer : A
✓ The stage -I of the 2023 Archery World Cup was held from 18-23 April at Antalya, Turkey.

✓ India managed to win 4 medals which included 4 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze.
✓ Jyothi Surekha Vennam won the gold medal in Women’s compound individual event
✓ The duo of Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Ojas Pravin Deotale won in mixed compound team event.
✓ The silver medal was won by the Indian men’s recurve team after losing to China in a shoot-off.
✓ The bronze medal came from Dhiraj Bommadevara, in men’s recurve individual
Q. Which of the following has been chosen as the World Book Capital for the year 2023 by UNESCO?
A) Accra B) Abuja
C) Dakar D) Cairo
Answer : A
✓ As a part of the Day, UNESCO selects the World Book Capital every year for a one-year period, effective
23 April each year. The World Book Capital for 2023 is Accra, Ghana.
Q. PM Modi has laid the foundation stone for India’s first Digital Science Park coming up at the Technocity
campus in which city?
A) Thiruvananthapuram B) Chennai
C) Bengaluru D) Hyderabad
Answer : A
✓ Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid the foundation stone for India’s first Digital Science Park coming
up at the Technocity campus in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
Q. The World Malaria Day (WMD) is observed globally on which day?
A) 24th April B) 26th April
C) 23rd April D) 25th April
Answer : D
✓ The World Malaria Day (WMD) is observed globally on 25 April each year to recognize the efforts of
the people worldwide to control malaria.
✓ The Day was established in May 2007 at the 60th session of the World Health Assembly, WHO’s
decision-making body.
✓ Theme of World Malaria Day 2023 is ‘Reaching the Zero Malaria Target’.
Q. Which state has launched the ‘One Panchayat, One Playground’ project to revive the sports culture in
the state?
A) Haryana B) Meghalaya
C) Kerala D) Uttar Pradesh
Answer : C
✓ Kerala Government launches ‘One Panchayat, One Playground’ to revive sports culture.
✓ The Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has launched a project dubbed as ‘One Panchayat, One
Playground’ for reviving the sports culture in the State, by opening quality playgrounds in every
panchayat of the southern state.
Q. The Khongjom Day is marked every year in which state?

A) Nagaland B) Manipur

C) Tripura D) Meghalaya
Answer : B
✓ In Manipur, the Khongjom Day was observed on April 23, 2023 at Khongjom in Thoubal district.
✓ The day remembers the battle fought in 1891 Anglo Manipuri War.
✓ The colonial British army, well equipped with modern weapons, started war with the people of the hills
and valley of Manipur.
Q. With which country did India announce making the 'Net Zero' Innovation Virtual Center?
A) UK B) USA
C) Japan D) Brazil
Answer : A
✓ India and the United Kingdom have agreed to create India-UK NET zero innovation virtual centre.
✓ This centre will provide a platform for stakeholders of both countries to work together in areas like the
decarbonization of manufacturing processes, transport systems, and green hydrogen as a renewable
source.
Q. The Mana village has been designated as ‘India’s first village’ by BRO, as it is situated on the India-China
border. In which state is this village located?
C) Sikkim D) Arunachal Pradesh
Answer : B
✓ Mana village on India-China border in UK’s Chamoli district declared as ‘India’s first village’ by BRO.
✓ The Border Road Organisation (BRO) of India has put up a signboard saying ‘India’s first village’ in
Mana, a village in Uttarakhand.
✓ The Mana village is on the India-China border in Chamoli District.
✓ This decision is based on the initiative by PM Modi to declare all border villages in the country as the
first villages and not the last as they are usually called.
✓ Mana village is situated near Himalayan temple, Badrinath.
✓ Devotees going to the temple usually go up to the village for sightseeing.
Q. Manamadurai pottery has recently received the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag. Manamadurai is a
pottery of which state?
A) Kerala B) Tamil Nadu
C) Karnataka D) Telangana
Answer : B
✓ Manamadurai pottery, a traditional form of pottery from Tamil Nadu, has received the Geographical
Indication (GI) tag.
✓ Manamadurai in Sivagangai district in Tamil Nadu is known for pottery making.
✓ The pottery is known for its distinctive style, which features intricate designs and vibrant colors.
Q. Who has been appointed as the Chairperson of NASSCOM in 2023-24?

A) Anant Maheshwari B) Krishnan Ramanujam
C) Rajesh Nambiar D) Rekha M Menon
Answer : A

✓ The National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) has appointed Anant
Maheshwari as its Chairperson for the year 2023-24.
✓ Anant Maheshwari is the President & CEO at Microsoft India.
✓ In his previous tenure, Mr. Maheshwari was the vice-president of the NASSCOM.
✓ He replaces Krishnan Ramanujam, who heads business and technology services at Tata Consultancy
Services.
✓ Apart from this, Rajesh Nambiar, Chairman and MD, Cognizant India, has been appointed as the Vice
Chairperson for 2023-24.
Q. Name the winner of 2023 London Marathon in men’s event?
A) Mosinet Geremew B) Kenenisa Bekele
C) Birhanu Legese D) Kelvin Kiptum
Answer : D
✓ Kelvin Kiptum of Kenya has won the 2023 London Marathon in men’s category, with the second fastest
record time of 2 hours, 1 minute, 25 seconds.The marathon was held on April 23, 2023.
✓ The 23-year-old Kenyan runner finished the race just 16 seconds slow than the world record set by Eliud
Kipchoge in 2022 at Berlin Marathon at 2:01:09.
✓ In women’s category, Ethiopia-born Dutch distance-running champion Sifan Hassan won by finishing
the marathon in 2:18:33.
✓ TCS is beginning a six year deal as title sponsor of the London Marathon.
Q. Which country is helping Mongolia in building and financing its first greenfield oil refinery in the capital
Ulaanbaatar?
A) India B) Russia
C) Japan D) Saudi Arabia
Answer : A
✓ In Mongolia, India is helping to finance and construct country’s first greenfield oil refinery in the capital
Ulaanbaatar.
✓ The cost of the Mongol Oil Refinery project is estimated at $1.35 billion
✓ The project is proposed to be completed by 2025.
✓ The refinery would help Mongolia to meet 70% of its oil demand domestically.
Q. Who will be honoured with Billboard’s ‘Latin Women of the Year’ Award?
A) Taylor Swift B) Ariana Grande
C) Justin Bieber D) Shakira
Answer : D
✓ Colombian singer Shakira will be honoured with Billboard’s ‘Latin women of the year’ award at the first-
ever Mujeres Latinas en la Musica, or Latin Women in Music, gala.
✓ Shakira has sold over 70 million records worldwide and has won three Grammy Awards and 12 Latin
Grammy Awards.
✓ Shakira has earned the title of ‘Queen of Latin Music’ for her outstanding tracks over the course of three
decades in her career.
Q. Who has bagged Steel Ministry's "Ispat Rajbhasha Samman" for the year 2021-22?
A) RANL

B) BINL
C) RINL
D) RIML
Answer : C
✓ Rashtriya Ispat Nigam (RINL) bagged Steel Ministry’s "Ispat Rajbhasha Samman" First Prize for the
year 2021-22.
Q. India will host the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers' Meeting on 28 April
2023 in Which City?
A) Mumbai B) New Delhi
Answer : B
✓ India as the Chair of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in 2023 will host the SCO Defence
Ministers’ Meeting on 28 April 2023 in New Delh
✓ The theme of India’s Chairmanship of SCO in 2023 is ‘SECURE-SCO’. India attaches special
importance to SCO in promoting multilateral, political, security, economic and people-to-people
interactions in the region.
✓ The SCO was created in 2001 based on the “Shanghai five” formed after the signing by Kazakhstan,
Kyrgyzstan, China, Russia and Tajikistan.
Q. AJEYA WARRIOR is an annual joint military exercise of Indian Army with which country?
A) Singapore B) Malaysia
C) United States D) United Kingdom
Answer : D
✓ The 7th edition of joint military exercise between India and the United Kingdom, named “AJEYA
WARRIOR-23” is being conducted at Salisbury Plains, United Kingdom from 27 April to 11 May 2023.
✓ The biennial training exercise AJEYA WARRIOR is conducted alternatively in the United Kingdom
and India.
✓ The previous edition was held at Chaubatia, Uttarakhand in October 2021.
✓ The Indian Army soldiers from the BIHAR Regiment are participating in the exercise, while the UK will
be represented by the Soldiers of the 2 Royal Gorkha Rifles.
✓ Other Exercises between India and United Kingdom
✓ Exercise Konkan ( naval exercise )
✓ Exercise ‘Indradhanush’ (Air Force Exercise)
✓ Ajeya Warrior (Joint Military Exercise)
Q. The Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of how many new Nursing Colleges in the country?
A) 142 B) 157
C) 169 D) 178
Answer : B
✓ The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has
approved to set up 157 new nursing colleges in co-location with the existing medical colleges established
since 2014.
✓ The new nursing college add approximately 15,700 nursing graduates every year.

✓ The government has approved total financial allocation of Rs.1,570 crore for the project. The plan is to
complete the project within next two years.
✓ In the first place, this initiative will ensure quality, affordable, and equitable nursing education in India,
especially in underserved districts and States/Union Territories, and secondly, it will help in
strengthening nursing workforce in the country.
✓ The highest number of colleges will be in Uttar Pradesh (27), Rajasthan (23), and Madhya Pradesh (14).
Q. How many medical device parks will be set up under the National Medical Device Policy?
A) 7 B) 6
C) 5 D) 4
Answer : D
✓ Cabinet approves National Medical Devices Policy, 2023 to increase global market share to 50 billion by
2030.
✓ The Union Cabinet has approved the National Medical Devices Policy, 2023, to facilitate growth in the
medical device sector and thereby meet the public health objectives of access, affordability, quality and
innovation.
✓ Cabinet has also initiated implementation of Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Medical
Devices.
✓ Under the PLI scheme, a total of 26 projects have been approved with a committed investment of Rs
1,206 crore. Out of this, an investment of Rs 714 crore has already been achieved.
✓ Besides, the government has also proposed to set up 4 Medical devices Parks in the States of Himachal
Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.
✓ With this new policy, the government aims to achieve 10-12 percent share in the growing global market
over the next 25 years. Currently India’s share in the global medical devices market is just around 1.5
percent.
✓ The National Medical Devices Policy, 2023 is expected to help the market size of medical devices sector
to grow from $11 billion (Rs 90,000 crore) in 2020, to $50 billion (Rs 4.5 trillion) by 2030.
✓ Among other things, the policy aims at establishing “centres of excellence” in academic and research
institutions, innovation hubs, “plug and play” infrastructure and support to start-ups.
✓ The policy also envisages the creation of a dedicated Export Promotion Council for the sector.
✓ Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare Mansukh Mandaviya
Q. Who has been awarded Ramon Magsaysay Award 1959?
A) Shinzo Abe B) Dalai Lama
C) Angela Merkel D) Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Answer : B
✓ Dalai Lama personally received the 1959 Ramon Magsaysay Award from members of the Ramon
Magsaysay Award Foundation at his residence.
✓ President of the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation,Susanna B. Affan, along with Foundation
TrusteeEmily A. Abrera, presented the award to the Dalai Lama.
✓ The award was given in August 1959 by the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation in the Philippines.
✓ Ramon Magsaysay Award
✓ Established : 1957
✓ First award : 1958
✓ Vinoba Bhave was the 1st Magsaysay Award winner in 1958 (first Indian).
✓ This award was created to commemorate Ramon Magsaysay, the late president of Philippines.
✓ The Ramon Magsaysay Award is Asia’s premier prize and highest honour.
✓ It is considered as Asia’s equivalent of the Nobel Prize

✓ This award is given in 6 categories
✓ These categories are:
1. Government services (GS)
2. Public services (PS)
3. Community leadership(CL)
4. Journalism, literature & creative communication arts (JLCCA)
5. Peace and International Understanding (PIU)
6. Emergent leadership (EL)
Q. The Ramon Magsaysay Award is an annual award given by which country?

A) United States B) New Zealand
C) Germany D) Philippines
Answer : D
Q. Which Ministry has launched 'City Beauty Competition' portal?

A) Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
B) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
C) Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare
D) Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change
Answer : A
✓ The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has launched a portal called ‘City Beauty
Competition’.
✓ The portal can be accessed at https://citybeautycompetition.in
✓ All the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across the country can participate in this competition through an
online process.
✓ The objective of the competition is to encourage cities and wards across the country to create beautiful,
innovative and inclusive public spaces and recognize the transformational efforts made by them.
✓ The competition at city level will judge wards and public spaces against five broad pillars viz., (i)
accessibility (ii) amenities (iii) activities (iv) aesthetics and (v) ecology.
✓ The top most beautiful wards would be felicitated at the city and State levels.
✓ The top most beautiful public spaces in the cities under four categories viz. Waterfronts, Green spaces,
tourist/ heritage spaces and market/commercial places would first be felicitated at the State level and the
shortlisted entries would thereafter be considered for National level awards.
Q. Which film has won the best film award at the 68th Filmfare Awards for the year 2023?
A) Gangubai Kathiawadi B) Drishyam 2
C) The Kashmir Files D) Brahmastra
Answer : A

✓ The 68th Filmfare Awards, (also known as Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2023 for promotional purpose)
was presented on 28 April 2023, to honour artistic and technical excellence in Hindi cinema for the year
2022.
✓ Gangubai Kathiawadi starring Alia Bhatt, won most number of awards, at 10
✓ Filmfare Awards is one of the oldest award dedicated to the Hindi film industry. The awards were first
introduced in 1954.
✓ The list of winners of the Filmfare Awards 2023 are given below.
1. Best Film: Gangubai Kathiawadi
2. 2..Best Film (Critics’) : Badhaai Do
3. Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male): Rajkummar Rao for Badhaai Do
4. Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female): Alia Bhatt for Gangubai Kathiawadi
5. Best Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali for Gangubai Kathiawadi.
6. Best Actor (Critics’): Sanjay Mishra for Vadh
7. Best Actress (Critics’): Bhumi Pednekar for Badhaai Do and Tabu for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2.
8. Lifetime Achievement Award: Prem Chopra
9. Best Playback Singer (Male): Arijit Singh for Kesariya from Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva
10. Best Playback Singer (Female): Kavita Seth for Rangisari from Jug Jugg Jeeyo
Q. Who won the Best Actor Award at the 68th Filmfare Awards for the year 2023?
A) Ayushman Khurana B) Ranbir Kapoor
C) Rajkumar Rao D) Ranveer Singh
Answer : C
✓ Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male): Rajkummar Rao for Badhaai Do
Q. Who won the best director award at the 68th Filmfare Awards for the year 2023?
A) Kabir Khan B) Vishnuvardhan
C) Laxman Utekar D) Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Answer : D
✓ Best Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali for Gangubai Kathiawadi
Q. Who won the best actress award in the Filmfare Awards 2023?
A) Alia Bhatt B) Kriti Sanon
C) Kiara Advani D) Ananya Panday
Answer : A
✓ Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female): Alia Bhatt for Gangubai Kathiawadi
Q. Who has launched the first of its kind ‘Millets Experience Centre (MEC)’ at Dilli Haat in New Delhi?
A) Narendra Modi B) Nirmala Sitharaman
C) Narendra Singh Tomar D) Draupadi Murmu
Answer : C
✓ Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar launched the first of its kind ‘Millets Experience Centre
(MEC)’ at Dilli Haat in New Delhi.
✓ India has an important role to play in the celebration of the International Year of Millets 2023.

✓ India is poised to become a 'Global Hub' for Millets and setting up of MEC is a major step in that
direction.
✓ The United Nations General Assembly has declared the year 2023 as the International Year of Millets
(IYM 2023).
✓ About Millets Experience Centre
✓ The National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited (NAFED) in association
with the Ministry of Agriculture has set up the Millets Experience Centre.
✓ It aimsto increase awareness about millet and encourage its adoption among the general public.
✓ Setting up a consumer-oriented 'Millets Experience Centre' will not only promote the dietary benefits of
millets but also popularize Shree Anna (Millets) as a nutritional powerhouse.
✓ International Year of Millet (IYOM)-2023
✓ The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted India's resolution and declared 2023 as the
International Year of millets in March 2021.
✓ India's proposal received the support of 72 countries.
✓ In 2021, NITI Aayog signed a letter of intent with the United Nations World Food Program (WFP).
✓ Millets and India
✓ According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), India is the largest producer of millet in the
world.
✓ The total production of millets in India in 2020-21 was 17.96 million tonnes which was nearly 41% of the
world production.
✓ Rajasthan was the largest millet producing state in India.
✓ Rajasthan, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu,
Andhra Pradesh, and Uttarakhand being the top 10 states in terms of millet production.
✓ In India, millet is primarily a kharif crop, requiring less water and agricultural inputs.
✓ India declared 2018 as the National Year for Millets to promote millets for nutrition security.
MILLET IN NEWS 2023
➢ India’s Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar recently launched the Millets Experience Centre
(MEC) at Dilli Haat in New Delhi.
➢ Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Global Millets (Shree Anna) Conference in New Delhi
on 18th March, 2023.
➢ United Nations agency Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) hosted an opening ceremony of the
International Year of Millets – 2023 (IYM2023) in Rome, Italy.
➢ The 4th International Trade Fair of Millets and Organics Products began on 20 January 2023 at
Tripuravasini, Bengaluru, Karnataka.
➢ The year 2023 is being observed all over the world as the International Year of the millets.
➢ The Government of India aims to make the International Year of the millets a ‘People’s Movement’ and
position India as the ‘Global Hub for Millets’.
➢ India is the largest producer of millets in the world.
➢ According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation, global millet production in 2020 was 30.464 million
metric tonnes (MMT), of which India accounted for 12.49 MMT or 41 per cent of the total millet
production.
➢ India is the largest producer of millets in the world followed by Niger and China and the second largest
exporter of these grains.
➢ The Government of India has set a target of production of 205 lakh tonnes of Nutri Cereals in the country
by 2022-23.
➢ To promote the export of millets, a one-day 'Millets-Smart Nutritive Food' conclave was organised by
the government on 5th December in New Delhi.
➢ Assam government launches millet mission to double the income of state farmers.
➢ Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has announced to observe the first Thursday of the Margasira
month of the Hindu calendar on November 10 as 'Mandia Day' or 'Millet Day' in the state.

Q. Which country recently launched its first earth observation satellite, ‘Taifa-1 satellite,’ into orbit?
A) Egypt B) Ethiopia
C) Kenya D) Rwanda
Answer : C
✓ Kenya successfully launches its first satellite Taifa-1 onboard SpaceX Falcon-9 rocket
✓ On April 15, 2023, Kenya successfully launched its first operational earth observation satellite, ‘Taifa-1
satellite,’ into orbit.
✓ The launch took place on a SpaceX rocket Falcon-9 from the Vandenberg Base in California, United
States.
✓ Kenya is an East African country and its capital is Nairobi
✓ About Kenya
✓ Kenya is a country in East Africa.
✓ President: William Ruto
✓ Capital: Nairobi
✓ Currency :Kenyan shilling
Q. Which Indian city is set to host the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament ?
A) Chennai B) Bhubaneshwar
C) Guwahati D) Kolkata
Answer : A
✓ Chennai will host the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament from August 3-12, 2023, as informed
by Bhola Nath Singh, Secretary-General of Hockey India.
✓ India will be hosting the event for the first time
✓ The tournament will feature the top six teams from India, Pakistan, South Korea, Malaysia, Japan and
China.
✓ This is the seventh edition of the top-level international hockey event.
✓ The game will serve as a precursor to the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China in September 2023.
Q. India has been placed under which category for international standards for aviation safety oversight as
per the US-based Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in its International Aviation Safety Assessment
(IASA) program?
A) Category I B) Category II
C) Category III D) Category IV
Answer : A
✓ India has been retained in category-1 ranking for aviation safety oversight, by the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), the United States’ aviation watchdog.
✓ As per the ranking, the Indian aviation regulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s (DGCA) met
all the international standards for aviation safety oversight under FAA’s International Aviation Safety
Assessment (IASA) program, to be placed under Category-I status.
✓ The IASA program determines whether a country, that operate, or seek to operate, into the U.S., or
codeshare with a U.S. air carrier, complies with safety standards established by the International Civil
Aviation Organization (ICAO).
✓ The FAA IASA was last assessed in July 2018.
✓ Category 1 means – Does Comply with ICAO Standards
✓ Category 2 means – Does Not Comply with ICAO Standards

Q. The 2023 Asian Games is scheduled to take place in which country?
A) India B) Greece
C) South Korea D) China
Answer : D
✓ 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China in September 2023.
✓ The first edition of the Asian Games was held in New Delhi in March 1951.
✓ India has hosted the Asian Games twice, that is in 1951 and in 1982.
✓ LIST OF HOST COUNTRY ASIAN GAMES.
✓ 1st Asian games 1951 : New Delhi
✓ 9th edition 1982 : New Delhi
✓ 18th edition 2018 : Palembang, Indonesia, Jakarta
✓ 19th edition 2023 : Hangzhou, China
✓ 20th edition 2026 : Nagoya, Japan
✓ 21st edition 2030 : Doha, Qatar
✓ 22nd edition 2034 : Riyadh, Saudi Arabia .
Q. Which country has become the world's foremost narco-state, as its economic survival now depends
heavily on the production and export of Captagon?
A) Iraq B) Iran
C) Israel D) Syria
Answer : D
✓ Syria has witnessed a troubling transformation into the world's foremost narco-state, as its economic
survival now depends heavily on the production and export of Captagon, also known as the "poor man's
coke".
✓ This highly addictive amphetamine has become the primary lifeline of the country's economy, generating
more than 90% of its foreign currency.
Q. Who has been awarded the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman?

A) Raj Subramaniam B) Pushpak P Bhattacharya
C) Umesh Bellur D) Sujoy Bhore
Answer : A
✓ The Indian-American CEO of global transportation giant FedEx, Raj Subramaniam has been presented
with the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman.
✓ It is the highest civilian award given by India to persons of Indian origin and Indian diaspora.
✓ Subramanian was presented with the award by India’s Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu at
a ceremony at the India House.
✓ Subramanian is the president and CEO of FedEx Corporation, one of the world’s largest transportation
companies.
Q. Which day is observed as the International Day for Monuments and Sites (World Heritage Day)
annually?
Answer : C

✓ 18 April is observed as World Heritage Day, also known as the International Day for Monuments and
Sites, to raise awareness of the importance of protecting cultural heritage around the world.
✓ The theme of World Heritage Day 2023 is "Heritage of Change", which addresses issues related to
traditional knowledge and knowledge systems in the context of climate action.
Q. Which state in India has become the first to adopt a Water Budget for proper management of the
resource?
A) Tamil Nadu B) Kerala
C) Odisha D) Karnataka
Answer : B
✓ Kerala becomes first Indian state to adopt a Water Budget
✓ The state government of Kerala, under Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has adopted a Water Budget, a
first-of-its type initiative in India.
✓ The Public Water Budget initiative would help in properly utilising the resource and preventing wastage
through proper Management.
✓ The first phase of the Water Budget will cover 94 grama panchayats in 15 block panchayats of the state.
Q. Which state becomes the first to prepare a DNA database for the identification of unidentified dead
bodies?
A) Uttar Pradesh B) Himachal Pradesh
C) Madhya Pradesh D) Maharashtra
Answer : B
✓ Himachal Pradesh has become the "first state" to create a DNA database of unidentified bodies.
Q. Who has launched a YUVA PORTAL for connecting and identifying potential young Start-Ups in the
country?
A) Nitin Gadkari
B) Raj Kumar Singh
C) Jitendra Singh
D) Mansukh L. Mandaviya
Answer : C
✓ Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launches ‘YUVA PORTAL.
✓ Union Minister for Science and Technology Dr.Jitendra Singh launched the Youth Portal in New Delhi
.
✓ It aims to connect and identify potential youth start-ups.
✓ Science and Technology Minister Dr Jitendra Singh also launched the One Week - One Laboratory
programme.
✓ The event emphasises the need for broad-based participation from stakeholders in the industry for startups
to remain sustainable.
✓ Each of the 37 CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) laboratories is dedicated to a different
specialised area of work.
✓ The One Week - One Lab program will provide an opportunity to CSIR laboratories to showcase their
work.
Q. The mobile application GS NIRNAY has been launched by which ministry?

A) Ministry of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj
B) Ministry of Commerce & Industry
C) Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
D) Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
Answer : A
✓ The Ministry of Panchayati Raj is celebrating the National Panchayat Awards Week from 17th April to
21st April, 2023 to commemorate the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM) 2.0.
✓ It must be mentioned that the National Panchayati Raj Day is commemorated on 24th April every year.
✓ The theme for National Panchayat Awards Week in 2023 is “Panchayaton ke Sankalpon ki Siddhi ka
Utsav” (पंचायतों के िंकल्पों की सिद्धि का उत्िि).
✓ A series of five National Conferences covering nine themes under Localization of Sustainable
Development Goals (LSDGs) through Panchayati Raj Institutions and Way Forward for 2047 have been
organized during the National Panchayat Awards Week Celebrations.
✓ The Union Minister of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Shri Giriraj Singh launched a new mobile
application named GS NIRNAY, as a part of the occasion.
✓ GS NIRNAY stands for Gram Sabha National Initiative for Rural India to Navigate, InnovAte and
Resolve PanchaYat.
✓ The app Gram Sabha NIRNAY has been developed to further strengthen Gram Sabha for ensuring
participatory democracy and making empowered people and accountable Panchayats.
✓ The app will enable recording and uploading Gram Sabha proceedings open for public view.
✓ The National Panchayat Awards 2023 were awarded under four categories, namely
✓ Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar (DDUPSVP)
✓ Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar (NDSPSVP)
✓ Gram Urja Swaraj Vishesh Panchayat Puraskar
✓ Carbon Neutral Vishesh Panchayat Puraskar
Q. Which country has recently joined India’s initiative of International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) as its
founding member?
A) Germany B) Russia
C) France D) Nepal
Answer : D
✓ Nepal has been designated as the founding member of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), an
initiative by the Government of India.
✓ The IBCA was launched by Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 9th April 2023, at Mysuru,
Karnataka, to commemorate 50 years of Project Tiger.
✓ The objective of this alliance is conservation of seven big cats namely Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow
Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar and Puma.
✓ The Indian Initiative of IBCA was launched in Nepal recently.
Q. The first ever census of which bird was conducted by Odisha forest officials at Bhitarkanika Wildlife
Sanctuary?
A) Blue-winged pitta B) Superb pitta
C) Hooded pitta D) Mangrove Pitta Bird
Answer : D
✓ Mangrove Pitta bird found in Odisha.

✓ Mangrove Pitta birds were counted in two coastal districts of Odisha, Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur, in
which 179 birds were found.
✓ Mangrove pitta (Pitta Megharencha) birds are near threatened and are found in parts of eastern India.
✓ 179 different mangrove pitta birds were counted in the mangroves near the mouth of the Mahipura River
inside the Bhitarkanika National Park.
Q. The World Liver Day is marked every year on which day?

Answer : B
✓ World Liver Day is observed every year on 19 April to raise awareness about liver health and related
diseases.
✓ World Liver Day aims to educate people about the importance of early detection, prevention and
treatment of liver diseases.
✓ The theme of World Liver Day 2023 is "Be alert, do regular liver check-ups, fatty liver can affect anyone,"
✓ Liver is the second largest and most important organ in the human body, responsible for functions such
as metabolism, digestion, immunity, toxin filtration, and nutrient storage.
Q. The 5th edition of HUN- a Thadou Cultural Festival 2023 begins in which state?
A) Nagaland B) Tripura
C) Manipur D) Meghalaya
Answer : C
✓ The 5th edition of HUN- a Thadou Cultural Festival 2023 kicked off at Thomas Ground in Kangpokpi
district of Manipur.
✓ HUN festival is an annual cultural festival and a civilizing act of the Thadous community of Manipur
and it is celebrated at the arrival of the new year according to the community.
✓ The festival celebrates the culture and traditions of the Hun Thadou tribe, one of the major ethnic groups
in the state.
✓ The festival features traditional dance performances, music, food, and handicrafts.
Q. Who has been awarded the prestigious Santokbaa Humanitarian Award for his contributions to society?
A) Sonam Wangchuk B) Parvatibai Athavale
C) Poonam Ahluwalia D) Arun Cherukavil
Answer : A
✓ Innovator Sonam Wangchuk conferred with prestigious Santokba Humanitarian Award.
✓ The prestigious Santokba Humanitarian Award was presented to Sonam Wangchuk, a notable engineer,
innovator, educationist, sustainable development reformist, and founder-director of the Students'
Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL).
✓ The award carries a cash prize of Rs 1 crore and has been instituted in the memory of Late Santokba
Dholakia, mother of SRK and SRKKF founder president Govind Dholakia.
✓ The award was presented to Wangchuk by the First Lady of Ladakh Mrs. Neelam Mishra and Mr. Rahul
Dholakia, Entrepreneur- SRK.
✓ The award ceremony was held at Hotel Zen in Ladakh on April 10, 2023, the death anniversary of
Santokba.
✓ Wangchuk is the inventor of the Ice Stupa technique which creates artificial glaciers used to store winter
water in the form of cone-shaped ice piles and solve the water crisis in Ladakh.

✓ The SECMOL campus, designed by Wangchuk, runs on solar power and does not use fossil fuels for
cooking, lighting or heating.
✓ Past award recipients include Ratan Tata, Kailash Satyarthi, A.S. Kiran Kumar, and Sudha Murthy.
Q. Which country to replace Indonesia as the Under-20 FIFA World Cup host?
A) Croatia B) Argentina
C) France D) China
Answer : B
✓ Argentina to replace Indonesia as under-20 FIFA World Cup host
Q. The Centre has approved the project of development of an Oil Jetty at Deendayal Port, Kandla in Gujarat
for how many crore rupees?
Answer : B
✓ The Centre has approved the project of development of an Oil Jetty at Deendayal Port, Kandla in Gujarat
for over 123 crore rupees.
✓ The proposed project is designed to increase the cargo handling capacity of the port, which will attribute
to a reduction in the turn-around time of liquid vessels.
✓ This project will increase Deendayal Port’s income through the collection of Royalty from the
Concessionaire.
Q. According to Stanford University’s annual Al Index report 2023, India ranked fifth in terms of
investments received by startups offering artificial intelligence (Al)-based products. Which country has
topped this index?
A) United States B) United Kingdom
C) China D) Israel
Answer : A
✓ According to Stanford University’s annual Al Index report 2023, India ranked fifth in terms of
investments received by startups offering artificial intelligence (Al)-based products.
✓ Total investments in AI startups in India stood at $3.24 billion in 2022, placing it ahead of South Korea,
Germany, Canada and Australia, among others.
✓ Those ahead of India in the list are the US, China, the UK and Israel.
✓ The report also showed that AI startups in India received total funding of $7.73 billion during 2013-2022,
making it the sixth leading country with the most AI investments during the period. Nearly 40% of this
investment was made last year.
✓ Among Indian AI startups, Chennai-based conversational AI startup Uniphore raised $400 million in a
Series E funding round last year at a valuation of $2.5 billion.
Q. Which state has topped the State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) 2021-22 report in Front Runner
category?
A) Madhya Pradesh B) Haryana
C) Andhra Pradesh D) Karnataka
Answer : C

✓ Union Minister for Power and Renewable Energy R. K. Singh released the State Energy Efficiency Index
(SEEI) 2021-22 report.
✓ The SEEI was released during the RPM (Review, Planning and Monitoring) meeting of states and state
utility companies in New Delhi.
✓ Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan and Telangana are among the top ranked states in the
State Energy Efficiency Index-SEEI.
✓ Four states Assam, Haryana, Maharashtra and Punjab are in the achiever category with scores between
50 and 60.
✓ Besides, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Assam and Chandigarh are the top performing states in their
respective state groups.
Q. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has launched the ‘Tulsi Ghat Restoration Project’ of Varanasi in
which city?
A) Ethiopia B) Uganda
C) Nigeria D) Egypt
Answer : B
✓ External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar launched the ‘Tulsi Ghat Restoration Project’ of Varanasi, during
his visit to Uganda’s Kampala.
✓ UGANDA
✓ Capital : Kampala
✓ Currency : Shilling
Q. Which company has signed a perpetual license agreement with Switzerland-based Novartis Pharma AG
to manufacture and market Galvus and Galvus combination brands which are used in the treatment of
type 2 diabetes?
A) Cipla Pharmaceutical company B) Bharat Biotech
C) Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories D) Serum Institute of India
Answer : A
✓ Indian multinational pharmaceutical company Cipla entered into a perpetual licence agreement with
Switzerland-based pharmaceutical company Novartis Pharma AG.
✓ The agreement allows Cipla to manufacture and market diabetes drug Galvus and its combination brands
from January 1, 2026.
✓ Galvus is an oral anti-diabetic medicine that contains Vildagliptin as an active ingredient in it. It is used
for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
✓ The perpetual licence agreement between Cipla and Novartis Pharma AG will enable Cipla to expand
its product offerings in the diabetes segment.
Q. Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary is a new area where photographic evidence of tigers has been recorded for
the first time, according to the latest report on tiger census in the country. Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary is
located in which state?
A) Rajasthan B) Uttar Pradesh
C) Karnataka D) Madhya Pradesh
Answer : B
✓ UP's Suhelwa sanctuary records first photographic proof of tigers.
✓ The recently released report on the census of tigers in the country states that Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary
is a new area where photographic evidence of tigers has been recorded for the first time.

✓ About Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary
✓ The sanctuary, located in Shravasti, Balrampur and Gonda districts of Uttar Pradesh, was declared a
wildlife sanctuary in 1988.
✓ It is spread over an area of 452 sq km.
✓ It is situated on the Indo-Nepal international border and is rich in natural resources.
✓ It is named after King Soheldev.
Q. Which state government has launched a new project, ‘Sanjeevani” to ensure that livestock is provided
quality treatment in a time-bound manner?
A) Uttar Pradesh B) Himachal Pradesh
C) Madhya Pradesh D) Tamil Nadu
Answer : B
✓ Sanjeevani Project launched by the Government of Himachal Pradesh.
✓ To support small dairy farmers and cattle rearers, the state government launched a project called
Sanjeevani on April 9 to enhance their livelihood.
✓ The Sanjeevani project uses telemedicine and technology to provide convenient and high-quality
livestock care services to farmers' doorsteps, potentially preventing outbreaks and reducing turnaround
time for services.
Q. The International Day of Human Space Flight is marked annually by the United Nations on which day?
A) April 10 B) April 12
C) April 09 D) April 11
Answer : B
✓ The International Day of Human Space Flight is celebrated annually on April 12 to mark the anniversary
of the first human space flight by Yuri Gagarin on April 12, 1961.
✓ The day was proclaimed at the 65th session of the United Nations General Assembly on April 7, 2011, a
few days before the 50th anniversary of the flight.
✓ In Soviet Union, the day is observed as International Day of Aviation and Cosmonautics.
✓ Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian to orbit in space in the year 1984.
✓ Kalpana Chawla, the first Indian origin woman to go to space is related to Karnal district of Haryana.
✓ Yuri Gagarin was the first person to go into space.
✓ Neil Armstrong was the first person to land on the Moon.
Q. In which city was the first AIIMS of North-East India inaugurated?
A) Guwahati B) Itanagar
C) Imphal D) Kohima
Answer : A
✓ Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the Guwahati AIIMS to the nation at a function held in
Changsari, Assam.
✓ PM Modi also inaugurated three medical colleges at Nalbari, Nagaon and Kokrajhar. This is the first
AIIMS in North-East India.
Q. In which country did Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar inaugurate the bridge built by India?
A) Ghana B) Senegal
C) Mozambique D) Sri Lanka

Answer : C
✓ External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar inaugurated the Buzi Bridge built by India in Mozambique.
✓ The bridge has been built as part of the 132 km Tika-Buji-Nova-Sofala road project.
✓ External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar began his visit with a meeting with the Speaker of the Assembly
Esperanca Bias in Maputo, Mozambique.
✓ Mozambique is a southern African nation with a long coastline along the Indian Ocean. Its capital is
Maputo and its currency is Mozambican metical
Q. Which player won India's first gold medal in the Asian Wrestling Championship 2023?
A) Deepak Dahiya B) Ravi Kumar
C) Bajrang Punia D) Aman Sehrawat
Answer : D
✓ Aman Sehrawat has won India's first gold medal at the Asian Wrestling Championships 2023 in Astana,
Kazakhstan.
✓ Sehrawat won this medal in men's 57 kg freestyle category. He won the gold medal by defeating Almaz
Samanbekov of Kyrgyzstan 9-4.
✓ Last year, Sehrawat became the first Indian wrestler to win gold at the Under-23 World Championships
in Spain.
Q. According to the ADR report, who is the Chief Minister with the most assets in the country?
A) Mamata Banerjee B) Yogi Adityanath
C) Jagan Mohan Reddy D) Pema Khandu
Answer : C
✓ The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) recently released a report according to which 29 chief
ministers are crorepatis out of 30 chief ministers of 28 states and 2 union territories of India.
✓ Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy topped the list with Rs 510 crore.
✓ Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu is in second place on this list with Rs 163 crore.
✓ Also, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has the least assets around Rs 15 lakh.
Q. Which state government has passed a bill to ban online gambling?

A) Uttar Pradesh B) Bihar
C) Tamil Nadu D) Goa
Answer : C
✓ Tamil Nadu Governor R. N. Ravi has approved the bill proposing to ban online gambling.
✓ The bill was passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly for the second time in March.
✓ The bill was first passed in the assembly on October 19, 2022.
Q. Which country has recently launched an initiative to license crypto firms?

A) Morocco B) Cuba
C) El Salvador D) Argentina
Answer : C
✓ Central American country El Salvador has started an initiative to license crypto firms.
✓ Cryptocurrency exchange Bitfinex has become the first cryptocurrency company to receive an official
license in El Salvador.

✓ This license will allow Bitfinex to provide crypto-related services in the country as per the legal provisions
of the country.
✓ El Salvador became the first country in the world to accept Bitcoin as a payment option in 2021
✓ About El Salvador .
✓ El Salvador is the smallest and most densely populated country in Central America.
✓ Capital - San Salvador
✓ President- Nayib Bukele
✓ currency - bitcoin
Q. PM Modi recently inaugurated the world’s first semi-high speed passenger train on high rise overhead
electric (OHE) territory in which state of India?
C) Karnataka D) Gujarat
Answer : A
✓ PM Modi flags off India’s 15th and Rajasthan’s first Vande Bharat Express Train
✓ Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the first Vande Bharat Express train of Rajasthan on April 04,
2023, via videoconferencing.
✓ This Vande Bharat Express train is world’s first semi-high speed passenger train on high rise overhead
electric (OHE) territory.
✓ It will operate between Ajmer and Delhi Cantt, with stops at Jaipur, Alwar and Gurgaon.
✓ This was India’s 15th Vande Bharat Express train
Q. Who among these is the oldest billionaire and the former Chairman of Mahindra and Mahindra Group,
who passed away recently?
A) Keshub Mahindra B) Haigreve Mahindra
C) Anish Mahindra D) Manoj Mahindra
Answer : A
✓ India’s oldest billionaire and the former Chairman of Mahindra and Mahindra Group, Keshub Mahindra
has passed away. He was 99.
✓ Keshub Mahindra served as the chairman of the Mumbai-based conglomerate from 1963 to 2012.
✓ With a net worth of $1.2 billion, he was among 169 Indian billionaires who made the coveted list in 2023.
✓ The Mahindra company was co-founded by his father, J C Mahindra, in 1945.
✓ Keshub joined the company in 1947 and assumed the role of Chairman in 1963.
Q. What is the rank of India in terms of rate of crime, as per the report by World of Statistics in 2023?
A) 54 B) 77
C) 65 D) 81
Answer : B
✓ India ranks 77th among 142 countries with highest crime rate; Venezuela tops: World of Statistics report.
✓ Based on the ranking of the world’s “most criminal countries” released by the World of Statistics,
Venezuela is the top-most country with highest criminal rate.
✓ It is followed by Papua New Guinea (2), Afghanistan (3), South Africa (4), Honduras (5), Trinidad (6),
Guyana (7), Syria (8), Somalia (9) and Jamaica (10), respectively.
✓ India is placed at 77 spots. The US and UK are at 55th and 65th rank, respectively.
✓ The least criminal countries in the list are Qatar (142), UAE (141), Taiwan (China) at 140

✓ Separately, according to the Population Review (WPR), the top most countries with highest crime rate
in 2023 are Venezuela, Papua New Guinea, South Africa and Afghanistan respectively.
Q. The World Population Review (WPR) report has ranked which country as the world’s top high crime
rate country in 2023?
A) South Africa B) Papua New Guinea
C) Venezuela D) Afghanistan
Answer : C
✓ According to the World Population Review (WPR), the top most countries with highest crime rate in
2023 are Venezuela, Papua New Guinea, South Africa and Afghanistan respectively.
Q. Which day of the year is marked as the Ambedkar Jayanti to commemorate the birth anniversary of
Babasaheb Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar?
Answer : D
✓ Ambedkar Jayanti ( also known as Bhim Jayanti) is an annual festival observed on 14 April to
commemorate the birth anniversary of Babasaheb Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar.
✓ The Day has been observed as an official public holiday throughout India since 2015.
✓ In 2023, we are marking the 132nd birth anniversary of Babasaheb, who was born on 14 April 1891..
✓ Dr. Ambedkar is known as the Father (chief architect) of the Indian Constitution.
✓ He was the first Law and Justice Minister of the country after the independence.
✓ Dr. Bhim has been bestowed with the country’s highest civilian honor, Bharat Ratna in 1990
posthumously.
Q. The year 2023 is being celebrated as which birth anniversary of Babasaheb Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar?
A) 152
B) 153
C) 123
D) 132
Answer : D
✓ In 2023, we are marking the 132nd birth anniversary of Babasaheb, who was born on 14 April 1891.
Q. Which country has become the first country in the world to approve a new malaria vaccine from Oxford
University, with children under the age of three in line to benefit?
A) Ethiopia B) Zimbabwe
C) Ghana D) Nigeria
Answer : C
✓ Ghana has become the first country in the world to approve a new malaria vaccine from Oxford
University, with children under the age of three in line to benefit.

✓ The mosquito-borne disease kills more than 600,000 people each year, most of them children in Africa,
and scientists have been trying for years to develop vaccines.
✓ Childhood vaccines in Africa are typically paid for by international organizations such as Gavi and
UNICEF after they have been backed by the World Health Organization (WHO).
✓ This is the first time a major vaccine has been approved first in an African country before rich nations.
✓ About Ghana
✓ Capital : Accra
✓ Currency : Cedi
Q. Name the traditional folk dance which has recently entered the Guinness Book of World Records for the
largest traditional dance performed at a single venue?
A) Jhumar B) Naga dance
C) Bihu D) Kajri
Answer : C
✓ Assam’s Bihu creates Guinness World Record for largest traditional dance at single venue.
✓ The Northeastern state of India, Assam created history on April 13, 2023, when as many as 11,304
dancers and 2,548 drummers performed ‘Bihu’, the traditional folk dance of Assam, to mark the
beginning of the state’s spring festival.
✓ In doing so, Assam marked its name in the Guinness Book of World Records for performing the largest
traditional Bihu dance at a single venue.
✓ The event was held at the Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati.
✓ Two world records were made, one for the largest traditional dance, and the other record for the largest
musical instrument group.
Q. Fondly known as the Mother of Landsat by NASA, name the aerospace pioneer, who passed away
recently?
A) Lucy Salani
B) Julie Peters
C) Sharon Acker
D) Virginia Norwood
Answer : D
✓ Virginia Norwood, an American aerospace pioneer who developed technology to scan the surface of the
moon to map and study the earth from space, has passed away. She was 96.
✓ Norwood is best known for developing the Multispectral Scanner System that flew on the first Landsat
satellite.
✓ The scanner have been used for more than 50 years for scanning safe landing sites and map our planet
from space.
✓ For this invention, NASA has called her “the mother of Landsat.”
Q. The 125-ft tall bronze statue of Dr. BR Ambedkar, which is the highest such statue of him, has been built
in which city recently?
A) Lucknow B) Kolkata
C) Hyderabad D) Gandhinagar
Answer : C

✓ In Telangana, the Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao unveiled the 125-ft tall bronze statue of Dr. BR
Ambedkar in Hyderabad on April 14, 2023, on the occasion of the 132nd birth anniversary of the
architect of the Indian Constitution.
✓ The 125-ft tall bronze statue in Hyderabad is the tallest statue of Ambedkar in India.
✓ The statue costs ₹ 146.50 crore. It is built using 360 tonnes of stainless steel and 114 tonnes of bronze.
Q. Indian signed a MoU with the World Food Programme (WFP) for sending How many metric tonnes of
wheat to the people of Afghanistan?
A) 20,000 Metric Tonnes B) 15,000 Metric Tonnes
C) 10,000 Metric Tonnes D) 5,000 Metric Tonnes
Answer : C
✓ India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the World Food Programme (WFP) paving
the way for sending 10,000 metric tonnes of wheat for the people of Afghanistan.
✓ The fifth tranche [to be shipped through the Chahbahar port of Iran], builds upon assistance already
delivered to those who need it most by the WFP in Afghanistan.
✓ World Food Programme (WFP)
✓ Founded : 1961
✓ Headquarters : Rome, Italy
✓ Director General : David Beasley
✓ World Food Programme (WFP) wins Nobel Peace Prize 2020.
Q. National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has signed an MoU with the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam
Tiger Reserve to facilitate seamless and efficient entry process for vehicles entering into the forest area.
Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve is located in which state?
A) Andhra Pradesh B) Tamil Nadu
Answer : A
✓ National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with
the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
✓ The objective of the MoU is to improve the entry process for vehicles entering the forest area by
facilitating a seamless and efficient system.
✓ The initiative proposes a FASTag based payment system at forest entry points to avoid long queues and
delays.
✓ The benefit of collection of Ecosystem Management Coordination Fee through FASTag will be extended
to various entry points of the Tiger Reserve.
✓ About Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve
✓ The Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, located in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, is the largest
tiger reserve in India, covering a total area of 3,728 km (1,439 sq mi).
✓ It was established in 1983.
✓ The tiger reserve is spread over five districts, which are Nandyal, Prakasam, Palnadu, Nalgonda and
Mehboob Nagar.
✓ The tiger reserve is located inside the Nallamala forest area, which is known for its rich biodiversity and
diverse flora and fauna
Q. ISRO launched how many satellites of Network Access Associated Limited (OneWeb) simultaneously?
A) 25 B) 19
C) 31 D) 36

Answer : D
✓ Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) successfully launched the OneWeb India-2 mission from
the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
✓ Under this, 36 satellites were installed in the Lower Earth Orbit through India's largest Launch Vehicle
Mark-III (LVM3) rocket.
✓ These satellites belong to UK-based Network Access Associated Limited (OneWeb).
✓ OneWeb had entered into a contract with ISRO to place 72 satellites in Lower Earth Orbit.
✓ Last year in October 2022, ISRO launched 36 satellites of OneWeb.
Q. Who has been awarded the Wildlife Conservation Award 2023?
A) Kiran Ahuja B) Aliya Mir
C) Neera Tanden D) Garima Verma
Answer : B
✓ Wildlife conservationist Aliya Mir was awarded Wildlife Conservation Award by Jammu and Kashmir
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
✓ The award makes her the first woman from the Union Territory to receive it in recognition of her
conservation efforts in the area.
✓ Alia Mir is also the first woman in Kashmir to work for Wildlife SOS, a part of the Wildlife Rescue
Team.
Q. Who has been conferred with a Special literary award?
A) Sheikh Mujibur Rahman B) William Nordhaus
C) Leonardo DiCaprio D) Greta Thunberg
Answer : A
✓ Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman honoured with literary award.
✓ The Foundation of SAARC Writers and Literature (FOSWAL) honoured Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur
Rahman with a special literary award for his trilogy - Unfinished Memoirs, The Prison Diaries and The
New China 1952.
✓ The award was presented at the ceremony to Bangladeshi writers and researchers Ramendu Majumdar
and Mofidul Haque by eminent Punjabi novelist and founder president of FOSWAL Ajit Kaur.
✓ The award was given to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman for his outstanding literary excellence, as he is a
towering figure of national emancipation of the oppressed people of the world.
✓ A citation by the Foundation of SAARC Writers and Literature compares him with Mahatma Gandhi
and Martin Luther King, saying that no power on earth can erase him from history.
Q. The Adani port has announced the acquisition of Karaikal Port and now operates 14 ports in India. In
which state is this port located?
A) Chandigarh B) Daman and Diu
C) Goa D) Puducherry
Answer : D
✓ The Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) has acquired the Karaikal Port.
✓ Karaikal Port is an all-weather deep-water port on the eastern coast of India in Karaikal District of
Puducherry. It was commissioned in 2009.
✓ The port is around 300 km south of Chennai Port and around 360 km north of Tuticorin Port.
✓ With this acquisition, APSEZ now operates 14 ports in the country.
✓ APSEZ is the subsidiary and port unit of Gautam Adani’s conglomerate Adani Group.

Q. What is the rank of India in “The Passport Index” 2023, released by financial advisory firm Arton
Capital?
A) 144 B) 138
C) 126 D) 112
Answer : A
✓ India’s Rank drop by 6 positions at 144 in The Passport Index 2023 by Arton Capital.
✓ India has been ranked at 144th spot in “The Passport Index” 2023.
✓ The mobility score of India in the 2023 index is 70.
✓ The Passport Index 2023 ranking is topped by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), having mobility score
of 181.
✓ DON'T CONFUSED
✓ Japan has world’s most powerful passport in 2023; India ranks 85th: Henley Passport Index.
✓ India’s Rank drop by 6 positions at 144 in The Passport Index 2023 by Arton Capital : UAE top
Q. Which country has topped the Passport Index 2023, released by financial advisory firm Arton Capital?
A) United Arab Emirates (UAE) B) Luxembourg
C) Netherlands D) Austria
Answer : A
✓ The Passport Index 2023 ranking is topped by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), having mobility score
of 181.
✓ UAE is followed by Sweden, Germany, Finland, Luxembourg, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands and
Austria, have joint mobility score of 174.
Q. Which US state has become the first American State to pass a resolution condemning Hinduphobia?
A) Florida B) Washington
C) Georgia D) Alaska
Answer : C
✓ In the United States, Georgia Assembly has passed a resolution condemning Hinduphobia and anti-
Hindu bigotry.
✓ With this Georgia has become the first American State to take such a legislative measure.
✓ The resolution was introduced by Representatives Lauren McDonald and Todd Jones from Forsyth
County in the suburbs of Atlanta, which is the home to one of the largest Hindu and Indian-American
diaspora communities in Georgia.
Q. The 95-year-old Indian player Bhagwani Devi Dagar has recently won 3 gold medals for India in which
game?
A) Marathon B) Chess
C) Shooting D) Athletics
Answer : D
✓ India’s 95-year-old player Bhagwani Devi Dagar has won three gold medals for the country at the 9th
World Masters Athletics Indoor Championship at Torun in Poland. The championship was held from
25 to 31 March 2023.
✓ The veteran athlete from Haryana won the three gold medals in 60m running, shot put and discus throw
categories in the 95-99 age division.

✓ Bhagwani Devi Dagar is nicknamed as “Sprinter Dadi”. Her athletic career began at the age of 94
Q. Ministry of Defence has inked a Rs 1,700 crore contract with which company for procurement of next-
generation maritime mobile coastal batteries and BrahMos missiles?
A) Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
B) Tata Advanced Systems
C) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
D) BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited
Answer : D
✓ Ministry of Defence has inked a Rs 1,700 crore contract with BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited
(BAPL) for procurement of next-generation maritime mobile coastal batteries and BrahMos missiles.
✓ These systems will be equipped with supersonic BrahMos missiles and will significantly enhance the
multi-directional maritime strike capability of the Indian Navy.
✓ BAPL is a joint venture between India and Russia making crucial contribution to augment the new
generation surface-to-surface missile with enhanced ranges.
Q. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has constituted a nine-member task
force to make India a 'Product Developer and Manufacturing Nation'. who is chaired this committee?
A) Rajesh Verma B) Kaushal Pandey
C) Bhuvnesh Kumar D) Amaresh Goswami
Answer : C
✓ The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has constituted a nine-member task
force to make India a ‘product developer and manufacturing nation’.
✓ It will be chaired by the additional secretary (MeitY), Bhuvnesh Kumar with the joint secretary
(electronics), Amitesh Kumar Sinha as the member convenor.
✓ This is an effort to position itself as an alternative to the likes of China and Vietnam.
Q. How many railway stations will be modernized under Amrit Bharat station scheme?
A) 1,075 B) 1,275
C) 1,975 D) 1,575
Answer : B
✓ The government has identified 1275 railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme for the
development of railway stations in India.
✓ Amrit Bharat Station Scheme
✓ Amrit Bharat Station Scheme was introduced by the Ministry of Railways in December 2022 .
✓ The objective of the scheme is to prepare a master plan for railway stations and implement the master
plan in a phased manner to enhance facilities.
✓ Facilities Planned under this Scheme.
✓ Provision for creation of Roof Plaza in future.
✓ Free Wi-Fi, 5G Mobile Tower.
✓ Widening of roads, removal of unwanted structures, properly designed signage, dedicated walkways,
well planned parking areas, access to better lighting etc.
✓ High level platforms at all stations with a length of 600 meters.
✓ Special facilities for the disabled

Q. The Defence Ministry has signed how many contracts at a total cost of nearly 5400 crore rupees with
domestic producers to bolster the defence capabilities of the country?
A) Four B) Five
C) Three D) Six
Answer : C
✓ The Defense Ministry has signed three contracts with domestic manufacturers at a total cost of about Rs
5400 crore to enhance the country's defense capabilities.
✓ First Contract
✓ The first contract has been signed with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) which pertains to the
procurement of Project Akashtir, an automated air defense control and reporting system worth Rs 1982
crore for the Indian Army.
✓ Second Contract
✓ The second contract with BEL pertains to the acquisition of Sarang Electronic Support Measure System
for the Indian Navy at a total cost of Rs 412 crore.
✓ Sarang is an advanced electronic support measure system for helicopters of the Indian Navy.
✓ Both will empower the air defense units of the Indian Army to operate effectively in an integrated manner.
✓ Third Contract
✓ The third contract with New Space India Limited pertains to procurement of GSAT 7B, an advanced
communication satellite for the Indian Army at a total cost of Rs 2963 crore.
✓ The satellite will significantly enhance the communications capability of the Indian military by providing
mission-critical beyond-line-of-sight communications for troops and formations as well as weapon and
airborne platforms.
Q. The annual SLINEX is a bilateral maritime exercise of India and Sri Lanka. The 2023 SLINEX is which
edition of the annual event?
A) 11th B) 17th
C) 10th D) 12th
Answer : C
✓ The 10th edition of the annual India – Sri Lanka Bilateral Maritime exercise, SLINEX-2023, will be held
from April 03, 2023 in Colombo.
✓ The exercise SLINEX-2023 will be conducted in two phases – the Harbour Phase and Sea Phase – of
three days each.
Q. How many member of astronauts have been named for NASA’s Artemis II crew mission?
A) 4 B) 3
C) 7 D) 5
Answer : A
✓ American space agency, NASA and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) announced the names of four
astronauts, who will venture around the Moon for science and exploration under Artemis II mission.
✓ The Artemis II mission is the first crewed voyage around the moon in more than 50 years. The previous
human flight to lunar surface was the Apollo program in 1972.
✓ The Artemis II crew members consists of three from NASA and one from CSA.
✓ They are Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Hammock Koch, from NASA and Jeremy Hansen
from CSA.

✓ Out of these four, Christina Hammock Koch is the first ever female, Victor Glover is the first ever African
American and Jeremy Hansen is the first ever Canadian and first non- American to be sent on a lunar
mission.
✓ The Artemis II will mark the debut crewed flight, but not the first lunar landing.
Q. Which player has won the men’s singles title at the 2023 Miami Open Tennis Tournament?
A) Daniil Medvedev B) Santiago Gonzalez
C) Edouard Roger D) Jannik Sinner
Answer : A
✓ Russian Tennis star Daniil Medvedev beat Jannik Sinner (Italian) 7-5, 6-3, to claim his first title at the
Miami Open.
✓ This was Medvedev’s fourth title of the year, 5th ATP Masters 1000 title and 19th ATP title overall.
✓ Complete Overview of Result
✓ Men’s Single – Daniil Medvedev
✓ Women’s Single – Petra Kvitova (Czech Republic)
Q. Who has conquered Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, Wearing Lunachari is traditional dress of Himachal
Pradesh?
A) Anjali Sud B) Amrapali Gan
C) Anjali Sharma D) Revathi Advaithi
Answer : C
✓ Anjali Sharma conquer Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, wearing Luanchari.
✓ Dharamshala's daughter Anjali Sharma has brought glory to Himachal and the country by conquering
Africa's Mount Kilimanjaro peak wearing a Gaddi dress (Luanchadi).
✓ She has become the first girl from India to scale Mount Kilimanjaro in Gaddi costume.
✓ Anjali Sharma is working to promote Gaddi culture on the peaks of the mountains.
✓ Earlier, at the age of 15, Anjali had conquered the peak of 5289 meters in the first attempt.
✓ She has also conquered Hanuman Tibba and Pahar Deo with a height of 6001 meters.
✓ Lunachari is a traditional dress of Himachal Pradesh.
✓ Mount Kilimanjaro
✓ Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s tallest mountain and the world’s largest free-standing mountain.
✓ It is located in Tanzania, has an elevation of 5,895 meters (19,340 ft) and is the highest peak on the
African continent.
✓ The mountain is a snow-capped volcano.
✓ It is also called a stratovolcano (a term for a very large volcano made of ash, lava, and rock).
✓ It is made up of three cones: Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira.
✓ It was included as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
Q. Dhawan-II is an advanced fully 3D-printed cryogenic rocket engine, which was successfully test fired
recently by which company?
A) Skyroot Aerospace B) ISRO
C) Pixxel D) Dhruva Space
Answer : A
✓ Hyderabad-based space tech startup Skyroot Aerospace successfully test fired an advanced fully 3D-
printed cryogenic rocket engine `Dhawan-II’ on April 04, 2023.
✓ Skyroot Aerospace is India’s first private rocket builder.

✓ The endurance test of ‘Dhawan-II’ was carried out at Solar Industries propulsion test facility in Nagpur,
Maharashtra. It lasted for a long duration of almost 200 seconds.
✓ The ‘Dhawan-II’ Cryogenic engine will power the upper stage of Vikram-2.
A) 2025 B) 2026
C) 2030 D) 2035
Answer : B
Q. Which state government has recently launched Cool Roof Policy 2023-28?
C) Telangana D) Tamil Nadu
Answer : C
✓ Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister K T Rama Rao launched the Telangana
Cool Roof Policy 2023-28 to make the state more thermally comfortable and heat-resilient by reducing
the impact of the urban heat island effect and heat stress and also to bring down energy consumption.
✓ A cool roof, which uses special paints or tile cover, is designed to reflect more sunlight than a
conventional roof, thus reducing heat retention and cooling indoor spaces.
✓ Telangana Cool Roof Policy 2023-28 suggests the adoption of a cool roof as a measure for
implementation to build resilience against extreme heat.
✓ Telangana became the first state to introduce a cool roof policy, having incorporated it in building
permission applications.
✓ Cool roofs are now mandatory for all government as well as commercial buildings irrespective of their
site area or built-up area
Q. Which company has signed a deal with Russia’s largest oil producer Rosneft to substantially increase oil
supplies and diversify oil grades delivered to India?
A) Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)
B) Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL)
C) Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL)
D) Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL)
Answer : C
✓ Russia’s largest oil producer Rosneft and India’s top refiner Indian Oil Corp have signed a term
agreement to substantially increase oil supplies and diversify oil grades delivered to India.

✓ The parties also discussed ways of expanding cooperation between Rosneft Oil Company and Indian
companies in the entire value chain of the energy sector, including possibilities of making payments in
national currencies.
✓ India has been the biggest buyer of Russia’s benchmark Urals grade crude in March. Deliveries to India
are set to account for more than 50% of all seaborne Urals exports this month, with China in second
place.
✓ Russia for the first time has become one of the five largest trading partners of India as the volume of trade
between the countries reached $38.4 billion in 2022.
✓ Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL)
✓ Founded : 1959
✓ Chairman : Shrikant Madhav Vaidya
✓ Owner : Government of India (52.1%)
Q. Which state in India has been ranked at first position for having the most number of products recognised
with Geographical Indication (GI) tag ?
A) Bihar B) Uttarakhand
C) Kerala D) Himachal Pradesh
Answer : C
✓ As per the data shared by the GI Registry, Kerala has topped among Indian states for having most number
of products securing the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in financial year 2022-23.
✓ The data showed that between April 2022 and March 2023, 6 products from Kerala were selected for GI
recognition.
✓ These are Attappady Aattukombu Avara, Attappady Thuvara, Onattukara Ellu, Kanthaloor Vattavada
Veluthuli, Kodungallur Pottuvellari.
✓ Overall 12 products were selected for the recognition in FY23. Of them 2 were from overseas.
✓ Other Indian products to receive GI tag were Mithila Makhana (aquatic fox nut) from Bihar, Alibag
white onion from Maharashtra, Tandur Redgram (the local variety of pea) from Telangana, Ladakh
Raktsey Karpo Apricot from Ladakh and Gamosa handicrafts from Assam.
✓ The two overseas products include Brandy De Jerez from Spain, and Provolone Valpadana from Italy.
✓ For the period between April 2022 and March 2023, a total of 12 products were selected for GI
recognition, including two foreign ones - Brandy de Jerez from Spain and Provolone Valpadana from
Italy
Q. How many Indians have been inducted in the new cohort of the honorary life membership by Marylebone
Cricket Club (MCC) in 2023?
A) 3 B) 4
C) 5 D) 7
Answer : C
✓ The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has released the list of newly inducted cricket players with the
honorary life membership of the club.
✓ Overall 17 former players from all across the world have been listed in the latest cohort released on April
05, 2023.
✓ MCC, the owner of the famous Lord’s cricket stadium in England, gives honorary membership to the
finest men and women who have contributed to the game.
✓ Five Indian players are among 17 new members in the list.
✓ They are Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami.

Q. India has been elected to the UN Statistical Commission for a period of four-year from January 2024.
How many countries are elected as the member of the commission?
A) 35 B) 12
C) 20 D) 24
Answer : D
✓ India has been elected to the UN Statistical Commission for a period of four-year.
✓ India won the election by securing 46 out of 53 votes.
✓ India’s term will begin from January 01, 2024.
✓ India has been elected as a member of the UN Statistical Commission, the Commission on Narcotic
Drugs and the Programme Coordinating Board of the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)
by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations.
✓ About UNSC
✓ The UN Statistical Commission (UNSC) is the highest statistical body of the United Nations.
✓ The commission has 24 member countries of the United Nations.
✓ The term of office of members is four years.
Q. Who has been appointed as the President of UEFA football association for 4 years till 2027?
A) Paolo Maldini B) Aleksander Ceferin
C) Francisco Gento D) Karim Benzema
Answer : B
✓ The Slovenian football administrator Aleksander Ceferin has been re-elected as the president of UEFA
(Union of European Football Associations).
✓ He was elected unopposed at the Ordinary Congress on European Soccer’s governing body in Lisbon on
April 05, 2023
✓ Ceferin has been re-elected for a four-year term, until 2027.
✓ He was first was elected as UEFA’s seventh president in 2016, He replaced Michel Platini
Q. FIFA has withdrawn which country from hosting 2023 Men’s FIFA Under-17 World Cup?
A) Peru B) Indonesia
C) UAE D) France
Answer : A
✓ The football’s governing body FIFA has withdrawn Peru from hosting the 2023 Men’s FIFA Under-17
World Cup.
✓ As per FIFA, Peru was not ready to stage the 24-team tournament, which is scheduled to be held from
November 10 to December 02, 2023.
✓ FIFA World Cup 2026 : Canada/Mexico/USA ( 48 team)
✓ About Peru
✓ Peru is the third largest country in South America, after Brazil and Argentina.
✓ President : Dina Boluarte
✓ Capital : Lima
✓ Currency : Sol
✓ Major Mountain Ranges.: Andes
✓ Major Rivers : Amazon, Ucayali, Madre de Dios
Q. Which product of Varanasi has recently been given GI tag?
A) Banarasi Paan B) Banarasi Langda Mango

C) Both (a) & (b) D) None of these
Answer : C
✓ Banarasi paan has been awarded the GI tag, which signifies its unique identity and origin. Three other
foods from the Varanasi region, including Banarasi Langda Mango, Ramnagar Bhanta (Brinjal), and
Adamchini rice, have also received the GI tag.
✓ Banarasi paan is a popular mouth-freshener made from betel leaves, betel nut, slaked lime and many
other ingredients.
✓ Banarasi paan is an important part of the cultural heritage of the city of Varanasi, having its origins in
the Mughal era.
Q. The Geographical Indications Registry has granted Geographical Indication (GI) tag to Nagari Dubraj,
fragrant rice to give a unique identity to the brand. Nagari Dubraj is the rice of which state?
A) Chhattisgarh B) Bihar
C) Assam D) Odisha
Answer : A
✓ The Geographical Indications Registry has granted Geographical Indication (GI) tag to Nagari Dubraj,
a fragrant rice from Chhattisgarh, to give a unique identity to the brand.
✓ The Morena and Rewa Mango (Madhya Pradesh) have also been given the GI Tag.
✓ The origin of Dubraj is believed to be from Shringi Rishi Ashram area of Sihawa. Its reference is found
in Valmiki Ramayana. Sihawa area is considered to be the source of Dubraj in various research papers.
Q. Who is the author of the book titled "Gandhi: Siasat Aur Sampradaya" ?
A) Rajnish Srivastava B) Piyush Babele
C) Abhishek Singhvi D) Nagendra Yadav
Answer : B
✓ A new Hindi book titled Gandhi: Siasat Aur Communalism has been authored by journalist-turned-
author Piyush Babele, who currently heads the media department of the Madhya Pradesh Congress.
✓ The book quotes from Dr. Ambedkar's book Pakistan or the Partition of India and other sources to refer
to the events leading up to the partition of India in 1947.
✓ The book aims to break the myth spread by the Hindu right wing that Mahatma Gandhi was responsible
for the partition.
✓ The book is published by New Delhi based Genuine Publications & Media Private Limited.
Q. Which tiger reserve completed 50 years as Project Tiger Reserve on 1st April 2023?
A) Kanha Tiger Reserve B) Anaimalai Tiger Reserve
C) Bandipur Tiger Reserve D) Nagarahole Tiger Reserve
Answer : C
✓ Bandipur completed 50 years as a Project Tiger Reserve 1 April 2023.
✓ About Bandipur Tiger Reserve
✓ This reserve is located in the state of Karnataka and is spread over an area of 912.04 sq km.
✓ It is located in two districts of Karnataka, Mysore and Chamarajanagar.
✓ It is considered one of the world's premier tiger habitats and is an important component of the country's
first biosphere reserve - the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
✓ It was launched by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1973 with the aim of arresting the decline
in the tiger population.

✓ Bandipur was one of the first nine sanctuaries to be brought under the flagship program of Project Tiger
in 1973.
✓ Bandipur Tiger Reserve is surrounded by-
✓ Nagarahole Tiger Reserve (Tamil Nadu) in the North West (Kabini Reservoir separates the two).
✓ Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (Tamil Nadu) in the South.
✓ Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala) in the South West.
✓ Project Tiger
✓ Project Tiger was started by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in the year
1973.
✓ Under this program, central assistance is provided to the states having tiger populations for conservation
of tigers.
✓ At the time of the launch of Project Tiger in the year 1973, there were only 9 Tiger Reserves in the
country, at present the total number of Tiger Reserves in the country has increased to 54.
✓ Other Tiger Reserves in Karnataka
✓ Bhadra Tiger Reserve
✓ Nagarahole Tiger Reserve
✓ Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve
Q. Nevado del Ruiz Volcano, which was recently seen in the news, is located in which country?
A) Colombia B) Tanzania
C) Switzerland D) Netherlands
Answer : A
✓ Recently, People living on the upper slopes of the Nevado del Ruiz volcano in Colombia are being
evacuated after an increase in seismic activity.
✓ Nevado del Ruiz is an ice-clad stratovolcano located in the Andes Mountains of Colombia, South
America.
✓ It is part of the former Ruiz-Tolima volcanic complex as well as the dangerous Pacific Ring of fire.
Q. The Indian government has announceda plan to add_ of renewable energy capacity in the next five years.
A) 250 GW B) 300 GW
C) 350 GW D) 400 GW
Answer : A
✓ The government announced a plan to add 250 GW of renewable energy capacity in the next five years
✓ The government has decided to invite bids for 50 GW of renewable energy capacity annually for the next
five years, i.e., from fiscal 2023–24 to fiscal 2027–28.
Q. Which of the following has successfully conducted field firing trials of its latest third generation man-
portable Anti Tank Guided Missile (ATGM), Amogha-III?
A) Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL)
B) Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL)
C) Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL)
D) Antrix Corporation Ltd (ACL)
Answer : C

✓ Bharat Dynamics (BDL) has successfully conducted a field firing test of its latest 3rd generation man-
portable Anti Tank Guided Missile (ATGM), Amogha-III.
✓ The Amogha-III Missile has been developed indigenously under Integrated Guided Missile Development
Programme (IGMDP).
✓ It is a third generation fire-and-forget Anti-Tank Guided Missile.
✓ Developed by the Research and Development Division of BDL, the missile also has a dual-mode IIR
seeker with a range of 200 to 2500 metres.
✓ About Anti-tank Guided Missile (ATGM)
✓ An anti-tank guided missile is a guided missile designed primarily to hit and destroy heavily armored
military vehicles.
✓ These missiles can be carried by a single soldier as a large tripod-mounted weapon.
Q. Who is the author of the book titled "War and Women"?

A) M A Hasan B) Dilip Singh
C) Om prakash Iyer D) Anshuman Dubey
Answer : A
✓ Dr. M A Hasan's book, "War and Women," was launched during the 52nd session of the United Nations
Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, Switzerland.
✓ The event was organised by the Bangladesh Freedom Fighters Parliament in Europe.
✓ The book was released at the Serpentine Cafeteria inside the United Nations Building.
✓ The book throws light on the suffering of Bengali women who were victims of sexual violence during the
1971 war.
Q. Which city in India has been ranked among the world’s 19 best cities for public transport, as per the report
by Time Out?
A) Mumbai B) Chennai
Answer : A
✓ India’s financial capital Mumbai is the only Indian city among the list of the world’s 19 best cities for
public transport, as per the report by Time Out.
✓ Mumbai claimed the last spot, that means 19th spot on the list for great public transit, due to its wide-
reaching suburban rail network.
✓ More than 20,000 people in 50 cities across the world were surveyed for the rankings.
✓ The Time Out’s world’s best city for public transport went to Berlin in Germany.
✓ Second position went to Prague in Czech Republic while Tokyo in Japan ranked third
Q. Name the city which has been ranked as the world’s best city for public transport by Time Out?
A) London B) Oslo
C) Paris D) Berlin
Answer : D
✓ List of world’s best 19 cities for public transport
1. Berlin, Germany 2. Prague, Czech Republic
3. Tokyo, Japan 4. Copenhagen, Denmark
5. Stockholm, Sweden 6. Singapore

7. Hong Kong 8. Taipei, Taiwan
9. Shanghai, China 10. Amsterdam, Netherlands
11. London, UK 12. Madrid, Spain
13. Edinburgh, UK 14. Paris, France
15. New York City, US 16. Montreal, Canada
17. Chicago, US 18. Beijing, China
19. Mumbai, India
Q. Which among the given statements are true regarding the Indian Space Policy 2023 approved by the
Cabinet?
I. Focus of the policy is to increase private sector participation in the space sector
II. ISRO shall focus on research and development of advanced space technologies and not do any
operational and production work
III. NSIL to carry out strategic activities related to the space sector
A) Only I & II B) Only II & III
C) Only I & III D) All I, II & III are correct
Answer : D
✓ The Cabinet Committee on Security chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the Indian
Space Policy 2023 on April 06, 2023.
✓ The policy seeks to institutionalise the private sector participation in the space sector, and channelise the
focus of ISRO on research and development of advanced space technologies.
✓ The private sector will be able to take part in end-to-end space activities including building satellites,
rockets and launch vehicles, data collection and dissemination.
✓ The roles and responsibilities of ISRO, space sector PSU NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and Indian
National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) have also been specified in the new
policy.
✓ AS per the policy, ISRO will not do any operational and production work for the space sector. It shall
focus on developing new technologies, new systems and research and development.
✓ The strategic activities related to the space sector will be carried out by NSIL.
✓ The INSPACe will be the interface between ISRO and non-governmental entities.
✓ India's progress in the field of space exploration.
✓ India has been making significant progress in the field of space exploration in recent years, with the
successful launch of the Chandrayaan-2 mission and the development of the Gaganyaan mission, which
aims to send astronauts into space.
✓ The country is also working on developing its own satellite navigation system, the Indian Regional
Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS).
Q. Which state’s Mircha rice has recently received the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag?
A) Assam B) Odisha
C) Bihar D) Jharkhand
Answer : C

✓ ‘Mircha’ rice of Bihar’s West Champaran has been awarded the GI tag.
✓ The size and shape of the grain appear like that of black pepper, hence it is known as Mircha or Marcha
Rice.
✓ The grains and flakes of this rice have a unique aroma that makes it different.
✓ This rice is famous for its aroma, palatability and its aromatic chura (rice flakes) making qualities.
✓ An application for GI tag was submitted on behalf of Marcha Dhan Utpadak Pragatisheel Samuh, a
registered organization of paddy cultivators.
✓ There are some important GI tags in Bihar.
✓ Madhubani Paintings ( 2007)
✓ Shahi Litchi ( 2018)
✓ Magahi Paan (2018)
✓ Silao Khaja (2018)
✓ Katarni Rice (2018)
✓ Mithila Makhana ( 2022)
✓ Mircha rice (2023).
✓ GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS (GI) :-
✓ GI tags are issued as per the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act,1999.
This tag is issued by the Geographical Indication Registry under the Department of Industry Promotion
and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
✓ Darjeeling Tea was the first Indian product to get the geographical indication tag in 2004.
✓ The second GI tag in India was given to Aranmula Kannadi (Handicraft) which is a mirror and made in
Kerala.
✓ A GI is registered for an initial period of ten years, which must be renewed after 10 years.
✓ Kerala has topped among Indian states for having most number of products securing the Geographical
Indication (GI) tag in financial year 2022-23.
✓ What is GI tag?
✓ A 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.
Q. Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky has been awarded the Order of the White Eagle for his services
to security, resilience and the defense of human rights. Order of the White Eagle is the highest honour of
which country?
A) Sweden B) Poland
C) Finland D) Norway
Answer : B
✓ Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky was awarded the Order of the White Eagle, Poland's highest
award.
✓ The award was given to him for his exceptional services to protect security, resilience and human rights.
✓ The Order of the White Eagle is a prestigious and highly regarded decoration of the Republic of Poland,
awarded for outstanding civil and military contributions to the country.
✓ It is considered the oldest and highest decoration in Poland, whose history dates back to the 14th century.
✓ Poland is also a member of several international organisations including the United Nations, NATO,
and the World Trade Organization.
VOLODYMYR ZELENSKY IN NEWS 2023
✓ Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky was awarded the Order of the White Eagle, Poland's highest
award.
✓ Time Magazine has named Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and "the spirit of Ukraine" as its
2022 Person of the Year.
✓ The Liberty Medal 2022 has been awarded to the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky.

✓ UKRAINE .
✓ Ukraine, a country located in Eastern Europe, is the second largest country in the continen after Russia.
✓ Its capital is Kiev, located on the Dnieper River in north-central Ukraine.
✓ Prime Minister: Denys Shmyhal
✓ President: Volodymyr Zelensky
✓ Capital: Kyiv
✓ Currency : Rryvnycontine
Q. Who has unveiled a 54-feet-tall statue of Lord Hanuman at a temple in Gujarat, India?
A) Amit Shah B) Yogi Adityanath
C) J. P. Nadda D) Droupadi Murmu
Answer : A
✓ Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled a 54 feet tall statue of Lord Hanuman at Sarangpur temple in
✓ The statue was unveiled on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti, which is celebrated to mark the birth of
Lord Hanuman.
✓ The idol is located in the Sarangpur Temple, a popular pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Hanuman.
✓ The idol is 54 feet tall, making it one of the tallest idols of Lord Hanuman in the country.
✓ Apart from unveiling the statue, Amit Shah also inaugurated the temple's new community kitchen on
April 6, 2023.
Q. India has strongly criticized the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for its "__" agenda.
A) anti-terror B) anti-drug
C) Anti-Doping D) anti-India
Answer : D
✓ India on 4 April slammed the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for its “communal mindset”
and “anti-India” agenda.
✓ India's strong reaction came after the OIC secretariat issued a statement alleging the targeting of the
Muslim community during Ram Navami processions in several Indian states.
✓ Earlier, India criticized the OIC for having a "communal mindset" amid the Karnataka hijab controversy.
✓ About Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
✓ It is the second largest multilateral body in the world after the United Nations.
✓ It was established by the First Islamic Summit held in Morocco in September 1969.
✓ Its objective is to protect and safeguard the interests of the Muslim world in the spirit of promoting
international peace and harmony.
✓ Currently it has 57 member countries, all of them are Islamic countries or Muslim majority members.
✓ Headquarter: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
✓ India, which has the third largest muslim population in the world after Indonesia and Pakistan, is not a
member of OIC.
✓ The 49th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers was held on 16 - 17 March 2023 in Nouakchott,
Islamic Republic of Mauritania
Q. Aleksandar Ceferin was re-elected as the President of the Union of European Football Associations
(UEFA) till 2027. He is in which country?
A) Slovenian
B) Norway
C) Sweden

D) Portugal
Answer : A
✓ Aleksandar Ceferin was re-elected as the President of the Union of European Football Associations
(UEFA).
✓ It was re-elected during UEFA's Ordinary Congress held in Lisbon, Portugal, and Ceferin was elected
unopposed, meaning that there were no other candidates for the position.
✓ He was first time elected as the seventh president of UEFA in 2016, succeeding Michel Platini.
✓ Ceferin's new term will last for another four years (2027).
✓ The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) is responsible for governing association football,
futsal and beach soccer in Europe.
✓ UEFA.
✓ Establishment - 15 June 1954
✓ Headquarters - Nyon, Switzerland
✓ Speaker - Aleksander Ceferin
✓ Parent organisation - FIFA
Q. President Droupadi Murmu has inaugurated a two-day 'Gaj Utsav-2023' on April 7 at the Kaziranga
National Park in Assam. Kaziranga National Park is famous for ____
A) One-horned Rhinos B) Tigers
C) Swamp Dears (Barasingha) D) Elephants
Answer : A
✓ President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated a two-day 'Gaj Utsav-2023' on April 7 at the Kaziranga National
Park High School’s playground field in Assam.
✓ Meanwhile, President Murmu also enjoyed cultural performances including Bhortal, Jhumur and Bihu
dance forms by Assamese artistes at Kohora.
✓ The President also flag off the ‘Mount Kanchenjunga Expedition-2023’.
✓ President Murmu attended the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of the Gauhati High Court as the chief guest
and also launched a mobile app "Bhoroxa" designed for the safety of women and the elderly
✓ About Gaj Utsav
✓ Kaziranga Gaja Utsav is an annual festival held in the national park to promote the conservation and
protection of elephants.
✓ It is jointly organized by the Forest and Tourism Departments to draw attention and find a solution to
the growing human-elephant onflict in the state.
✓ This is being organized to mark the completion of 30 years of Project Elephant.
✓ The Government of India started Project Elephant in the year 1992 to protect elephants, their migration
routes and natural habitats.
✓ Assam has the second largest population of elephants in the country after Karnataka.
✓ Kaziranga National Park being a UNESCO World Heritage Site is an ideal place for Gaja Utsav.
✓ Kaziranga National Park is located at Assam, India.
✓ Designated with National Park status in 1968.
✓ Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
✓ Kaziranga National Park hosts two-thirds of the world's great one-horned rhinoceroses.
Q. The joint military exercise KAVACH was conducted by which united of Indian Armed Force?
A) Southern Naval Command B) Andaman and Nicobar Command
C) Western Naval Command D) Eastern Naval Command
Answer : B

✓ The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) conducted a large-scale joint military exercise 'X Kavach'
involving assets of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard
✓ Commencing on 23 February 2023, the exercise concluded on 7 April 2023.
✓ The exercise was aimed at fine-tuning joint combat capabilities and Standard Operating Procedures
(SOPs) and enhancing interoperability and operational synergy between the armies.
✓ Army's 'Shatrujit Brigade', Armed Forces Special Operations Division (AFSOD), Navy's Special Forces
and ANC's amphibious troops carried out an exercise at a remote island in the Andaman and Nicobar
Islands.
✓ The exercise featured multi-domain exercises involving amphibious landings, airborne operations,
heliborne operations and rapid entry of special forces off the coast.
✓ 'X Kavach' showcased the capabilities and preparedness of the Armed Forces to safeguard India's
maritime interests and ensure the security of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Q. Who has been appointed as the new Vice Chief of Naval Staff wef April 2023?
A) Kailash K. Kohli B) Nirmal Kumar Verma
C) Robin K. Dhowan D) Sanjay Jasjit Singh
Answer : D
✓ Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh took over as the new Vice Chief of Naval Staff on April 02, 2023.
✓ He succeeds Vice Admiral Satishkumar Namdeo Ghormade who superannuated on April 01, 2023 after
more than 39 years of service to the Indian Navy.
✓ Prior to this, Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh held charge of Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff
✓ Chiefs of Indian Services
✓ Chief of Defense Staff: Lt. Gen. Anil Chauhan (Retd.)
✓ Army: General Manoj Pandey
✓ Navy: Admiral Radhakrishnan Hari Kumar
✓ Air Force: Air Marshal VR Chowdhary
✓ Air Marshal Amanpreet Singh has been appointed as the new Vice Chief of the Air Staff
✓ Lt. Gen. M.V. Suchindra Kumar took over as Vice Chief of the Army Staff.
✓ Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh took over as the new Vice Chief of Naval Staff on April 02, 2023
✓ CDS is a four-star General
Q. Which country has assumed the Presidency of the UN Security Council (UNSC) in April 2023?
A) United Kingdom B) Russia
C) United States D) France
Answer : B
✓ Russia has taken over the Presidency of the UN Security Council (UNSC) on April 01, 2023. It will be
presided by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
✓ It must be informed that each of the 15 members of the UNSC takes up the presidency for a month, on a
rotating basis.
✓ Previously, Russia took over the Presidency in February 2022. During that time, Russia launched a full-
scale invasion of Ukraine.
✓ The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations
(UN) and is responsible for maintaining international peace and security.
✓ UNSC has 15 member countries. Among them, 5 are permanent while other 10 are non-permanent
members.
✓ The five permanent members of UNSC are China, France, Russia, United Kingdom and United States.
✓ The non-permanent members are Albania, Brazil, Ecuador, Gabon, Ghana, Japan, Malta, Mozambique,
Switzerland, and United Arab Emirates.

✓ United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
✓ Formation : 24 October 1945
✓ Headquarteres : New York, US
✓ President for August, 2021
✓ Ruchira Kamboj, India's Permanent Representative to the UN.
✓ UNSC has 15 members of which 5 are permanent and 10 are non-permanent members.
✓ Non-permanent members elected for two-year terms by the UN General Assembly.
✓ Five permanent members are- US, UK, France, Russia, and China.
Q. The Government of India has set the vision to become a one trillion dollar tourism economy by which
year?
A) 2023 B) 2047
C) 2030 D) 2045
Answer : B
✓ India aims to become one trillion dollar tourism economy by 2047.
✓ The Government of India has set the vision to make India a one trillion dollar tourism economy by the
year 2047, which marks India’s 100th year of Independence.
✓ In line with this, India is observing ‘Visit India Year 2023′ in order to give a boost to the uniqueness of
Indian tourism and make India a seamless , modern, and smart tourism destination.
✓ The ‘Visit India Year 2023’ is a unique, collective movement that invites the world to explore India in
2023, the historical year of India’s G20 presidency.
✓ The year 2023 also marks the grand celebrations of 75 years of Indian Independence – India@75 Azadi
ka Amrit Mahotsav
Q. India has become the first country to develop a country-level mathematical model to estimate the
prevalence of cases of which disease?
A) Alzheimer’s disease B) Hypertension
C) Tuberculosis D) Cirrhosis
Answer : C
✓ India has become the first country in the world to develop a country-level mathematical model to estimate
the prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) cases in India.
✓ Using this model, the data regarding TB incidence and mortality estimate for India will be available by
March every year.
✓ The new model has been created based on the natural history of the disease, individual cases of infection,
healthcare-seeking behaviour, missed or correct diagnosis, treatment coverage, and outcome.
✓ Government Initiatives to Combat TB.
✓ National Strategic Plan (NSP) for Tuberculosis (TB) Elimination (2017-2025)
✓ Nikshay Poshan Yojana (NPY- financial support)
✓ TB Harega Desh Jeetega Campaign.
✓ Universal Immunisation Programme.
✓ The government of India aims to have a TB-free India by 2025.
✓ Revised National TB Control Program under National Health Mission.
✓ Ending the TB epidemic by 2030 under United Nations SDG target 3.3
Q. World Health Day is observed annually on which day?


Answer : D
✓ The World Health Day is celebrated every year on April 7 since 1950.
✓ The day commemorates the establishment of World Health Organisation (WHO) on 7 April 1948.
✓ World Health Day is a global health awareness day to draw worldwide attention to a specific subject of
major importance to global health.
✓ The Theme of 2023 World Health Day is ‘Health For All.’
✓ On 7 April 2023 World Health Day the World Health Organization will observe its 75th birthday.
Q. What is the theme for the 2023 World Health Day?

A) Working together for health B) Health for all
C) Move for health D) Healthy Cities for better life
Answer : B
✓ The Theme of 2023 World Health Day is ‘Health For All.’
Q. The International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA) has been launched by the Government of India for the
conservation of how many species of big cats?
A) 5 B) 7
C) 3 D) 9
Answer : B
✓ Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the program ‘Commemoration of 50 years of Project Tiger’
on April 09, 2023 at Mysuru University in, Karnataka.
✓ The year 2023 marks 50 years of the Project Tiger.
✓ The Project Tiger was launched in November 1973 as tiger conservation programme by the then Prime
Minister Indira Gandhi.
✓ International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA)
✓ PM Modi launched the International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA) in Karnataka.
✓ IBCA aims to focus on the protection and conservation of seven major big cats of the world, in
collaboration with countries harbouring these species.
✓ These include Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Puma, Jaguar and Cheetah.
✓ The IBCA will provide assured support over five years with guaranteed funding of over Rs 800 crore.
✓ The alliance membership will be open to 97 “range” countries, which contain the natural habitat of these
big cats
✓ Other launches that took place at the event includes:
✓ Release of the publications – ‘Amrit Kaal Ka Vision For Tiger Conservation’, a summary report of the
5th cycle of Management Effectiveness Evaluation of Tiger Reserves.
✓ Release of the summary report of All India Tiger Estimation (5th cycle).
✓ Release of a commemorative coin on the completion of 50 years of Project Tiger.
✓ Other facts
✓ India is home to 75% of the world’s tiger population in the 75th year of Indian independence.
✓ The tiger reserves in India cover 75,000 square kilometers of land
✓ In the past 10-12 years, the tiger population in the country has increased by 75 percent
Q. How much amount has been contributed by India to the United Nations Trust Fund in support of the
African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS)?
A) US$ 3 million B) US$ 4 million
C) US$ 5 million D) US$ 2 million

Answer : D
✓ India has contributed USD 2 million to the United Nations Trust Fund in support of the African Union
Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
✓ The cheque for the same was handed over by India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations
Ruchira Kamboj.
✓ ATMIS was established on 1 April 2022, to reduce the threat posed by the terrorist group Al-Shabaad
and to support the implementation of the Somali Transitional Plan towards a full handover of security
responsibility to the Somali security forces and institutions by the end 2024.
✓ Earlier, India had contributed USD 4 million to African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).
Q. Chinese startup company Space Pioneer recently launched first ever liquid fueled rocket Sky Dragon-2
into orbit. What is the native name of this rocket?
A) Chang Zheng-2 B) Wenchan-2
C) Dong Feng-2 D) Tianlong-2
Answer : D
✓ The Chinese space startup ‘Space Pioneer’ successfully launched ‘Tianlong-2 rocket” into orbit from
China’s Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center located in the Gobi Desert, Inner Mongolia.
✓ This for the first time that a liquid fueled rocket was launched into orbit by a Chinese aerospace company.
✓ Also, it was the first time that a startup company (Space Pioneer- also known as Beijing Tianbing
Technology Co.) successfully reached orbit on its first attempt.
✓ The Tianlong-2 rocket is also known as “Sky Dragon-2.
Q. Name the Indian badminton player who has recently won the men’s single title at the 2023 Orleans
Masters in France?
A) Priyanshu Rajawat B) Satwiksairaj Rankireddy
C) Manu Attri D) Subhankar Dey
Answer : A
✓ India’s emerging badminton star Priyanshu Rajawat defeated Magnus Johannesen of Denmark, 21-15,
19-21, 21-16, to win men’s single title at the 2023 Orleans Masters in France with a win over in the
decider.
✓ It was his maiden BWF World Tour Super 300 title as well as his first appearance in the final.
✓ The 21-year-old Priyanshu Rajawat from Madhya Pradesh was a part of the Indian team that registered
an epic win at the 2022 Thomas Cup.
✓ Winners of 2023 Orléans Masters
✓ Men’s Single – Priyanshu Rajawat (India)
✓ Women’s single – Carolina Marín (Spain)
Q. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Valour Day (Shaurya Diwas) is celebrated every year on April
09. In 2023 which edition of CRPF Valour Day was celebrated?
A) 55th B) 61st
C) 58th D) 68th
Answer : C
✓ The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Valour Day (Shaurya Diwas) is observed on 9th April every
year, as a tribute to the brave men of the Force.
✓ 2023 marks 58th CRPF Valour Day.

✓ It was on this day in 1965, a small contingent of CRPF created history by defeating an invading Pakistani
army, several time larger, at the Sardar Post located in the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat.

BEST MCQ WITH FACTS
MARCH 2023
Q. Name the winner of the 2023 Abel prize?

A) Dennis Sullivan B) Luis Caffarelli
C) Avi Wigderson D) Grigory Margulis
Answer : B
✓ Luis Caffarelli of Argentina has been awarded the 2023 Abel Prize..
✓ The 74-year-old Caffarelli has been awarded the prize for his contributions to the field of nonlinear partial
equations and free-boundary problems in mathematics.
✓ Caffarelli was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, making him the first Abel Prize laureate from
South America.
✓ Currently, he is a professor at the University of Texas, Austin.
✓ About Abel Prize
✓ First awarded in 2003, the Abel prize “recognises pioneering scientific achievements in mathematics”.
✓ It is named after Norwegian mathematician Niels Henrik Abel (1802-29), who in his short life made
pioneering contributions in a multitude of fields.
✓ It is often considered to be an equivalent of the Nobel prize.
✓ The award carries a monetary prize of 7.5 million kronor (about $720,000) and a glass plaque designed
by Norwegian artist Henrik Haugen.
✓ The prize is awarded by the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters on behalf of the Ministry of
Education.
Q. Which Indian city has been recognised among the World Tree City 2022 list, released by United Nations
Food & Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and Arbor Day Foundation (ADF)?
A) Mumbai B) Hyderabad
C) Chennai D) Guwahati
Answer : A
✓ India’s commercial capital Mumbai has been included in the World Tree City 2022 list, for the second
consecutive year, for promoting best practices in urban forestry.
✓ The United Nations Food & Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and Arbor Day Foundation (ADF) conduct
the TCW programme
✓ The Tree Cities of the World (TCW) recognition began in 2019, to recognise efforts of cities globally that
strive to balance the trees and environment and are included in the TCW list.
✓ Mumbai was also part of TCW list in 2021, when it shared the honour with Hyderabad.
✓ Mumbai fulfilled all the five ADF criteria to receive the honour. They were:
1. determining responsibilities for tree care,
2. setting rules to govern urban forests and tree management,
3. maintaining an up-to-date inventory or assessment of local tree assets,
4. allocating resources for a tree management plan, and
5. organizing an annual tree festival to educate citizens.
✓ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
✓ Founded: 16 October 1945
✓ Headquarters: Rome, Italy
✓ Director-General: QU Dongyu (China)

✓ Motto: “Fiat panis” (Let there be bread)
Q. Who was appointed as the first chief of NASA's ‘Moon to Mars Program’?
A) James L. Green B) Karthik Raj
C) Natalie Batalha D) Amit Kshatriya
Answer : D
✓ Indian-American software and robotics engineer, Amit Kshatriya has been selected by NASA for its new
'Moon to Mars Program'.
✓ He will serve as NASA's first office chief with immediate effect.
✓ The mission aims to carry out the agency's human exploration activities on Moon and Mars.
✓ Amit started his career in the space program in 2003 and also as a software and robotics engineer..
Q. What is the rank of India in the UN’s World Happiness Report for the year 2023?
A) 133 B) 126
C) 129 D) 138
Answer : B
✓ India Ranks 126th; Finland tops 2023 World Happiness Index.
✓ Finland is again adjudged as the happiest country in the world, as per the United Nations’ annual World
Happiness Report for the year 2023, released on March 20.
✓ This is the sixth consecutive year that Finland is top ranked country in the Happiness Index, with a score
of 7.8.
✓ Denmark is ranked at second spot while, Iceland is ranked at third place.
✓ Other countries in top 10 are Israel, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, Luxembourg and New
Zealand.
✓ India is ranked at 126th spot among 137 nations.
✓ India is ranked 126, ten places higher than its ranking of 136 in 2022. It remains below most neighboring
counties, including Pakistan (108) and Sri Lanka (112).
Q. Which country is ranked at first position in 2023 World Happiness Report?
A) Netherlands B) Finland
C) Norway D) Sweden
Answer : B
Q. India’s first National Centre of Excellence in Green Port & Shipping (NCoEGPS) has been inaugurated
in which city?
A) Gurugram B) Chandigarh
C) Kochi D) Mumbai
Answer : A
✓ Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) and Ayush Shri Sarbananda Sonowal on
March 22, 2023, inaugurated India’s first National Centre of Excellence in Green Port & Shipping
(NCoEGPS) in Gurugram, Haryana.
✓ It has been developed through collaboration between the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways,
Government of India and the Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).
✓ India has set the target to become ‘Global Hub for Green Ship’ building by 2030.
✓ For this, the government has launched Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP).

✓ Initially, Green Tugs will start to work in all major ports by 2025 and then atleast, 50% of all the Tugs
will be converted into Green Tugs by 2030.
Q. The government of India is developing country’s first urban transport ropeway for public in which city?
A) Guwahati B) Nagpur
C) Gandhinagar D) Varanasi
Answer : D
✓ Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the India’s first urban transport ropeway
on March 24, 2023, in Varanasi.
✓ This is the first urban ropeway project in the country.
✓ The total cost incurred for this ropeway project is around Rs 645 crore.
✓ Once the project becomes functional, India will become the third country in the world to use a ropeway
for public transportation. Till date such facility is operational only in Bolivia and Mexico City,
✓ The project will be constructed by Vishwa Samudra, National Highways Logistics Private Limited
(NHLML) in collaboration with Switzerland-based firm Bartholet.
✓ The 3.75-km long ropeway system will have five stations and will function between Varanasi Cantonment
and Godowlia Chowk.
Q. Naatu Naatu song from the Indian film RRR has won the Oscar Award 2023 in the category of Best
Original Song. Who is the Director of this film?
A) S. S. Rajamouli B) M. M. Keeravani
C) N.T.Rama Rao D) Trivikram Srinivas
Answer : A
✓ The song 'Naatu Naatu' from the Indian film RRR has won the Oscar in the Best Original Song category
at the 95th Oscar Awards.
✓ It is noteworthy that the song 'Jai Ho' from the UK film 'Slumdog Millionaire' directed by Danny Boyle
is the first Hindi song to win an Academy Award in the Best Original Score and Original Song categories.
✓ Its music was composed by AR Rahman and its lyrics were written by Gulzar.
✓ Naatu Naatu (Best Original Song)
✓ Film Name – RRR
✓ Music – M. M. Keeravani
✓ Lyrics – Chandrabose
✓ Director – S. S. Rajamouli
✓ Producer – D. V. V. Danayya
✓ Movie 'RRR'
✓ 'RRR' directed by SS Rajamouli is based on nationalism and brotherhood.
✓ It stars famous actors Ram Charan and Jr. NTR in lead roles.
✓ The film is based on the lives of real-life Indian revolutionaries Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram
Bheem.
✓ The song 'Naatu Naatu' is composed by MM Keeravani and sung by Kaal Bhairav and Rahul Sipligunj.
✓ RRR Full Form is: Roudram Ranam Rudhiram.
RRR IN NEWS 2023

➢ Song 'Naatu Naatu' from the Indian film RRR has won the Oscar in the Best Original Song category at
the 95th Oscar Awards.
➢ South Cinema's film RRR has created history at the 80th 'Golden Globe Awards 2023' award ceremony,

➢ SS Rajamouli's film 'RRR' won the 28th Critics' Choice Awards 2023 for Best Foreign Language Film
and Best Song.
➢ RRR has bagged three big awards at the Hollywood Critics Association (HCA) Film Awards 2023.
➢ Directed by SS Rajamouli, the film has been given the HCA Film Award for Best Action Film, Best
Stunts, Best International Film and Best Song for the song Natu Natu
Q. Which Indian film has won the Oscars Award 2023 in the Best Documentary Short Subject category?
A) The Miniaturist Of Junagadh B) The Elephant Whisperers
C) Ladies First D) Bunkar: The Last of the Varanasi Weavers
Answer : B
➢ The Elephant Whisperers (Best Documentary Short Subject)
➢ Director – Kartiki Gonsalves
➢ Producer – Douglas Blush; Kartiki Gonsalves; Guneet Monga; Achin Jain
Q. Which among the given films has been awarded the Best Picture Award at the 2023 Oscars Award?
A) The Banshees of Inisherin B) The Whale
C) All Quiet on the Western Front D) Everything Everywhere All at Once
Answer : D
✓ Oscars 2023: Naatu Naatu from RRR wins Best Original Song; ‘The Elephant Whisperers’ wins Best
Documentary Short category
✓ Also known as the 95th Academy Awards, the OSCARS 2023 was held on March 12, 2023, by the
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) in Los Angeles to honor films released in 2022.
✓ Two Indian films won awards at the Oscars 2023. They are given below
1. Naatu Naatu (Best Original Song)
Film Name – RRR
Music – M. M. Keeravani
Lyrics – Chandrabose
Director – S. S. Rajamouli
Producer – D. V. V. Danayya
2. The Elephant Whisperers (Best Documentary Short Subject)
Director – Kartiki Gonsalves
Producer – Douglas Blush; Kartiki Gonsalves; Guneet Monga; Achin Jain.
Complete List of Winners of Oscars 2023
Best Picture : Everything Everywhere All at Once
Best Director : Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert for Everything Everywhere All at Oncedouble-dagger
Best Actor : Brendan Fraser (The Whale as Charlie)
Best Actress : Michelle Yeoh (Everything Everywhere All at Once as Evelyn Quan Wang)
Best Documentary Short Subject : The Elephant Whisperers
Q. Supreme Court has ruled formation of high-power committee consisting of the Prime Minister, Leader
of Opposition in Lok Sabha and the Chief Justice of India for the selection of CEC and EC. Till now
who was responsible for the appointment of these officers?
A) CJI B) President
C) Prime Minister D) High level committee
Answer : B

✓ A five-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court has ruled that the appointment of the Chief
Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs) will now be made by a high-power
committee consisting of the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and the Chief Justice of
India.
✓ Till now the President of India made the appointment on the advice of the Union Council of Ministers
headed by the Prime Minister.
✓ The five-judge Constitution Bench was headed by Justice K M Joseph.
✓ Other members included Justices Ajay Rastogi, Aniruddha Bose, Hrishikesh Roy and C T Ravikumar.
Q. NISAR was handed over to ISRO. NISAR is an earth observation satellite jointly developed by ISRO
and which space agency?
A) NASA B) ROSCOSMOS
C) JAXA D) SpaceX
Answer : A
✓ The US Air Force handed over NISAR, an earth observation satellite jointly developed by NASA and
ISRO, to the Indian space agency.
✓ A US Air Force C-17 aircraft carrying the NASA-ISRO synthetic aperture radar (NISAR) has landed in
Bengaluru.
✓ The satellite is an outcome of a collaboration between the American space agency NASA and Indian
Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
✓ The satellite is expected to be launched in 2024 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh,
into a near-polar orbit.
✓ It will be the first radar of its kind in space to systematically map Earth, using two different radar
frequencies (L-band and S-band) to measure changes in the planet’s surface less than a centimetre across
Q. Who has won the Pritzker Architecture Prize 2023?
A) Shelley McNamara B) Diebedo Francis Kere
C) Jean-Philippe Vassal D) Sir David Chipperfield
Answer : D
✓ British architect Sir David Chipperfield has won the 2023 Pritzker Architecture Prize.
✓ He is a civic architect and urban planner with an extensive work plan of projects built across 3 continents.
✓ David Chipperfield is the 52nd winner of the award, established in 1979.
✓ Francis Kéré (Germany) was awarded the prize in 2022, and Anne Lacton (France) and Jean-Philippe
Vasal (France) in 2021.
✓ The 45th Pritzker Prize ceremony honoring David Chipperfield will be held in Athens, Greece in May
2023.
✓ About Pritzker Architecture Prize
✓ It is the highest international honor for architects.
✓ The prize was designed to honor architects for the work they built.
✓ The prize was established in 1979 by J. A. Pritzker is funded by the Pritzker family and sponsored by the
Hyatt Foundation
Q. Asia's first female locomotive pilot, ___ is now operating the Vande Bharat Express.
A) Bhanu Lall
B) Tinku Singh
C) Surekha Yadav

D) Deepika Rajan
Answer : C
✓ Surekha Yadav becomes Asia's first woman loco pilot to operate Vande Bharat Express.
✓ Asia’s first woman loco pilot Surekha Yadav has become the first female to operate the newly-introduced
semi-high speed Vande Bharat Express train.
✓ She piloted a semi-high speed train between Solapur station and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
(CSMT) in Mumbai on 13 March.
✓ Surekha was born in Satara in Maharashtra.
Q. The Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden, which is Asia’s largest tulip garden, will open to the public on 19
March 2023. It is located in which place?
A) Jammu and Kashmir B) Ladakh
C) Himachal Pradesh D) Uttarakhand
Answer : A
✓ The Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden, which is Asia’s largest tulip garden in Kashmir, will open to the public
on March 19, 2023.
✓ The garden spread between Dal Lake and Zabarwan Hills.
✓ This garden is spread over 1050 kanals (52.5 hectares. It started with 50,000 tulips, then 3.50 lakh tulips
and now we have 15 Lakh.
Q. Who is the winner of 2023 Saraswati Samman?
A) Sivasankari B) Ram Darash Mishra
C) Vasdev Mohi D) Sharankumar Limbale
Answer : A
✓ Noted Tamil writer Sivasankari has been conferred with the prestigious Saraswati Samman for the year
2022.
✓ The award is for his book "Surya Vamsam", a memoir published in Tamil in 2019
✓ Sivasankari is a prolific writer who has made significant contributions to Tamil literature, and the award
is a recognition of his talent and dedication.
✓ Sivasankari's recognition with the Saraswati Samman will help bring greater visibility to Tamil literature
and inspire new generations of writers in the language.
✓ About Saraswati Samman
✓ It is given annually to an outstanding literary work written in any Indian language and published during
the last 10 years.
✓ The award carries a cash prize of Rs. 15 lakh, a citation and a plaque.
Q. Two Indian places have found place in TIME Magazine’s ‘World’s Greatest Places of 2023’, which lists
’50 extraordinary destinations across the world to explore’. Apart from Ladakh, which other place from
India is on the list?
A) Balasore B) Kalahandi
C) Mayurbhanj D) Sambalpur
Answer : C

✓ The TIME Magazine has unveiled its list of the ‘World’s Greatest Places of 2023’, which lists ’50
extraordinary destinations across the world to explore’.
✓ This list contains two locations from India as well. They are Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district and the Union
Territory of Ladakh.
✓ While Mayurbhanj has been selected for their rare tigers and ancient temples, Ladakh has been chosen
for its adventures and eats.
✓ The complete list of ‘World’s Greatest Places of 2023’
1 Tampa, Florida 2 Willamette Valley, Oregon
3 Rio Grande, P. R. 4 Tucson, Arizona
5 Yosemite National Park, California 6 Bozeman, Montana
7 Washington, D.C. 8 Vancouver
9 Churchill, Manitoba 10. Dijon, France
31- Ladakh, India 32 - Mayurbhanj, India
Q. Which organization in its report mentioned that 26% of the world's population does not have access to
safe drinking water?
A) World Bank B) UNESCO
C) ADB D) IMF
Answer : B
✓ According to a report published by UNESCO at the United Nations 2023 Water Conference in New
York, 26 percent of the world's population does not have access to safe drinking water.
✓ As per the report, 46 per cent of the population does not have access to safely managed sanitation.
✓ According to the report, two to three billion people experience water scarcity for at least one month per
year, which poses serious risks to livelihoods, especially food security and access to electricity.
✓ The global urban population facing water scarcity will double from 930 million in 2016 to 1.7 to 2.4
billion in 2050.
Q. The Sri Madhusudan Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research has recently been inaugurated in
Chikkaballapur district by PM Modi. In which state is this located?
A) Karnataka B) Maharashtra
C) Tamil Nadu D) Goa
Answer : A
✓ Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sri Madhusudan Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and
Research in Muddenahalli in Chikkaballapur district of Karnataka on March 25, 2023.
✓ The Institute has been established by the Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence.
✓ It will provide free medical education and offer free medical treatment to the poor.
✓ Apart from this, PM Modi also emphasized every Indian to contribute towards making India a developed
country by 2047.
Q. 111th Foundation Day of Bihar was celebrated on 22 March with which of the following themes?
A) Yuva Kendrit Bihar B) Yuva Shakti ki Pragati
C) Yuvaon ki Pragati Bihar ki Shakti D) 21vi Sadi men Bihar ki Pragati
Answer : B

✓ Prime Minister Narendra Modi has greeted the people of Bihar on 22nd March, Bihar State Foundation
Day. Theme of 2023 Bihar Diwas is “Yuva Shakti ki Pragati”.
✓ This is the 111th Foundation Day of the state.
✓ Bihar Diwas is celebrated every year on 22 March to commemorate the separation of Bihar from Bengal.
✓ The state of Bihar was carved out from the Bengal presidency on March 22 in 1912.
Q. Which state government has planned to implement Millets Mission for five years?
A) Karnataka B) Rajasthan
Answer : C
✓ Presenting the State Agriculture Budget for the financial year 2023-24 in the Tamil Nadu Legislative
Assembly on March 21, Tamil Nadu Agriculture Minister M.R.K. Panneerselvam informed that the state
government will implement the Tamil Nadu Millets Mission for five years.
✓ Government of India proposed to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to declare 2023 as the
International Year of the Millets.
✓ Rajasthan is the largest producer of nutri-cereals in India followed by Maharashtra and Karnataka
Q. Who among the following clinched the men's title of the Asian Billiards Championship 2023?
A) Brijesh Damani B) Pankaj Advani
C) Praput Chaithanasakun D) Pauk Sa
Answer : B
✓ Pankaj Advani has won the Asian Billiards Championship title held in Doha, Qatar
✓ Pankaj defeated the defending national champion Brijesh Damani (India) 5–1 to win the title for the
second time in a row and ninth overall.
✓ Advani has won gold medals in English Billiards singles in the 2006 and 2010 Asian Games
Q. Which launch vehicle was used to launch second set of 36 satellites of OneWeb Group Company, under
the agreement with NSIL to launch 72 satellites to orbits?
A) LVM3 B) PSLV
C) GSLV D) ASLV
Answer : A
✓ Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launch vehicle, LVM3, successfully placed 36 satellites
belonging to OneWeb Group Company into their intended orbit on March 26, 2023.
✓ This was the sixth consecutive successful flight of LVM3, ISRO’s heaviest rocket, belonging to OneWeb.
✓ The 43.5 metres tall and 643 tonnes heavy LVM3, lifted off from the second launch pad at SDSC-SHAR,
Sriharikota, with a total payload of 5,805 kg.
✓ With the success of this launch, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) has successfully executed its contract
to launch 72 satellites of OneWeb to Low Earth Orbit.
✓ The Network Access Associates Limited, United Kingdom (OneWeb Group Company) had entered into
a commercial agreement with NSIL to launch 72 satellites to Low-Earth Orbits.
✓ This was the second mission under this agreement. The first set of 36 satellites was launched in LVM3-
M2/OneWeb India-1 mission on October 23, 2022.
✓ This mission also marked OneWeb’s second satellite deployment from India.
✓ It was the 18th launch of OneWeb, bringing the total OneWeb’s constellation to 618 satellites
Q. Nikhat Zareen has won gold medal for India in which sports recently?

A) Shooting B) Tennis
C) Boxing D) Football
Answer : C
✓ India finished with the highest number of gold medals, that means 4 gold, at the 2023 IBA Women’s
World Boxing Championship.
✓ The 13th edition of the championship was held at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex in Delhi, from 15
to 26 March 2023.
✓ Indian pugilists Nikhat Zareen won gold medal in the 50 Kg light flyweight category bout finals, when
she beat two-time Asian champion Nguyen Thi Tam of Vietnam with a 5-0 scoreline.
✓ This was the second successive hold medal of Nikhat in the World Championship.
✓ She is now the second Indian female boxer to win multiple gold medals at the World Championship.
after pugilist Mary Kom.
✓ Other three Indian players to win gold at the championship are:
✓ Nitu Ghanghas – Minimumweight – beat Lutsaikhany Altantsetseg of Mongolia
✓ Lovlina Borgohain – Middleweight – beat Caitlin Parker of Australia
✓ Saweety Boora – Light Heavyweight – beat Wang Lina of China.
✓ Top 5 Countries in Medal Table
Q. Indian sportsman Sarabjot Singh has recently won gold medal for India in which sports?
A) Hockey B) Tennis
C) Boxing D) Shooting
Answer : D
Q. The CRPF of India organized the Raising Day function on March 25, 2023 in the Naxal-affected area of
Chhattisgarh. The event marked which edition of the raising day celebration for CRPF?
A) 82nd B) 84th
C) 89th D) 88th
Answer : B
✓ The 84th Raising Day of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was organised at Bastar in
Chhattisgarh on March 25, 2023.
✓ It is for the first time that CRPF’s annual celebration was held in a Naxal-affected area.
✓ Union Home Minister Amit Shah attended the event, at Karanpur camp of the 201st battalion of the
Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA), an elite anti-Naxal unit of the CRPF.
Q. Samiha AYOUB has been chosen as the author for the Message of World Theatre Day 2023. She hails
from which country?
A) Turkey B) Spain
C) Egypt D) Germany
Answer : C
✓ The World Theatre Day is celebrated all over the world on the 27 March since 1962 to promote the art
form “theatre” across the world.
✓ The theme of 2023 World Theatre Day is ‘Theatre and a Culture of Peace’.
✓ The day was initiated in 1961 by the International Theatre Institute (ITI).
✓ Every year the Executive Council of ITI choses an outstanding theatre personality to write the message
for World Theatre Day.

✓ The author of the Message of
✓ World Theatre Day 2023 is: Samiha AYOUB, Egypt.
Q. Who becomes first IPS Officer to swim from Gateway of India to Elephanta Caves?
A) Chandra Mohan B) Krishna Prakash
C) Gopinadh Jatti D) Manish Kumar Sinha
Answer : B
✓ Ironman’ Krishna Prakash becomes first person to swim from Gateway of India to Elephanta Caves.
✓ Ironman’ and IPS officer Krishna Prakash achieved another milestone, by becoming the first person to
swim from the Gateway of India (located at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Marg in South Mumbai) to the famed
Elephanta Caves (located at the Elephanta Island in Mumbai Harbour).
Q. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched the real-time performance monitoring dashboard named
as which of the following?
A) Samudra Manthan B) Jal Manthan
C) Sagar Manthan D) Drishti Manthan
Answer : C
✓ The real-time performance monitoring dashboard of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
(MoPSW), known as 'Sagar Manthan' was recently inaugurated by the Union Minister for Ports,
Shipping and Waterways and AYUSH, Sarbananda Sonowal
✓ Sagar Manthan' is a digital platform designed to hold all the integrated data related to the Ministry and
other subsidiaries.
✓ This is a step towards digitization and transparency in the maritime transport sector.
✓ The platform was developed internally under the guidance of Sudhanshu Pant, Secretary, MoPSW and
was efficiently completed in less than 1.5 months.
✓ The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways showcased its commitment to promote the growth of
India's maritime transport sector by launching the 'Sagar Manthan' dashboard.
Q. In March 2023, at which of the following places Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated Mata Sharda
Devi Temple?
A) Pahalgaon B) Ladakh
C) Kupwara D) Srinagar
Answer : C
✓ Home Minister Amit Shah e-launched the Mata Sharda Devi Temple near the Line of Control in Teetwal
village of Karnah Tehsil in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir.
✓ The architecture and construction of the temple is done according to Hindu scriptures under the aegis of
Sharda Peeth, and the idol of Sharda Maa donated by Sringeri Math is installed.
✓ Maa Sharda Devi Temple:
✓ Maa Sharda Devi Temple is considered a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus, especially those from the
Kashmiri Pandit community.
Q. Which Ministry took the initiative of the flagship program 'PM SHRI'?
A) Finance Ministry B) Ministry of Education
C) Foreign Ministry D) Ministry of Agriculture
Answer : B

✓ Ministry of Education has selected about 9 thousand schools across the country for its flagship program
Pradhan Mantri School for Rising India (PM SHRI).
✓ According to the ministry, the institutes were selected from over two lakh fifty thousand government
schools including Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas.
Q. Which state's 100% railway electrification work has been completed recently?
A) Assam B) Himachal Pradesh
C) Haryana D) Bihar
Answer : C
✓ Railway electrification work in Haryana has been completed 100 per cent.
✓ Haryana Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated the people of the state for this achievement.
Recently, 100 per cent railway electrification was also done in Uttar Pradesh.
✓ Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Division is the first 100 per cent electrified rail division of Indian
Railways
✓ Indian Railways have set the target to achieve 100 percent electrification of its broad gauge routes
by December 2023.
Q. Under ‘Project Akashteer’ the Ministry of Defense has agreed with which organisation?
A) Bharat Electronics Limited B) Tata Group
C) DRDO D) NewSpace India Limited
Answer : A
✓ The Defense Ministry has signed 3 contracts with domestic manufacturers at a total cost of about Rs 5400
crore to enhance the country's defence capabilities.
✓ The first contract has been signed with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for automatic air defence
control and reporting systems ‘Project Akashteer’ worth Rs 1982 crore.
✓ This project is related to effectively operating the air defence units of the Indian Army in an integrated
manner.
Q. Who has taken over as the new President of Assocham?

A) Sanjay Nair B) Ajay Singh
C) Sumant Sinha D) Ravi Kohli
Answer : B
✓ SpiceJet chief Ajay Singh has taken over as the president of the Associated Chambers of Commerce and
Industry of India (ASSOCHAM).
✓ He has replaced Sumant Sinha, Managing Director of Renew Power who has completed his term in the
Chamber.
✓ Also, Sanjay Nair, founder and chairman of Sorin Investment Fund has become the new senior vice-
president of ASSOCHAM.
✓ ASSOCHAM is a non-governmental trade association based in India and it was established in 1920.
Q. One of the eight Cheetahs, that were relocated from Namibia to Kuno National Park in MP in September
2022, has passed away. What was the name of that cheetah?
A) Poppy B) Bruno
C) Sasha D) Hunter

Answer : C
✓ The Cheetah named Sasha, who was part of the first batch of cheetahs flown Namibia into Madhya
Pradesh’s Kuno National Park (KNP), on September 17, 2022, has passed away.
✓ Sasha passed away after developing a kidney infection in January 2023.
✓ She was one of five female cheetahs among 8 cheetahs, flown in from Namibia.
✓ She was also one of two five-year-old female big cats brought.
✓ It must be remembered that 8 Namibian cheetahs, including five females and three males were brought
to the KNP as part of a cheetah reintroduction programme, in September 2022, to revive the species’
population in India, where they became extinct more than 70 years ago
✓ 12 cheetahs from South Africa released at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh on February 2023.
✓ The first group of 8 Cheetahs were brought from Namibia and were released into the KNP on September
17, 2022.
Q. The National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi recently organised “Spring Fiesta” 2023, to celebrate
how many years of inception of the museum?
A) 68 B) 71
C) 70 D) 69
Answer : D
✓ The National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi has organised a first of its kind “Spring Fiesta” 2023,
to celebrate 69 years of the museum.
✓ The fiesta will feature more than 50 stalls for display and sales by enthusiastic participants from different
walks of life who specialise in items such as handicrafts, ceramics, indigenous art, fashion, and so on.
✓ The National Gallery of Modern Art is the premier art gallery under Ministry of Culture, Government
of India.
✓ The main museum is located at Jaipur House in New Delhi, and is one of the world’s largest modern art
museums.
✓ The National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi was inaugurated on 29 March 1954, by the then Vice
President Dr. S Radhakrishnan
Q. The Pathashree-Rastashree is a flagship project by the government of which state?

A) Bihar B) Odisha
C) Tripura D) West Bengal
Answer : D
✓ West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated the flagship project named ‘Pathashree-
Rastashree’ in Singur on March 28, 2023.
✓ ‘Pathashree-Rastashree’ project aims to strengthen road infrastructure and enhance connectivity to
villages.
✓ Under this project 12,000 km of roads will be constructed in 22 districts of the state, using state
government’s fund.
✓ Matua mela is being organised in West Bengal.
Q. Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty recently won gold medal for India in which sports event?
A) Tennis B) Badminton
C) Archery D) Chess
Answer : B

✓ India’s top men’s doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty beat China’s unseeded Ren
Xiang Yu and Tan Qiang in the final of the Swiss Open 2023, in Basel on March 26, 2023
✓ The 2023 Swiss Open is a Super 300 badminton tournament of the BWF World Tour 2023.
✓ The winners of 2023 Swiss Open are:
✓ Men’s Single – Koki Watanabe of Japan
✓ Women’s Single – Pornpawee Chochuwong of Thailand
✓ Men’s Double – Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty of India
✓ Women’s Double – Rena Miyaura and Ayako Sakuramoto of Japan
✓ Mixed Doubles – Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin of China
Q. The Ministry of Defence has signed a Rs. 3,000-crore contract with New Space India Limited (NSIL), to
develop advanced communication satellite for the Indian Army. What will be the name of the satellite?
A) GSAT 2D B) GSAT 7B
C) GSAT 1A D) GSAT 3I
Answer : B
✓ The Ministry of Defence has signed a Rs. 3,000-crore contract with New Space India Limited (NSIL),
on March 29, 2023, for an advanced communication satellite, GSAT 7B, for the Indian Army.
✓ It must be noted that the Indian Army currently do not have a dedicated satellite of its own.
✓ However Indian Air Force and Navy have their own top-end communication satellite.
✓ To meet this need, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will indigenously develop an
advanced five tonne geostationary satellite, which will provide high throughput services to the Indian
Army.
✓ The overall cost of this project is estimated at Rs 2,963 crore.
✓ The Indian Army is expected to receive the satellite in 2026.
✓ The satellite will be the first-of-its-kind in the five-tonne category, and will not only support the tactical
communication needs of ground troops, but also remotely piloted aircraft, air defence weapons, and other
mission-critical and fire support platforms.
Q. Which city has topped the list of most expensive destination in the world in 2022 for business travel as
per the report of consulting firm ECA International?
A) New York B) London
C) Zurich D) Los Angeles
Answer : A
✓ New York has been named as the most expensive destination in the world in 2022 for business travel,
according to the UK-based consulting firm ECA International.
✓ New York was noted to have an average daily costs at a rate of $796 per day.
✓ Other cities in top 10 included Geneva, Washington DC, Zurich, San Francisco, Tel Aviv, Los Angeles,
London, Luanda and Paris
✓ Hong Kong was the most expensive destination in Asia.
✓ The average daily costs in Hong Kong is of $520.
Q. India and Japan recently inked document for 4th tranche loan for India’s bullet train from Mumbai-
Ahmedabad. What is the approx overall deal price?
Answer : D

✓ India and Japan have signed the documents for the fourth tranche of loan for India’s bullet train from
Mumbai-Ahmedabad.
✓ The documents for the fourth tranche of the total of Rs 18,000 crore loan by Japan International
Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the high speed train was signed on March 20, 2023, during the visit of
Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to India.
✓ In 2017, JICA had committed a loan package of approximately Rs 18,000 crore for the construction of
the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail..
Q. Padma Lakshmi has recently become the first transgender lawyer of which state?
A) Kerala
B) Maharashtra
C) Karnataka
D) Bihar
Answer : A
✓ Kerala-based Padma Lakshmi has become the first transgender lawyer in the state.
✓ Lakshmi was one among the 1,529 law graduates who were admitted on the rolls of the Kerala Bar
Council as advocates.
✓ It must be noted that the first trans advocate in the country was Tamil Nadu based Satyashri Sharmila
who got enrolled in 2018
Q. Who has recently been appointed as the new CEO of American coffee giant Starbucks?
A) Lakshmanan Krishna Kumar B) Sunil Alaric Dsouza
C) Harish Ramananda Bhat D) Laxman Narasimhan
Answer : D
✓ India-origin Laxman Narasimhan has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of global
coffee giant Starbucks.
✓ He succeeds the founder of the company Howard Schultz.
✓ Starbucks is one of the largest coffee chains in the world, headquartered at Seattle, Washington in USA.
Q. Sampanna Ramesh Shelar has recently become fastest Indian to swim across the Palk Strait. He is from
which city of India?
A) Pune B) Kochi
C) Chennai D) Gandhinagar
Answer : A
✓ Pune-based swimmer, Sampanna Ramesh Shelar has become the fastest Indian in under 21 group to
swim across the Palk Strait.
✓ Palk Strait is a strait between the Tamil Nadu and Talaimannar in the island nation of Sri Lanka. The
total length of the strait is 29kms.
✓ Shelar completed his swim in 5 hours and 30 minutes. The previous record was 8 hours and 26 minutes.
Q. Which team has won the 2022-2023 Indian Super League (ISL)?
A) ATK Mohun Bagan B) FC Goa
C) Kerala Blasters D) Bengaluru FC
Answer : A

✓ The ATK Mohun Bagan defeated Bengaluru FC 4-3, on penalties in finals, to win their first-ever Indian
Super League (ISL) crown.
✓ The ISL 2022-2023 was the ninth season of the Indian Super League.
✓ The finals of ISL 2022-23 was held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Goa.
Q. Which Ministry is implementing Research, Education and Training Outreach (REACHOUT) scheme
for capacity building?
A) Ministry of Earth Sciences
B) Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change
C) Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare
D) Ministry of Education
Answer : A
✓ The Ministry of Earth Sciences is implementing an umbrella scheme named Research, Education and
Training Outreach (REACHOUT) for capacity building in the area of Earth Sciences.
✓ This was informed by the Union Minister of State, PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions,
Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology, M/o Earth Sciences; MoS, Atomic
Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh.
✓ This scheme comprise of the following sub-schemes
✓ R&D in Earth System Science (RDESS).

✓ International Training Centre for Operational Oceanography (ITCOocean).
✓ Program for Development of Skilled manpower in Earth System Sciences (DESK).
Q. UNESCO has declared which day to be observed as World Poetry Day?

A) 21 March B) 22 March
C) 20 March D) 23 March
Answer : A
✓ The World Poetry Day is celebrated on 21 March every year to promote the reading, writing, publishing
and teaching of poetry throughout the world.
✓ Theme of World Poetry Day in 2023 is “Always be a poet, even in prose.”
Q. Asia’s largest 4-metre International Liquid Mirror Telescope (ILMT) has been inaugurated at which
place?
A) Karnataka B) Delhi
C) Uttarakhand D) Gujarat
Answer : C
✓ Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister
of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions,
Atomic Energy and Space, inaugurated Asia’s largest 4-metre International Liquid Mirror Telescope
(ILMT) at Devasthal in Uttarakhand, on March 21, 2023.
✓ The telescope is located at an altitude of 2450 metre at the Devasthal Observatory campus of Aryabhatta
Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES).
✓ ARIES is an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), GoI, located
in Nainital district, Uttarakhand.

✓ ILMT has been designed and built by the Advanced Mechanical and Optical Systems (AMOS)
Corporation and the Centre Spatial de Liege in Belgium.
✓ The ILMT is the first liquid mirror telescope designed exclusively for astronomical observations. It is the
largest aperture telescope in the country. It is also the first optical survey telescope in India
Q. Who is the recipient of the Sangita Kalanidhi award for the year 2023 given by The Madras Music
Academy?
A) T V Gopalakrishnan B) Aruna Sairam
C) Lalgudi Vijayalakshmi D) Bombay Jayashri
Answer : D
✓ Renowned Carnatic vocalist and musician Bombay Jayashri have been chosen for the Sangita Kalanidhi
award for the year 2023, by The Music Academy.
✓ The Sangeetha Kalanidhi title is awarded annually to a Carnatic musician by the Madras Music
Academy.
✓ The award will be presented on January 1, 2024, during the 97th annual conference and concerts of the
Music Academy between December 15, 2023, and January 1, 2024.
Q. The IN-SPACe has launched a scheme for early-stage space start-ups, to bolster the space industry in the
country. What is the total seed fund value of this scheme?
A) Rs 1 cr B) Rs 2 cr
C) Rs 5 cr D) Rs 3 cr
Answer : A
✓ The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) has announced a Rs 1
crore seed fund scheme for early-stage space start-ups, to bolster the space industry in the country.
✓ Under this scheme, the selected startups would get a grant of up to ₹1 crore in instalments.
✓ Startups recognised by the DPIIT and owned 80% by Indians and have not availed more than Rs 50 lakh
through any other Central Government Scheme can avail for the scheme.
Q. India has set the target to become ‘Global Hub for Green Ship’ building by which year?
A) 2027 B) 2023
C) 2025 D) 2030
Answer : D
✓ India sets target to become ‘Global Hub for Green Ship’ building by 2030.
✓ Indian Railways to become Net Zero Carbon Emitter by 2030.
✓ India to produce 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030.
✓ India has set a target to replace the use of diesel by renewable energy in the agriculture sector by 2024.
✓ Indian Government has set a target to eliminate TB in India by 2025.
✓ India targets ₹25,000-cr worth defence exports by 2024.
Q. PM Modi recently launched ‘Call Before u Dig’ (CBuD) mobile application. THe app has been developed
by which ministry?
A) Ministry of Commerce and Industry B) Ministry of Communications
C) Ministry of Defence D) Ministry of Railways
Answer : B

✓ Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched an app called ‘Call Before u Dig’ (CBuD) on March 22, 2023,
to protect underground public infrastructure across the country.
✓ This app has been launched with the aim to help prevent uncoordinated digging that results in damage
to underground utility assets like optical fibre cables.
✓ The CBuD app will facilitate coordination between excavation agencies and underground utility owners
to prevent damage to utilities due to digging.
✓ It will help to reduce financial losses that occur in executing infrastructure projects.
✓ The ‘Call Before u Dig’ mobile application has been developed by the Department of
Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications and the Bhaskaracharya Institute for Space
Applications and Geoinformatics, Government of Gujarat.
Q. Tamil Nadu government has announced setting up a new wildlife sanctuary named ‘Thanthai Periyar
Animal Sanctuary’. This will take the total number of sanctuaries in the state to __
A) 18
B) 21
C) 9
D) 11
Answer : A
✓ The state government of Tamil Nadu has announced a new wildlife sanctuary to be established in Erode
district.
✓ The new wildlife sanctuary will be called ‘Thanthai Periyar Animal Sanctuary’.
✓ It will be formed in 2023-2024.
✓ This will be the 18th wildlife sanctuary in Tamil Nadu.
Q. The Indian Railways’ Modern Coach Factory (MCF) hockey stadium has been renamed after which
female sports person?
A) Manika Batra B) Rani Rampal
C) Vinesh Phogat D) Savita Punia
Answer : B
✓ The Indian Railways’ Modern Coach Factory (MCF) hockey stadium in Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh, has
been renamed as ‘Rani’s Girls Hockey Turf’.
✓ This hockey stadium has been named after Indian star hockey player Rani Rampal, to honour her
commitment to the sports.
✓ She has now become the first woman hockey player in India to have a stadium in her name.
Q. The INS Androth, an Anti-Submarine Warfare ship was recently launched in Kolkata. It is which number
of ship in the series of 8 Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC)?
A) fourth B) third
C) first D) second
Answer : D
✓ The INS Androth, second in a series of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC),
was launched on March 21, 2023, in Kolkata.
✓ INS Androth has been built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata.
✓ INS Arnala is the first in this series.

✓ Purpose: conduct anti-submarine operations in coastal waters, low intensity maritime operations and
mine laying operations.
✓ INS Androth measures about 77.6 metres long and 10.5 metres wide.
✓ It is capable to attain a maximum speed of 25 knots.
Q. Which state has become the first state to pass the Right to Health Bill?
A) Karnataka B) Rajasthan
C) Uttarakhand D) Madhya Pradesh
Answer : B
✓ Rajasthan became the first-ever state to pass the Right to Health Bill in Assembly which now gives every
resident of the state a right to avail free Out Patient Department (OPD) services and In Patient
Department (IPD) services at all the public healthcare facilities.
Q. Which Company signs agreement with France-based McPhy for electrolyzer manufacturing?
A) Larsen & Toubro (L&T)
B) Adani Group
C) Tata Group
D) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
Answer : A
✓ Larsen & Toubro (L&T), an Indian multinational that specializes in EPC projects, hi-tech manufacturing,
and services, EPC major announced has signed a binding agreement with McPhy Energy, a leading
electrolyzer technology and manufacturing company based in France.
✓ According to estimates, India’s green hydrogen production capacity is expected to increase to at least 5
MMTPA by 2030, which will require investments of more than $100 billion
Q. The Martyrs Day to commemorate the death anniversary of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar, and
Shivaram Rajguru, is marked on which day?
A) March 21 B) March 23
C) March 22 D) March 20
Answer : B
✓ Every year, March 23 is observed as Martyrs Day (Shaheed Diwas or Sarvodaya Day) to pay tribute on
death anniversary of the freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar, and Shivaram Rajguru, who
laid their lives for the freedom of India.
✓ It was on March 23 in 1931, in Lahore (Pakistan), that these three were hanged to death for assassinating
John Saunders, a British police officer in 1928.
✓ They had mistook him for British police superintendent James Scott, who had ordered lathi charge, which
eventually led to the death of Lala Lajpat Rai.
Q. Which day is marked as the World Meteorological Day annually?
Answer : B

✓ The World Meteorological Day is celebrated every year on 23 March to commemorate the date of the
establishment of the World Meteorological Organization in 23 March 1950.
✓ The day also highlights the contribution that the National Meteorological and Hydro-logical Services
make to the safety and well-being of society.
✓ The theme for 2023 World Meteorological Day is “The Future of Weather, Climate, and Water Across
Generations”.
Q. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the new International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
field office and innovation center in which city?
A) New Delhi B) Hyderabad
C) Chennai D) Bengaluru
Answer : A
✓ Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the new International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
field office and innovation center in India in New Delhi.
✓ Modi also unveiled Bharat 6G Vision Document and launched the 6G Research and Development Test
Bed and Call Before U dig App.
✓ India had signed an agreement with ITU in March 2022 for setting up the Area Office.
✓ International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
✓ Founded : 1865
✓ Secretary-General : Houlin Zhao
✓ Membership : 193
Q. Which day of the year is observed as the World Tuberculosis Day?
Answer : B
✓ World Tuberculosis Day is observed every year on 24 March to create awareness among the public about
the global epidemic of tuberculosis (TB) and efforts to eliminate the disease.
✓ The theme of World Tuberculosis Day 2023 is “Yes, We can end TB!“.
✓ It was on this day in 1882 when Dr Robert Koch announced that he had discovered the bacterium that
causes TB, which opened the way towards diagnosing and curing this disease.
Q. What is the theme of World Tuberculosis Day 2023?
A) Invest to End TB. Save Lives B) Yes, We can end TB!
C) The Clock is Ticking D) It’s Time
Answer : B
Q. Defence Ministry has signed two separate contracts with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) at a total cost
of over ___Crores.
Answer : C

✓ To enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Defense Ministry on March
23 signed two separate contracts with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) at a total cost of over Rs 3,700
crore.
✓ The first contract, worth over Rs 2,800 crore, pertains to the supply of Medium Power Radar (MPR)
'Arudhra' to the IAF.
✓ The second contract, at a total cost of about Rs 950 crore, pertains to 'Radar Warning Receivers' (RWR).
✓ Both the projects are under the indigenously designed, developed and manufactured-IDMM category.
✓ The radar has been designed and developed by the Defense Research and Development Organization
(DRDO) and will be manufactured by BEL.
✓ The RWR has been designed to also enhance the capabilities of Su-30 MKI aircraft.
✓ About Arudhra Radar
✓ This 4D radar is capable of automatic detection and tracking of slow moving aerial targets ranging from
fighter jets.
✓ The system has an instrumented range of 400 km.
✓ It is capable of detecting RCS targets with a range of 300 km with altitudes ranging from 100 m to 30 km.
✓ The radar operates in either Staring or Rotation mode.
Q. The United Nations report has predicted that India is likely to become the most severely water-hit nation
due to water scarcity by which year?
A) 2050 B) 2025
C) 2030 D) 2035
Answer : A
✓ As per the flagship report of UN titled, ‘United Nations World Water Development Report 2023:
partnerships and cooperation for water’, India is expected to be the most severely water-hit nation due to
water scarcity by 2050.
✓ The report states that the global urban population facing water scarcity is projected to increase from 933
million in 2016 to 1.7-2.4 billion people in 2050.
✓ While 933 million in 2016 represents one third of global urban population and 1.7-2.4 billion in 2050 will
be one third to nearly half of global urban population.
✓ The report also states that around 80% of people living under water stress lived in Asia; and particularly
in northeast China, India and Pakistan.
Q. What is the name of the fantasy app on cricket launched by Ashneer Grover, the co-founder of BharatPe?
A) DreamCrik B) GameCrick
C) CrickPe D) Crick11
Answer : C
✓ BharatPe co-founder Ashneer Grover has launched a cricket-focused fantasy sports app called CrickPe,
through his twitter handle on March 23, 2023.
✓ CrickPe is a product by the ‘Third Unicorn’, the new tech-startup venture of BharatPe co-founder
Ashneer Grover, along with his wife Madhuri Jain and Aseem Ghavri.
Q. Who won the men's singles title at the All England Open badminton championships?
A) Shi Yu Qi B) Li Shi Feng
C) Parupalli Kashyap D) Lakshya Sen
Answer : B

✓ Li Shi Feng defeated fellow Chinese shuttler Shi Yu Qi to win the men’s singles title at the All England
Open badminton championships.
✓ The all-Chinese men’s final ended 26-24 21-5, beginning neck-and-neck in the first game and ending in a
decisive victory for 23-year-old Li in the second.
✓ In the women’s singles, to the thunderous roar of her name, South Korea’s An Se Young beat Tokyo
2020 Olympics gold medallist Chen Yu Fei of China 21-17 10-21 21-19.
✓ China has dominated Olympic badminton since the sport made its debut at the Games in Barcelona in
1992, with 47 medals including 20 golds.
Q. What is the rank of India in the Global Terrorism Index 2023?
A) 9th B) 27th
C) 13th D) 33rd
Answer : C
✓ India Ranks 13th; Afghanistan Tops Global Terrorism Index 2023.
✓ Afghanistan has retained its position as the country most impacted by terrorism for the fourth consecutive
year, with a score of 8.822, in the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) for 2023.
✓ A total of 163 countries have been analysed in the GTI 2023.
✓ Afghanistan is followed by Burkina Faso and Somalia.
Q. Which country has topped the Global Terrorism Index 2023, as the country most impacted by terrorism?
A) Iraq B) Mali
C) Afghanistan D) Myanmar
Answer : C
✓ Afghanistan has retained its position as the country most impacted by terrorism for the fourth consecutive
year, with a score of 8.822, in the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) for 2023.
Q. Who has been elected as the new President of FIFA in 2023 election?
A) Gianni Infantino B) Michel Platini
C) Issa Hayatou D) Sepp Blatter
Answer : A
✓ Gianni Infantino has been re-elected as the President of FIFA, the world football’s governing body.
✓ This will be his third term as the FIFA President. His four year term will end in 2027.
Q. Indian-origin Neel Moudgal has won the 2023 Regeneron Science Talent Search. It is the prestigious
science and math competition for high school seniors organised by which country?
A) Japan B) United States
C) France D) Singapore
Answer : B
✓ An Indian-origin American teen, Neel Moudgal has won the 2023 Regeneron Science Talent Search.
✓ It is the the oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors, in the
United States.
✓ It is also known as the US’ Junior Nobel in math and science.
✓ The award carries $250,000 prize for the top winner.
✓ The 17-year-old Neel hails from Saline, Michigan.

Q. Aleem Dar has stepped down from the ICC’s Elite Panel after 19 years of service. He represented which
country?
A) Bangladesh B) India
C) Pakistan D) South Africa
Answer : C
✓ Pakistani umpire Aleem Dar has stepped down from the ICC’s Elite Panel after being a part of it for 19
years.
✓ The 54-year-old has officiated in a record 435 men’s Tests (144), ODIs (222) and T20Is including four
World Cup finals.
✓ Dar was the first Pakistan umpire to be named on the Elite Panel.
✓ Additionally, ICC has onboarded two new umpires onto their Elite Panel. This takes the total number of
Umpires on the list to 12 from 11.
✓ They are Adrian Holdstock (South Africa) and Ahsan Raza (Pakistan).
. Q. How many number of Umpires are there on the ICC Elite Panel?
A) 12 B) 11
C) 10 D) 09
Answer : A
✓ ICC has onboarded two new umpires onto their Elite Panel. This takes the total number of Umpires on
the list to 12 from 11.. They are Adrian Holdstock (South Africa) and Ahsan Raza (Pakistan).
Q. What is the name of the Multi-lateral Maritime Exercise which was conducted in the Indian Ocean
Region among Royal Australian Navy, French Navy, Indian Navy, Japanese Maritime Self Defence
Force, Royal Navy and the United States Navy in March 2023?
A) Sangam B) Cutlass Express
C) RIMPAC D) La Perouse
Answer : D
✓ The two-day Multi-lateral Maritime Exercise ‘La Pérouse’ was held in the Indian Ocean Region on
March 13 and 14, 2023.
✓ The personnel, ships and integral helicopters of Royal Australian Navy, French Navy, Indian Navy,
Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force, Royal Navy and the United States Navy participated in the drill.
✓ Indigenously built guided missile frigate INS Sahyadri and fleet tanker INS Jyoti participated in this
exercise from India.
✓ It was the third edition of the biennial Exercise La Perouse. It is conducted by the French Navy, to
enhance maritime domain awareness and coordination amongst the participating navies in the Indo-
Pacific Region..
Q. Which team has won the 2023 Irani Cup?

A) Madhya Pradesh B) Rest of India
C) Mumbai D) Saurashtra
Answer : B
✓ Rest of India defeated Madhya Pradesh with a 238-run in finals of the Irani Cup held at the Captain Roop
Singh Stadium, Gwalior.

✓ The Irani Trophy is a first-class cricket tournament organised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India
(BCCI).
✓ It is played annually between the winners of the Ranji Trophy and a Rest of India cricket team
Q. Exercise Sea Dragon 23 is a multi-lateral anti-submarine warfare (ASW) between India, USA, Japan,
Canada and South Korea. The exercise is being held at which place?
A) Pithoragarh B) Guam
C) Busan D) Tokyo
Answer : B
✓ The Indian Navy is participating in multi-lateral anti-submarine warfare (ASW) ‘Exercise Sea Dragon
23’, organised at Guam, USA from 15-30 March 2023.
✓ Other nations participating in this drill are USA, Japan, Canada and South Korea.
✓ This is the third edition of the coordinated multi-lateral ASW exercise for Long Range MR ASW aircraft.
✓ The exercise is organised by the US Navy to test the capabilities of participating aircraft in tracking
simulated and live underwater targets, besides sharing mutual expertise.
Q. When is International Day of Happiness celebrated every year?

Answer : D
✓ Every year the International Day of Happiness is celebrated on March 20.
✓ The day aims to promote happiness as a fundamental human right for all human beings across the world.
✓ The theme for 2023 International Day of Happiness campaign is “Be Mindful. Be Grateful. Be Kind.”
✓ The first International Day of Happiness was officially held on 20 March 2013.
Q. Shivamogga Airport was recently inaugurated in which state?
A) Odisha B) Assam
C) Karnataka D) Tamil Nadu
Answer : C
✓ Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 27 February 2023 launched the newly built Shivamogga airport along
✓ The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for two rail projects, the Shivamogga-Shikaripura-
Ranebennur New Railway Line and the Koteganguru Railway Coaching Depot and several road
development projects worth over Rs 215 crore.
✓ The Prime Minister also inaugurated multi-village schemes worth over Rs 950 crore under the Jal Jeevan
Mission and 44 smart city projects worth over Rs 895 crore in Shivamogga city.
✓ Shivamogga Airport:
✓ Shivamogga Airport has been developed at a cost of about Rs 450 crore.
✓ There were only 74 airports in the whole country till the year 2014, while today the number of airports
has doubled (148) after the inauguration of Shivamogga Airport.
✓ It is suitable for A-320 type aircraft. This airport is spread over 758 acres of land.
Q. MRSAM weapon system has been developed by which organisation?
A) HAL B) BEL
C) DRDO D) ISRO

Answer : C
✓ The first Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM) Regiment is being raised to enhance the Indian
Army’s air defence and capacity development along the Northern Borders.
✓ This regiment is equipped with the MRSAM weapon system, which has been indigenously developed by
the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Q. Elephant Conservation Network (ECN) has been recently formed in which state?
A) Odisha B) Kerala
C) Maharashtra D) Assam
Answer : D
✓ Assam-based non-profit organization Aaranyak has formed a network of local communities called the
Elephant Conservation Network (ECN).
✓ The network has been formed to tackle the issue of human-elephant conflict (HEC) in Assam.
✓ Seven ECNs have been formed, involving village youths who have been educated about elephant ecology
and behavior, and effective mitigation measures.
Q. Gyalsung Infra Project, to which India provided a grant of Rs 2 billion, is associated with which country?
A) Bhutan B) Bangladesh
C) Sri Lanka D) Nepal
Answer : A
✓ India has provided a grant of Rs 2 Billion to Bhutan for the Gyalsung Infra Project.
✓ The project aims to empower the youth of Bhutan and build a strong foundation for the country’s future.
✓ The first tranche of the grant of Rs 1 Billion was presented recently by the Indian Ambassador to Bhutan.
✓ The grant is in addition to India’s commitment to provide planning assistance of Rs.50 Billion to Bhutan.
✓ BHUTAN
✓ Capital : Thimphu
✓ Currency : Ngultrum
✓ Prime Minister : Lotay Tshering
Q. Which platform has been chosen by NCERT to set up the regulatory platform PARAKH?
A) CET B) ETS
C) BTS D) DTT
Answer : B
✓ PARAKH, India’s first national assessment regulator, aims to standardize assessment for over 60 boards
in the country.
✓ ETS (Educational Testing Service), which conducts key tests like TOEFL and GRE, has been chosen by
the National Council for Education Research (NCERT) to set up the regulatory platform PARAKH.
✓ PARAKH will establish norms, standards, and guidelines for student assessment and evaluation.
✓ Recently the National Council of Education Research and Training has notified India's first National
Assessment Regulator "PARKH" with the aim of setting up assessment guidelines for all boards.
Q. Which state is set to get India’s first Marina?
A) Goa B) Maharashtra

Answer : D
✓ Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has confirmed that Karnataka is set to get India’s first Marina which
will be constructed in the Udupi district.
✓ This project has been initiated to promote coastal tourism in the state.
✓ He was speaking at a function ‘Seven Wonders of Karnataka’ hosted under the Department of Tourism.
Q. Which country is the host of the international multilateral air exercise ‘Exercise Desert Flag VIII’?
A) Japan B) Vietnam
C) Singapore D) UAE
Answer : D
✓ An Indian Air Force contingent of 110 Air Warriors reached Al Dahfra airbase of United Arab Emirates
on 25 February for participating in Exercise 'Desert Flag VIII.
✓ Tejas, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) made in India, will make its first appearance at a multinational
exercise in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
✓ The IAF would be participating with five LCA Tejas and two C-17 Globemaster III aircraft
Q. Who has been awarded the 2023 Marconi Prize?

A) Ranjan Gogoi B) Amitabh Bhachhan
C) Raghuram Rajan D) Hari Balakrishnan
Answer : D
✓ Computer scientist Hari Balakrishnan has been awarded the 2023 Marconi Prize. Dr. Balakrishnan is a
professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of
Technology (MIT).
✓ The award is given in recognition of the broad impact on society of his fundamental discoveries in wired
and wireless networking, mobile sensing and distributed systems.
✓ About Hari Balakrishnan
✓ Hari Balakrishnan is the Fujitsu Professor of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence in the
Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Massachusetts Institute of Technology
(MIT).
✓ He is also the Founder, Chief Technology Officer, and Chairman of Cambridge Mobile Telematics
(CMT).
Q. Which of the following universities will be the first foreign university to establish a campus in India?
A) University of Cambridge B) Stanford University
C) Harvard University D) Deakin University
Answer : D
✓ The first foreign university to establish a campus in India will be Deakin University of Australia.
✓ The autonomous campus will be built in Gujarat International Financial Tec-City (GIFT) City. While
visiting Ahmedabad, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Norman Albanese is anticipated to make the
official announcement.
✓ The two universities are Deakin University and Wollongong University. These are the first two foreign
varsities to be setting up their campuses in GIFT (Gujarat International Finance Tec) City.
Q. Who has been honoured with the ‘Player of the Year Award’ by the Asian Chess Federation?
A) Parimarjan Negi B) D Gukesh

C) Krishnan Sasikiran D) Vidit Gujrathi
Answer : B
✓ Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh has been honoured with the Player of the Year award by the Asian Chess
Federation (ACF).
✓ Grandmaster D Gukesh won the gold medal with a score of 9/11 at the 44th Chess Olympiad in
Mahabalipuram last year.
✓ In March last year, Gukesh became only the sixth Indian to break the 2700 Elo-rating mark and the
youngest grandmaster from the country to be rated above 2700.
✓ All India Chess Federation bagged the 'Most Active Federation' award during the ACF Annual Summit
Q. Who has recently become India's 81st Chess Grandmaster?

A) Vignesh N R B) Sayantan Das
C) Pranesh M D) Rahul Srivastava
Answer : B
✓ Sayantan Das has become India's 81st Chess Grandmaster as well as the 11th player from West Bengal
who has crossed the 2500 mark in live ratings.
Q. Who has been appointed as the new coach of the Indian Men's Hockey team?
A) Craig Fulton B) Dilip Tirkey
C) Graham Reid D) Mario Lemieux
Answer : A
✓ Hockey India has appointed Craig Fulton of South Africa as the new head coach of the Indian men's
hockey team.
✓ Craig Fulton will replace Graham Reid who resigned in January 2023 following India's poor performance
in the World Cup.
✓ Craig Fulton represented South Africa at the Atlanta 1996 and Athens 2004 Olympics and earned 195
international caps in a career spanning more than a decade.
✓ Fulton managed the Irish men's hockey team between 2014 and 2018 and helped them qualify for the
Rio 2016 Olympics.
✓ He also won the FIH Coach of the Year in 2015 while with the Irish team.
✓ Fulton has nearly 25 years of coaching experience and has earned 195 caps for South Africa over a span
of 10 years.
✓ He also played in the Atlanta and Athens Olympics.
Q. Who has been elected as the new President of Vietnam?
A) Vo Van Thuong B) Nguyen Xuan Phuc
C) Pham Minh Chinh D) Vuong Dinh Hue
Answer : A
✓ Vo Van Thuong elected as new President of Vietnam.
✓ Vo Van Thuong, a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), was elected as
the country's new President by the National Assembly of Vietnam.
✓ Thuong's election came after the sudden resignation of the previous president, Nguyen Xuan Phuc.
✓ About Vietnam
✓ It lies in South East Asia and it is a member of Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN)
✓ Capital: Hanoi

✓ Currency: Dong
✓ President : Vo Van Thuong
Q. Dibang Multipurpose Project, India’s largest-ever hydropower project, is being set up in which state?
A) Odisha B) Assam
C) Uttarakhand D) Arunachal Pradesh
Answer : D
✓ Dibang Hydropower Project, which was approved by the Central Government recently, is India’s largest-
ever hydropower project.
✓ It is being set up close to China’s border on the Dibang River, in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lower Dibang
Valley District.
✓ This project will be developed by National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) with an estimated
cost of 319 billion INR.
Q. Which of the following organization has recently tested the ‘CE-20 Cryogenic Engine’?
A) DRDO B) ISRO
C) BEL D) HAL
Answer : B
✓ The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully completed the flight acceptance hot
test for the CE-20 cryogenic engine.
✓ The engine will power the LVM3 launch vehicle’s Cryogenic Upper Stage for the upcoming
Chandrayaan-3 mission, which is slated to be launched in the later part of 2023.
✓ The test was carried out at the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Tamil Nadu.
Q. Bird’s eye chilli’ is the geographical identification (GI) tagged product of which state?
A) Tamil Nadu B) Karnataka
C) Rajasthan D) Mizoram
Answer : D
✓ Mizoram would export ‘Bird’s eye chilli’ of the state to the United States for the first time.
✓ 7.5 metric tons of organic bird’s eye chilli would be sent to the US after the budget session of the assembly.
✓ The state government has obtained geographical identification (GI) tag for bird’s eye chilli or ‘Mizo chilli’
Q. World Wildlife Day is an annual event, marked on___

Answer : C
✓ World Wildlife Day is observed annually on 3 March.
✓ The theme for 2023 is "Partnerships for wildlife conservation".
✓ World Wildlife Day was celebrated for the first time on 3 March 2014.
✓ The Wild Elephant Preservation Act was passed in the year 1872 to prevent the extinction of wild
animals.
Q. What is the theme of World Wildlife Day 2023?
A) Youth Effort for Wildlife Conservation B) Partnership for Wildlife Conservation

C) Partnership for Green Wildlife D) Wildlife Conservation for Earth
Answer : B
Q. World’s first’ bamboo crash barrier has been installed on which highway?
A) Gujarat B) Haryana
C) Maharashtra D) Rajasthan
Answer : C
✓ World’s first’ bamboo crash barrier installed on Maharashtra highway
✓ Union minister Nitin Gadkari on 4 March said a 200-meter-long bamboo crash barrier has been installed
on a highway connecting Chandrapur and Yavatmal districts in Maharashtra, which he termed as the
“world’s first” such exercise.
✓ Calling it a “remarkable achievement” for the country and its bamboo sector, he said this crash barrier
offers a perfect alternative to steel and addresses environmental concerns.
✓ As part of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, India has developed the world’s bamboo crash barrier which has been
installed on the Vani-Warora Highway, Vidarbha, Maharashtra.
Q. Where is the international Yoga festival 2023 celebrated?

A) Dehradun B) Haridwar
C) Chamoli D) Rishikesh
Answer : D
✓ The International Yoga Festival 2023, organised by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Council on
March 1, 2023, was formally inaugurated by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on the banks of the
Ganges in Rishikesh.
Q. Who is elected as the new President of Nigeria?

A) Suleiman Adamu Kazaure
B) Pauline Tallen
C) Abubakar Malami
D) Bola Tinbhu
Answer : D
✓ Bola Tinubu elected as the new President of Nigeria.
✓ Nigerian electoral officials announced on 1 March 2023 that the ruling party's candidate in the
presidential election, Bola Tinubu, has been elected as the country's new president.
✓ Bola Tinubu has been associated with the 'All Progressive Congress Party' from which he has been
winning elections.
✓ NIGERIA
✓ Capital : Abuja
✓ Currency : Nigerian naira
✓ Prime Minister : Bola Tinubu
✓ President : Muhammadu Buhari
Q. Who has been appointed as the Director General of the Border - Guarding force Sashtra Seema Bal ?
A) Amit Syngle B) Ashok Vemuri
C) Rashmi Shukla D) Bharat Puri

Answer : C
✓ Senior IPS officer Rashmi Shukla has been appointed as the Director General of the border-guarding
force Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).
Q. Who has commissioned India's first air-cooled condenser at the North Karanpura supercritical thermal
plant in Jharkhand?
A) NHPC B) SJVN
C) GAIL D) NTPC
Answer : D
✓ National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), the country’s largest integrated energy utility, has started
commercial operation of 1st Unit of 660 MW at North Karanpura (3*660 MW), in Jharkhand .
✓ NTPC has commissioned India’s first Air cooled condenser installed Super Critical plant to demonstrate
its Commitment towards water conservation through reduce, reuse and recycle.
Q. Who has been awarded the prestigious PEN/Nabokov Award for 2023 for achievement in international
literature at a function organized by PEN America in New York?
A) Dharamvir Bharati B) Vinod Kumar Shukla
C) Amish Tripathi D) Suryakant Tripathi
Answer : B
✓ Chhattisgarh's senior writer and eminent Hindi litterateur Vinod Kumar Shukla was awarded the
prestigious PEN/Nabokov Award for 2023 for achievement in international literature at a function
organized by PEN America in New York.
✓ Shukla, a Hindi story writer, novelist and poet, is the first Indian-Asian origin writer to be conferred with
this highest honour.
✓ PEN/Nabokov Lifetime Achievement Award.
✓ This honor is given to those litterateurs who make a mark in international literature, who look at
traditions, modernity, present and history with a new perspective in their works.
Q. According to the V-dem Democracy Report 2023, what is the rank of India in the Electoral Democracy
Index?
A) 108
B) 133
C) 115
D) 144
Answer : A
✓ According to the V-dem Democracy report 2023, India ranks 108th in the Electoral Democracy Index.
The country ranks way below countries such as Tanzania, Bolivia, Mexico, Singapore and Nigeria.
✓ Denmark ranked first with the highest comprehensive score of 0.89 in the LDI, followed by Sweden,
Norway, Switzerland, and Estonia.
✓ The government of Denmark respects free speech and the citizens hold full civil liberties, political rights,
and voting in an environment of free and fair elections.
Q. According to the Airport Council International (ACI), which of the following Airport has been ranked
among the cleanest airports in Asia-Pacific?

A) Cochin International Airport, Kochi
B) Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru
C) Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
D) Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad
Answer : C
✓ According to the Airport Council International (ACI), Delhi International Airport has been ranked
among the cleanest airports in Asia-Pacific.
✓ The airport service quality award is based on passenger surveys carried out to rate customer satisfaction
on the day of travel.
Q. Conrad K Sangma has taken oath as the chief minister of which state for the second consecutive term?
A) Manipur B) Meghalaya
C) Tripura D) Mizoram
Answer : B
✓ Konrad Sangma became the Chief Minister of Meghalaya for the second time.
✓ National People's Party (NPP) PresidentKonrad K Sangmawas sworn in as the Chief Minister of
Meghalaya for the second consecutive term on 7 March 2023.
✓ Governor Fagu Chauhan also administered oath to 12 ministers along with Sangma.
✓ Meghalaya
✓ Capital – Shillong
✓ Chief Minister – Conrad Kongkal Sangma
✓ Governor – Phagu Chauhan
Q. Who has been appointed as the world’s first ‘Hand Ambassador’ for Savlon India?
A) Virat Kohli B) Rohit Sharma
C) Sachin Tendulkar D) Suryakumar Yadav
Answer : C
✓ Savlon Swasth India has announced Sachin Tendulkar as the World’s First ‘Hand Ambassador’ to inspire
billions to wash their hands.
✓ The campaign features a series of films featuring Sachin Tendulkar’s Hand as their chief protagonist –
bringing the importance of hand hygiene to everyone’s notice.
✓ Started in 2016, the Savlon Swasth India Mission program is run by ITC Limited
Q. Which day is celebrated as the International Women’s Day (IWD) annually?
Answer : C
✓ International Women’s Day is observed on 8 March every year to celebrate the social, economic, cultural,
and political achievements of women from all around the world.
✓ The day also focuses on a call to action for accelerating gender parity and setting agendas and goals in
achieving these targets.
✓ The theme for this year’s Women’s Day, according to the United Nations is “DigitALL: Innovation and
technology for gender equality

Q. Who has been appointed as the new Controller General of Accounts (CGA) of India?
A) Deepak Das B) Soma Roy Burman
C) Girraj Prasad Gupta D) Sanjiva Shankar Dubey
Answer : D
✓ Sanjiva Shankar Dubey took charge as the 28th Controller General of Accounts (CGA).
✓ About CGA
✓ CGA is ‘the Principal Advisor’ on Accounting Matters to the Union Government.
✓ CGA is responsible for establishing and managing a technically sound Management Accounting System
and preparation & submission of the accounts of the Union government.
✓ CGA is also responsible for exchequer control and conduct of internal audits for the central government.
Q. Who has released a book titled India’s Struggle for Independence – Gandhian Era?
A) Abhijit Banerjee B) V. Ramasubramanian
C) Kailash Satyarthi D) Amartya Sen
Answer : B
✓ Supreme Court Judge Justice V. Ramasubramanian has released a book titled India’s Struggle for
Independence – Gandhian Era.
✓ The book is authored by P. Jyothimani, former Judge, of Madras High Court, and G. Balan, former
professor of history, at Pachiayappa’s College, Tamil Nadu.
✓ The book covers aspects such as relevance of Mahatma Gandhi as on date and said the book has to reach
the younger generation for simple and better living of people.
Q. Which Country PM Anthony Albanese arrived in Ahmedabad, Gujarat on a state visit to India on March
8, 2023?
A) France B) Germany
C) Belgium D) Australia
Answer : D
✓ Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrived in Ahmedabad on 8 March on a four-day (8-11
March) visit to India to participate in the India-Australia Annual Summit.
✓ After reaching Ahmedabad, the Prime Minister of Australia visited the Sabarmati Ashram and paid
homage to Mahatma Gandhi. He also participated in a cultural program at the Raj Bhavan in
Gandhinagar, followed by a program at an Australian university in Albany Ahmedabad.
✓ Albanese will visit Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Delhi respectively during his visit. This is the first visit to
India by an Australian Prime Minister since 2017.
✓ On the first day of his visit, the Prime Minister of Australia participated in the Holi program at the Raj
Bhavan beside the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad.
✓ Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese watched part of the
4th Memorial Cricket Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in
Ahmedabad.
✓ On March 9 itself, the Australian Prime Minister went to Mumbai, where he was given a guard of honour
at INS Vikrant.
✓ FTAs of India:
✓ India has signed 13 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with its trading partners, including 3 agreements:
✓ India-Mauritius Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA).
✓ India-UAE Comprehensive Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
✓ India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (IndAus ECTA).

✓ India's imports from Australia are estimated at US$17 billion, while its exports to Australia are estimated
at US$10.5 billion in 2022
Q. Who has been sworn in as the new chief minister of Tripura for the second consecutive term?
A) N. Biren Singh B) Manik Saha
C) Biplab Kumar Deb D) Pema Khandu
Answer : B
✓ Manik Saha became the Chief Minister of Tripura for the second time in a row.
✓ Manik Sahahas taken oath as the Chief Minister of Tripura for the second consecutivetime on 8 March
2023 at Swami Vivekananda Maidan in Agartala, the capital of Tripura. Governor Satyadev Narayan
Arya administered the oath of office and secrecy to Mr. Saha.
✓ It is worth mentioning that BJP has become the single largest party in Tripura assembly elections by
getting 32 seats out of total 60 seats. Tipra Motha Party came second by winning 13 seats. The
Communist Party of India (Marxist) got 11 seats, while the Congress got three.
Q. Who has taken oath as the Chief Minister of Nagaland?

A) Yanthungo Patton B) Neiphiu Rio
C) T. R. Zeliang D) Zoramthanga
Answer : B
✓ Neiphiu Rio was sworn in as Chief Minister for the fifth time on 7 March 2023 by Governor La Ganesan
in Nagaland.
✓ Taditui Rangkau Zelayang and Yanthungo Patton (BJP) took oath as Deputy Chief Ministers of
Meghalaya in Shillong.
✓ The assembly elections were held on a total of60 seats in Nagaland.
✓ Article 164of the Constitution provides that the Chief Minister will be appointed by the Governor.
✓ The leader of the party with a majority in the assembly elections is appointed as the Chief Minister of the
state
Q. Who is the first woman officer in the Indian Air Force (IAF) to be appointed as the leader of a frontline
combat unit?
A) Avani Chaturvedi
B) Mohana Singh
C) Bhawana Kanth
D) Shaliza Dhami
Answer : D
✓ Shalija Dhami becomes first woman officer to command a fighter unit in IAF.
✓ The Indian Air Force (IAF) has announced on 8 March 2023 that Group Captain Shalija Dhamiwill take
over the command of theMissile Squadron in the Western Sector. Ms. Dhami has become the first Indian
woman officer to achieve this.
✓ Dhami was commissioned as a helicopter pilot in the year 2003.
✓ She is currently posted in the Operations Branch of Forward Command Headquarters.
✓ Dhami is the second deployment after Captain Shiva Chauhan of the Fire and Fury Corps of the Indian
Army.
✓ Shiva Chauhan is currently the first woman officer to be operationally posted in Siachen.

✓ In another achievement, Major Abhilasha Barakhas become the first woman officer to join the Army
Aviation Corps as a combat aviator after completing her training
Q. In India, the Jan Aushadhi Diwas is observed on March 07 every year to raise awareness about the usages
of generic medicines. The year 2023 marks which year of the annual celebration?
A) 5th B) 8th
C) 6th D) 4th
Answer : A
✓ Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers will organize the Janaushadhi Diwas from 1st March to 7th March
2023
✓ On 7th March 2023 the 5th Jan Aushadhi Diwas will be celebrated.
✓ Theme of 5th Janaushadhi Diwas: “Jan Aushadhi Sasti Bhi – Achhi Bhi”
✓ Objective of Janaushadhi Week and Day: To create awareness about the usages of generic medicines and
benefits of Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana.
✓ About Jan Aushadhi Scheme
✓ The Jan aushadhi scheme was launched in 2008 by the UPA government.
✓ This scheme was relaunched in the year 2015, by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi.
✓ This campaign was started across the country by selling generic medicines through “Jan Aushadhi
Medical Stores”.
✓ In 2015, the name of 'Jan Aushadhi Yojana' was changed to 'Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana'
(PMJAY), but it was changed to "Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Yojana" in November 2016.
✓ Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) scheme was launched by the Department
of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India with the objective of
providing quality generic medicines available at affordable prices to all.
✓ The Government has set a target to increase the number of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi
Kendras (PMBJKs) to 10,500 by the end of March 2025
Q. What is the theme of the Janaushadhi Diwas 2023?

A) Jan Aushadhi-Jan Upyogi B) Achi Dawa, Sasti Dawa
C) Seva Bhi – Rozgar bhi D) Jan Aushadhi Sasti Bhi – Achhi Bhi
Answer : D
Q. World Obesity Atlas 2023 found highest increases in obesity rates in countries of which region?
A) North America B) Europe
C) Africa and Asia D) Africa and South America
Answer : C
✓ The World Obesity Federation has released a report “World Obesity Atlas 2023”.
✓ This report predicted a significant increase in obesity rates among children and adults in Africa, with a
rise of 14% from 5% in child obesity rates and 31% from 18% in adult women by 2035.
✓ The report also warned that over half the world’s population could be overweight or obese by 2035. The
highest increases in obesity rates were found in low- and lower-middle-income countries in Africa and
Asia.
✓ According to a 2035 report by the World Obesity Federation (World Obesity Federation) on World
Obesity Day, the world's population may be victims of earlier.
✓ By 2035, 1 out of every 4 may be a victim of disturbance. About 51 percent of people may be overweight
compared to their age

Q. Megha-Tropiques-1 (MT1) satellite was jointly developed by India and which country?
A) Russia B) Israel
Answer : C
✓ The Indian Space Agency ISRO is conducting a controlled re-entry of a decommissioned Indo-French
satellite, Megha-Tropiques-1 (MT1), jointly developed to study tropical weather and climate.
✓ The satellite was launched in 2011 and exceeded its intended operational lifespan until 2021.
✓ ISRO is using its remaining onboard fuel to precisely maneuver the satellite for a controlled atmospheric
re-entry, predicted to splash down in the Pacific Ocean.
✓ The orbital lifetime of MT1, weighing about 1000 kg, would have been more than 100 years in its 20 deg
inclined operational orbit of 867 km altitude.
✓ An uninhabited area in the Pacific Ocean between 5°S to 14°S latitude and 119°W to 100°W longitude
was identified as the targeted re-entry zone for MT1.
Q. Which organization has introduced the ‘Global Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Infrastructure’?
A) Global Environment Facility (GEF)
B) World Meteorological Organisation (WMO)
B) United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
D) International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Answer : B
✓ The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has introduced the Global Greenhouse Gas
Monitoring Infrastructure.
✓ It aims to provide standardized and real-time tracking of greenhouse gases. The new platform integrates
space-based and surface-based observing systems to improve the measurement of planet-warming
pollution and inform policy decisions
✓ World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
✓ Founded : 1950
✓ Headquarteres : Geneva, Switzerland
✓ President : Gerhard Adrian
✓ Secretary-General : Petteri Taalas
Q. Yaoshang Festival is celebrated in which state?

A) Odisha B) Manipur
Answer : B
✓ Yaosang is one of the key festivals in Manipur. It is celebrated over five days during the full moon day of
the Lamda month (February-March).
✓ The festival is part of the indigenous traditions of the Meitei people.
✓ The celebrations include a wide range of activities such as the Thabal Chongba, a traditional Manipuri
dance, sports competitions like Mukna Kangjei (a combination of hockey and wrestling), and Pana
Sankirtana, a form of traditional music
✓ List of Festivals of Manipur
✓ Imoinu Eratpa festival
✓ Sangai Festival
✓ Amur Falcon Festival

✓ Lai Haraoba Festival
✓ Manipur Sangai Festival
✓ Lui Ngai Ni Festival
✓ Ningol Chakouba Festival
✓ Kachai Lemon Festival
✓ Shirui Lily Festival
Q. Which State government to constitute Pattaya Mission to resolve issues related to land records?
A) Kerala B) Madhya Pradesh
C) Uttar Pradesh D) Telangana
Answer : A
✓ The state government of Kerala is planning to establish a Pattaya Mission by the end of April to tackle
land record issues in the state.
✓ Under the leadership of MLAs in each district, the mission will work towards providing title deeds for all
individuals.
✓ The proposed Pattaya Mission will expedite the distribution of title deeds
Q. S-400 Triumf missile system is developed by which country?

A) Russia B) Israel
Answer : A
✓ The S-400 Triumf is a surface-to-air missile system that was developed in Russia in the 1990s as an
upgrade to the S-300 family.
✓ The system was first put into service on April 2007.
✓ The S-400 Triumf has advanced features such as a long-range, high-altitude interception capability, and
the ability to track multiple targets simultaneously
Q. What is the name of the mascot for the inaugural edition of the Women’s Premier League in 2023?
A) Shakti B) Nari
C) Kusum D) Vinita
Answer : A
✓ BCCI unveil ‘Shakti’ – the mascot of Women’s Premier League 2023.
✓ The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled the mascot of the Women’s Premier
League 2023.
✓ The roaring mascot is named ‘Shakti.’
✓ It was unveiled by BCCI Secretary, Jay Shah via Twitter post.
✓ The inaugural edition of the Women’s Premier League 2023 will begin on March 04, 2023 at the DY
Patil Stadium.
✓ There are five teams namely Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Giants, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers
Bangalore and UP Warriorz.
✓ The Final match will be played at the Brabourne Stadium on March 26, 2023.
Q. Government of India has recently set up a ‘Startup Bridge’ with which country during the 8th Raisina
Dialogue meet in New Delhi?
A) Canada B) Singapore

C) Netherlands D) Italy
Answer : D
✓ Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the establishment of a ‘Startup Bridge’ between India and
Italy, during a press meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at Hyderabad House in New
Delhi.
✓ India and Italy are celebrating the 75th anniversary of their bilateral relations in 2023
✓ To mark this occasion, the India-Italy partnership will the status of Strategic Partnership.
Q. Mauganj is the newly set up district of Madhya Pradesh. What is the total number of districts in the state
with the introduction of this new one?
A) 59th B) 61st
C) 47th D) 53rd
Answer : D
✓ Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced the formation of a new district
in the state.
✓ Mauganj, a tehsil of Rewa district, has been declared as the 53rd district of Madhya Pradesh.
✓ This new district will be developed by joining four tehsils of Rewa district.
✓ The four tehsils are Mauganj, Hanumana, Nai Garhi, and Deotalab.
Q. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has set up the Advanced Electronics
Materials Laboratory in which city?
A) Pune B) Thrissur
C) Bengaluru D) Guwahati
Answer : B
✓ The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has set up the Advanced Electronics
Materials Laboratory at the Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology (C-MET), in Thrissur,
Kerala.
✓ Advanced Materials are critical in the development of electronic components and devices, which are
important to meet the requirements of the society
✓ The laboratory was inaugurated by the Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
(MeitY), Shri Alkesh Kumar Sharma IAS on March 03, 2023.
Q. How many astronauts were launched by SpaceX in the Crew-6 mission to the International Space Station
(ISS) recently?
A) 4 B) 5
C) 7 D) 6
Answer : A
✓ SpaceX successfully launched the four astronauts of the Crew-6 mission to the International Space
Station (ISS) on March 03, 2023.
✓ These astronauts were Stephen Bowen and Woody Hoburg from NASA, Sultan Alneyadi from UAE
(United Arab Emirates), and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev.
✓ They were launched to the ISS on the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, named Endeavour, from NASA’s
Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Q. India has signed a Framework Mechanism for Mutual Recognition of Qualifications with which country?

A) Australia B) South Africa
C) Norway D) Sri Lanka
Answer : A
✓ India and Australia have signed a Framework Mechanism for Mutual Recognition of Qualifications on
March 02, 2023 in New Delhi.
✓ This framework will help to ease the mobility of students and professionals between the two countries.
✓ The agreement was signed following a bilateral meeting between Education Minister of India, Shri
Dharmendra Pradhan and the Australian Education Minister Mr. Jason Clare.
Q. Government has recently launched “Jal Shakti Abhiyan – Catch the Rain 2023” campaign. What is the
theme of this campaign?
A) conserve water. Save a million lives
B) the whole world depends on you. Save water
C) think before you let it drip
D) source sustainability for drinking water
Answer : D
✓ The President of India Droupadi Murmu launched the “Jal Shakti Abhiyan – Catch the Rain 2023”
campaign in New Delhi on March 04, 2023.
✓ The theme of the campaign in 2023 is “source sustainability for drinking water.”
✓ The basic objective of this campaign is to turn conservation of water into a mass campaign in the run-up
to the monsoon season.
Q. Who has been elected as the third President of Nepal?

A) Jhala Nath Khanal B) Ram Chandra Paudel
C) Gagan Thapa D) Prakash Man Singh
Answer : B
✓ Senior Nepali Congress leader Ram Chandra Paudel has been elected as the new President of Nepal.
✓ Ram Chandra Paudel got votes by 214 MPs of Parliament and 352 Members of Provincial Assemblies.
✓ The total number of electors for the presidential election in Nepal is 882, including 332 members of the
parliament as well as 550 members of the provincial assemblies of the 7 provinces.
✓ He will succeed Bidya Devi Bhandari as the head of state of Nepal.
✓ He also served as the Deputy Prime Minister, Cabinet Minister and President of Nepal
✓ About Nepal
✓ The kingdom of Nepal was established by the Shah dynasty.
✓ It is a landlocked country in South Asia.
✓ Prime Minister : Pushpa Kamal Dahal
✓ Capital : Kathmandu
✓ Currency : Nepalese Rupee.
Q. Who has become the first woman officer to command Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) unit
near China border?
A) Surbhi Jakhmola
B) Geeta Rana
C) Shaliza Dhami

D) Abhilasha Barak
Answer : B
✓ Colonel Geeta Rana became the first woman officer to command a field workshop.
✓ Colonel Geeta Ranaof the Indian Army's Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers has become
the first woman officer of the Indian Army to command a field workshop on the forward front ineastern
Ladakh
✓ Ms. Rana is currently a Colonel in the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME).
✓ The Indian Army has also approved women officers to take up the role of commanders.
✓ After this Colonel Geeta has become the first woman officer to achieve this achievement. Colonel Geeta
will command the independent field workshop deployed along the China border.
Q. Which State has become India's first state to launch the Resham Keet Bima scheme for sericulturists?
A) Maharashtra B) Karnataka
C) Uttarakhand D) Uttar Pradesh
Answer : C
✓ Uttarakhand has become the india's first state to launch the 'Resham Keet Bima' scheme for protecting
its sericulturists, state agriculture minister Ganesh Joshi.
✓ Under the pilot project, which started from Uttarakhand, in the first phase, 200 sericulturists from five
blocks of four districts -- Dehradun, Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar and Nainital -- have been insured
from the ill effects of climate change, scarcity of water and other hazards.
Q. PM Modi inaugurated Asia's biggest aero show "Aero India 2023", what is its theme?
A) Trade Expo & Defense Expo Show
B) The Runway of Atmanirbhar Bharat
C) The Runway to Billion Opportunities
D) Aero Show for Billion Opportunities
Answer : C.
✓ The 14th edition of Aero India 2023 is being organised by the Indian Department of Defense Production
from February 13 to 17 at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
✓ The theme of the five-day event is ‘The Runway to a Bllion Opportunities.
✓ 98 countries are participating in the event and MoUs worth Rs 75,000 crore are expected to be signed
during the event.
✓ According to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the theme of Aero India 2023 is "The Runway to Billion
Opportunities" (The Runway to a Billion Opportunities). Over 80 nations are participating in this Mega
Aero India 2023.
Q. A new initiative 'Beggar Free City' has been started in which city of Maharashtra?
A) Nagpur B) Pune
C) Solapur D) Aurangabad
Answer : A
✓ New initiative called 'Beggar Free City' launched in Maharashtra's Nagpur
✓ Nagpur City Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar said that a notice under 144 CrPC has been issued in
this regard.
✓ Notices were given to people, and chances are also not to be allowed in public places.

✓ It is a joint venture of the Nagpur City Police and the Social Welfare Department of the Nagpur
Municipal Corporation (NMC).
✓ Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has made special arrangements in its owned shelters to restrict
homeless people.
Q. The second edition of 'World Food India-2023’ will be organized from 3-5 November 2023 at Which
City?
C) Chennai D) Bengaluru
Answer : B
✓ The second edition of 'World Food India-2023’ will be organised by the Ministry of Food Processing
Industries, Government of India, from 3-5 November, 2023 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
✓ The Curtain Raiser Event to WFI-2023 was held 10th March 2023 in National Media Centre, New Delhi.
✓ He outlined five pivotal elements of the WFI-2023 as Millets - ‘Shree Anna-The Super Food of India’,
Innovation and Sustainability ‘Green Food’, White Revolution 2.0, making India an export hub and
focus on technology and digitisation
Q. Union Minister for Road and Transport Nitin Gadkari unveiled the first methanol run buses in which
city?
A) Chennai B) Hyderabad
C) Bengaluru D) New Delhi
Answer : C
✓ Union Minister for Road and Transport Nitin Gadkari unveiled Bengaluru’s first methanol-run buses.
✓ The project is aimed at reducing the level of emissions and the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport
Corporation (BMTC) NITI Aayog, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) and Ashok Leyland are conducting
the project together.
Q. PM Narendra Modi has recently inaugurated the longest railway platform in the world in Hubballi-
Dharwad. It is located in which state?
A) Uttar Pradesh B) Karnataka
Answer : B
✓ PM Narendra Modi has inaugurated several development projects in Karnataka including the longest
railway platform in the world in Hubballi-Dharwad.
✓ With the inauguration of the Hubballi railway platform, the city has registered its name in the Guinness
Book of World Records for having the longest railway platform in the World at Shree Siddharoodha
Swamiji station.
✓ The 1,507-metre-long platform has been built at a cost of about ₹20 crore.
Q. Defense Ministry has signed a contract with which company for General Refit of INS Sindhukirti
submarine at a total cost of Rs 934 crore?
A) Cochin Shipyard
B) Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders
C) Hindustan Shipyard Limited

D) Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers
Answer : C
✓ Centre signs Rs 934 crore deal with HSL to Refit INS Sindhukirti Submarine in Visakhapatnam.
✓ In a further boost to achieve 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', the Ministry of Defense on March 13, 2023 signed a
contract for General Refit of Sindhukirti Submarine at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL),
Visakhapatnam at a total cost of Rs 934 crore .
✓ Sindhukirti is the third Kilo class Diesel Electric Submarine.
✓ The project involves over 20 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and will generate
employment of 1,000 man-days per day for the project duration.
✓ INS Sindhukirti Submarine
✓ It is a diesel-electric submarine.
✓ It was commissioned on June 7, 1990 and since then has been serving the nation in various capacities.
Q. Which state has become India’s first state to launch the Resham Keet Bima scheme for sericulturists?
A) Haryana B) Rajasthan
C) Uttarakhand D) Himachal Pradesh
Answer : C
✓ Uttarakhand has become India’s first state to launch the Resham Keet Bima scheme for sericulturists.
✓ In the first phase of this pilot project, 200 sericulturists from five blocks of four districts – Dehradun,
Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar, and Nainital – have been insured from the ill effects of climate change,
scarcity of water, and other hazards.
✓ This scheme will be run under Saral Krishi Beema.
Q. Which country hosted the 146th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)?
A) Philippines B) Malaysia
C) Bahrain D) Japan
Answer : C
✓ The 146th Assembly of the IPU was held in Manama, Bahrain in March 2023.
✓ India’s Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla arrived in Bahrain’s capital Manama, leading an Indian
Parliamentary delegation, to attend the Assembly.
✓ The Indian delegation will participate in the Asia Pacific Group meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary
Union.
✓ Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)
✓ Founded : 1889
✓ President : Saber Hossain Chowdhury
✓ Secretary General : Martin Chungong
Q. World Consumer Rights Day is observed globally on which day?

Answer : D
✓ World Consumer Rights Day is an annual celebration that is celebrated on 15 March
✓ The day aims to raise awareness of consumer rights and needs globally.

✓ "Empowering Consumers Through Clean Energy Transitions" is the theme for World Consumer Rights
Day 2023.
Q. What is India's rank in the list of most polluted countries on the World Air Quality Index?
A) 5th B) 6th
C) 7th D) 8th
Answer : D
✓ World's eighth most polluted country according to Swiss firm IQAir report: India.
✓ Swiss firm IQAir Report has released its 'World Air Quality Report', according to which India has moved
up to the eighth position in the list of world's most polluted countries in 2022 as compared to fifth position
last year.
✓ According to this report, 39 of the world's 50 most polluted cities are in India.
✓ The top 10 most polluted countries include Chad, Iraq, Pakistan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso,
Kuwait, India, Egypt and Tajikistan.
✓ According to it, the transport sector is responsible for 20-35% of PM 2.5 pollution in India.
✓ Lahore in Pakistan and Hotan in China are the two most polluted cities in the world, followed by Bhiwadi
in Rajasthan at the third place and Delhi at the fourth place.
✓ India has been placed at the eighth position in the latest report with PM2.5 level at 53.3.
✓ According to this report, India and Pakistan have the worst air quality in the Central and South Asian
region. About 60% of the population lives in areas where the concentration of PM2.5 particles is seven
times higher than the WHO recommended levels.
✓ The report concludes that globally, one in 10 people live in an area where air pollution is a health risk.
✓ Top 10 most polluted countries in world
1 Chad 2 Iraq
3 Pakistan 4 Bahrain
5 Bangladesh 6 Burkina Faso
7 Kuwait 8 India
9 Egypt 10 Tajikistan
Q. In India, who is appointed as the ambassador of the initiative 'She Changes Climate'?
A) Anushka Sharma B) Shreya Ghodawat
C) Licypriya Kangujam D) Poornima Devi Burman
Answer : B
✓ Climate entrepreneur Shreya Ghodawat appointed as India's ambassador for She Changes Climate.
✓ In honour of International Women's Day, a global non-profit organisation launched a special initiative
called 'Embrace Equity'.
✓ The initiative aims to amplify women's voices about the effects of climate change.
✓ The campaign promotes the role of women in accelerating climate change.
✓ According to UN Women, more than 150 countries have laws that discriminate against women.
Q. Who is the brand ambassadors of the IBA Women's World Championships 2023?
A) Lovlina Borgohain B) Hima Das
C) Nikhat Zareen D) Mary Kom
Answer : D

✓ The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) appointed legendary boxer MC Mary Kom and actor Farhan
Akhtar as the brand ambassadors of the IBA Women’s World Championships 2023.
Q. Who has formally recognized the McMahon Line as the international boundary between India’s
Arunachal Pradesh and China?
A) US B) UK
C) Russia D) Bangladesh
Answer : A
✓ United States has recognized the McMahon Line as the international boundary between Arunachal
Pradesh and China in a recently passed bipartisan resolution, calling it an "integral part of India".
✓ The resolution rejected Beijing’s claim that the northeastern state Arunachal Pradesh falls under Chinese
territory.
✓ What is the McMahon Line?
✓ India and China share a 3,500 km long border which is disputed.
✓ The line that delineates the boundary between the two countries is called the McMahon Line.
✓ The border of India and China can be divided into three parts. Western Zone, Central Zone and Eastern
Zone.
✓ The line separating India and China is the McMahon Line although China considers the McMahon Line
illegal.
✓ The McMahon Line was drawn during the Simla Convention of 1914, officially described as a convention
between Great Britain, China and Tibet.
Q. The Indian government has allocated a budget of ____ Crore towards achieving the objectives of
Gaganyaan mission.
A) Rs. 9023 Crore B) Rs. 9782 Crore
C) Rs. 10216 Crore D) Rs. 10569 Crore
Answer : A
✓ Gaganyaan mission allocated Rs 9023 crore to achieve its objectives: MoS Jitendra Singh
✓ Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent
Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space,
Dr Jitendra Singh 15th March 2023 informed that the budget of Rs. 9023 Crore is allocated towards
achieving the objectives of Gaganyaan mission.
✓ ISRO is developing indigenous technologies for Human rated launch vehicle, Habitable Crew Module,
Life Support System, Crew Escape System, Ground Station Network, Crew Training and Recovery.
✓ Gaganyaan Mission of ISRO
✓ Gaganyaan project envisages demonstration of human spaceflight capability by launching a crew of 3
members to an orbit of 400 km for a 3 days mission and bring them back safely to earth, by landing in
Indian sea waters.
✓ India's first human space-flight mission Gaganyaan is expected to be launched in 2024.
Q. Which company has been named as an official sponsor of the IBA Women's World Boxing
Championship 2023?
A) Tata Motors B) Maruti Suzuki
C) Honda Motor D) Mahindra Automotive
Answer : D
Q. In which city is the IBA Women's World Boxing Championship being organized?

C) Bengaluru D) Gandhinagar
Answer : A
✓ IBA Women's World Boxing Championships began on 15 March in New Delhi.
✓ Mahindra Automotive named as title sponsor for IBA Women's World Championships.
✓ Healthium Medtech announced as the 'Official Healthcare Partner' by Boxing Federation of India for the
IBA Women's World Boxing Championship 2023
✓ Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur inaugurated it at the Indira Gandhi
Sports Complex.
✓ International Boxing Association (IBA) President Umar Kremlev, and Boxing Federation of India (BFI)
President Ajay Singh were present on the occasion.
✓ BFI is hosting the biggest boxing event till the 26th of March.
✓ The Championship is taking placein India for the third time after 2006 and 2018, the most for any
country.
✓ The tournament will witness the participation of more than 350 boxers from around 74 countries.
✓ The Indian team of 12 boxers for the event includes 2020 Tokyo Bronze medallist, Lovlina Borgohain
and the current world champion in the 50kg category,Nikhat Zareen.
✓ India has moved up from 44th position to 3rd position in the latest International Boxing Association,
IBA world rankings.
Q. Which airport topped the list of the world's best airports released by Skytrax?
A) Munich Airport B) Zurich Airport
C) Singapore Changi Airport D) Indira Gandhi International Airport
Answer : C
✓ The Changi Airport of Singapore has once again won the title as the world’s best airport, as per the
Skytrax World Airport Awards 2023.
✓ Since last two years, Singapore had lost its long-held crown to Qatar.
✓ The Hamad International Airport, Doha stood in second place, and Tokyo’s Haneda Airport bagged
third position.
✓ This is the twelfth time that Changi Airport is honored as World’s Best Airport.
✓ India’s Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi is placed at 36th spot in the list.
✓ World’s top 10 airports for 2023
✓ 1st - Singapore Changi Airport
✓ 2nd - Hamad International Airport
✓ 3rd - Tokyo International Airport (Haneda)
✓ 4th - Incheon International Airport
✓ 5th - Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
✓ 6th - Istanbul Airport
✓ 7th - Munich Airport
✓ 8th - Zurich Airport
✓ 9th - Narita International Airport
✓ 10 th - Madrid-Barajas Airport
Q. The Global Millets (Shree Anna) Conference was recently organised in New Delhi. Which country is the
largest producer of millets in the world?
A) India B) Sri Lanka
C) Bangladesh D) Russia

Answer : A
✓ Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Global Millets (Shree Anna) Conference in New
Delhi on March 18, 2023.
✓ The Conference has been organised by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export
Development Authority (APEDA), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India to
stimulate the exports of millets from India and provide market linkage to the producers.
✓ The two-day global conference will focus on promotion and awareness of millets among producers,
consumers and other stakeholders; millets’ value chain development; health and nutritional aspects of
millets; market linkages; research and development etc.
✓ India is the largest producer of millets
Q. Which state has the highest literacy rate of 94% according to the data shared by the Ministry of
Education?
A) Karnataka B) Kerala
C) Gujarat D) Maharashtra
Answer : B
✓ According to the Ministry of Education, Bihar has the lowest literacy rate in India at 61.8%, while Kerala
has the highest at 94%.
✓ Apart from Bihar, other states with low literacy rates are Arunachal Pradesh at 65.3% and Rajasthan at
66.1%, while Lakshadweep with 91.85% and Mizoram with 91.33% follow Kerala.
✓ The literacy rate in rural India is 67.77%, while the literacy rate in urban areas is 84.11%
Q. Prime Minister Modi and Sheikh Hasina to be jointly inaugurated the Friendship Pipeline of which
countries?
A) India-Nepal B) India-Bangladesh
C) India-Russia D) India-Afghanistan
Answer : B
✓ Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate
the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline through video conference on March 18, 2023.
✓ The India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline is a proposed 130 km long pipeline for high-speed diesel
transport from Siliguri in India to Parbatipur in Bangladesh.
✓ Maitri Pipeline is the first cross-border energy pipeline between India and Bangladesh with an estimated
cost of Rs 377 crore.
✓ The pipeline has a capacity to transport 1 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) of high-speed
diesel (HSD), and will be constructed by India's Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) at an estimated
cost of USD 1.6 billion.
Q. Which company unveils India's first homegrown quadruped robot and exoskeleton?
A) Grene Robotics B) Svaya Robotics
C) Seven robotics D) ARi (Automotive Robotics India Pvt. Ltd.)
Answer : B
✓ The indigenous robots and wearable exoskeletons were developed by Hyderabad-based Svaya Robotics
in collaboration with the DRDO Labs, Research and Development Establishment (R&DE), Pune, and
the Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory (DEBEL), Bengaluru, as technology
demonstrators with their design inputs.

BEST MCQ WITH FACTS
FEBRUARY 2023
Q. Which player has won the Best Men's Footballer award at the FIFA Football Awards 2022?
A) Lionel Messi B) Karim Benzema
C) Kylian Mbappe D) Emiliano Martinez
Answer : A
✓ FIFA has announced the Football Awards for the year 2022. In this event, Argentina's World Cup-
winning captain Lionel Messi won the “Best Footballer Award” in the Men's Category.
✓ In the FIFA World Cup 2022 held in Qatar, Messi made his team the world champion, along with this
he also won the Golden Ball award in the World Cup Tournament.
✓ The “Best FIFA Women's Player Award” has been given to Alexia Puteles.
✓ Also, Emiliano Martinez won the “Best FIFA Men's Goalkeeper Award”.
Q. Who has won the 76th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) Awards 2023 in the Best Leading Actor
category for Elvis?
A) Cole Tucker B) Baz Luhrmann
C) Dacre Montgomery D) Austin Butler
Answer : D
✓ 76th British Academy Film Awards, BAFTA (the British Academy of Film and Television Arts) Awards,
were announced at an event held in London’s Royal Festival Hall.
✓ A German anti-war drama ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’, a screen adaptation of the 1928 novel by
Erich Maria Remarque, won the most, including Best Picture and Best Director, with seven.
✓ ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’ and ‘Elvis’ both movies won four BAFTA awards
✓ Cate Blanchett won the Best Leading Actress Award for her performance in TAR.
✓ A German anti-war drama, ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ won a maximum of seven awards including
Best Film and Director.
✓ This movie is a screen adaptation of the 1928 novel by Erich Maria Remarque.
✓ The Banshees of Inisherin’ and ‘Elvis’ both movies won four BAFTA awards.
✓ Best Film : All Quiet on the Western Front
✓ Leading Actress : Cate Blanchett, Tar
✓ Leading Actor : Austin Butler, Elvis
✓ Best Director : Edward Berger, All Quiet on the Western Front
Q. Which film has been awarded Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2023?
A) Brahmastra B) RRR
C) The Kashmir Files D) Pushpa
Answer : C
✓ Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival awards were announced on 20 February with The
Kashmir Files winning the Best Film award.
✓ Alia Bhattalso won the Best Actress award for Gangubai Kathiawadi and husband Ranbir Kapoor won
the Best Actor award for Brahmastra.
✓ Anupam Kher received the Most Versatile Actor of the Year award for The Kashmir Files.

✓ Actor-filmmaker Rishab Shetty won the Most Promising Actor award for his Kannada film Kantara.
✓ Varun Dhawan also won the Critics Best Actor Award for his film Bhediya.
✓ Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Awards - 2023
✓ Best Film: The Kashmir Files.
✓ Best Director: R Balki for Chup: Revenge of The Artist.
✓ Best Actor: Ranbir Kapoor for Brahmastra: Part 1.
✓ Best Actress: Alia Bhatt for Gangubai Kathiawadi
✓ Film of The Year: RRR
✓ About Dadasaheb Phalke Award
✓ Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India's highest award in the field of cinema.
✓ Rajinikanth was honoured with this award in 2019.
✓ The award is given in the memory of Dadasaheb Phalke, who is regarded as the 'Father of Indian
Cinema'.
✓ He made the first Hindi movie, Raja Harishchandra.
Q. Which film has been selected as the film of the year at the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival
2023?
A) KGF B) RRR
C) Brahmastra D) Drishyam
Answer : B
Q. Name the NAVIC-based data link communication system solution launched by the Indian Air Force for
its pilots to deal with bad weather and uninterrupted communication with the base station?
A) Vayulink B) Raaglink
C) Pawanlink D) Vayumandal
Answer : A
✓ The Indian Air Force has developed an innovative solution known as ‘Vayulink’ that would help pilots
to deal with bad weather and also provide them jammer-proof uninterrupted communication with the
base station.
✓ Vayulink is an ad-hoc data link communication system, which uses the Indian Regional Navigation
Satellite System (IRNSS) that is also known as NAVIC, to send radio communication to the base station
when the signals are low.
✓ When Vayulink is installed in an aircraft, it will give position of other aircrafts close by, encrypted traffic
data over secured channel so that pilots are able to know where the ground forces are present.
Q. DMRC has unveiled India’s first indigenously developed Automatic Train Supervision (ATS) system.
With this, India has become 6th country to have its own ATS products. DMRC has launched i-ATS in
collaboration with which company?
A) Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) B) Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL)
C) Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL) D) Antrix Corporation Ltd (ACL)
Answer : A
✓ India becomes 6th country to have its own ATS products as it launches 1st indigenously developed ATS
system for DMRC.
✓ On February 18, 2023, India achieved another milestone as the country launched its first-ever
indigenously developed Train Control and Supervision System.
✓ The i-ATS (Indigenous-Automatic Train Supervision) system has been jointly developed by the Delhi
Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).

✓ With the launch of i-ATS, India has become the sixth country in the world to have its own ATS products
after France, Germany, Japan, Canada, and China.
✓ The ATS (Automatic Train Supervision), is a computer-based system which manages train operations.
✓ This i-ATS has currently been launched by the DMRC on its first corridor i.e. Red line (from Rithala to
Shaheed Sthal).
✓ The system shall be installed for operations on other corridors and the upcoming independent corridors
of the Phase – 4 Project as well.
✓ This project is in line with the government’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ initiatives for
the Metro Rail Transit Systems
Q. The 12 Cheetah, which have been brought from South Africa under the cheetah reintroduction
programme, have been released to which reserve?
A) Satpura National Park B) Ranthambore National Park
C) Kuno National Park D) Jim Corbett National Park
Answer : C
✓ 12 cheetahs from South Africa released at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh.
✓ As a part of the Indian government’s ambitious cheetah reintroduction programme, 12 cheetahs, brought
from South Africa, were released at the Kuno National Park (KNP) in Sheopur district of Madhya
Pradesh on February 18, 2023.
✓ Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union Minister for Environment and
Forests Bhupender Yadav released these these fastest land animals into the quarantine enclosures.
✓ From these 12 cheetahs from South Africa, seven are males and five are females.
✓ This is the second set of big cats brought to Madhya Pradesh. The first group of 8 Cheetahs were brought
from Namibia and were released into the KNP on September 17, 2022.
✓ As a consequence, the total count of cheetahs at the KNP has gone up to 20.
✓ What is the Cheetah Reintroduction Plan?
✓ Discussions to bring the Cheetah back to India were initiated in 2009 by the Wildlife Trust of India.
✓ Under the ‘Action Plan for Reintroduction of Cheetah in India’, 50 cheetahs will be brought from African
countries to various national parks over 5 years.
✓ The locally extinct Cheetah-subspecies of India is found in Iran and is categorised as critically
endangered.
✓ Cheetahs became extinct in India in 1952.
Q. What is the name of world’s first demonstration satellite fully conceived, designed and manufactured
using an Indian company’s (Antaris) end-to-end cloud platform?
A) OCEAN
B) JANUS
C) SROSS
D) CARTO
Answer : B
✓ Indian Firm successfully launches world’s first cloud-built demonstration satellite JANUS-1.
✓ JANUS-1 is the world’s first demo satellite fully conceived, designed and manufactured using an Indian
company’s end-to-end cloud platform.
✓ JANUS-1 was successfully launched on the Indian Space Research Organization’s (ISRO) new mini
rocket SSLV-D2 and successfully reached its orbit on February 17, 2023.
✓ It was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre of India under a commercial arrangement with
New Space India Limited (NSIL).

✓ JANUS-1 is a software defined 6U technology demonstration satellite designed and built using the
Antaris cloud software platform and SatOSsoftware, as well as XDLinx’s modular spacecraft bus.
Q. In the Fifth Khelo India Youth Games 2022, Maharashtra secured the top position in the medal tally
with 161 medals. How many gold medals won by Maharashtra in the 5th Khelo India Youth Games?
A) 56 B) 60
C) 73 D) 49
Answer : A
✓ In the Fifth Khelo India Youth Games 2022, Maharashtra secured the top position in the medal tally
with 161 medals including 56 gold, 55 silver, and 50 bronze medals.
✓ Haryana grabbed the second position by winning 128 medals including 41 gold, 32 silver and 55 bronze
medals.
✓ Host Madhya Pradesh remained at third place with 96 medals including 39 gold, 30 silver and 27 bronze
medals.
✓ Rajasthan and Delhi have been in the fourth and fifth position respectively.
✓ In the fifth edition of the Khelo India Youth Games in Madhya Pradesh, around 6 thousand athletes
from 36 States and Union Territories competed in 27 different sports disciplines.
✓ State Bank of India (SBI) has extended its sponsorship for Khleo India Youth Games (KIYG) in Madhya
Pradesh.
✓ Khelo India Youth Games
✓ The Games were hosted in Madhya Pradesh from 31 January 2023 to 11 February 2023.
✓ For the first time water sports namely Kayaking Canoeing, Canoe Salam and Fencing were part of this
edition of Khelo India Games.
✓ It was organized in eight different cities of the state.
✓ These eight host cities are Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Gwalior, Ujjain, Maheshwar, Mandla and Balaghat.
Q. Which company has unveiled its solar-powered drone "SURAJ", designed specifically for surveillance
operations, at Aero India 2023?
A) Airosspace R&D Pvt Ltd
B) Brahmàstra Aerospace
C) Rambo Drone Technology Services And Solution
D) Garuda Aerospace
Answer : D
✓ Drone startup Garuda Aerospace unveiled its Solar-powered drone "SURAJ", designed specifically for
surveillance operations, at Aero India 2023 here.
✓ Principal Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister and former DRDO Chief Dr. Satheesh Reddy unveiled
it.
✓ According to the company, SURAJ is an ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) high-altitude
drone designed specifically for surveillance operations, providing "real-time information to the high
command and protecting jawans on the ground."
✓ Recently, Garuda Aerospace had raised USD 22 Million, the "largest ever" Series A funding in the drone
sector.
✓ About "SURAJ" Drone : The drone will carry a versatile payload of high-resolution zoom cameras with
thermal imagery and foliage-penetrating lidar sensors with a maximum capacity of 10 kg.
Q. Who has been awarded the Felix Houphouet-Boigny UNESCO Peace Prize in Yamoussoukro, Ivory
Coast?

A) Joe Biden B) Angela Merkel
C) Volodymyr Zelensky D) Vladimir Putin
Answer : B
✓ Former German chancellor Angela Merkel has been awarded the Felix Houphouet-Boigny UNESCO
Peace Prize in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast.
✓ Merkel is a German former politician and scientist who served as Chancellor of Germany from 2005 to
2021.
✓ Her selfless choice in 2015 to accept more than 1.2 million refugees, particularly those from Syria, Iraq,
Afghanistan, and Eritrea, moved every jury member.
✓ She implemented a “open-door” refugee policy in Germany by allowing more than 1.2 million migrants
to enter in Germany between 2015-2016.
Q. Which player has won the Men’s Single title at Australian Open 2023?
A) Daniill Medvedev B) Novak Djokovic
C) Rafael Nadal D) Andy Murray
Answer : B
✓ Novak Djokovic won the Australian Open title for the 10th time by defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-6,
7-6 in the first Grand Slam Australia Open of 2023.
✓ With this victory, Novak Djokovic has equaled Spain's Rafael Nadal's record of winning 22 Grand Slam
titles.
✓ Djokovic won the first Australian Open title in the year 2008. After that he has won this title in the years
2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2023.
✓ In addition to 10 Australia Open, Djokovic won the French Open in 2016 and 2021, a total of 7
Wimbledon between 2011, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022 while the US Open in 2011, 2015, 2018.
✓ Novak Djokovic is a Serbian professional tennis player. He is currently ranked world No. 1 in singles by
the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP).
✓ Stefanos Tsitsipas is a Greek professional tennis player. He has been ranked as high as world No. 3 by
the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP).
Q. Which player has won the Australian Open 2023 women’s singles title?
A) Danielle Collins B) Naomi Osaka
C) Karolína Pliskova D) Aryna Sabalenka
Answer : D
✓ In the Australian Open 2023, Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus has won the women's singles title by defeating
Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan. Sabalenka has won a Grand title for the first time.
✓ Sabalenka defeated Elena Rybakina 4–6, 6–3, 6–4 in the final match played at Rod Laver Arena in
Melbourne on 28 January.
✓ It was Sabalenka's 11th win since the start of 2023, meaning the Belarusian player will now reach a career-
best No. 2 ranking.
✓ Barbora Krejcikova and Katarina Siniakova of Czech Republic defeated Japanese pair Shuko Oyama
and Ina Shibahara to win the women's doubles title at Australian Open 2023.
✓ In the Australian Open Tennis, the Brazilian duo of Luisa Stefani and Rafael Matos won the Mixed
Doubles title.
✓ The Brazilian pair defeated the Indian pair of Rohan Bopanna and Sania Mirza 7-6, 6-2 at the Rod Laver
Arena in Melbourne.
✓ Sania Mirza was the first Indian to win a WTA singles title in her hometown Hyderabad in 2005.

Q. Which country has won FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup in Kalinga Stadium Bhubaneswar, Odisha?
A) Germany B) France
C) Argentina D) Brazil
Answer : A
✓ Germany has won the Men's Hockey World Title 2023. Germany defeated defending champions
Belgium 5-4 in a shootout in the final played at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on 29 January.
✓ With this, Germany has won the World Cup three times, first in 2002 and second in 2006
✓ In a thrilling final, the two teams were tied 3-3 after regular time, but the Germans then won 5-4 in penalty
shootout at the Kalinga Stadium.
✓ Germany had earlier won the quarter-finals against England and the semi-finals against Australia after
coming from two goals down.
✓ The record of winning the most titles in the Men's Hockey World Cup is recorded in the name of Pakistan,
who have won this title four times.
✓ Total Team -16
✓ Awards of Hockey World Cup 2023.
✓ Best Player- Niklas Wellen (Germany).
✓ Best Goalkeeper- Vincent Vanasch (Belgium).
Q. India has defeated which country to win the first edition of the Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup?
A) Australia B) South Africa
C) England D) New Zealand
Answer : C
✓ In the first edition of the Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup, India defeated England by seven wickets
to win the tournament
✓ Indian player Shweta Sehrawat scored the most runs in the Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup 2023.
She scored 292 runs in 6 matches.
✓ Maggie Clarke was the top wicket-taker in the tournament with 12 wickets in 5 matches
✓ Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup.
✓ Host - South Africa
✓ Event date - 14 January 2023 – 29 January 2023
✓ Participants - 16 teams
✓ Player of the match in the final - Tita Sadhu
✓ Player of the Tournament - Grace Scrivens (Captain England)
✓ Indian Captain - Shafali Verma
Q. Who has appointed as the first female PM of Equatorial Guinea?

A) Une Bastholm B) Manuela Roka Botey
C) Erna Solberg D) Sylvi Listhaug
Answer : B
✓ Equatorial Guinea has appointed Manuela Roka Botey as prime minister.
✓ She is the first woman in the country to reach this position.
✓ She was appointed by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo who has ruled the country since
1979.
✓ Equatorial Guinea
✓ It is located on the west coast of Africa.
✓ Capital: Malabo

✓ Currency : franc
✓ President: Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo
Q. Who was conferred a Lifetime Achievement Honour by the India-UK Achievers Honours in London?
A) Raghuram Rajan B) Arvind Subramanian
C) Raja Chelliah D) Dr Manmohan Singh
Answer : D
✓ Former prime minister of India Dr Manmohan Singh was conferred a Lifetime Achievement Honour by
the India-UK Achievers Honours in London for his contribution to economic and political life
✓ The award will be handed over to Dr Singh in New Delhi by the National Indian Students and Alumni
Union (NISAU) UK.
✓ The India-UK Achievers Honors is organised by the National Association of Indian Students and Alumni
UK in partnership with the British Council in India and the UK's Department for International Trade
(DIT).
✓ The 'Life Time Achievement Honor' recognizes Dr Manmohan Singh's contribution to the Universities
of Oxford and Cambridge..
✓ Manmohan Singh is an Indian politician, economist, academician and bureaucrat who served as the 13th
Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014.
✓ He assumed charge as the 23rd Governor of the Reserve Bank of India on September 4, 2013.
Q. The Union Ministry of Education has released the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2020-
2021. According to this report, which state has the maximum number of colleges in the country?
A) Maharashtra B) Uttar Pradesh
C) Kerala D) Madhya Pradesh
Answer : B
✓ Union Ministry of Education has released the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2020-
2021.
✓ According to the report Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of colleges in the country, followed by
Maharashtra and Karnataka.
✓ The top 10 states in terms of number of colleges in India - Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh,
Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Telangana and Kerala, each having at least 29 or more colleges per lakh
population.
✓ There are 8,114 colleges in Uttar Pradesh and 32 colleges per one lakh population.
✓ Similarly, Maharashtra is at number two with 4,532 colleges and 34 colleges per lakh population.
✓ There are 8,114 colleges in Uttar Pradesh and 32 colleges per one lakh population.
✓ Similarly, Maharashtra is at number two with 4,532 colleges and 34 colleges per lakh population.
✓ Karnataka ranks third with 4,233 colleges and 62 colleges per lakh population, while Rajasthan ranks
fourth with 3,694 colleges and 40 colleges per lakh population.
✓ Tamil Nadu ranks fifth with 2,667 colleges and a college density of 40.
✓ The report shows a nationwide increase of 7.5% in student enrollment in 2020-21 as compared to 2019-
20.
✓ Gender Parity Index (GPI)
✓ The Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) for the age group 18-23 years has increased from 25.6% in 2019-20
to 27.3% in 2020-21.
✓ Gender Parity Index (GPI), the ratio of female GER to male GER, has increased from 1 in 2017-18 to
1.05 in 2020-21.

✓ The female enrollment in North East states in 2020-21 is 6.14 lakh, which is higher than the male
enrollment of 5.92 lakh, for every 100 male students, there are 104 female students in the North East
region.
✓ About AISHE Survey
✓ The Ministry of Education has been conducting this survey since 2011, it includes higher educational
institutions located in India.
✓ The survey collects information on various parameters such as student enrolment, teacher data,
infrastructural, financial etc.
✓ In AISHE 2020-21, for the first time data collection has been done using a completely online data
collection platform developed by the Department of Higher Education through National Informatics
Center (NIC).
Q. Who is the author of a new book titled “The Poverty of Political Economy: How Economics Abandoned
the Poor”?
A) Kiran Desai B) Meghnad Desai
C) Mahashweta Devi D) Ismat Chughtai
Answer : B
✓ India-born British economist Meghnad Desai has authored a new book titled “The Poverty of Political
Economy – How Economics Abandoned the Poor”.
✓ The book is published by HarperCollins Publishers India.
Q. Which University will soon receive the 'heritage' tag from UNESCO to take the distinction of world's
first living heritage university?
A) Banaras Hindu University B) Jawaharlal Nehru University
C) Visva-Bharati University D) Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University
Answer : C
✓ Visva-Bharati University is expected to get the status of the world's first "Living Heritage University"
from UNESCO by April-May 2023
✓ Usually the heritage tag is given by UNESCO to the intangible monument. But for the first time in the
world, a tangible university will be given the legacy tag.
✓ Visva-Bharati University:
✓ It was established in the year 1921 by Rabindranath Tagore. It is located in Santiniketan, West Bengal.
✓ Until the Visva-Bharati Society was registered as an organisation in May 1922, it was named after Nobel
laureate Rabindranath Tagore.
✓ According to UNESCO, Visva-Bharati was inaugurated in the year 1922 as a cultural centre with
explorations in arts, languages, humanities, music.
✓ The institute was granted the status of a Central University in the year 1951 through a Central Act.
✓ It is the only university whose Vice-Chancellor is the Prime Minister.
Q. Name the Indian musician who took home the 2023 Grammy Award for Best Immersive Audio Album
for the album Divine Tides?
A) Prakash Sontakke B) Ricky Kej
C) Mickey J Meyer D) Sandeep Chowta
Answer : B
✓ The most prestigious 65th Grammy Awards in the music world have been organized on 5 February 2023
in Los Angeles

✓ The 65th Grammy Awards were hosted by Trevor Noah.
✓ India's Ricky Cage wins his third Grammy Award
✓ India's music composer Ricky Kej along with rock legend Stewart Copeland has won the Grammy Award
for Best Immersive Audio Album for the album Divine Tides.
✓ Cage has become the only Indian to win three Grammy Awards.
✓ Ricky Cage won this award for the first time in the year 2015 for 'Winds of Samsara'.
✓ At the 64th Grammy Awards 2022, he won his second Grammy Award in the category 'Best New Age
Album'.
Q. Which of these has won the Album of the Year award at the Grammy Awards 2023?
A) Black Pumas B) Everyday Life
C) Chilombo D) Harry's House
Answer : D
Q. Grammy Award is given in which field ?

A) Sports B) Literature
C) Films D) Music
Answer : D
Q. The Grammy Awards are the annual awards by which country to recognise achievements in the music
industry?
A) United States B) France
C) United Kingdom D) Switzerland
Answer : A
Q. Which City Municipal Corporation becomes first civic body to launch green bonds, seeking to raise Rs
244 crore?
A) Indore B) Chennai
C) Lucknow D) Kolkata
Answer : A
✓ Indore Municipal Corporation, ranked top in cleanliness survey for six consecutive years, has become
the country’s first civic body to launch green bonds, seeking to raise Rs 244 crore for a 60-mw solar plant
at its water pumping station.
✓ The public issues of the green bonds will be open for subscription from February 10-14, 2023,
Pushyamitra Bhargav, mayor of Indore, and Divyank Singh, chief executive of the Indore Smart City
Development Commission,
✓ The issue will be listed on the National Stock Exchange, they added.
Q. NASA's 'all-electric' plane __ is soon set to take off, the US space agency?
A) plane AA-25 B) plane X-05
C) plane X-57 D) plane AX-57
Answer : C
✓ NASA's "all-electric" plane X-57 is soon set to take off, the US space agency. The plane has 14 propellers
along its wings and is powered entirely by electricity.

✓ NASA's X-57 Maxwell performed successful thermal testing of its cruise motor controllers.
✓ The cruise motor controllers convert the energy stored in the aircraft’s lithium-ion batteries to power the
aircraft’s motors
✓ The X-57 uses lithium batteries to run electric motors for its propellers.
✓ The X-57 is a modified, four-seater, Italian-built Tecnam P2006T aircraft
Q. Due to the recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria, what is the name given to the operation being run by
India?
A) Operation Raksha B) Operation Madad
C) Operation Dost D) Operation Goodness
Answer : C
✓ Due to the recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria, India has launched a campaign named 'Operation
Dost' to help the affected people.
✓ Foreign Minister S Jaishankar told that India is providing material, supplies, medical supplies and
equipment to Turkey and Syria under 'Operation Dost'.
✓ Under this operation, India has also arranged search and rescue teams and a field hospital in Turkey and
Syria.
✓ Recently, over 6 tonnes of emergency relief aid was received at Damascus airport in Syria.
Q. Who has bagged the ‘Mathrubhumi Book of The Year’ award at the fourth edition of the Mathrubhumi
International Festival of Letters (MBIFL 2023)?
A) Yatindra Mishra B) Peggy Mohan
C) Kulpreet Yadav D) Shailendra Joshi
Answer : B
✓ Author Dr Peggy Mohan has won the 'Mathrubhumi Book of the Year' award during the 4th edition of
Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters (MBIFL 2023).
✓ He has been given this award for his book 'Wanderers, Kings and Merchants', which portrays the
development of language as a result of migration.
✓ In this award, he was given a statuette and two lakh rupees as a cash prize.
✓ The award was presented to Dr Peggy Mohan by Nobel Laureate Abdulrazak Gurnah at the closing
ceremony of MBIFL 2023.
✓ He worked as Professor of Language Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University and Jamia Millia
University, New Delhi.
Q. Which country will host the 12th World Hindi Conference 2023?
A) Fiji B) Mauritius
C) Spain D) Senegal
Answer : A
✓ The Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan has announced at an event in New Delhi on
27 October 2022 that the 12th World Hindi Conference will be held in Nadi, Fiji from 15-17 February
2023.
✓ The event is being organised by the External Affairs Ministry, Government of India and the Government
of Fiji. The event will be used to promote Hindi as a global language.
✓ Why Fiji?
✓ It is for the first time that Fiji will be hosting the conference. English, Fijian and Fijian Hindi are the three
official languages of Fiji.

✓ Around 30% of the Fijian population is of Indian descent and majority of them speak Hindi.
✓ The first world Hindi conference to popularize Hindi as a global language was held in Nagpur in 1975.
Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister of India.
✓ Every year 14 September is observed as Hindi Diwas in India. On this day in 1949 the Constituent
Assembly adopted Hindi as the official language of the country.
✓ Republic of Fiji
✓ It is an archipelago consisting of around 300 islands in the South Pacific Ocean.
✓ Capital: Suva
✓ Currency: Fijian Dollar
✓ Prime Minister : Frank Bainimarama
Q. Who among the following is the author of new novel “Victory City”?
A) Salman Rushdie B) Chetan Bhagat
C) Shashi Tharoor D) Amartya Sen
Answer : A
✓ British author, Salman Rushdie has released his new novel “Victory City”.
✓ This novel was published by Penguin Random House.
✓ It is an “epic tale” of a 14th-century woman who defies a patriarchal world to rule a city.
✓ This novel purports to be a translation of a historical epic originally written in Sanskrit.
✓ Rushdie won the Booker Prize in 1981 for his second novel, Midnight’s Children.
✓ 12 Notable Salman Rushdie Books are –
✓ Grimus (1975)
✓ Midnight’s Children (1981)
✓ Shame (1983)
✓ The Satanic Verses (1988)
✓ The Moor’s Last Sigh (1995)
✓ The Ground Beneath Her Feet (1999)
✓ Fury (2001)
✓ Shalimar the Clown (2005)
✓ The Enchantress of Florence (2008)
✓ Two Years Eight Months and Twenty-Eight Nights (2015)
✓ The Golden House (2017)
✓ Quichotte (2019)
Q. Which player has won the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy for ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year 2022?
A) Smriti Mandhana B) Nat Sciver
C) Tammy Beaumont D) Fatima Sana
Answer : B
✓ England Test captain Ben Stokes and all-rounder Nat Sciver have won ICC cricketer of the year 2022
awards
✓ All-rounder Stokes was named the Men's Test Cricketer of the Year, while Sciver won the Rachael
Hayhoe Flint Trophy for the ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year.
✓ Stokes previously won the overall Men's Cricketer of the Year award in 2019.
✓ Babar Azam has been given the Men's ODI Player of the Year award (Sobers Trophy), before Pakistan's
Shaheen Shah Afridi won the award for 2021
✓ ICC awards winners for 2022
✓ Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy: Babar Azam (Pakistan)
✓ Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy: Nat Sciver (England)

✓ Men's Test Cricketer of the Year: Ben Stokes (England)
✓ Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year: Babar Azam
✓ Women's ODI Cricketer of the Year: Nat Sciver
✓ Men's T20 International Cricketer of the Year: Suryakumar Yadav (India)
✓ Women's T20 International Cricketer of the Year: Tahlia McGrath (Australia)
✓ Men's Emerging Cricketer of the Year: Marco Jansen (South Africa)
✓ Women's Emerging Cricketer of the Year: Renuka Singh (India)
✓ Men's Associate Cricketer of the Year: Gerhard Erasmus (Namibia)
✓ Women's Associate Cricketer of the Year: Esha Oza (India)
✓ David Shepherd Trophy: Richard Illingworth (England)
✓ Spirit of Cricket Award: Aasif Sheikh (Nepal)
Q. Name the player who has been conferred with the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Men’s Cricketer
of the Year 2022?
A) Shaheen Afridi B) Mohammad Rizwan
C) Joe Root D) Babar Azam
Answer : D
✓ Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy : Babar Azam (Pakistan).
✓ Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy : Nat Sciver (England)
Q. Which player has won the ICC Men's T20 International Cricketer of the Year 2022?
A) Rohit Sharma B) Virat Kohli
C) KL Rahul D) Suryakumar Yadav
Answer : D
✓ Men's T20 International Cricketer of the Year: Suryakumar Yadav (India.
✓ Women's T20 International Cricketer of the Year : Tahlia McGrath (Australia)
Q. January 30 is observed every year as the Martyrs’ Day of Mahatma Gandhi. the year 2023 marks which
death anniversary of the Father of Nation?
A) 70 B) 78
C) 71 D) 75
Answer : D
✓ On January 30, 2023, India is observing Martyr's Day to pay homage to all the freedom fighters who
sacrificed their lives for the country. The day is also marked as the death anniversary of the country's
'Bapu', Mahatma Gandhi
✓ Nathuram Godse killed Mahatma Gandhi on the evening of January 30, 1948.
✓ 30th January is observed as Martyr’s Day every year in the memory of Mahatma Gandhi and his
contributions to the nation.
✓ Every year 23 March is also celebrated as Martyr's Day to pay homage to the three revolutionaries of
India Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev.
Q. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) celebrated which edition of its Raising Day ceremony on February 01,
2023?
A) 47th B) 42nd
C) 44th D) 49th

Answer : A
✓ The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is celebrating its 47th Raising Day on 01 February 2023.
✓ The ICG was formally established on February 1, 1977, under the Coast Guard Act, 1978 of the
Parliament of India.
✓ ICG operates under the Ministry of Defence.
✓ India has the fourth-largest Coast Guard in the World.
Q. Yaya Tso lake has been proposed as __ first biodiversity heritage site (BHS) under the Biological Diversity
Act.
A) Goa B) Uttarakhand
C) Ladakh D) Jammu and Kashmir
Answer : C
✓ The Biodiversity Management Committee, the panchayat of Chumathang village, along with SECURE
Himalaya Project recently resolved to declare "Yaya Tso" as Ladakh’s first biodiversity heritage site
(BHS) under the Biological Diversity Act.
✓ Yaya Tso, known as birds' paradise for its beautiful lake located at an altitude of 4,820 metres, has been
proposed as Ladakh’s first biodiversity heritage site (BHS).
✓ The Secure Himalaya project is funded by the Global Environment Facility
Q. Which countries are launched the 'initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET)' and
'Innovation Bridge'?
A) India and France B) India and Unied States
C) India and Russia D) India and Unied Kingdom
Answer : B
✓ National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, US counterpart Jake Sullivan launched the US-India Initiative on
Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) in Washington.
✓ iCET reflects conv.of strategic, commercial, and scientific approaches in the field of technology.
✓ iCET was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Biden
✓ The United States and India concluded the US-India iCET meeting and also decided to launch a new
Innovation Bridge.
✓ In May 2022, US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced iCET to
enhance and expand their strategic technology partnership and defence industrial cooperation between
governments, businesses and academic institutions of the two countries.
✓ Both countries also underlined their commitment to work to resolve issues related to regulatory barriers,
trade and talent mobility through a permanent mechanism under the iCET.
Q. The World Wetlands Day is observed every year on which day?
A) February 04 B) February 02
C) February 03 D) February 01
Answer : B
✓ The World Wetlands Day is observed every year on February 2 all over the world.
✓ The day marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on February 2, 1971, in the
Iranian city of Ramsar on the shores of the Caspian Sea.
✓ World Wetlands Day was first celebrated in 1997.
✓ 2023 marks 52 years of the Convention on Wetlands.
✓ The international theme for World Wetlands Day 2023 is It's time for wetlands restoration.

✓ With 75 Ramsar sites spread over an area of over 1.3 million hectares, India has the largest number of
wetlands in South Asia.
✓ The total number of Ramsar sites in the country has increased to 75. Whereas before 2014 it was only
26.
✓ The theme of World Wetlands 2023 is "It's time for wetlands restoration".
✓ The theme emphasises the urgent need to prioritise wetland restoration.
✓ In the Union Budget 2023-24, the government has proposed two schemes – Amrit Dharohar and
Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Income (Mishti) – to protect wetlands and
mangroves.
✓ What are Wetlands?
✓ Wetlands are vital not only for the ecosystems but our climate, providing essential services such as water
regulation, flood control, and water purification.
✓ Wetlands are called “Kidneys of the Earth”.
✓ What are Ramsar sites?
✓ A Ramsar site is a wetland site specifically designated for international importance as a waterfowl habitat
under the Ramsar Convention.
✓ Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental environment treaty established in 1975 by UNESCO.
Q. What is the theme of World Wetlands Day 2023?
A) Wetlands and Climate Change B) Wetlands and Biodiversity
C) Wetlands and Water D) It's time for wetlands restoration
Answer : D
Q. Who won the Tata Steel Masters Tournament 2023 held in Wijk aan Zee?
A) Abhijeet Gupta B) Jaykumar Sammed
C) Aravindh Chithambaram D) Anish Giri
Answer : D
✓ Dutch player Anish Giri, five times the runner-up in Wijk aan Zee, has won Tata Steel Masters 2023.
✓ Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2023 is the 85th edition of the annual chess tournament held in Wijk aan
Zee.
✓ The field of 14 players in the Masters section included the numbers 1 and 2 of FIDE World ranking,
Magnus Carlsen and Ding Liren.
Q. Who was conferred a Lifetime Achievement Honour by the India-UK Achievers Honours in London?
A) Raghuram Rajan B) Arvind Subramanian
C) Raja Chelliah D) Dr Manmohan Singh
Answer : D
✓ Former prime minister of India Dr Manmohan Singh was conferred a Lifetime Achievement Honour by
the India-UK Achievers Honours in London for his contribution to economic and political life
✓ The award will be handed over to Dr Singh in New Delhi by the National Indian Students and Alumni
Union (NISAU) UK.
✓ The India-UK Achievers Honors is organised by the National Association of Indian Students and Alumni
UK in partnership with the British Council in India and the UK's Department for International Trade
(DIT).
✓ The 'Life Time Achievement Honor' recognizes Dr Manmohan Singh's contribution to the Universities
of Oxford and Cambridge..

✓ Manmohan Singh is an Indian politician, economist, academician and bureaucrat who served as the 13th
Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014.
✓ He assumed charge as the 23rd Governor of the Reserve Bank of India on September 4, 2013.
Q. Which country will be the theme country for the 2023 International Kolkata Book Fair?
A) Russia B) Spain
C) France D) Germany
Answer : B.
✓ Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on 30 January inaugurated the 46th edition of the International Kolkata
Book Fair.
✓ The fair is being organised at Boimela Courtyard, Central Park Fair Ground, Karunamayee, Salt Lake
Kolkata.
✓ Mara José Gálvez Salvador from the Spanish Ministry of Culture and Sports and Ambassador of Spain
to India, Jose Maria Ridao Domínguez were present at the inauguration.
✓ Around 20 countries from all over the world are participating in the fair. Spain is the focal country for
the second time this year.
✓ Thailand is participating for the first time
✓ About International Kolkata Book Fair
✓ It is the largest book fair in Asia and the most attended book fair by the people.
✓ It is the world's third largest annual collection of books after the Frankfurt Book Fair and the London
Book Fair.
✓ The book fair was started in 1976 on a small scale by the Kolkata Publishers and Booksellers Guild.
Q. Saba Korosi is currently serving as the President of the 77th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
He is from which country?
A) Spain B) Maldives
C) Denmark D) Hungary
Answer : D
✓ President of the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Csaba Korosi arrived in New
Delhi today on a three-day visit to India
✓ The urgent need for reforms in the United Nations, ongoing Ukraine conflict and developmental issues
figured prominently during talks between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and United Nations
General Assembly (UNGA) President Csaba Korosi.
✓ United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
✓ Founded : 1945
✓ Headquarteres : New York City, US
✓ 77th President : Csaba Korosi ( Hungary)
Q. Every year 4th of February is observed as which day globally?
A) World Hypertension Day B) World Cancer Day
C) World Science Day D) World Girl Child Day
Answer : B
✓ The World Cancer Day is observed every year globally on 4th February by the Union for International
Cancer Control (UICC).
✓ The day aims to raise awareness and education about cancer, and encourage governments and
individuals across the world to take action against the prevention, detection, and treatment of the disease.

✓ World Cancer Day 2023 theme: ‘Close The Care Gap'
Q. What is the theme of the World Cancer Day 2023?
A) Not Beyond Us B) We can. I can
C) Close The Care Gap D) I Am And I Will
Answer : C
Q. Amit Shah laid the foundation stone of a ₹ 450-crore 'Nano Urea' plant and township of the Indian
Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO) in Which State?
A) Bihar
B) Jharkhand
C) Uttar Pradesh
D) Telangana
Answer : B
✓ Union Home Minister Amit Shah laid the foundation stone of a ₹ 450-crore "Nano Urea" plant and
township of the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO) in Jharkhand's Deoghar.
✓ This will be India's fifth nano urea plant. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the world's first
nano urea plant in Gujarat last year (2022), according to IFFCO
✓ Jharkhand Industrial Area Development Authority (JIADA) has allotted 20 acres of land to IFFCO for
the complex in Jasidih area in Deoghar district
Q. The 36th edition of the Surajkund International Crafts Mela commenced in which state on February 3,
2023 to February 19, 2023?
A) Haryana B) Rajasthan
C) Uttar Pradesh D) Himachal Pradesh
Answer : A
✓ Jagdeep Dhankhar, Vice President of India inaugurated the 36th Surajkund International Crafts Mela at
Faridabad, Haryana on 3 February 2023.
✓ The fair will be organized between 3 -19 February 2023.
✓ This year the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is thepartner nationfor the Surajkund
International Crafts Fair.
✓ The theme state for the year 2023 is North Eastern Region (NER), while Jammu and Kashmir was the
theme state for the year 2022.
✓ Surajkund International Crafts Mela
✓ This fair was started in the year 1987 to promote the pool of skilled artisans.
✓ The fair was upgraded to an international level fair in the year 2013.
✓ The fair is organized every year in the month of February by the Surajkund Mela Authority and Haryana
Tourism in collaboration with the Union Ministries of Tourism, Textiles, Culture and External Affairs.
✓ Surajkund Mela showcases the richness and diversity of India's handicrafts, handlooms and cultural
heritage, besides being the largest crafts fair in the world.
Q. Who has inaugurated SARAS Aajeevika Mela 2023 in Jammu and Kashmir?
A) Satya Pal Malik B) Manoj Sinha
C) Farooq Abdullah D) Piyush Goyal

Answer : B
✓ Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on 4 February inaugurated the SARAS
Aajeevika Mela 2023 at Aquaplex Crown at Bagh-e-Bahu, Jammu.
✓ Women self-help groups from around 25 states and union territories across the country are participating
in the fair.
✓ The 11-day fair is the first of its kind in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir
✓ SARAS Aajeevika Mela
✓ It is an initiative of the Deen Dayal Dayal Upadhyaya Yojana of the Union Ministry of Rural
Development.
✓ It aims to provide an opportunity to rural women self-help groups to showcase their skills, sell products
and make direct contact with bulk buyers.
✓ This fair serves as an integrated approach for women empowerment. This has been linked with the
Atmanirbhar Bharat approach
Q. Who has been appointed as a member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-
PM)?
A) P. K. Mishra B) Amit Khare
C) Tarun Kapoor D) Shamika Ravi
Answer : D
✓ Economics professor and researcher Shamika Ravi has been appointed as a member of the Economic
Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM).
✓ Shamika is currently non-resident senior fellow of the governance studies program at the Brookings
Institution Washington D.C.
✓ EAC-PM, chaired by economist Bibek Debroy, currently has one member and six part-time members.
✓ Part-time members of the advisory body include economist Rakesh Mohan and Sajjid Z. Chinoy,
Managing Director and Chief India Economist at J.P. Morgan
✓ ABOUT EAC-PM
✓ The EAC-PM is an independent body constituted by the central government that advises the prime
minister on economic and related issues.
✓ It was reconstituted in October 2021, for a period of two years, after its term came to an end in September
2021.
✓ Chairman of EAC-PM – Niti Aayog member Bibek Debroy
Q. Which planet beats Saturn to become the planet with the most moons?
A) Neptune B) Jupiter
C) Venus D) Mercury
Answer : B
✓ Jupiter beats Saturn to become the planet with most moons
✓ Jupiter is not just the largest planet in our solar system, it also has the most moons.
✓ This revelation was made after scientists found another 12 moons orbiting it.
✓ So, in total, 92 moons are revolving around the massive planet. The new discovery means there is a 15%
rise in the gas giant’s known moons.
✓ The Minor Planet Center (MPC) operated by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory has published
the orbits of the newly found 12 moons of Jupiter, as per a new report from Sky and Telescope.
✓ Jupiter planet has overtaken Saturn planet, which has 83 moons at present.

Q. How many buses did India deliver to Sri Lanka at the Presidential Secretariat premises as Sri Lanka
celebrated its 75th Independence Day?
A) 150 B) 100
C) 75 D) 50
Answer : D
✓ India has supplied 50 buses to Sri Lanka on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of independence.
✓ Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay handed over these buses to Sri Lankan President
Ranil Wickremesinghe.
✓ Commercial vehicle manufacturer Ashok Leyland has bagged a contract for the supply of 500 buses from
the Sri Lanka Transport Board.
✓ Under the contract, 75 buses have been handed over to Sri Lanka in January 2023. The Indian Import-
Export Bank is providing loans for these buses.
Q. Who has been named in the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth's list of "world's most talented"
students for the second time?
A) Natasha Periyanayagam B) Shirley Muldowney
C) Julie Mehretu D) Sylvie Guillem
Answer : A
✓ Indian-American schoolgirl Natasha Periyanayagam has been named in the Johns Hopkins Center for
Talented Youth's list of "world's most talented" students for the second year in a row.
✓ Natasha Periyanayagam is 13 years old and studying at Florence M Gaudiner Middle School in New
Jersey, United States.
✓ She took the John Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) exam in 2021. At that time she was a fifth
grader.
✓ Natasha's performance in the Verbal and Quantitative Aptitude Test was equivalent to achieving a 90
percentile in grade eight, earning her a place on that year's honours list.
✓ The list is compiled based on the results of upper-grade-level tests of more than 15,000 students from 76
countries.
✓ Natatha's parents are from Chennai, she loves doodling and reading JRR Tolkien novels in her spare
time.
Q. Naval Light Combat Aircraft, MIG29 K Fighter Aircraft has successfully performed a maiden landing
and take off from India's first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier INS Vikrant. INS Vikrant is built by which
company?
A) Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited
B) Hindustan Shipyard Limited
C) Cochin Shipyard Limited
D) Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers
Answer : C
✓ Light Combat Aircraft (Navy) and MIG29 K Fighter Aircraft on 6 February successfully performed a
maiden landing and take off from India's first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier INS Vikrant.
✓ India's first Made in India aircraft carrier INS Vikrant was commissioned into the Navy by Narendra
Modi on 2 September 2022 at the Kochi Shipyard.
✓ With this, India has joined the list of countries with the capability to build more than 40,000 ton class
aircraft carriers.

✓ INS Vikrant is built by Cochin Shipyard Limited. It has been designed by the Warship Design Bureau,
formerly known as the Directorate of Naval Design. It is the in-house design organization of the Indian
Navy
✓ MIG29 K Fighter Aircraft
✓ Navy's MiG-29K aircraft has been upgraded by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) with air-to-air
and air-to-surface weapons.
✓ The MiG-29K, which is procured by the Navy directly from Russia, is equipped with weapons of Russian
origin.
Q. The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2023 (KGAF) has been organised in which city?
A) Gurugram B) Hyderabad
C) New Delhi D) Mumbai
Answer : D
✓ Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2023 is being organised in Mumbai (Maharashtra) from 4 -12 February.
✓ In the Kala Ghoda Festival, dance, art and music, architecture, food, handicrafts, graphics, and many
other types of art exhibitions are seen.
✓ Kala Ghoda Kala Mahotsav is an arts festival organised in Mumbai, which was started in 1999 by Kala
Ghoda Foundation.
✓ It is named Kala Ghoda because it is held at a place in the South Mumbai area where there is a statue of
a black horse.
✓ This festival is organised every year starting from the first Saturday of February till the second Sunday.
Q. The 2027 Asian Cup football tournament will be held in which country?
A) India B) Japan
C) South Korea D) Saudi Arabia
Answer : D
✓ Saudi Arabia has been selected to host the 2027 Asian Cup football tournament during the 33rd AFC
Congress recently held in Manama, Bahrain
✓ India also submitted a bid to host the 2027 Asia Cup but later withdrew its name.
✓ Asian cup football tournament 2027
✓ Slogan: Forward for Asia
✓ Host Cities: Dammam, Riyadh and Jeddah
✓ 2023 Asian Football Cup
✓ The host country of the 2023 Asian Football Cup is Qatar. Its original host was China which expressed
its inability to hold the tournament due to the COVID-19 situation.
✓ Asian Football Federation (AFC
✓ Headquarters – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Q. Who has won the National Ice Hockey Championship 2023 title?
A) BSF B) ITBP
C) SSB D) CISF
Answer : B
✓ Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has won the National Ice Hockey Championship 2023 title.
✓ The12th edition of the competition has been organized in Ladakh, Leh.
✓ The championship was organized by the Ice Hockey Association of India (IHAI).

✓ The ITBP team won the title for the third consecutive time by defeating Ladakh Scouts in the final with
a score of 1-0.
✓ Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
✓ It was established in 1962, after the Indo-China War of 1962. It is usually deployed in the Himalayan
mountains along the border with China.
✓ Motto: Bravery – Perseverance – Dedication
✓ Headquarters: New Delhi
✓ Director General: Anish Dayal Singh
Q. Which state government has launched the country’s first new mobility-focused cluster to accelerate the
growth of sustainability mobility in the country?
A) Kerala B) Tamil Nadu
C) Telangana D) Madhya Pradesh
Answer : C
✓ The Telangana government has launched the country’s first new mobility-focused cluster, Telangana
Mobility Valley’ (TMV).
✓ It aims to attract investments of around Rs 50,000 crore and generate more than 4 lakh jobs in the next
five years in the state.
✓ TMV aims to facilitate companies across all segments of sustainable mobility including Electric
2Wheelers/ 3 wheelers/ 4 wheelers, Advanced Cell Chemistry and Hydrogen fuel cells, Tier 1 and Tier
2 Component manufacturers and Auto Engineering R&D companies among others.
✓ The government has also set up the Kalam Centre For Automotive Excellence to upskill youth in e-
Mobility.
Q. World’s first ‘Super’ magnets for testing in nuclear fusion plant is developed by Tokamak Energy. In
which country is Tokamak Energy based?
A) Germany B) France
C) United Kingdom D) United States
Answer : C
✓ World’s first ‘Super’ magnets for testing in nuclear fusion plant developed by UK’s Tokamak Energy.
✓ Tokamak Energy announced that the Demo4 magnet has a magnetic field strength that is nearly a million
times stronger than the Earth’s magnetic field, making it capable of confining and controlling the
extremely hot plasma created during the nuclear fusion process.
✓ Nuclear fusion has been hailed as the “holy grail” of clean energy, with scientists working on the
technology since the 1950s.
✓ Tokamak Energy is aiming to be the first private company to produce commercial fusion energy, with
the goal of demonstrating grid-ready fusion in the early 2030s.
Q. Who has been awarded the Golden Book Awards 2023 for the book ‘Now You Breathe’?
A) Rakhi Kapoor B) Chetan Bhagat
C) Shashi Tharoor D) Amartya Sen
Answer : A
✓ Author Rakhi Kapoor has been awarded the Golden Book Awards 2023 for her book ‘Now You Breathe
– Overcoming Toxic Relationships and Abuse in the category Powerful Relationship Guide’.
✓ The Golden Book Awards is one of Asia’s prestigious award programs which celebrates the best works
on literature.

✓ Now You Breathe is author Rakhi Kapoor’s twenty-fifth book.
Q. Which of the following ministry has launched the “Yuva Sangam” portal aimed at building empathy
between the youth of northeastern states and those from other parts of the country?
C) Ministry of Defence D) Ministry of Education
Answer : D
✓ “Yuva Sangam Portal” launched at Indira Gandhi Kala Kendra, Delhi by Education Minister
Dharmendra Pradhan, chaired by Sports and Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur,
Law and Justice Minister Kiren Rijiju, Tourism, Culture and North Eastern Affairs Minister G Kishan
Reddy Went.
✓ The Ministry of Education has launched a pilot project with the Yuva Sangam portal under Ek Bharat-
Shreshtha Bharat.
✓ Under the project, 1000 youth in the age group of 18 to 30 years (300 from North East, 700 from other
states) will be sent to youth exchange programs in the North East and other states of the country.
✓ Through Yuva Sangam, the youth of the North East will get an opportunity to know the tradition, culture,
tourist places, food, language and diversity of the eight states of the country and the youth of other states
of the country.
✓ Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat:
✓ Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the year 2015 on the
occasion of Sardar Vallabh Patel's 140th birth anniversary and was launched by the Finance Minister in
the budget for the financial year 2016-17.
✓ It is an initiative of the Ministry of Education
Q. Who won the Kenya Ladies Open title 2023 golf tournament held at Vipingo Ridge, Kenya?
A) Anirban Lahiri B) Sharmila Nicollet
C) Aditi Ashok D) Diksha Dagar
Answer : D
✓ Indian golf player, Aditi Ashok has clinched her fourth Ladies European Tour (LET) title at the Kenya
Ladies Open 2023 golf tournament held at Vipingo Ridge, Kenya.
✓ Aditi last won a Ladies European Tour golf tournament in 2017.
✓ She carded a 12-under to win ahead of Alice Hewson (England) and April Angurasaranee (Thailand),
who finished with identical final scores of 3-under.
✓ Meanwhile, India’s Avani Prashanth finished tied-ninth and Amandeep Drall came tied-52nd.
Q. When is World Pulses Day celebrated?
A) February 10 B) February 8
C) February 9 D) February 11
Answer : A
✓ Every year February 10 is celebrated as World Pulses Day
✓ This year's theme is "Pulses for a sustainable future".
✓ On December 20, 2013, it was decided to celebrate International Pulses Day by a resolution of the United
Nations General Assembly.
✓ 'International Pulses Day' was celebrated for the first time in the year 2016. Later, the United Nations
General Assembly passed a resolution to observe 10 February 2019 as World Pulses Day. Since then,
World Pulses Day is celebrated on 10 February.

✓ Purpose of celebrating the day:
✓ The United Nations wants to increase the production of pulses to provide nutritious food to poor
malnourished countries in the world.
✓ What are pulses?
✓ Pulses are called that grain from which lentils are made. It is the main source of protein in the vegetable
world. Peas, gram, lentils, kidney beans, urad, horse gram, moong etc. are examples of this.
✓ India is the largest producer of pulses. Which produces about 25 percent of the total pulses produced in
the world.
✓ Rajasthan ranks first in India in the production of pulses.
✓ Indian Institute of Pulses Research - Kanpur
Q. The World Government Summit 2023 is set to begin in which city?

A) Dubai B) London
C) Paris D) Tokyo
Answer : A
✓ The World Government Summit 2023 is set to begin on 13th February 2023 in Dubai.
✓ The World Government Summit will be held under the theme of “Shaping Future Governments”.
✓ It will bring together global thought leaders, global experts, and decision-makers to share and contribute
to the development of tools, policies, and models that will be critical in shaping future governments.
Q. Which edition of Khelo India Winter Games begins in Kashmir on 10th Feb 2023?
A) 2nd Edition B) 3rd Edition
C) 4th Edition D) 5th Edition
Answer : B
✓ Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Singh Thakur inaugurated the Khelo India Winter
Games at Gulmarg in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir.
Q. Country's strictest Anti-Copying Law has come into force in Which State?
A) Maharashtra B) Punjab
C) Jharkhand D) Uttarakhand
Answer : D
✓ The country's strictest Anti-Copying Law has come into force in Uttarakhand.
✓ Governor Lieutenant General Gurmeet Singh has approved the Uttarakhand Competitive Examination
(Measures for Prevention and Prevention of Unfair Means in Recruitment) Ordinance 2023.
✓ Under this Anti-Copying Law, a provision to impose a fine of 10 crores rupees along with life
imprisonment or 10 years in jail for the copycat mafia.
Q. Which company has launched the first traffic management system for drones in India?
A) Aarav Unmanned Systems B) Skye Airon
C) Skylark Dronetech D) Teja Aerospace and Dynamics
Answer : B
✓ A Gurugram-based drone solutions provider, Skye Airon has launched the first traffic management
system for drones in India.

✓ The software will allow drone operators to plan routes, make flight plans and assess risks before running
drone-based operations in the country. The solution, called Skye UTM, is a first-of-its-kind for India.
✓ It was unveiled by the Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, Nitin Gadkari.
✓ Unmanned traffic management systems will play a key role in how airspace will be managed, allowing
multiple beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) drone operations to be run by different firms at the same
time.
✓ Globally, several companies, such as US-based AirMap and Netherlands-based Airbus, offer such
solutions.
Q. The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with which of the following company for the procurement
of 41 sets of Modular Bridges at an estimated cost of Rs 2,585 crore for the Corps of Engineers, Indian
Army?
A) Larsen & Toubro (L&T) B) Reliance Industries Limited
C) Hindustan Unilever Limited D) Tata Advanced Systems
Answer : A
✓ The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for the procurement of 41
sets of Modular Bridges at an estimated cost of Rs 2,585 crore for the Corps of Engineers, Indian Army.
✓ Each set of Modular Bridge shall consist of seven carrier vehicles based on 8×8 Heavy Mobility Vehicles
and two launcher vehicles based on 10×10 Heavy Mobility Vehicles.
Q. Who has been named in the world’s brightest students list by the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented
Youth?
A) Jaykumar Sammed B) Alexandr Predke
C) Natasha Perianayagam D) Aravindh Chithambaram
Answer : C
✓ An Indian-American girl, Natasha Perianayagam has been named in the world’s brightest students list
by the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth.
✓ Perianayagam has been named in the world’s brightest students list for the second consecutive year.
✓ She is 13 years old and is studying at Florence M Gaudineer Middle School, in New Jersey, the United
States.
✓ The list was curated on the basis of the results of the above-grade-level tests of over 15,000 students across
76 countries.
✓ Natasha Perianayagam has also taken the Johns Hopkins Center For Talented Youth (CTY) test in
Spring 2021, when she was a Grade 5 student
Q. First National Lok Adalat of 2023 held in Which State/UT?

A) Gujarat B) Uttarakhand
C) Jammu & Kashmir D) Himachal Pradesh
Answer : C
✓ Jammu & Kashmir Legal Services Authority organized first National Lok Adalat of the calendar year
2023 throughout the Union Territory.
✓ During the day-long National Lok Adalat, out of a total number of 88,723 cases taken up by 142 Benches
at various courts across the UT, 75,250 Cases were disposed off and an amount of Rs. 45,05,14,697/-
was awarded as compensation/settlement amount in Motor Accident Claims, civil, criminal, labour

disputes, Electricity and Water Bills cases, Land Acquisition, Family matters, cheque dishonour and
Bank Recovery cases.
Q. The National Women’s Day is commemorated in India every year on February 13, to mark the birth
anniversary of whom?
A) Indira Gandhi B) Mother Teresa
C) Sarojini Naidu D) Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit
Answer : C
✓ In India, the National Women’s Day is observed every year on 13 February.
✓ The day commemorates the birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu, the political activist and poet who was
an important figure in India’s struggle for independence from colonial rule..
✓ Sarojini Naidu was born on February 13, 1879.
✓ She earned the title as the Nightingale of India or ‘Bharat Kokila’, by Mahatma Gandhi, because of
colour, imagery and lyrical quality of her poetry.
✓ Apart from being famous for her literary contribution, Naidu is also recognised for her contribution for
women’s equal rights.
Q. The World Radio day is celebrated annually on which day?

A) 11 February B) 13 February
C) 10 February D) 12 February
Answer : B
✓ World Radio Day is celebrated every year on 13 February across the world.
✓ The day is observed every year to raise awareness among the public and media about the importance of
radio and to encourage access to information through radio.
✓ The theme for this 12th edition of World Radio Day - 'Radio and Peace'.
Q. Govt launches app '____' and CMSMS to curb unauthorized mining.

A) UMANG B) MyGov.in
C) Khanan Prahari D) NextGen mParivahan
Answer : C
✓ 'Khanan Prahari' Mobile app to Curb Illegal Mining launched.
✓ The government on 13 February launched a mobile app namely ‘Khanan Prahari’ and a web app Coal
Mine Surveillance and Management System (CMSMS).
✓ It has been launched to report unauthorised coal mining activities so that monitoring and appropriate
action can be taken by the concerned law and order enforcing authority
✓ CMSMS Application
✓ CMSMS has been developed to take transparent action to curb illegal mining and use of space technology
as an e-governance initiative of Government of India
✓ Objective of CMSMS Application
✓ To ascertain the participation of citizens against illegal mining by receipt of complaints of citizens through
Mobile App Khanan Prahari.
✓ Monitoring and taking action on any illegal coal mining activity being carried out within the leasehold
limits.
✓ ''Khanan Prahari' Mobile App
✓ It is a mobile app of the Ministry of Coal to report illegal coal mining.

✓ It is a tool for geo-tagged photographs of any illegal coal mining incident as well as information to any
citizen from the location of the incident.'
Q. India's First AC Double Decker Electric Bus Introduced in Which city?
A) Chennai B) Kolkata
C) Mumbai D) Delhi
Answer : C
✓ India’s first electric AC double-decker bus inaugurated in Mumbai.
✓ The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST) inaugurated the country’s first
electric air-conditioned (AC) double-decker bus on 13 February in Mumbai.
Q. Who will serve as the new president of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) from 2023-
2024?
A) John Peterson B) Dr Rajiv Bahl
C) Aniket Sunil Talati D) Srichand P Hinduja
Answer : C
✓ The Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) 12th Feb 2023 elected its new
president and vice-president for the term 2023-24.
✓ Aniket Sunil Talati has been elected as the president of ICAI and Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal as vice
president.
✓ Aniket Talati is the director of ICAI Accounting Research Foundation (ICAI ARF), Indian Institute of
Insolvency Professionals of ICAI (IIIPI) and Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) India and
the member of various other committees, boards and directorates of ICAI.
✓ Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal has been a chartered accountant for the last 24 years. He is also a Company
Secretary and DISA from ICAI.
✓ Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI)
✓ Headquarters: New Delhi.
Q. The Annual Meeting of Members of the River Cities Alliance (RCA) "DHARA" is being organized in
Which City from 13th - 14th February 2023?
C) Kolkata D) Pune
Answer : D
✓ DHARA - Annual Meeting of Members of the River Cities Alliance to be held In Pune.
✓ A first of its kind two-day international conference, DHARA 2023, is being organised in Pune to discuss
strategies for managing urban rivers.
✓ DHARA stands for -Driving holistic Action for Urban Rivers.
✓ DHARA is the annual meeting of the members of the River Cities Alliance (RCA).
✓ The meeting is being organised by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) in association with
National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) from 13 to 14 February in Pune.
✓ Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will deliver the keynote address on the inaugural
day of the event, while Kaushal Kishor, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, will deliver the
concluding speech on the second day.

✓ DHARA 2023 will provide a forum for commissioners, additional commissioners, chief engineers and
senior planners of the 95 member river cities in India to discuss management and solutions for local water
bodies.
✓ The event has strong synergy with the Urban 20 (U20) initiative under India's G20 Presidency.
✓ River Cities Alliance (RCA)
✓ It was launched in 2021 as a dedicated platform for river cities of India for discussion and exchange of
information for sustainable management of urban rivers.
Q. The 12 Cheetah, which have been brought from South Africa under the cheetah reintroduction
programme, have been released to which reserve?
A) Satpura National Park B) Ranthambore National Park
C) Kuno National Park D) Jim Corbett National Park
Answer : C
✓ 12 cheetahs from South Africa released at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh.
✓ As a part of the Indian government’s ambitious cheetah reintroduction programme, 12 cheetahs, brought
from South Africa, were released at the Kuno National Park (KNP) in Sheopur district of Madhya
Pradesh on February 18, 2023.
✓ Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union Minister for Environment and
Forests Bhupender Yadav released these these fastest land animals into the quarantine enclosures.
✓ From these 12 cheetahs from South Africa, seven are males and five are females.
✓ This is the second set of big cats brought to Madhya Pradesh. The first group of 8 Cheetahs were brought
from Namibia and were released into the KNP on September 17, 2022.
✓ As a consequence, the total count of cheetahs at the KNP has gone up to 20.
✓ What is the Cheetah Reintroduction Plan?
✓ Discussions to bring the Cheetah back to India were initiated in 2009 by the Wildlife Trust of India.
✓ Under the ‘Action Plan for Reintroduction of Cheetah in India’, 50 cheetahs will be brought from African
countries to various national parks over 5 years.
✓ The locally extinct Cheetah-subspecies of India is found in Iran and is categorised as critically
endangered.
✓ Cheetahs became extinct in India in 1952.
Q. The first-ever Nuclear Plant of North India is being set up in which state?
A) Haryana B) Gujarat
C) Uttar Pradesh D) Himachal Pradesh
Answer : A
✓ North India’s first Nuclear Plant being set up in Haryana’s Gorakhpur.
✓ The first Nuclear Plant of North India is set to come up in Gorakhpur village in Fatehabad district of
Haryana.
✓ This information has been given by Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge)
Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel,
Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space.
✓ The Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana’s (GHAVP) will have two units of 700 MWe capacity.
✓ The total allocated funds for the project is 20,594 Cr.
Q. Name the newly appointed and 29th Governor of the state of Himachal Pradesh
A) Hari Shankar Tiwari B) Brij Behari Prasad

C) Shiv Pratap Shukla D) Anant Kumar Singh
Answer : C
✓ Former Union Minister of State for Finance, Shiv Pratap Shukla has been sworn in as the 29th Governor
of Himachal Pradesh.
✓ Shukla was administered the oath of office and secrecy on February 18, 2023, by acting Chief Justice of
Himachal Pradesh High Court Justice Sabina.
✓ He took oath in Sanskrit.
Q. Which Indian firm has signed an MoU with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) for domestic manufacture
and supply of Long Range Artillery Weapon System (LORA) for the Indian Tri-services?
A) Lockheed Martin India Pvt Ltd
B) Bharat Electronics Ltd. (BEL)
C) Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd.
D) Boeing India Pvt Ltd
Answer : B
✓ BEL inks MoU with Israel Aerospace Industries to Manufacture LORA Ballistic Missile For Indian Tri-
Services.
✓ Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Ltd. (BEL) has signed an MoU with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)
for domestic manufacture and supply of its Long Range Artillery Weapon System (LORA) for the Indian
Tri-services.
✓ The state-of-the-art strategic weapon system LORA will be manufactured by BEL, as the prime
contractor, based on the workshare arrangement with IAI.
Q. Who has been appointed as the new Lieutenant Governor (L-G) of the Union Territory of Ladakh?
A) Pema Khandu B) Biswabhusan Harichandan
C) BD Mishra D) Nabam Tuki
Answer : C
✓ Brigadier BD Mishra (Retd.) has been sworn in as the new Lieutenant Governor (L-G) of the Union
Territory of Ladakh.
✓ Brigadier B.D. Mishra (Retd) was administered the oath of office, by the Chief justice of the high court
of J&K and Ladakh Justice N. Kotiswar Singh, on February 19, 2023.
✓ He replaces Radha Krishna Mathur, who served for three years from October 31, 2019, to February 11,
2023.
✓ Mishra is the second LG of Ladakh. Before this, he was the governor of Arunachal Pradesh.
Q. Which team has won the Ranji Trophy 2022-2023?

A) Bengal B) Vidarbha
C) Madhya Pradesh D) Saurashtra
Answer : D
✓ Saurashtra beats Bengal by 9 wickets to lift 2022-23 Ranji Trophy
✓ Saurashtra defeated Bengal by 9 wickets to win the Ranji Trophy 2022-2023 final title on February 19,
2023 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
✓ This is the second time that Saurashtra has won Ranji Trophy title.
✓ Earlier Saurashtra won the title in 2019-20 season, defeating Bengal.

✓ Saurashtra Skipper Jaydev Unadkat was declared Man of the Match.
Q. In India the Soil Health Card Day is observed every year on 19 February to commemorate the launch of
the Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme. In 2023 which edition of SHC day is being observed?
A) 8th B) 4th
C) 2nd D) 6th
Answer : A
✓ Every year India observes the Soil Health Card Day on 19 February to commemorate the launch of the
Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme, and create awareness about the benefits of the scheme. . 2023 marks
the 8th year of the launch of the SHC Scheme. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Soil Health
Card (SHC) Scheme on 19th February, 2015 at Suratgarh in Rajasthan
Q. Name the celebrity who has been roped in as the National Ambassador of Child Rights for UNICEF
India?
A) Akshay Kumar B) John Abraham
C) Preity Zinta D) Ayushmann Khurrana
Answer : D
✓ Unicef India appoints Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana as its National Ambassador of Child Rights
✓ Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana, has been appointed as the National Ambassador of Child Rights
for UNICEF India.
✓ As a National Ambassador, his duties will be to work with UNICEF to ensure the rights of every child-
to survive, thrive, be protected- as well as promoting their voice and agency in decisions that concern
them.
Q. India’s first “Frozen-Lake Marathon” at a height of 13,862 feet will be held in which state/UTs?
A) Puducherry B) Ladakh
C) Jammu and Kashmir D) Kerala
Answer : B
✓ India’s first “Frozen-Lake Marathon” at Ladakh’s Pangong Tso at a height of 13,862 feet will be held on
20 February 2023.
✓ The Indian army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police have been roped in to implement a “proper action
plan” for the event.
✓ The 21-kilometer marathon will be started from Lukung and ended at Maan village.
✓ The event will be participated by 75 selected athletes from India and abroad.
✓ The marathon is being called the “Last Run” to highlight the issue of climate change
Q. Which team has won the FIFA Club World Cup 2022 title?
A) Liverpool B) Al Hilal
C) FC Barcelona D) Real Madrid
Answer : D
✓ Real Madrid has won the Club World Cup 2023 for a record-extending fifth time in the final held in the
Abdellah stadium, Rabat, Morocco.
✓ Real Madrid has defeated Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal by 5-3.
✓ It won the tournament in 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018.

✓ Madrid also won three Intercontinental Cups in 1960, 1998 and 2002; a match between European and
South American champions, which merged with the Club World Cup in 2005.
Q. Anurag Singh Thakur has informed that the Union Cabinet has approved the construction of "Shinku La
Tunnel" in which State/UT?
A) Chandigarh B) Delhi
C) Ladakh D) Arunachal Pradesh
Answer : C
✓ The Union Cabinet on 15 February approved the construction of the 4.1-km Shinkun La tunnel on the
Nimu-Padam-Darcha road link to provide all-weather connectivity to the border areas of Ladakh.
✓ The Cabinet Committee on Security approved the construction of the tunnel which will provide all-
weather connectivity to the Ladakh region with the rest of the country.
✓ The tunnel will be completed by December 2025 at a cost of Rs 1,681 crore.
✓ Another Zojila tunnel is also under construction which is on Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National Highway.
✓ About Shinku La Tunnel
✓ The Shinku-La tunnel will be constructed over the Shinku La Pass at a height of 16,580 feet.
✓ Shinku La is a mountain pass on the border of Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh.
✓ It connects the Zanskar valley of Leh-Ladakh to Lahaul in Himachal Pradesh.
✓ It is situated to the north of Rohtang Pass.
✓ The length of the tunnel will be 4.1 km.
✓ It will be built by the Border Roads Organization (BRO) under Project Yojkar.
Q. Who inaugurated the IFFCO Nano Urea Liquid Plants at Aonla and Phulpur in Uttar Pradesh?
A) Mansukh Mandaviya B) Nitin Gadkari
C) Hardeep Singh Puri D) Nirmala Sitharaman
Answer : A
✓ Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Chemicals and Fertilizers, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya
inaugurated the IFFCO Nano Urea Liquid Plants at Aonla and Phulpur in Uttar Pradesh on 14 February.
✓ Nano Urea will ensure the progress of the farmers in times to come, increasing their income.
✓ In this way it will change the future of Indian farmers.
✓ Nano Urea is the best green technology and provides a solution to pollution.
✓ It protects the soil and also increases the production and hence best for the farmers.
✓ Nano DAP has been approved by the expert committee of the government and it will soon replace DAP.
✓ Nano-DAP will greatly benefit farmers and will be available at half the cost of DAP.
Q. With which country has the Uttar Pradesh government signed an MoU to promote economic
cooperation?
A) Japan B) Singapore
C) France D) Malaysia
Answer : B
✓ For the first time, the Singapore Ministry of Trade and Industry has partnered with the Government of
Uttar Pradesh for economic cooperation.
✓ A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the two parties. This agreement is
in addition to the signed deals at the UP Global Investors Summit.

✓ The agreement also includes a Sustainable Industrial Park, upgradation and digitization of MSMEs,
content development, training pedagogy (pedagogy training), training of trainers, certification as well as
training of government officials.
✓ Singaporean companies and 58 delegates participated in the UP Global Investors Summit held in
Lucknow from February 10 to February 12 , 2023.
Q. What is the name of the new AI chatbot introduced by UIDAI recently?

A) ‘Aadhar Sahyogi’ B) ‘Aadhar Mitra’
C) ‘Aadhar Sathi’ D) ‘Aadhar Madad’
Answer : B
✓ Aadhaar issuing body UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) has launched 'Aadhaar Mitra'
which is a new AI/ML-based chatbot.
✓ With the help of this AI-powered chatbot, one can check Aadhaar enrollment status, track Aadhaar PVC
card status and get information about enrollment centres.
✓ Aadhaar Mitra will provide quick and automated responses.
✓ Currently, this service is available in Hindi and English languages
Q. India’s first National Metro Rail Knowledge Centre to be built in which city?
Answer : B
✓ India’s 1st National Metro Rail Knowledge Centre to be built in Delhi.
✓ A leading infrastructure company in India, GA Infra Pvt Ltd has been awarded the contract for designing
and constructing the country’s first National Metro Rail Knowledge Centre.
✓ Near a projected cost of Rs 460 million, the centre will be built under a public-private partnership (PPP)
model and would be located at the Vishwavidyalaya Metro Station in Delhi.
✓ The building is intended to serve as a hub for information and innovation for the Indian Metro train
networks. It will give all parties involved a platform for dialogue and collaboration.
Q. Recently, the Union government has identified how many pilgrim centers for development under the
Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) Scheme in
Karnataka?
A) 4
B) 3
C) 5
D) 6
Answer : A
✓ The Union government has identified four pilgrim centers for development under the Pilgrimage
Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) Scheme in Karnataka.
✓ Chamundeshwari temple in Mysuru, Sri Madhwa Vana in Udupi district, Papnash temple in Bidar
district, and Sri Renuka Yallamma Temple in Saundatti in Belagavi district have been selected under the
scheme.
✓ The heritage sites of Hampi and Mysuru have already been selected under Swadesh Darshan Scheme.
✓ Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD).

✓ The Government of India launched the PRASAD scheme in the year 2014-2015 under the Ministry of
Tourism. This scheme focuses on developing and identifying pilgrimage sites across India for enriching
the religious tourism experience. Under this scheme the Central government provides assistance to the
state government.
Q. The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST) has inaugurated the country’s
first electric air-conditioned (AC) double-decker bus in which city?
A) Pune B) Nagpur
C) Mumbai D) Hyderabad
Answer : C
✓ India’s first electric AC double-decker bus inaugurated in Mumbai
✓ The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST) has inaugurated the country’s
first electric air-conditioned (AC) double-decker bus in Mumbai.
Q. Who has been appointed as the new coach of the Indian boxing team?
A) Muhammad Ali B) Dmitry Bivol
C) Dmitry Dmitruk D) Josh Taylor
Answer : C
✓ Veteran boxing coach Dmitry Dmitruk was roped in by the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) as India’s
foreign coach on a two-year contract.
✓ Renowned coach Dmitruk was known for his work with the Irish national team and its youth teams in
the past.
✓ He served as the high-performance coach in Ireland for the last 12 years.
✓ He will work with both men and women boxers alongside the Indian coaches, including men’s chief
coach C.A. Kuttappa and women’s head coach Bhaskar Bhatt
Q. Who has launched the book “Modi: Shaping a Global Order in Flux”?
A) Rajnath Singh B) Draupadi Murmu
C) Amit Shah D) J P Nadda
Answer : D
✓ BJP national president J P Nadda has launched a book “Modi: Shaping a Global Order in Flux” in
Chanakyapuri, Delhi.
✓ This book is going to open a debate on how PM Modi has taken a decision which has changed India’s
image worldwide. It’s necessary to understand what was the image of India before Modi ji came to power.
✓ Book is forwarded by Union External Affair Minister S. Jaishankar. Editors are Sujan Chinoy, Vijay
Chauthaiwala, and Uttam Kumar Sinha.
Q. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the ‘Barisu Kannada Dim Dimava’ cultural festival in
which city?
C) New Delhi D) Bengaluru
Answer : C
✓ Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated ‘Barisu Kannada Dim Dimava’ cultural festival at
Talkatora Stadium, New Delhi.

✓ Barisu Kannada Dim Dimava’ cultural festival is being organized to celebrate Karnataka’s culture,
traditions and history.
✓ It is in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’.
✓ The festival, being held under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, will provide an opportunity to
hundreds of artists to showcase Karnataka cultural heritage through dance, music, drama, and poetry
etc.
Q. Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Narendra Singh Tomar has inaugurated the four-day
National Horticulture Fair in which city?
Answer : D
✓ Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Narendra Singh Tomar has inaugurated the four-day
National Horticulture Fair in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
✓ The fair is organized to showcase the latest technologies developed by the Indian Institute of Horticultural
Research, Bengaluru, under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), for the benefit of
productive farmers.
✓ Horticulture production has increased 13 times from 25 million tonnes in 1950-51 to 331 million tonnes
during 2020-21, which is more than the food grain production. Constituting 18% of the area, this sector
contributes about 33% of the gross value to the agricultural GDP.
✓ The sector is being considered as a driver of economic growth and is gradually turning into an organized
industry linked to seed trading, value addition and exports
Q. Which state became the first state to use robotic scavengers to clean manholes?
A) Karnataka B) Maharashtra
C) Uttar Pradesh D) Kerala
Answer : D
✓ Kerala to become first State to use robotics tech extensively for manhole cleaning..
✓ Kerala government on 24 February launched robotic scavenger, Bandicoot, to clean sewages in temple
town of Guruvayur, becoming the first state in the country to use robotic technology to clean all its
commissioned manholes
✓ Water Resources Minister Roshi Augustine launched Bandicoot under Guruvayur sewerage project in
Thrissur district by Kerala Water Authority.
✓ Now Kerala has become the first state in the country to have robotic scavengers to clean manholes.
Q. The 9-day World Book Fair 2023 will be held from 25th February to 5th March 2023 at Pragati Maidan,
New Delhi. What is the theme of the World Book Fair 2023?
A) Gandhi: The Writers’ Writer B) Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav
C) National Education Policy D) Indigenous Voices
Answer : B
✓ The 9-day mega book fair will be held from 25th February to 5th March 2023 at Pragati Maidan, New
Delhi.
✓ It is being organized by the National Book Trust, an autonomous organization of the Government of
India under the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with India Trade Promotion Organization.
✓ The book display will also include titles on topics such as history, art, and culture.
✓ The theme for this year’s NDWBF 2023 is ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’.

✓ It is dedicated to the people of India for creating a platform that promotes progressive ideas about the
country’s socio-cultural, political, and economic identity.
Q. Which has become the first US city to ban Caste Discrimination?
A) Seattle B) Boston
C) New York D) San Francisco
Answer : A
✓ Seattle has created history become the first city in the US to bring in legislation banning caste-based
discrimination.
✓ Introduced in the Seattle City Council by member Kshama Sawant (District 3, Central Seattle),
✓ The anti-discrimination law, passed 6-1, states that caste-based discrimination transcends national and
religious boundaries and without such a law, those who face caste discrimination would not be protected.
Q. Who has been appointed as the new Secretary General by FICCI?
A) Shailesh Pathak B) Arun Kumar
C) Jayant Sinha D) Ajay Singh Parmar
Answer : A
✓ The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has appointed former IAS
officer Shailesh Pathak as its new General Secretary.
✓ FICCI was established in the year 1927, it is the oldest apex trade organization.
✓ Its headquarters are located in New Delhi.
✓ It is a non-governmental, non-profit organization.
✓ Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI)
✓ Formation : 1927
✓ Founder : Ghanshyam Das Birla
✓ Purshottamdas Thakurdas
✓ Secretary General : Dilip Chenoy
✓ President : Subhrakant Panda
Q. The National Science Day is commemorated every year in India on which day?
A) 25 February B) 28 February
C) 27 February D) 26 February
Answer : B
Q. What is the theme of National Science Day 2023?
A) Global Science for Youth B) Global Science for Global Wellbeing
C) New Technology for Future D) Global Innovation for Future
Answer : B
✓ Bharat Ratna Awardee and Great Scientist Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman in the field of Physics
made an important discovery of the “Raman Effect” on 28 February 1928.
✓ To give importance and respect to this day, National Science Day is celebrated every year in the whole
country.
✓ Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman was awarded the Nobel Prize in the year 1930 for this discovery.
✓ The theme of National Science Day 2023 is "Global Science for Global Welfare".

✓ World Science Day is observed on 10 November; Theme of World Science Day 2022: Basic Sciences for
Sustainable Development.
Q. Which cabinet has approved the Mukhyamantri Ladli Behna Yojana to empower women at every level?
A) Gujarat
B) Bihar
C) Uttarakhand
D) Madhya Pradesh
Answer : D
✓ Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that the cabinet approved the
Mukhyamantri Ladli Behna Yojana which will empower women at every level.
✓ The country cannot be strong without half of the population, so it has been decided that under the
Mukhyamantri Ladli Behna Yojana that Rs 1000 a month will be deposited in the account of our sisters,
irrespective of their class or caste, whose age is above 23 years.
✓ CM Chouhan added that the old age pension scheme was applicable for those above 60 years of age. The
women used to get Rs 600 a month under the scheme, now additional amounts would be added in it and
it would be made a minimum of Rs 1000 a month. In this way, sisters above 60 years would get Rs 1000
every month.
✓ This Yojana is for families with an annual income of up to Rs 2.5 lakh
Q. Japanese hotel chain, Hotel Management International (HMI) Company Limited is developing 30 hotels
in Which State with an investment of ₹7,200 crore?
Answer : D
✓ The representatives of Japan in GIS also praised the changed atmosphere of Uttar Pradesh. Investors
signed MoU for the investment of Rs 7,200 crores. At the summit, the Japanese company "Hotel
Management International Company Limited (HMI Group)" decided to open hotels in 30 cities
including Agra, Ayodhya, and Varanasi.
Q. National Protein Day is observed across the nation on?
A) 25th February B) 26th February
C) 27th February D) 28th February
Answer : C
✓ National Protein Day' is celebrated every year on 27 February in the country. Right to Protein, a national
level public health initiative, organised the first ever Protein Day in India on february 27, 2020.
✓ National Protein Day Theme 2023 : Easy Access to Protein for All
✓ The main purpose of organising this day is to spread awareness regarding the nutritional benefits of
protein
✓ Requirement of protein in human body:
✓ Protein strengthens the body's immunity, and the body is able to function smoothly
✓ POSHAN Abhiyaan:
✓ It is a flagship program of the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development.
✓ POSHAN Abhiyaan (POSHAN: Prime Minister's Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nutrition) was
launched in March 2018 from Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan.

✓ The main objective of this campaign is to meet the nutritional needs of pregnant women, mothers and
children. Apart from this, its goal is also to remove anaemia in children and women.
Q. Gulab Chand Kataria was sworn in as the 31st governor of which state?
A) Odisha B) Madhya Pradesh
C) Rajasthan D) Assam
Answer : D
✓ Gulab Chand Kataria was sworn in as the 31st governor of Assam.
✓ Kataria was administered the oath of office and secrecy by Gauhati High Court’s Chief Justice Sandeep
Mehta at a brief ceremony at the Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra here.
✓ Kataria, who was a senior BJP leader, succeeded Jagadish Mukhi after completing his term.
✓ He is an 8-time MLA from Udaipur, Rajasthan is also a member of central working committee of the
BJP.
✓ He was the Home minister in Government of Rajasthan from 2014 till 2018
Q. Which edition of the biennial training ‘Ex DUSTLE 2023’, between the Indian Army and Uzbekistan
Army, is being conducted in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand?
A) 3rd B) 4th
C) 5th D) 7th
Answer : B
✓ The 4th edition of the biennial training ‘Ex DUSTLE 2023’, between the Indian Army and Uzbekistan
Army is being conducted in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand from 20th February to 5th March 2023.
✓ This joint exercise is aimed at enhancing military capability to undertake multi-domain operations in a
Sub Conventional scenario under United Nations Mandate.
✓ The 14th Battalion, the GARHWAL RIFLES, part of Western Command represented the Indian
contingent.
✓ The troops of the North Western Military District represented the Uzbekistan Army
Q. What is the name of the mobile application launched Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to expedite the
process of police verification of passport issuance?
A) mPassport Process App B) Passport Police App
C) mPassport Veification App D) mPassport Police App
Answer : D
✓ The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has launched the ‘mPassport Police App’ to expedite the process
of police verification of passport issuance.
✓ It was launched by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the 76th Raising Day Parade of Delhi Police.
✓ Shah also dedicated 350 mobile tablets to the personnel of the Special Branch of Delhi Police.
✓ The process of verification using tablets is slated to reduce the verification time from 15 days to five days,
which will be a great step towards improving citizen services. This would effectively reduce the passport
issuance timeline by 10 days.
Q. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has laid the Foundation Stone of the
world’s largest and unique Divyang Park – Anubhuti Inclusive Park in which state?
C) Maharashtra D) Himachal Pradesh

Answer : C
✓ Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari laid the Foundation Stone of the
world's largest and unique Divyang Park - Anubhuti Inclusive Park in Nagpur, Maharashtra.
✓ This park is being developed keeping in mind the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to build an
inclusive society.
✓ Instead of sympathy, this park will show empathy, hence this park has been named Anubhuti Divyang
Park.
Q. Seven-year-old Prince Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck has become the first digital citizen of which country?
A) Bhutan B) Nepal
C) Maldives D) Philippines
Answer : A
✓ Seven-year-old Prince Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck has become the country’s first digital citizen.
✓ Prince Jigme is the mountainous country’s first citizen to receive the National Digital Identity (NDI)
mobile wallet.
✓ The launch of Bhutan’s National Digital Identity based on the Self-Sovereign Identity model, is a major
step forward in transforming the way services are delivered in both the public and private sectors.
✓ This flagship initiative of GovTech will provide secure and verifiable digital identities to citizens, laying
a strong foundation for our digital future
Q. Anusuiya Uikey was sworn in as the 16th Governor of which state?
A) Meghalaya B) Manipur
C) Tripura D) Assam
Answer : B
✓ Anusuiya Uikey was sworn in as the 16th Governor of Manipur in Imphal.
✓ Justice MV Muralidaran, Acting Chief Justice of the High Court of Manipur administered the oath of
office to Uikey at Darbar Hall in Raj Bhawan.
✓ Anusuiya Uikey was the governor of Chattisgarh from 29th July 2019 to 12th February 2023.
✓ She became a member of the Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh in 2006
Q. PM Modi recently launched the Jal Jan Abhiyan for water conservation. The campaign is a joint
programme of the Ministry of Jal Shakti with which organisation?
A) Isha Foundation B) Brahma Kumaris
C) Patanjali Yogpeeth D) ISKCON
Answer : B
✓ The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi launched and addressed the ‘Jal-Jan Abhiyan’ via video
message on February 16, 2023.
✓ Jal Jan Abhiyan is a joint nationwide campaign of Brahma Kumaris and the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti.
✓ The Jal-Jan Abhiyan of Brahma Kumaris will give new strength to water security and conservation
through public participation.
✓ The campaign will be held for eight months across the nation, targeting 10 crore people.
Q. Lakshman Prasad Acharya has been sworn in as the new Governor of which state recently?
A) Nagaland B) Arunachal Pradesh
C) Sikkim D) Meghalaya

Answer : C
✓ Senior BJP leader Lakshman Prasad Acharya took oath as the new governor of Sikkim on February 16,
2023.
✓ He is the 15th Governor of Sikkim.
✓ He was administered the oath of office by Sikkim High Court Chief Justice Biswanath Somadder.
✓ Acharya succeeds Ganga Prasad
Q. KAVACH-2023 is a national level hackathon to address cyber security and cybercrime challenges of the
21st century. This programme has been launched jointly by Bureau of Police Research and Development
(BPR&D) in association with which organisation?
A) AICTE B) RBI
C) Reliance D) IIT Delhi
Answer : A
✓ The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) in coordination with Bureau of Police Research
and Development (BPR&D, MHA) and Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C, MHA) has
jointly launched ‘KAVACH-2023’, a national level hackathon, to further advance India’s cyber-
preparedness.
✓ This unique kind of national hackathon aims to identify innovative ideas and technological solutions for
addressing the cyber security and cybercrime challenges of the 21st century faced by our Law
Enforcement Agencies and common citizens.
Q. The Central Water Commission (CWC) has inked an agreement with which institution for the
Development of International Centre of Excellence for Dams (ICED) under DRIP scheme?
A) IIT Madras B) IIT Delhi
C) IIT Hyderabad D) IIT Roorkee
Answer : D
✓ The Central Water Commission (CWC), under the Department of Water Resources, River Development
& Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA)
with the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, for Development of International Centre of Excellence
for Dams (ICED).
✓ This MoA has been signed under Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) Phase II and
Phase III scheme and will remain valid for ten years or till the duration of the DRIP Phase-II and Phase-
II Scheme, whichever is earlier, from the date of signing.
✓ ICED, Roorkee will be set up at a cost of Rs. 109 Crore. This cost will be borne by the Ministry of Jal
Shakti as non-recurring grant in six tranches.
✓ ICED, Roorkee will provide the Indian and overseas dam owners with specialized technical support in
investigations, modelling, research and innovations, and technical support services
Q. Exercise DHARMA GUARDIAN 2023 is which edition of the annual military drill?
A) 4th B) 3rd
C) 6th D) 5th
Answer : A
✓ The 4th edition of the “EX DHARMA GUARDIAN” will be conducted from 17 February to 02 March
2023, at Camp Imazu in Shiga province, Japan. Exercise DHARMA GUARDIAN is an annual joint
military exercise between India and Japan.

Q. Ramesh Bais has recently been appointed as the new Governor of which state?
A) Bihar
B) Gujarat
C) Sikkim
D) Maharashtra
Answer : D
✓ Ramesh Bais has been named as the new Governor of Maharashtra by the President Draupadi Murmu,
as a part of the major Governor reshuffle.
✓ He is the 22nd Governor of Maharashtra.
✓ Before this, 75-years-aged Bais was the Governor of Jharkhand.
✓ He will rePlace outgoing Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari (80), who has opted for a life of
retirement.
Q. Lt General MV Suchindra Kumar has been chosen as the new Vice Chief of Army Staff. He will replace
whom as the new VCoAS?
A) Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta B) Lt Gen NSR Subramani
C) Lt Gen AS Bhinder D) Lt Gen BS Raju
Answer : D
✓ Government has approved the appointment of Lt General MV Suchindra Kumar as the new Vice Chief
of Army Staff.
✓ He will replace Lt Gen BS Raju

BEST MCQ WITH FACTS
JANUARY 2023
Q. According to the Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation, India’s first underwater metro service, the East-West
Metro Corridor project is expected to be completed by which date?
A) December 2023 B) March 2024
C) June 2024 D) October 2023
Answer : A
✓ According to the Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation, India's first underwater metro service, the East-West
Metro Corridor project is expected to be completed by December 2023.
✓ The metro line, which will connect Salt Lake to Howrah via Kolkata with a stretch below the Hooghly
River, is currently operational between Sector V and Sealdah stations.
✓ Of the total 16.55 km length of the project, 9.30 km length between Sector V and Sealdah is operational.
The remaining 7.25 km length is likely to be operational by December 2023.
✓ The twin tunnel down the Hooghly River will be around half a kilometer which will be covered in less
than a minute by the metro train.
✓ The Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation is a Government of India company which is implementing the East-
West Metro Corridor project.
✓ The first metro rail system in India was also started in Kolkata from Dum Dum to Tollygunge in 1984.
Q. Who became the first woman officer to be operationally deployed at the highest battleground in Kumar
Post on the Siachen glacier?
A) Shiva Chauhan B) Pallavi Singh
C) Pooja Singh D) Arpana Singh
Answer : A
✓ Fire and Fury Corps officer Captain Shiva Chauhan became the first woman officer to be operationally
deployed at the highest battleground in Kumar Post on the Siachen glacier.
✓ Siachen Glacier
✓ The Siachen glacier lies in the Karakoram Range .It is 75 km (47 miles) long, which makes it the second
longest nonpolar glacier in the world, after Fedchenko Glacier in Tajikistan.
✓ Strategic Significance of Siachen Glacier .
✓ The Siachen Glacier is the highest battleground on earth, where India and Pakistan have fought
intermittently since 1984. The Glacier is of strategic significance for India namely.
✓ Operation Meghdoot was launched by the Indian Armed Forces to take control of Siachen Glacier on
the morning of April 13, 1984 before the Pakistani army did so.
Q. Who is the composer of the Golden Globe Award-winning song “Naato Naato” from the movie RRR?
A) Rahul Sipligunj B) Chandrabose
C) A.R. Rehman D) MM Keeravani
Answer : D
✓ South Cinema's film RRR has created history at the 80th 'Golden Globe Awards 2023' award ceremony,
the film's Telugu song 'Naatu Naatu' has won the Best Song award
✓ 'Naatu Naatu' is the first Indian song to win this prestigious award.

✓ The song was composed by MM Keeravani and sung by Kaala Bhairava and Rahul Sipligunj.
✓ In the 'Golden Globe Awards 2023' award, the film 'RRR' received nominations in two categories,
including 'Best Film - Non-English' and the other 'Best Original Song - Motion Picture'.
✓ 'RRR' directed by Rajamouli is based on nationalism and brotherhood.
✓ It stars famous actors Ram Charan and Jr. NTR in lead roles.
✓ The two play real-life Indian revolutionaries Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem in the film.
✓ The film is based on a fictional story set in the pre-independence era.
✓ Earlier in the 'Foreign Language' category, the films 'Salaam Bombay!' (1988) and 'Monsoon Wedding'
(2001) were nominated. Both these films were directed by Mira Nair and both the films are completely
different from 'RRR'.
Q. SS Rajamouli’s film RRR has won Best Original Song for which song at the 80th ‘Golden Globe Awards
2023’ award ceremony?
A) Komuram Bheemudo B) Raamam Raaghavam
C) Janani D) Naatu Naatu
Answer : D
✓ South Cinema’s film RRR has created history at the 80th ‘Golden Globe Awards 2023’ award ceremony
Q. India will send three men 6,000 metres below sea level to search for mineral resources under the
Samudrayaan mission. Under this mission, what is the name of the vehicle that the manned submersible
vehicle will be sent for deep underwater studies?
A) VAGSHEER 6000
B) VELA 6000
C) MATSYA 6000
D) KARANJ 6000
Answer : C
✓ India will send three men six thousand metres below sea level to search for mineral resources under the
✓ Earth Sciences Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said, a vehicle named MATSYA 6000 will carry three people
and this mission is expected to be realized in the next three years.
✓ The vehicle is being designed and developed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology, Chennai.
✓ It can bear 12 hours under normal operation and 96 hours under emergency for human safety.
✓ PM Narendra Modi mentioned the Deep Ocean Mission in his Independence Day address for two
consecutive years in 2021 and 2022.
✓ About Samudrayaan Mission
✓ It is a part of the Deep Ocean Mission.
✓ It was announced by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) with ISRO's Gaganyaan
mission.
✓ It aims to develop a self-propelled manned submersible to carry 3 humans to a depth of 6000 meters in
the ocean with scientific sensors and equipment for deep sea exploration.
✓ Under this mission, a manned submersible vehicle named MATSYA 6000 will be sent for deep
underwater studies.
✓ What is the Deep Ocean Mission?
✓ It was approved by the Ministry of Earth Sciences in June 2021.
✓ It aims to explore deep sea marine resources, develop deep sea technology for sustainable utilization of
ocean resources and support the blue economy initiatives of the Government of India.

✓ The cost of the mission is about Rs 4,077 crore over a period of five years and will be implemented in
phases
Q. Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) ICG ship 'Kamala Devi' was commissioned at Kolkata. This Fast Patrol Vessel
(FPV) has been designed, built and delivered by which organization?
A) Hindustan Shipyard B) Cochin Shipyard
C) Mazagon Dock D) Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers
Answer : D
✓ Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) ICG ship 'Kamala Devi' was commissioned on 12 January in Kolkata, the
capital of West Bengal.
✓ This Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) designed, built and delivered by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers
(GRSE) Ltd to the Indian Coast Guard.
✓ A passenger-cum-cargo ocean going ferry 'MV Ma Lisha' built by the shipyard for the Republic of Guyana
was also flagged off.
✓ About ICG Kamla Devi
✓ ICG Kamla Devi is 48.9 meters long and 7.5 meters wide with a displacement of 308 tonnes.
✓ It is capable of a top speed of 34 knots and an endurance of over 1,500 nautical miles, with three engines
and water jets.
✓ ICGS Kamla Devi will patrol the seas and undertake anti-smuggling, anti-poaching and search and
rescue operations when required.
✓ About MV Ma Lisha
✓ It has been designed and built by GRSE and will be housed at Chennai, a semi-submersible vessel MV
Sun Rise for the long voyage to Guyana.
Q. Who become the first woman officer of the Border Roads Organization (BRO) to be posted on a foreign
project?
A) Abhilasha Barak B) Arti Sarin
C) Surabhi Jakhmola D) Lance Naik Manju
Answer : C
✓ Captain Surabhi Jakhmola, an officer of the 117 Engineer Regiment of the Indian Army, has become the
first woman officer of the Border Roads Organization (BRO) to be posted on a foreign project.
✓ BRO has deployed Surabhi for Project Dantak in Bhutan.
✓ The Indian Air Force recently deployed Squadron LeaderAvani Chaturvedi, a woman fighter pilot, to
Japan for Veer Guardian 2023 training.
Q. Which movie has won the 28th Critics' Choice Awards 2023 for Best Foreign Language Film and Best
Song?
A) RRR B) Pushpa: The Rise
C) K.G.F: Chapter 2 D) Baahubali 2: The Conclusion
Answer : A
✓ SS Rajamouli's film 'RRR' won the 28th Critics' Choice Awards 2023 for Best Foreign Language Film
and Best Song.
✓ The film 'Rise, Roar, Revolt' ie RRR recently received the Golden Globe Award for the song 'Naatu
Naatu'.
✓ The film also won the Critics' Choice Award for Best Song for the song 'Naatu Naatu'.
Q. The Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum (WEF) is held in which city?

A) Geneva B) Zurich
C) Davos D) Lausanne
Answer : C
✓ The five-day annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) begins on 16 January 2023 in Davos,
Switzerland. It is the 53rd edition of the World Economic Forum which will be organised till 20 January
2023.
✓ The theme of the meeting of the 53rd edition of the World Economic Forum is 'Cooperation in a
Fragmented World'.
✓ The main topics of discussion in the meeting are likely to be discussed like the Ukraine crisis, global
inflation, climate change etc
✓ World Economic Forum (WEF)
✓ WEF is a Swiss non-profit organisation.
✓ Establishment: 1971
✓ Headquarters: Cologny (Switzerland).
✓ Founder and Executive Chairman: Klaus Schwab.
✓ Chairperson: Borge Brende
✓ Major reports published by WEF
✓ Global Gender Gap Report
✓ Global Risk Report
✓ Global Travel and Tourism Report
✓ Energy Transition Index (ETI)
✓ Global Competitiveness Report
Q. What is the theme of the meeting of the 53rd edition of the World Economic Forum 2023?
A) Cooperation in a Fragmented World B) Working Together, Restoring Trust
C) The State of the World D) Redefining capitalism
Answer : A
✓ The theme of the meeting of the 53rd edition of the World Economic Forum is 'Cooperation in a
Fragmented World'.
Q. Who has won the Miss Universe 2022 title at the 71st Miss Universe pageant?
A) R Bonnie Gabriel B) Amanda Dudamel
C) Anderina Martinez D) Debanjali Kamstra
Answer : A
✓ America's R'Bonnie Gabriel won the Miss Universe 2022 title at the 71st Miss Universe pageant.
✓ Amanda Dudamel of Venezuela was declared the first runner up while Anderina Martinez of Dominican
Republic became the second runner up.
✓ R Bonnie Gabriel, 28, is a model, fashion designer and sewing instructor. She is the first American of
Filipino descent to win Miss USA.
✓ The 71st Miss Universe pageant was held in the city of New Orleans in the US state of Louisiana.
✓ India's Harnaaz Sandhu was crowned Miss Universe 2021, the third Indian to win the crown after
Sushmita Sen (1994) and Lara Dutta (2000).
Q. Which film has won the Golden Globe 2023 Best film in the Motion pictures (Drama) category?
A) The Fabelmans B) West Side Story
C) Being the Ricardos D) The Power of the Dog

Answer : A
✓ The 80th edition of the annual Golden Globe Awards event, took place on January 10, 2023, to honor
the best in American and international film and American television of 2022.
✓ The Golden Globe Awards 2023 honored the best in American television, as well as film in 2021 and
early 2022, as chosen by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
✓ The film ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’ received most nominations, leading with eight.
✓ Meanwhile, for the first time, India bagged the Golden Globe award. India received the award for the
song “Naatu Naatu,” from the film “RRR” directed by SS Rajamouli in the Best Original Song category.
✓ The song has been composed by veteran music director MM Keeravaani and voiced by singers Kala
Bhairava and Rahul Sipligunj.
✓ Important winners List Golden Globe Awards 2023
✓ Best Film (Drama) – The Fabelmans
✓ Best Actor (Drama) – Austin Butler for Elvis as Elvis Presley
✓ Best Actress (Drama) – Cate Blanchett for Tár as Lydia Tár
✓ Best Director : Steven Spielberg for The Fabelmans
✓ Best Original Song : “Naatu Naatu” (M. M. Keeravani and Chandrabose) for RRR
✓ Best Non-English Language Film : Argentina, 1985 (Argentina)
✓ Best Drama Series Television - House of the Dragon
Q. Who won the Best Director - Motion Picture at the Golden Globes 2023 for his semi-autobiographical
film 'The Fabelmans'?
A) James Cameron B) Baz Luhrmann
C) Steven Spielberg D) Sam Mendes
Answer : C
Q. Which television series won Best TV Series - Drama at the Golden Globe Awards 2023?
A) The Morning Show B) House of the Dragon
C) Succession D) Squid Game
Answer : B
Q. NCERT has notified India’s first National Assessment Regulator ‘PARAKH’ recently. What is the
meaning of the second ‘A’ in ‘PARAKH’?
A) Analysis B) Achievement
C) Appraisal D) Assessment
Answer : A
✓ Recently the National Council of Education Research and Training (NECRT) has notified India's first
National Assessment Regulator "PARKH" with the aim of setting up assessment guidelines for all
boards.
✓ PARAKH stands for Performance Appraisal, Review and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic
Development.
✓ It will act as a component of NCERT.
✓ It is also entrusted with the task of conducting periodic learning outcome tests like National Achievement
Survey (NAS) and State Achievement Survey.
✓ This framework will also act to check the emphasis on rote learning as envisaged by the National
Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
✓ National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)

✓ President : Dharmendra Pradhan
✓ (Minister of Education)
✓ Director : Dr. Dinesh Prasad Saklani
✓ Motto Sanskrit : विद्यया अमत ृ मश्नुते
✓ Motto in English : Life eternal through learning
✓ Type : Autonomous body
Q. The World Economic Forum (WEF) has chosen which city to set up its Center for the Fourth Industrial
Revolution focused on healthcare and life sciences?
A) Bengaluru B) Hyderabad
C) Chennai D) New Delhi
Answer : B
✓ The World Economic Forum (WEF) has chosen Hyderabad to set up its Center for the Fourth Industrial
✓ The announcement was made after the Telangana government and the World Economic Forum signed
a cooperation agreement during the Forum's annual meeting in Davos recently.
✓ The collaboration agreement was signed by Jeremy Jurgens, Managing Director, WEF and Sakthi
Nagappan, Chief Executive Officer, Telangana Life Sciences Foundation.
✓ Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) Telangana will be an autonomous, non-profit
organisation that will focus on healthcare and life sciences.
✓ C4IR is the 18th centre to join the 4th Industrial Revolution Network of Telangana Forum, which is
spread across four continents
Q. Which airport has won the ‘Best Sustainable Greenfield Airport’ award under aviation sustainability and
environment at ASSOCHAM’s 14th International Conference-cum-Awards for Civil Aviation 2023?
A) Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru
B) Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
C) Cochin International Airport, Kochi
D) GMR Goa International Airport, Goa
Answer : D
✓ Goa Manohar International Airport wins Best Sustainable Greenfield Airport Award.
✓ A subsidiary of GMR Airports Infrastructure, GMR Goa International Airport (GGIAL) has won the
‘Best Sustainable Greenfield Airport’ award under aviation sustainability and environment at
ASSOCHAM’s 14th International Conference-cum-Awards for Civil Aviation 2023.
✓ The award was presented for “outstanding initiatives” taken by Goa International Airport Limited
(GGIAL) in implementing sustainability.
✓ The criteria of awards are contribution, innovativeness, applicability, relevance and impact potential in
their respective areas.
Q. The fifth Kalvari class submarine INS Vagir has been inducted into Indian Navy. The submarine has
been built by which company?
A) Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited
B) Hindustan Shipyard Limited
C) Cochin Shipyard

D) Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers
Answer : A
✓ The fifth Kalvari class submarine "Vagir" will be commissioned (commissioned) by the Indian Navy on
23 January 2023.
✓ The 6 Kalvari class submarines are being built in India by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL)
Mumbai in collaboration with M/s Naval Group, France.
✓ Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar will attend the event as the chief guest.
✓ The first four Kalvari class submarines have already been commissioned into the Indian Navy.
✓ Formerly Vagir was commissioned on 01 November 1973 and decommissioned on 07 January 2001 after
three decades of service.
✓ Again 'Vagir' submarine which was launched on 12 Nov 20 has the distinction of being completed in the
shortest construction time among all indigenously built submarines so far.
✓ It was handed over to the Indian Navy by M/s MDL on 20 December 2022.
✓ It is capable of attacking underwater or on the surface with torpedoes and tube-launched anti-ship
missiles.
✓ Five other Kalvari class submarines.
✓ INS Kalvari - It was launched on 27 October 2015 and commissioned on 14 December 2017.
✓ INS Khanderi - It was launched on 12 January 2017 and commissioned on 28 September 2019.
✓ INS Karanj - It was launched on January 31, 2018 and commissioned on March 10, 2021.
✓ INS Vela - It was launched on 6 May 2019 and commissioned on 25 November 2021.
✓ INS Vagsheer - It was launched in April 2022
Q. Who has been sworn in as the 41st Prime Minister of New Zealand?
A) Carmel Sepuloni B) Chris Carlson Cook
C) Jacinda Ardern D) Chris Hipkins
Answer : D
✓ New Zealand's ruling Labor Party on 22 January elected Chris Hipkins as its leader and the country's
41st prime minister, replacing Ms Jacinda Ardern.
✓ Hipkins was the only candidate for the position and was confirmed by 64 MPs in what is known as the
Labor caucus.
✓ Known as "Chippy", Hipkins played a key role in the response to COVID-19.
✓ He was first elected to Parliament in 2008 for the Labor Party.
✓ New Zealand
Q. Which State/UT tableau won the best tableau award for Republic Day 2023?
A) Uttarakhand
B) Maharashtra
C) Uttar Pradesh
D) Andhra Pradesh
Answer : A
✓ Uttarakhand tableau which showcased the state’s wildlife and religious sites at the 74th Republic Day
parade has won the top prize.

✓ Uttarakhand won the first prize for its tableau, followed by Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh in the second
and third positions respectively.
✓ Uttarakhand’s tableau showcased the state’s wildlife and religious sites during the ceremonial parade at
Kartavya Path on January 26.
✓ In the foreground of the tableau, reindeer, deer and various birds were shown roaming in the world-
famous Corbett National Park.
✓ The tableau of Maharashtra on Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav presented “Sade Tin Shaktipithe” and “Nari
Shakti”, while that of Uttar Pradesh
Q. Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah has laid the foundation stone of the Central Detective
Training Institute (CDTI) at which state recently?
A) Karnataka B) Madhya Pradesh
C) Tamil Nadu D) Rajasthan
Answer : A
✓ Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah has laid the foundation stone of the Central Detective
Training Institute (CDTI) at Devanahalli in Karnataka.
Q. Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has inaugurated the first phase of the
New Zuari Bridge in which state?
A) Odisha B) Madhya Pradesh
C) Goa D) Uttar Pradesh
Answer : C
✓ Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has inaugurated the first phase of the
New Zuari Bridge across River Zuari connecting Bambolim in North Goa to Verna junction in South
Goa.
✓ Located on NH-17/NH-66 on the Panjim-Mangalore section in the state of Goa, the bridge will reduce
the travel time between North and South Goa by minimizing the traffic blockades between the
Bambolim-Agasaim-Cortalim-Sancoale to Verna Junction.
Q. According to Reporters without Borders (RSF), a total of 1,668 journalists have been killed worldwide in
connection with their work of journalism over the past two decades (2003–2022). Which of the following
country has the highest death tolls?
A) Syria B) Kuwait
C) Qatar D) Saudi Arabia
Answer : A
✓ According to Reporters without Borders (RSF), a total of 1,668 journalists have been killed worldwide in
connection with their work of journalism over the past two decades (2003–2022), due to murders,
contract killings, ambushes, war zone deaths, and fatal injuries.
✓ The report says that on average every year 80 journalists lost their lives. The total killed since 2000 is
1,787.
✓ The annual death tolls peaked in 2012 and 2013 with 144 and 142 journalists killed, respectively.
✓ These peaks, due in large measure to the war in Syria, were followed by a gradual fall and then historically
low figures from 2019 onwards.
✓ They are followed by Afghanistan, Yemen, and Palestine. Africa has not been spared, with Somalia
coming next.

Q. India has assumed the presidency of the plenary of the Wassenaar Arrangement for how many years
from 1 January 2023?
A) 1 year B) 2 year
C) 3 year D) 4 year
Answer : A
✓ India has assumed the chairmanship of the plenary of the Wassenaar Arrangement for one year on 1st
January 2023.
✓ At the 26th annual plenary of the Wassenaar Arrangement, Eoin O’Leary (Ireland’s ambassador) has
handed over the chairmanship to Jaideep Mazumdar (India’s ambassador).
✓ Jaideep Mazumdar is the permanent representative to the UN and international organizations in Vienna.
✓ India joined the Wassenaar Arrangement (WA) on 08 December 2017 as its 42nd Participating State.
✓ About Wassenaar Arrangement
✓ The Wassenaar Arrangement was established in July 1996 at Wassenaar, Netherlands. It is a voluntary
export control regime of 42 member countries. The member countries exchange information on transfers
of conventional weapons and dual-use goods and technologies.
✓ The main aim of the Wassenaar agreement is to discourage its member countries from exporting
conventional weapons and dual-use goods and technologies to countries which are a threat to global
peace.
Q. Droupadi Murmu inaugurated Samvidhan Udyan, Mayur Stambh, National Flag Post, statues of
Mahatma Gandhi and Maharana Pratap at which city?
A) Chennai B) Bengaluru
C) Jaipur D) Ahmedabad
Answer : C
✓ The President of India, Droupadi Murmu inaugurated Samvidhan Udyan, Mayur Stambh, National Flag
Post, statues of Mahatma Gandhi and Maharana Pratap at Raj Bhavan, Jaipur on January 3, 2023.
✓ On the occasion, she virtually inaugurated the Transmission System for Solar Power Sectors in Rajasthan
and laid the foundation stone of the 1000 MW Bikaner Solar Power Project of SJVN Limited
✓ The President said that women are continuously moving forward from Panchayat to Parliament House
on their own.
Q. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Siom bridge along with 27 other infrastructure projects
completed by the Border Roads Organization in which state?
A) Sikkim B) Himachal Pradesh
C) Arunachal Pradesh D) Uttarakhand
Answer : C
✓ Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Siom bridge along with 27 other infrastructure projects
completed by the Border Roads Organization in Arunachal Pradesh on 3 January.
✓ Built at a cost of Rs 724 crore, these projects will vastly enhance India's border infrastructure, mostly
along the Chinese border, from Ladakh to Arunachal.
✓ The Siom bridge onAlong-Yinkiong road will facilitate rapid induction of troops, heavy equipment like
howitzers and mechanised vehicles in forward areas of Upper Siang district, Tuting and Yinkiong areas
along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Q. The Government of India sponsored the proposal for International Year of Millets (IYM) 2023 which
was accepted by the __.

A) UNESCO
B) United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
C) United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
D) United Nations Trusteeship Council (UNTC)
Answer : C
✓ The year 2023 is being observed all over the world as the International Year of the millets. The
Government of India aims to make the International Year of the millets a ‘People’s Movement’ and
position India as the ‘Global Hub for Millets’. India is the largest producer of millets in the world
✓ The Government of India proposed to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to declare 2023
as the International Year of the Millets.
Q. Which of the following organization has builds the K9-Vajra tracked self-propelled howitzers?
A) DRDO B) HAL
C) Larsen & ToubroD) BHEL
Answer : C
✓ Defence Ministry has started the process for procurement of 100 more K9-Vajra tracked self-propelled
howitzers which are built in India by Larsen & Toubro (L&T).
✓ The howitzers are built using technology transferred from South Korean defence major Hanwha Defense.
The K9-Vajra is a 155 mm, 52-calibre tracked self-propelled howitzer.
Q. The incubation Centre at the National Research Development Corporation has been inaugurated in
which city?
C) New Delhi D) Bengaluru
Answer : C
✓ Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister for Science and Technology, has inaugurated the Incubation Centre
at the National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) in New Delhi.
✓ The Centre will provide StartUps with multifaceted assistance
Q. Who sworn in as 39th president of Brazil?
A) Jair Bolsonaro B) Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva
C) Fernando Haddad D) Simone Tebet
Answer : B
✓ Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has been sworn in as the 39th president of Brazil following the 2022 Brazilian
general election.
✓ 77-year-old Lula narrowly defeated Jair Bolsonaro in October to win an unprecedented third presidential
term after a hiatus that saw him spend a year and a half behind bars on corruption convictions that were
later overturned
Q. Which state received the largest outlay in the total expenditure of Rs 13,000 crore on cleaning the Ganga
since 2014?
A) Bihar

B) Uttar Pradesh
C) Uttarakhand
D) West Bengal
Answer : B
✓ The Union government spent more than Rs 13,000 crore on cleaning the Ganga since 2014.
✓ The Ganga Council recently met in Kolkata and Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the meeting
through video conference.
✓ Uttar Pradesh received the largest outlay among states at 4,205 crore. Bihar is in second place at 3,516
crores.
✓ Bengal (1,302 crore), Delhi (1,253) and Uttarakhand (1,117) are the other regions in the top five states
Q. Koustav Chatterjee has recently become the 78th Chess Grandmaster of India. He hails from which state?
A) Maharashtra B) Tamil Nadu
C) Karnataka D) West Bengal
Answer : D
✓ 19 year old Koustav Chatterjee of West Bengal became India’s 78th chess Grandmaster, securing the
third and final GM norm at the MPL 59th National Senior Chess Championship 2022 being held in New
Delhi. He is the 10th Grandmaster from West Bengal.
Q. Who assumed the charge as the Secretary General of the Asian Pacific Postal Union (APPU)?
A) Vinay Prakash Singh B) Ravindra Bhat
C) Ashok Kumar Pradhan D) Abhishek Singhvi
Answer : A
✓ Dr Vinay Prakash Singh assumed the charge as the Secretary General of the Asian Pacific Postal Union
(APPU) on 1 January 2023.
✓ This is the first time that an Indian is leading an international organization in the postal sector. Dr Singh
will remain in office for 4 years
✓ Asian Pacific Postal Union (APPU) is an intergovernmental organization of 32-member countries of the
Asian-Pacific region. APPU is the only Union of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in the region, which
is a specialized agency of the United Nations.
✓ The headquarters of the Asian Pacific Postal Union is in Bangkok, Thailand.
Q. Who has launched the world's longest river cruise, which will travel from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh
to Dibrugarh in Assam via Bangladesh?
A) Draupadi Murmu B) Nitin Gadkari
C) Narendra Modi D) Hardeep Singh Puri
Answer : C
✓ Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the world's longest river cruise, which will travel from
Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh to Dibrugarh in Assam via Bangladesh on 13 January 2023. This will be the
single largest river journey by a single river ship in the world.
✓ The cruise, which has been named ‘Ganga Vilas cruise will cover 4000 Kilometers along 27 river systems,
including Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly, Brahmaputra, and West Coast Canal in 50 days
✓ The Ganga Vilas cruise will start from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh to Dibrugarh in Assam via Bangladesh.
In Bangladesh it will cover an 1100 Kilometers route before entering India again.

✓ This will be possible under the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route, which has already opened trade and
transit channels connecting the two countries on Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers.
✓ 50 significant tourist destinations will be visited throughout the journey, including some historical
monuments, the iconic Varanasi Ganga Aarti, and protected areas like Kaziranga National Park, Assam
and the Sundarbans Delta in West Bengal during the cruise.
✓ The journey will cover 3,200 km (1,988 miles) in 51 days and pass through 27 river systems in India and
Bangladesh.
✓ This luxury cruise will cover a distance of more than 3,200 km in 27 river systems in 5 states of India and
Bangladesh.
✓ A 51-day cruise trip to 50 tourist destinations, including world heritage sites, national parks, river ghats,
and major cities like Patna in Bihar, Sahib Ganj in Jharkhand, Kolkata in West Bengal, Dhaka in
Bangladesh and Guwahati in Assam has been planned.
Q. Which country has became the first country in Asia and second in the world to launch Hydrogen
powered urban trains?
A) France B) India
C) Russia D) China
Answer : D
✓ China became the first country in Asia and second in the world to launch Hydrogen powered urban
trains. Germany was the first country to introduce hydrogen powered trains in September 2022.
✓ Chinese company CRRC Corporations ltd built a train that has a top speed of 160 KM per hour and can
run without refuelling for 600 Km . The German Coradia iLint serial train developed by French company
Alstom has set a record 1175 Km range without refuelling.
✓ According to the Chinese officials, the operation of the train will reduce CO2 emissions compared to
diesel traction by 10 tons per year.
✓ Hydrogen powered Trains
✓ Hydrogen is considered to be the green fuel of the future. The Hydrogen fuel cell is environment friendly
and it does not emit any greenhouse gasses. The hydrogen fuel cell uses hydrogen and air to generate
electricity. The combination of air and hydrogen will produce water as a by-product which will be
released by the Train.
✓ India is committed to achieve zero net carbon emission by 2070.
Q. The second phase of the Sari Festival “VIRAASAT”- Celebrating 75 handwoven Saris of India will begin
from 3- 17 January 2023 in which city?
A) Chennai B) Mumbai
C) New Delhi D) Hyderabad
Answer : C
✓ The second phase of the Sari Festival “VIRAASAT”- Celebrating 75 handwoven Saris of India will begin
from 3- 17 January 2023 in New Delhi . The Union Ministry of Textile is organising the festival.
✓ Over 90 participants from different parts of India the will display a wide variety of sarees like handloom
Saris of Jamdani, Ikat, Pochampally, Banaras Brocade, Tussar Silk (Champa), Baluchari, Bhagalpuri
Silk, Tangail, Chanderi, Lalitpuri, Patola, Paithani etc.
✓ The first phase of “VIRAASAT”- Celebrating 75 handwoven Saris of India started on 16th December
2022 and concluded on 30th December 2022. The event was inaugurated by Hon’ble Finance Minister
Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman on 16th December 2022, along with Hon’ble Minister of State Smt. Darshana
Jardosh and other women parliamentarians

Q. Which city will become the first city in India to have hundred per cent sewerage facilities by May 2023?
A) Chennai B) New Delhi
C) Mumbai D) Hyderabad
Answer : D
✓ Hyderabad to become India’s first city with 100% sewerage facilities by May 2023 .
✓ According to the Minister of Municipal Administration and Urban Development, IT and Industries of
Telangana, K. T. Rama Rao said that Hyderabad will become the first city in India to have hundred per
cent sewerage facilities by next April-May.
✓ He made this statement on 1 January 2023 while inaugurating a flyover in Hyderabad.
✓ He said that 31 new Sewage treatment plants (STP) are being built in the city with an investment of Rs
₹3,866 crores.
Q. SMART’ program for Ayurveda professionals launched to regulate and boost research and development
in Ayurveda. What does R stands for in SMART ?
A) Return B) Refinance
C) Risk D) Research
Answer : D
✓ In order to regulate Ayurvedic medical education and boost the research and development in Ayurveda,
the government has launched ‘SMART’ (Scope for Mainstreaming Ayurveda Research in Teaching
Professionals) program on 2 January 2023.
✓ The SMART program has been jointly launched by the Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) and the
Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS). Both the Institutions come under the
Union Ministry of Ayush.
Q. Which railway station has been awarded a 5- star ‘Eat Right Station’ certification by the Food Safety and
Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for providing quality and nutritious food to passengers recently?
A) Gorakhpur railway station B) Sealdah railway station
C) Bangalore City Railway Station D) Varanasi Cantt Railway Station
Answer : D
✓ The Varanasi Cantt railway station has been awarded a 5- star ‘Eat Right Station’ certification by the
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for providing quality and nutritious food to
passengers.
✓ The “Eat Right Station” certification is awarded by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
(FSSAI) to the railway stations that set benchmarks (as per the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006) in
providing safe and wholesome food to passengers.
✓ The 5-star rating indicates full compliance by the station to ensure safe and hygienic food is available to
passengers.
✓ The other railway stations with this certification include Anand Vihar Terminal Railway Station (Delhi),
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Mumbai), Mumbai Central Railway Station (Mumbai), Vadodara
Railway Station, Chandigarh Railway Station.
Q. Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar has inaugurated the three-
day ‘North East Krishi Kumbha-2023’ in which state?
A) Manipur B) Meghalaya

C) Mizoram D) Nagaland
Answer : B
✓ Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar has inaugurated the three-
day ‘North East Krishi Kumbha-2023’ in Meghalaya.
✓ He also participated in the 49th Foundation Day celebration of the ICAR Research Complex for NEH
Region, Umiam.
Q. How many monuments out of 3,693 centrally protected monuments of India have gone missing, as per
the report of the Ministry of Culture?
A) 30 B) 40
C) 50 D) 20
Answer : C
✓ 50 of India’s 3,693 centrally protected monuments have gone untraceable, which flagged a matter of
grave concern.
✓ The report titled ‘Issues relating to Untraceable Monuments and Protection of Monuments in India’ was
submitted to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism, and Culture on December
8.
✓ According to the Ministry of Culture report titled ‘Issues relating to Untraceable Monuments and
Protection of Monuments in India’ submit to the Parliamentary Standing Committee, 50 of India’s 3,693
centrally protected monuments have gone missing.
✓ Rapid urbanization has engulfed 14 monuments. As many as 12 monuments have been submerged by
the construction of reservoirs and dams, while 24 have gone missing.
✓ The missing monuments include: 11 in Uttar Pradesh, two each in Delhi and Haryana, and in states like
Assam, West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Q. Bandhan Bank has launched its ‘Jahaan Bandhan, Wahaan Trust’ campaign. Who is the brand
ambassador of this campaign?
A) Virat Kohli B) Sourav Ganguly
C) Suryakumar Yadav D) KL Rahul
Answer : B
✓ Bandhan Bank has launched its ‘Jahaan Bandhan, Wahaan Trust’ campaign featuring cricketer Sourav
Ganguly as its brand ambassador.
✓ This is the first time that Bandhan Bank has appointed a pan-India brand ambassador.
✓ The campaign was conceptualized by Leo Burnett Orchard, which was brought in as the bank’s creative
agency in August 2022.
✓ The marketing campaign will be visible across TV, print, out-of-home (OOH), cinema, and digital media.
Q. Which state has won the UN-Habitat’s World Habitat Awards 2023 for Jaga Mission, a 5T initiative of
the state?
A) Odisha B) Assam
C) Meghalaya D) Kerala
Answer : A
✓ Odisha won the UN-Habitat World Habitat Awards 2023 for the state's 5T (Transparency, Technology,
Teamwork, Time, Transformation) initiative Jaga Mission

✓ Jaga Mission is a land ownership and slum upgradation program aimed at empowering the lives of slum
dwellers.
✓ Under the leadership of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the Odisha government has set an ambitious
target of becoming the first slum-free state in India.
✓ The state of Odisha is spearheading the Jaga Mission program to upgrade all 2,919 slums.
✓ Earlier in 2019, Odisha's Jaga Mission received the World Habitat Award for its success in providing
land security for slum dwellers.
✓ World Habitat is a charity organisation recognized by the United Nations Department of Public
Information
Q. Who won the best director award at New York Film Critics Circle?
A) Prashanth Neel B) Hanu Raghavapudi
C) SS Rajamouli D) Ayan Mukherji
Answer : C
✓ The New York Film Critics Circle awarded SS Rajamouli Best Director.
✓ The actor came to the event with members of his family. His film, RRR, received two Golden Globe
nominations in 2023.
✓ SS Rajamouli is creating history with his favorite project, RRR, starring Jr NTR and Ram Charan, which
has won multiple honors in the West
Q. The 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas (PBD) will be held in which city?
A) Indore B) Ahmedabad
C) Chennai D) Dehradun
Answer : A
✓ The 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention is being organized in partnership with the Madhya
Pradesh Government from 08-10 January 2023 in Indore.
✓ Theme 2023 : The theme of this PBD Convention is "Diaspora: Reliable partners for India’s progress in
Amrit Kaal”
✓ The convention will feature addresses by the Chief Guest, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the President of
Republic of Guyana, and the Special Guest of Honour, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, President of the
Republic of Suriname..
Q. ‘Bailey Suspension Bridge’ has been inaugurated in which state/UT?
A) Arunachal Pradesh B) Jammu and Kashmir
C) Assam D) Karnataka
Answer : B
✓ In Jammu and Kashmir Defence Minister Rajnath Singh virtually launched the Bailey Suspension Bridge
across the Chenab River.
✓ The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) constructed the 240-foot-high Bailey Suspension Bridge a month
ahead of schedule.
Q. The Gaan Ngai festival of the Zeliangrong community has been celebrated in which state?
A) Nagaland B) Tripura
C) Meghalaya D) Manipur
Answer : D

✓ The Gaan Ngai festival is one of Manipur’s major festivals, which is celebrated every year after
harvesting.
✓ This festival also marks the end of the year when the farmers have stored their foodgrain in their ganeries.
✓ During the festival, the Zeliarong community shows their gratitude by offering to the almighty a good
harvest and praying for a better and prosperous life in the coming year.
✓ It is a custom to produce new fire by rubbing dry wood and split bamboo pieces and distributing them to
every household on the day of the festival to mark the beginning of the New Year.
✓ The Zeliangrong community comprises Rongmei, Liangmei, and Zeme tribes.
Q. Which state government has launched the Chief Minister’s Residential Land Rights scheme
(Mukhyamantri Awasiya Bhu Adhikar Yojana)?
A) Uttar Pradesh B) Madhya Pradesh
C) Haryana D) Gujarat
Answer : B
✓ Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has launched the Chief Minister’s Residential
Land Rights scheme (Mukhyamantri Awasiya Bhu Adhikar Yojana) in a programme organized at the
Bagaj Mata temple complex in Tikamgarh district.
✓ The objective of this scheme is to provide free plots to the poor living in rural areas for building their
houses.
✓ Under the scheme, plots worth about 129 crore rupees were distributed to 10 thousand 918 families of
Tikamgarh district.
✓ The land will be given completely free of cost and along with the plot, the benefits of all other schemes
will also be provided.
Q. Who has chaired the Annual General Meeting of the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library Society in
New Delhi?
A) Amit Shah B) Piyush Goyal
C) Narendra Modi D) Amit Shah
Answer : C
✓ Prime Minister Narendra Modi has chaired the Annual General Meeting of the Nehru Memorial
Museum and Library Society in New Delhi.
✓ He underlined the need to widen the scope of research on modern Indian history by involving individuals
and institutions to create awareness about the country’s past.
✓ He also emphasized the need for institutions in the country, in general, to create their well-audited and
researched recorded memory for the benefit of the present as well as future generations.
✓ The PM mentioned that the 200th birth anniversary of Swami Dayanand Saraswati, the founder of Arya
Samaj, is in 2024
Q. Who is the author of the book titled ‘Ambedkar: A Life’?
A) Shashi Tharoor B) Chetan Bhagat
C) Arundhati Roy D) Arvind Adega
Answer : A
✓ A book titled ‘Ambedkar: A Life’, authored by Shashi Tharoor has been launched at the Kitaab Kolkata
event.
✓ The event was organized by Prabha Khaitan Foundation (PKF) at the ITC Sonar presented by Shree
Cement.

✓ The event was attended by bibliophiles young and old, members of Ehsaas Women and FICCI FLO.
✓ The biography of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar is neither the first one nor the last, but Shashi
Tharoor’s meticulously-researched work adds a new perspective to one of India’s most revered icons and
an intellectual giant.
✓ Other notable books of Shashi Tharoor – India: From Midnight to the Millennium (1997), Riot: A Love
Story(2001), Why I Am A Hindu (2018), The Paradoxical Prime Minister (2018)
Q. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has recently unveiled a 120 feet tall statue of a polo player in which
state?
A) Meghalaya B) Manipur
C) Tripura D) Nagaland
Answer : B
✓ Union Home Minister Amit Shah has unveiled a 120-feet-tall statue of a polo player riding a pony at
Marjing Polo Complex in Manipur’s Imphal East district.
✓ Northeastern state Manipur is considered as the birthplace of polo sports. The state is epicentre of the
game.
✓ According to Guinness World Records, polo’s origins in Manipur with having history of around 3100
BC, when it was played as Sagol Kangjei.
✓ This is the highest monument in the northeast.
✓ This massive statue would popularise Manipur, the home of polo, and increase tourist traffic.
Q. According to the Cirium report 2022, which airport has made it to a list of the top 10 performing global
airports?
A) Cochin International Airport, Kochi
B) Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru
C) Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
D) Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad
Answer : B
✓ Tracking performance of airports and airlines, Cirium issued a list of the top-performing global airports
of 2022 in which Bangalore’s Kempegowda International Airport won the 2nd rank, whereas Delhi’s
Indira Gandhi International Airport acquired the 7th spot.
✓ While Kempegowda International Airport saw on-time departure for 84.08% of 201,897 flights, Delhi’s
IGI witnessed 81.84% on-time departure for 411,205 flights.
✓ The top 5 Rankings for best-performing global airports of 2022 according to Cirium’s report are as
follows–
1. Haneda Airport Tokyo, Japan
2. Kempegowda International Airport Bangalore, India
3. Salt Lake City International Airport Utah, US
4. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport Michigan, US
5. Philadelphia International Airport Pennsylvania, US
6. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Minnesota, US
7. Indira Gandhi International Airport Delhi, India
8. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Washington, US
9. El Dorado International Airport Bogota, Colombia
10. Charlotte Douglas International Airport North Carolina, US
Q. Which state celebrated the traditional Cherchera festival at Dudhadhari Math in the state?

A) Chhattisgarh B) Madhya Pradesh
C) Bihar D) Odisha
Answer : A
✓ Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel celebrates the traditional Cherchera festival at Dudhadhari
Math in the state capital Raipur.
✓ The traditional Cherchera festival is celebrated on the full moon night of ‘Paush’ Hindu calendar month
in the happiness of taking the crops to their homes after cultivation.
✓ According to mythological belief, on this day Lord Shankar begged from Mata Annapurna, so people
used to donate green vegetables along with paddy on this day.
Q. Who is the author of the book “Revolutionaries: The Other Story of How India Won Its Freedom”?
A) Shashi Tharoor B) Chetan Bhagat
C) Sanjeev Sanyal D) Ramesh Kandula
Answer : C
✓ Noted economist and popular historian Sanjeev Sanyal released his new book titled “Revolutionaries:
The Other Story of How India Won Its Freedom”.
✓ It is based on the revolutionary movements related to the struggle for Indian Independence.
✓ Some of Sanyal’s books include – Land of the Seven Rivers, The Ocean of Churn, India in the Age of
Ideas, and The Indian Renaissance.
Q. Who has become the79th chess Grandmaster of India?
A) Prithu Gupta B) Parimarjan Negi
C) Raunak Sadhwani D) M Pranesh
Answer : D
✓ Tamilnadu’s M Pranesh (16) has clinched the title in the Rilton Cup, the first tournament of the FIDE
Circuit, here to become India’s 79th chess Grandmaster
✓ After beating GM Frode Olav Olsen Urkedal of Norway, Pranesh attained the required 2500 ELO ratings
and won the Rilton Cup in the final round to claim the title.
✓ With this, he also becomes India’s first Grandmaster of year 2023.
Q. Who has been elected as the Speaker of the US House of Representatives?

A) Nancy Pelosi B) Kevin McCarthy
C) Paul Ryan D) John Boehner
Answer : B
✓ Republican leader Kevin McCarthy has been elected as the speaker of the US House of Representatives.
✓ He was serving as the House Minority Leader in the House
✓ The US Parliament has elected Kevin McCarthy of the Republican Party as the speaker of the House of
Representatives after 15 rounds of voting. McCarthy is the 55th speaker of the US House of
Representatives.
✓ Kevin McCarthy, 57, has replaced Nancy Pelosi, 82, the leader of the Democratic Party in the House of
Representatives.
✓ Kevin McCarthy has become thethird most senior US position after US President Joe Biden and Vice
President Kamala Harris

Q. India will host a special virtual Summit on 12th and 13th of January 2023 called ‘Voice of Global South
Summit’. What is the theme of this summit?
A) Unity of Voice, Unity of Purpose B) Cohesive and Responsive
C) Stability, Shared Security D) Realizing Opportunities
Answer : A
✓ India will host a special virtual Summit on 12th and 13th of January 2023 called ‘Voice of Global South
Summit’.
✓ The theme of the Summit is ‘Unity of Voice, Unity of Purpose. More than 120 countries have been invited
for this summit.
✓ The initiative is inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka
Vishwas and Sabka Prayas and India’s philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
✓ The summit is India’s attempt to provide a common platform to discuss concerns affecting developing
countries.
✓ India will work to ensure that the valuable inputs generated by participating countries in the Voice of the
Global South deliberations receive due cognizance globally.
Q. In which state of India, the world’s first palm-leaf manuscripts museum has been inaugurated?
A) Kerala B) Karnataka
Answer : A
✓ World’s first Palm-leaf Manuscript Museum in Thiruvananthapuram.
✓ Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala has opened the world’s first museum of palm leaf manuscripts, enriching
the state culturally and educationally.
✓ The museum, which opened last week, has 187 manuscripts chronicling a mine of stories based entirely
on primary sources.
✓ These documents are written on clean and clear palm leaves, which are furnished in the record rooms.
In that period these palm leaves were treated before writing the description.
✓ The museum is a repository of curious nuggets of administrative, socio-cultural and economic facets of
the Travancore kingdom which lasted for 650 years till the end of the 19th century.
✓ It had been the Central Vernacular Records Office since 1887 before becoming a museum.
Q. Which state government has begun caste surveys in different parts of the State?
A) Bihar B) Jharkhand
C) Odisha D) Uttar Pradesh
Answer : A
✓ The Bihar government has started caste surveys in different parts of the state on 7th January.
✓ Chief Minister Nitish Kumar clarified that castes will be listed along with the economic status of each
family and not sub-castes.
✓ The economic condition of each family will be duly mentioned in the survey.
✓ This caste survey will help in taking the required measures for the upliftment of the deprived sections.
✓ In the first phase, the number of all the families of the state will be counted and recorded.
✓ In the second phase of the survey to be held from April 1 to 30, data will be collected regarding the people
living in the houses, their caste and socio-economic status.
✓ The survey will end on 31 May 2023. About five lakh people have been employed to carry out this entire
process.
✓ The state government will spend Rs 500 crore from its contingency fund for this exercise

Q. Which University won 'Overall Championship' at youth festival held in Tirupati?
A) University of Madras B) University of Calicut
C) Mahatma Gandhi University D) University of Kerala
Answer : D
✓ University of Kerala bagged the ‘Overall Championship’ at Padma Tarang, the 36th Inter University
South Zone Youth Festival that concluded on a colourful note at Sri Padmavati Mahila Viswa
Vidyalayam (SPMVV) in Tirupati on Saturday (7th January 2023). Mahatma Gandhi University,
Kottayam, came the runners-up.
✓ Championships were awarded in each of the five categories :
✓ Music : MGU Kottayam
✓ Dance : Sri Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit
✓ Fine arts : Yogi Vemana University
✓ Theatre : University of Kerala
✓ Literary events : University of Kerala.
Q. Which Indian state has become the first fully digital banking state?
A) Delhi B) Kerala
C) Gujarat D) Telangana
Answer : B
✓ Kerala has became the first state in the country to go fully digital in its banking service, declared Chief
Minister Pinarayi Vijayan adding that this recognition would boost the state economy.
✓ The Chief Minister also said the ambitious Kerala Fibre Optic Network (K-FON) project of the state
government, which was almost 90 per cent completed, will reduce the digital divide
Q. Who laid the foundation stone of state-owned energy firm SJVN's 1,000 MV Bikaner Solar Power Project
on 3rd Jan 2023?
A) Droupadi Murmu B) Narendra Modi
C) Ram Nath Kovind D) Venkaiah Naidu
Answer : A
✓ President Droupadi Murmu virtually laid the foundation stone of state-owned energy firm SJVN’s 1,000
MW Bikaner Solar Power Project in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
✓ The event was done virtually by the President of India in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
✓ The project is being implemented by SJVN Limited through its owned subsidiary SJVN Green Energy
Limited (SGEL).
✓ The solar power project is being developed on 500 acres near the village of Banderwala, district Bikaner
of Rajasthan. It is one of the highest solar yield areas in India.
✓ The development cost of the Bikaner Solar Power Project is ₹5492 crore and viability gap funding support
of ₹44.72 lacks per megawatt.
✓ The project is scheduled to be commissioned by March 2024.
✓ After commissioning the project will generate 2454.55 million units in the first year and approximately
56838 MU would be generated on a cumulative basis over 25 years.
✓ Commissioning of this project will help the government to achieve the renewable target of 500 GW by
2030
Q. 75th Army Day will be organized in which city this year?
A) Bhopal B) Pune

Answer : C
✓ The Indian Army has announced that the annual Army Day Parade 2023 will be held on 15 January in
Bengaluru, Karnataka as per the Prime Minister's vision to move significant events and festivities out of
the national capital.
✓ Army Day is observed every year on 15 January and till date it was held in New Delhi.
✓ On January 15, 2023, Bengaluru will host the 75th Army Day ceremony.
Q. Which day is marked as World Hindi Day globally every year?
A) January 10 B) January 04
C) January 06 D) January 09
Answer : A
✓ The World Hindi Day is celebrated on January 10 since 2006 to promote the language at the global stage.
✓ The day marks the anniversary of first World Hindi Conference which was inaugurated on January 10,
1975 by the then prime minister Indira Gandhi.
✓ However, the celebration of first World Hindi Day was commenced on 10 January 2006 by former Prime
Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.
✓ In India the National Hindi Day is celebrated on September 14 every year.
✓ Article 343(1) of the constitution declares Hindi in Devanagari script as official language of India..
Q. When is the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (Non-Resident Indian Day) celebrated in India?
A) 08 January B) 07 January
C) 10 January D) 09 January
Anwar : D
✓ Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is celebrated every two years on 9 January to mark the contribution of the
overseas Indian community in the development of India.
✓ Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the three-day 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention and
a digital exhibition on the contribution of overseas Indians in the freedom struggle in Indore, Madhya
Pradesh.
✓ He also released a commemorative postage stamp 'Go Safe, Go Trained'.
✓ The theme of the Convention is "Diaspora: Reliable Partners for India's Progress in the Age of Amrit".
✓ About Pravasi Bhartiya Divas
✓ On January 9, 1915, this day was chosen as Pravasi Bhartiya Divas to commemorate the return of
Mahatma Gandhi to India from South Africa.
✓ Mahatma Gandhi led India's freedom struggle and changed the lives of Indians forever.
✓ Celebration of Pravasi Diwas started in India in 2003.
✓ In the year 2015 it was revised and it was decided to celebrate Pravasi Bharatiya Divas every two years.
Q. What is the rank of India in Henley Passport Index 2023?

A) 90 B) 83
C) 85 D) 89
Answer : C

✓ Japan has retained its position as the most favourable passport in the world, according to the latest Henley
Passport Index, which allows visa-free entry to 193 global destinations
✓ Japan is at the top for the fifth year in a row.
✓ Singapore and South Korea are joint second in the ranking, followed by Germany and Spain and then
several other European nations.
✓ The US was among the top 22 with visa-free access to 186 destinations, matching the likes of Switzerland,
New Zealand and Norway.
✓ Compared to last year India's position has improved by two points. India is at 85th position in the
ranking.
✓ An Indian passport holder can travel visa-free to 59 countries, although in 2022 the number was 60.
✓ Mauritius and Uzbekistan passports are as powerful as India's passports
Q. Which country has topped the Henley Passport Index 2023
A) Singapore B) South Korea
C) Germany D) Japan
Answer : D
✓ Top 5 countries in Henley Passport Index 2023
✓ Top - Japan - (193 destination)
✓ 2- Singapore, South Korea (192 destination)
✓ 3- Germany, Spain (190 destination)
✓ 4- Finland, Italy, Luxembourg (189 destination )
✓ 5- Austria, Denmark, Netherlands, Sweden (188 destination)
✓ 85 - INDIA, Mauritania, Uzbekistan (59 destination
Q. Which state will host the fifth edition of Khelo India Youth Games ?
A) Odisha B) Karnataka
C) Uttarakhand D) Madhya Pradesh
Answer : D
✓ State Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the mascot and theme song for the fifth edition
of Khelo India Youth Games to be hosted by Madhya Pradesh.
✓ State Bank of India (SBI) has extended its sponsorship for Khleo India Youth Games (KIYG) in Madhya
Pradesh.
✓ The mascot of Khelo India Youth Games 2022 is 'Asha'. While the theme song is 'Hindustan Ka Dil
Dhadka Do...' sung by famous singer Shaan
✓ The torch of Khelo India Youth Games was named Amarkantak, on which the figure of Maa Narmada
is also engraved.
✓ Khelo India Youth Games 2022
✓ The Games will be hosted in Madhya Pradesh from 31 January 2023 to 11 February 2023.
✓ For the first time water sports namely Kayaking Canoeing, Canoe Salaam and Fencing will be part of
this edition of Khelo India Games.
✓ The eight host cities designated are Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Gwalior, Ujjain, Maheshwar, Mandla and
Balaghat.
Q. What is the mascot of the fifth Khelo India Youth Games 2023?
A) Dhakad B) Blackbuck
C) Tiger D) Asha

Answer : D
✓ The mascot of Khelo India Youth Games 2022 is 'Asha
Q. Prithvi-II an indigenously developed surface-to-surface short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) was
successfully test-fired from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur in Odisha coast with a range of
approximately_.
A) 250-350 km B) 450-550 km
C) 350-450 km D) 150-250 km
Answer : A
✓ Prithvi-2 was successfully trained on 10 January 2023 from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur off
the Odisha coast
✓ Prithvi-II is an indigenously developed surface-to-surface short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) with a
range of approximately 250-350 km. and it can carry one ton payload.
✓ The Prithvi-II class is a single-stage liquid-fueled missile with a payload of 500–1000 kg. has warhead
mounting capability.
Q. India's star female tennis player Sania Mirza has announced her retirement in January 2023. How many
mixed doubles title has he won so far?
A) 3 B) 2
C) 4 D) 6
Answer : A
✓ India's star female tennis player Sania Mirza has announced her retirement in January 2023. This year's
Australian Open and Dubai Tennis Championships will be her last tournaments
✓ She will play in women's doubles at the Australian Open in January 2023 with Kazakhstan's Ana
Danilina, which will be her last appearance at any Grand Slam.
✓ Sania missed the US Open last year due to an elbow injury.
✓ International Tennis Career of Sania Mirza
✓ Sania has won the mixed doubles title of Australian Open in 2009, French Open in 2012, US Open in
2014.
✓ Apart from this, she has won the 2016 Australian Open, 2015 Wilmington, 2015 US Open title in
women's doubles.
✓ Sania Mirza has won many titles and honours in her career. She has been awarded the Arjuna Award in
Q. Who among the following has received the Dr. Patangrao Kadam award?
A) Salil Parekh B) Adar Poonawalla
C) Jayshree Ullal D) Revathi Advaithi
Answer : B
✓ CEO of Vaccine manufacturer Serum Institute of India, Adar Poonawalla has received the Dr. Patangrao
Kadam award for their contribution in the fight against COVID-19.
✓ Poonawalla is the first one to be conferred with Dr. Patangrao Kadam Memorial Award.
✓ Patangrao Kadam was an Indian politician from the state of Maharashtra and the award has been set up
in his memory.
✓ The vaccines provided by SII during the pandemic showed the country’s strength to the world.
✓ Adar Poonawalla was carrying forward the legacy of his father Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla as SII has
manufactured 160 vaccines

Q. Veer Guardian 2023 Exercise is a maiden bilateral air exercise set to be held between India and which
country?
A) Australia B) Japan
C) Singapore D) Indonesia
Answer : B
✓ Exercise ‘Veer Guardian 2023’ between the Indian Air Force and the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force
(JASDF) will be conducted from January 12 to 26 at Hyakuri air base and Iruma air base in Japan
✓ The aim of the exercise is to strengthen mutual understanding and defence ties between the two air forces.
Q. Ayyanur Ammanur is a festival celebrated by which tribe of Nilgiris?
A) Kuki tribe B) Koya tribe
C) Kota tribe D) Gond tribe
Answer : C
✓ Ayyanur Ammanur' is a festival celebrated by the Kota tribe of the Nilgiris.
✓ During this festival, this tribe collects clay to make pottery. The pot-making ceremony is held once every
two years.
✓ After making an earthen pot, they open their temple and then prepare food in this earthen pot and serve
it to the whole village.
Q. Renowned sand artist Sudarshan Patnaik has recently created the world’s largest hockey sculpture on the
banks of which river in Odisha?
A) Budhabalanga River B) Subarnarekha River
C) Baitarani River D) Mahanadi River
Answer : D
✓ Renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik built the world’s largest hockey sculpture on the banks of the
Mahanadi river in Cuttack, Odisha.
✓ He built a 105-feet long hockey stick, using 5000 hockey balls.
✓ To mark the commencement of the Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 that begins on January 13.
✓ He has also been awarded Padma Shri in 2014, for his contribution to sand art.
✓ He also holds the Guinness Record (2017) for building the tallest sand castle at 48 feet.
Q. When is the National Youth Day observed in India?
Answer : D
✓ In India, the National Youth Day is celebrated on 12 January annually.
✓ Purpose: to commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.
✓ The day was declared by the Government of India in 1984.
✓ The event was first celebrated in 1985.
✓ In 2023, we are observing 160th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekanand, who was born on 12 January
1863.
✓ The theme for National Youth Day 2023 is ‘Viksit Yuva Viksit Bharat‘.
✓ The theme of National Youth Day 2023 is "Developed Youth - Developed India".

✓ The National Youth Festival was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 12 in Hubli-
Dharwad, Karnataka.
✓ The theme signifies that if the youth of India is leading on a path of development then only India can be
developed.
✓ Don't Confused
✓ International Youth Day is observed on August 12
✓ National Youth Day is celebrated on 12 January
Q. Whose birth anniversary is celebrated as National Youth Day in India?

A) Rajiv Gandhi B) Swami Viveknand
C) Maj. Dhyan Chand D) Bhagat Singh
Answer : B
✓ The National Youth Day is observed every year on 12 January to mark the birth anniversary of Swami
Vivekananda.
✓ Swami Vivekananda was born on January 12, 1863 and his childhood name was Narendra Nath Dutt.
✓ He was a chief disciple and monk of Ramakrishna Paramahansa.
✓ He introduced the Indian philosophy of Vedanta and Yoga to the western world.
✓ He earned global fame at the Chicago World Religion Conference in the year 1893 and it was only
through this that Indian spirituality was propagated globally.
✓ Vivekananda had established Ramakrishna Mission and Ramakrishna Math.
Q. What is the theme of National Youth Day 2023?

A) Viksit Yuva-Viksit Bharat
B) Youth Civic Engagement
C) Youth for Rural Development
D) Youth for a Clean and Green Environment
Answer : A
Q. “Ganga Sagar Mela” is held in which Indian state ?
C) Sikkim D) Telangana
Answer : B
✓ Lakhs of pilgrims have started flocking to Sagar Island on the southernmost tip of West Bengal for the
annual Gangasagar Mela, held between January 12 and 14 to celebrate Makar Sankranti.
✓ About Gangasagar Mela
✓ Gangasagar is a place of Hindu pilgrimage. Every year on the day of Makar Sankranti (14 January),
hundreds of thousands of Hindus gather to take a holy dip at the confluence of the river Ganges and Bay
of Bengal and offer prayers (puja) in the Kapil Muni Temple.
✓ The Gangasagar pilgrimage and fair is the second largest congregation of mankind after the triennial
ritual bathing of Kumbha Mela.
Q. PM Modi has inaugurated the 26th National Youth Festival in Karnataka. What is the theme of this
festival?
A) Youth Civic Engagement B) Youth for Rural Development
C) Viksit Yuva-Viksit Bharat D) Youth for a Clean and Green Environment

Answer : C
✓ Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated 26th National Youth Festival, organized in Hubbali
Karnataka from 12th -16th January 2023.
✓ Theme of this event: “Viksit Yuva – Viksit Bharat”. The event also included folk dances and songs.
Q. Which state has launched the 'Soul of Steel' challenge, which aims to test endurance at high altitude?
A) Uttarakhand B) Madhya Pradesh
C) Rajasthan D) Gujarat
Answer : A
✓ The 'Soul of Steel' challenge was launched in Uttarakhand on January 14, which aims to test endurance
at high altitude.
✓ It has been started on the lines of 'Ironman Triathlon' long distance triathlon challenge in Europe.
✓ The effort is being led by Claw Global, a venture and supported by the Indian Army.
✓ Soul of Steel aims at pooling skill sets and creating a challenge that will develop the human ability to
stabilize, survive in high altitude areas.
✓ Apart from life skill training and youth development, it will promote adventure tourism in Uttarakhand
globally.
✓ Initially, there will be 12 Indian participants and six international teams and the age profile to apply is 18
to 30 years.
✓ The locations chosen are generally in the area of Nanda Devi National Park (Uttarakhand), which has
many peaks over 7000 feet.
Q. Name the person who created a world record by typing copies of 81 books backwards, which is called
'mirror writing'?
A) Silvio Berlusconi B) Donatella Versace
C) Michele Santaglia D) Giorgio Armani
Answer : C
✓ According to a report by Guinness World Records (GWR), an Italian man, Michele Santaglia has created
a world record by typing copies of 81 books backwards, which is called 'mirror writing'.
✓ Santaglia types books using four completely blank keyboards without looking backwards.
Q. Which is the host country of COP28 climate summit 2023?

A) Egypt B) Poland
C) Saudi Arabia D) UAE
Answer : D
✓ Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber has been named as the President of the 28th United Nations Climate Change
Conference (COP28) to be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
✓ The COP28 conference will be held in Dubai from 30 November to 12 December 2023.
✓ Al Jaber is currently the UAE's Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology (MOIAT). He has been
serving as the Special Envoy for Climate Change for several years.
✓ He also became the first CEO to be appointed as the President of the COP. Sultan Al Jaber heads the
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), one of the world's largest oil companies.
✓ COP 27
✓ COP 27 was held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt from November 6-18, 2022.
✓ The COP-27 conference was organised by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change (UNFCCC) in Bonn, Germany.

✓ India was represented at the conference by the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate
Change, Bhupendra Yadav.
✓ To mark the occasion, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the United Nations
Development Program (UNDP) jointly launched the campaign "In Our Lifetime" at an event on 14
November 2022.
✓ The theme of COP-27: Delivering for People and Planet.
✓ The first COP was held in 1995 in Berlin, Germany.
✓ COP: Conference of Parties
Q. Who has become the world's first fully digital party?
A) Chinese Communist Party B) Democratic Party
C) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) D) Indian National Congress
Answer : C
✓ Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has become the world's first fully digital party, with data on over three crore
office-bearers from national president to booth level being made available through an app called
Organisational Reporting and Analysis (SARAL).
✓ Founded in 1980, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was a reinvention of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS),
the political wing of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.
✓ The BJS which was formed in 1951 by Shyama Prasad Mookerjee, had established itself as a right-wing
Hindu nationalist party.
✓ Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the first president of BJP.
✓ At present, JP Nadda is the president of BJP.
Q. Sonia Guajajara has been appointed as the first minister of the new Ministry of Indigenous People of
which country recently?
A) Brazil B) Qatar
C) Ethiopia D) Denmark
Answer : A
✓ Brazil’s President-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced Sônia Guajajara as the first minister of the
new Ministry of Indigenous People.
✓ Sonia Guajajara is widely known as the leader of the main group of Brazil’s indigenous tribes and is a
member of the Amazon Guajajara.
✓ She was also featured in Time Magazine’s annual list of the world’s 100 most influential people in 2022.
Q. Which movie has won the 28th Critics' Choice Awards 2023 for Best Foreign Language Film and Best
Song?
A) RRR B) Pushpa: The Rise
C) K.G.F: Chapter 2 D) Baahubali 2: The Conclusion
Answer : A
✓ SS Rajamouli's film 'RRR' won the 28th Critics' Choice Awards 2023 for Best Foreign Language Film
and Best Song.
✓ The film 'Rise, Roar, Revolt' ie RRR recently received the Golden Globe Award for the song 'Naatu
Naatu'.
✓ The film also won the Critics' Choice Award for Best Song for the song 'Naatu Naatu'.
Q. Union Minister of State for Culture Arjun Ram Meghwal has handed over the 9th to 10th century
Nataraja idol to the Archaeological Department of Chittorgarh Fort located in which state?

A) Madhya Pradesh B) Maharashtra
C) Rajasthan D) Gujarat
Answer : C
✓ Union Minister of State for Culture Arjun Ram Meghwal has handed over the 9th to 10th century
Nataraja statue to the Archaeological Department of Chittorgarh Fort, Rajasthan.
✓ The statue, which dates back to the 9th to 10th centuries, was stolen from the Shiva temple at Badoli in
Chittorgarh district in 1998 and sold to a museum in London.
✓ Chittorgarh fort is the largest fort in India. It is located in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan.
✓ Chittor was the capital of Mewar.
✓ Chittor Fort was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 21 June 2013.
✓ This fort was built by the Mauryan dynasty king Chitrangad Maurya in the seventh century.
Q. In which of the following states Maghi Mela is celebrated?
A) Rajasthan B) Punjab
C) Haryana D) Himachal Pradesh
Answer : B
✓ Maghi Mela festival is being celebrated from January 14 in Punjab
✓ The Maghi Mela has been celebrated in the city of Sri Muktsar Sahib in Punjab for centuries in memory
of the 40 Sikh warriors who died fighting the Mughals in the Battle of Khidrana in 1705.
✓ It was only after this war that Khidrana was named Muktsar or Mukti Kund.
Q. Which state has become the first State in India to implement a blindness control policy to ensure the
"right to sight"?
A) Rajasthan B) Gujarat
C) Jharkhand D) Himachal Pradesh
Answer : A
✓ Rajasthan Government implemented the Blindness Control Policy on 13th January. Rajasthan is the 'first
state' in the country to implement this policy with the objective of 'right to sight vision'.
✓ This is an innovative initiative by the Medical and Health Department of the state in the direction of
realising the vision of a healthy Rajasthan in the state.
Q. Which day has been declared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to be observed as ‘National Start-up
Day’ in India?
A) January 15 B) January 17
C) January 18 D) January 16
Answer : D
✓ In order to promote and encourage new businesses in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi
announced on 15 January 2022 that every year 16 January will be celebrated as 'National Startup Day.
✓ In the year 2022, India celebrated the first 'National Startup Day'.
✓ No specific theme has yet been chosen for the celebration of this day.
✓ This year, as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, several events were organised at over
75 locations in the country with an aim to foster the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation by
involving the startup community.

✓ The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the Ministry of Commerce
and Industry have organised 'Startup India Innovation Week' from January 10 to 16.
Q. In which state of India is the “Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu” festival celebrated ?
A) Punjab B) Assam
C) Gujarat D) Bihar
Answer : B
✓ Union Minister of Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on 15 January burn the traditional
Assamese Meji (bonfire) in Guwahati as part of the Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu celebration.
✓ About Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu Festival
✓ Bhogali Bihu which is also known as Magh Bihu is being celebrated in every province in Assam with
great enthusiasm.
✓ This is a festival of farmers. It is celebrated in the month of 'Magha' in the middle of January.
✓ After the annual harvest, it is celebrated with community feasts.
✓ The main attraction of this festival is food. The night before 'Bhogali Bihu' which falls on 15th January
is called 'Uruka' which means the night of feasts.
✓ The villagers build bamboo huts called 'Bhelaghor' or community kitchen where they start with the
preparations for the festival
Q. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has discovered two miniature stupas within the complex of the
world heritage site ‘Nalanda Mahavihara’ in the Nalanda district of Bihar recently. The stupas are around
how many years old?
A) 1300 years old B) 1200 years old
C) 1500 years old D) 1000 years old
Answer : B
✓ Patna Circle of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has discovered two 1200-year-old miniature
stupas during landscaping activities near the Sarai Tila mound within the complex of the world heritage
site 'Nalanda Mahavihara' in Nalanda district of the state.
✓ The figures of Buddha are shown on the stupa carved out of stone.
✓ These stupas carved out of stone depicting figures of Buddha are about 1200 years old.
✓ Such stupas were popular as votive offerings in India as early as the 7th century.
✓ Nalanda Mahavihara site complex
✓ Nalanda was a Mahavihara, a large Buddhist monastery in the ancient kingdom of Magadha (modern
Bihar) in India.
✓ It is considered by historians to be the world's first residential university and one of the largest centres of
learning in the ancient world.
✓ It was established during the Gupta Empire period.
✓ Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
✓ Founded : 1861
✓ Founder : Alexander Cunningham
✓ Director General : V Vidyavathi
✓ ASI is responsible for archaeological research and the conservation and preservation of cultural and
historical monuments in India.
Q. According to a report, till when ISRO's Venus mission 'Shukrayan I' has been postponed?
A) 2025 B) 2030

C) 2027 D) 2031
Answer : D
✓ According to a report, P. Sreekumar, the Satish Dhawan Professor at the Indian Space Research
Organisation (ISRO) and advisor to its space science programme, stated in a talk that the organization
has not yet received approval from the Indian government for the Venus mission and that, as a result, the
mission may be delayed until 2031
✓ The mission was scheduled to launch in December 2024.
✓ The best time to launch from Earth to Venus is once every 19 months or thereabouts. In case it misses
the 2024 window, ISRO has “backup” launch dates in 2026 and 2028. But every eight years, new better
windows present themselves that further cut down on the quantity of fuel needed for takeoff.
Q. According to India Mobile Gaming Report 2022, which state has emerged as the top destination for
mobile gamers?
A) Uttar Pradesh B) Madhya Pradesh
C) Punjab D) Maharashtra
Answer : A
✓ Uttar Pradesh has emerged as the top destination for mobile gamers, followed by Maharashtra,
Rajasthan, Bihar, and West Bengal, according to India Mobile Gaming Report 2022 by gaming platform
Mobile Premier League.
✓ India’s gaming market was worth $SD 2.6 billion in the financial year 2022 and it will reach $8.6 billion
by 2027 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27 percent
Q. Which has acquired the media rights of the Women's Indian Premier League (WIPL) for five years from
2023 to 2027 for Rs 951 crore?
A) Disney Star B) Star Sports
C) Network 18 D) Viacom18
Answer : D
✓ Viacom 18 has acquired the media rights of the Women’s Indian Premier League (WIPL), which will
start from March-April 2023.
✓ Viacom18 has bought the media rights of the women’s IPL for five years from 2023 to 2027 for Rs 951
crore.
Q. Victor Axelsen has won the men's singles Malaysia Open title 2023. He is in which country?
A) Finland B) Spain
C) Switzerland D) Denmark
Answer : D
✓ Two-time world champion and defending Olympic champion Victor Axelsen (Denmark) and world
champion Akane Yamaguchi (Japan) have won the men’s and women’s singles titles respectively in
Malaysia Open Badminton 2023.
✓ Viktor Axelsen of Denmark won the tournament for the second time in a row by defeating Kodai
Naraoka of Japan in the men's singles final.
✓ Japan's Akane, on the other hand, defeated world number four Ahn Se-young of South Korea, 20, to win
the title.
Q. Which player has won the Malaysia Open 2023 women’s singles title?

A) Akane Yamaguchi B) Naomi Osaka
C) Karolína Pliskova D) Ashleigh Barty
Answer : A
Q. India’s first 3x platform wind turbine generators (WTG) have been installed in which state?
A) Rajasthan B) Odisha
C) Telangana D) Karnataka
Answer : D
✓ In Gadag, Karnataka, ReNew Power erected India's first 3x platform wind turbine generators (WTGs).
✓ The new wind turbine generators will be used in the country's first "Round the Clock" renewable energy
project, which will combine wind, solar, and battery energy storage technology (BESS).
✓ This project will generate enough energy to power over 1 million Indian households annually.
Q. Which incubated firm has developed an Indigenous Mobile Operating System named 'BharOS'?
A) IIT Bombay B) IIT kharagpur
C) IIT Kanpur D) IIT Madras
Answer : D
✓ Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras)-incubated firm has developed an Indigenous Mobile
Operating System that can benefit India's 100 crore mobile phone users.
✓ Called 'BharOS,' this software can be installed on commercial off-the-shelf handsets. It provides a secure
environment for users and is a significant contribution towards 'Atmanirbhar Bharat.'
✓ The BharOS was developed by JandK Operations Private Limited (JandKops).
Q. Which of the following film has bagged the ‘Golden Kailasha’ award for the best movie at the 8th edition
of the Ajanta-Ellora film festival?
A) Naanera B) Chidi Balla
C) Taawdo the Sunlight D) Hivade Me Fute Laadu
Answer : A
✓ “Naanera”, a Rajasthani film directed by Deepankar Prakash, bagged the ‘Golden Kailasha’ award for
the best movie at the 8th edition of the Ajanta-Ellora film festival.
✓ “Naanera” also bagged awards for best director, best screenplay, and best editor.
✓ The best picture award, announced by FIPRESCI India jury N Vidyashakar, included a trophy and a
cash prize of Rs one lakh.
✓ Best Actress: Akshatha Pandavapura
✓ Best Actor: Jeetu Kamal (Bengali film: Aparajito)
Q. A rare orange-colored bat was spotted in which National Park in Chhattisgarh?

A) Indravati National Park B) Kanger Valley National Park
C) Gugamal National Park D) Mouling National Park
Answer : B
✓ A 'rare orange coloured bat' known as 'painted bat' has been spotted in a banana plantation in Parali
Bodal village of Kanger Valley National Park in Bastar, Chhattisgarh.

✓ The scientific name of this painted bat is 'Kerivoula picta'. This species has been kept in the category of
globally endangered.
Q. India’s first School of Logistics, Waterways, and Communication has launched in which state?
A) Odisha B) Assam
C) Tripura D) Madhya Pradesh
Answer : C
✓ India’s first School of Logistics, Waterways, and Communication has launched in Agartala, Tripura.
✓ The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal, along with Dr.
Manik Saha, Chief Minister of Tripura, jointly inaugurated the school.
✓ To enable the rich pool of talent in the region to become world-class experts in the transportation and
logistics sector.
Q. Who has defeated Aditya Mehta by 9-6 to win the final of the ‘Baulkline’ NSCI All India Snooker Open
2023?
A) Pankaj Advani B) Laxman Rawat
C) Vidya Pillai D) Geet Sethi
Answer : B
✓ Laxman Rawat of the Petroleum Sports Promotion Board (PSPB) has defeated Aditya Mehta (his fellow
PSPB challenger) by 9-6 to win the final of the ‘Baulkline’ NSCI All India Snooker Open 2023.
✓ Rawat had finished as the runner-up in the previous edition of the tournament, losing to Sourav Kothari
in the final.
✓ Cash prize – Rs 3 lakh (winner) & Rs 1.5 lakh (Runner-up)
✓ About NSCI Snooker Open Crown
✓ The NSCI Snooker Open Crown is a snooker tournament organized by the National Sports Club of India
(NSCI).
✓ The tournament is open to players from all over India and features a best-of-17-frame final.
Q. India’s deepest metro station to be built in which city?
A) Kolkata B) Mumbai
C) Pune D) Kochi
Answer : C
✓ The city of Pune will soon hold the distinction of having the country's deepest underground metro station.
✓ Pune's Civil Court interchange station will be 108.59 feet deep with a ceiling of 95 feet.
✓ It will be used as an interchange facility for an underground station on the Pimpri-Chinchwad-Swargate
route and one elevated route on Vanaz-Ramwadi route and Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar line.
✓ The metro will be completed in February 2023 and will start in March.
✓ The ceiling of the station will be so high that natural sunlight will fall on the floor of the station. Civil
Court Station would be the only station with such a unique feature.
✓ The station is being developed as a commercial complex which will also have a bus station and other
facilities.
✓ The station will be so large that 18 escalators will be required to cover it completely.
✓ Seven entry-exit gates will be installed at Pune Metro Civil Court station.
Q. What is the rank of India in Global Firepower Index 2023?

A) 3rd B) 4th

C) 6th D) 9th
Answer : B
✓ Global Firepower Index is a rating of the military forces of all countries on the planet. The Index ranks
the countries based on their potential military strength.
✓ India is ranked fourth in the index. The Global Firepower Index ranked 145 countries.
✓ The most powerful country in the world is the United States of America, followed by Russia, China, and
India.
✓ Turkey has once again emerged as the most powerful country in the Middle East and North African
region. Turkey has been placed at the 11th position in the global ranking.
✓ Top 10 Countries on Global Power Index 2023
1. USA 2. Russia
3. China 4. India
5. United Kingdom 6. South Korea
7. Pakistan 8. Japan
9. France 10. Italy
Q. Charaideo Maidan in which state has been nominated for UNESCO World Heritage?
A) Bihar B) Assam
C) Meghalaya D) West Bengal
Answer : B
✓ Moidams' nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Site.
✓ Prime Minister Narendra Modi has selected the 'Pyramids of Assam' as the country's sole nomination for
the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site
out of 52 heritage sites.
✓ The Ahom-era 'Moidams' (cemetery of the royal family) in Assam's Charaideo district will be India's only
nomination for recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
✓ The 'Moidams' of the Ahom dynasty at Charaideo were first included in the tentative list of UNESCO
World Heritage Site in April 2014.
✓ 'Moidems' will be nominated in the category of cultural sites.
✓ India currently has 40 World Heritage Sites – 32 of them cultural sites, seven natural sites and one mixed
site.
✓ Currently, Kaziranga National Park and Manas National Park in Assam in the Northeast are among the
seven natural sites while there is no World Heritage Site in the cultural heritage category.
Q. The Ministry of Tourism is participating in FITUR, the world’s largest international travel exhibition in
which country?
A) Sweden B) Spain
C) Netherlands D) Denmark
Answer : B
✓ The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, is participating in FITUR, the world’s largest
international travel exhibition in Madrid, Spain.

✓ India’s participation at FITUR is significant to step up the recovery of inbound tourism to pre-pandemic
levels.
✓ The Ministry of Tourism has taken up 253 square metres of space, with over 30 participants exhibiting
along with the India Pavilion, to participate in the exhibition.
✓ The India Pavilion was inaugurated by Dinesh K Patnaik, Indian Ambassador to Spain.
✓ The first Global Tourism Investors Summit will be organized in New Delhi from 10-12 April 2023.
✓ The first Global Tourism Investors Summit will be organized by the Ministry of Tourism in New Delhi
from 10 to 12 April
✓ Spain
✓ Capital : Madrid
✓ Currency : Euro
✓ Prime Minister : Pedro Sánchez
Q. A Science Literature Festival ‘Vigyanika’ has been organized at the Indian International Science Festival
(IISF) in which city?
A) Lucknow B) Bhopal
C) Indore D) Ahmedabad
Answer : B
✓ A Science Literature Festival ‘Vigyanika’ has been organized at the Indian International Science Festival
(IISF), Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
✓ “Science Literature Festival” is being organized as part of the 8th IISF.
✓ In 2023, IISF is being coordinated and organized by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Ministry of Science
& Technology, and Vijnana Bharati.
Q. According to the report published by Brand Finance, what is the rank of Reliance Jio among the world’s
strongest brands?
A) 7th
B) 9th
C) 8th
D) 6th
Answer : B
✓ Reliance Jio has been ranked as the strongest brand in India and placed 9th among the world’s strongest
brands, according to the report ‘Global 500 – 2023’ published by Brand Finance.
✓ Jio was placed ninth among the world’s strongest brands ahead of brands like EY, Coca-Cola, Accenture
and Porsche, and behind the likes of Google, YouTube, Deloitte, and Instagram.
✓ With a Brand Strength Index of 90.2, Jio is the only brand among the world’s strongest 25 brands,
according to the Brand Finance listing.
✓ The report titled ‘Global 500 – 2023’ is published annually and ranks the world’s most valuable and
strongest brands.
Q. Who has been awarded “the most distinguished scientist of the year 2022” at the Indian Achievers Award
at Vigyan Bhawan?
A) R Vishnu Prassad B) Rakesh Singh
C) Neha Aggarwal D) Dilip Sharma
Answer : A

✓ R Vishnu Prassad has been awarded “the most distinguished scientist of the year 2022” at the Indian
Achievers Award at Vigyan Bhawan in Delhi.
✓ The award recognizes individuals for their outstanding contributions in various fields, including culture,
science, sports, and innovation.
✓ R Vishnu Prassad, a scientist with 69 patents has been honored with the Indian Achievers Award as the
most distinguished scientist of the year by Anurag Thakur.
Q. Who has won the ISA Award 2021-22 for Service to Humanity, a top civilian award of Bahrain?
A) Dr. Ashish Sabharwal B) Dr. Sanduk Ruit
C) Dr. Sanjay Sachdeva D) Dr. Surbhi Anand
Answer : B
✓ Himalayan Cataract Project Co-Founder and noted Nepali ophthalmologist Dr. Sanduk Ruit has won
the ISA Award 2021-22 for Service to Humanity, a top civilian award of Bahrain.
✓ He is fondly called as “God of Sight” to have saved 1,20,000 eyesight who would have otherwise gone
blind in absence of treatment.
✓ The award carries a cash prize of US$1 million, a certificate of merit, and a gold medallion.
✓ He is a recipient of the Padma Shri award, the National Order of Merit of Bhutan, and the Ramon
Magsaysay Award.
✓ In 2016, he was awarded the ‘Asian Game Changer Award.’
Q. The first edition of which of the following exercise between India and Egypt began in Jaisalmer,
Rajasthan?
A) Cyclone I B) Prahaar I
C) Novator KS-172 D) Astra I
Answer : A
✓ The first ever joint exercise between Indian and Egyptian armies “Cyclone-I” is being conducted in
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan from January 14, 2023.
✓ This military exercise conducted in the deserts of Rajasthan will last for 14 days.
✓ Its objective is to promote defense cooperation between the two countries and to share mutual
coordination, operational and professional skills of special forces in the desert area.
Q. India observed Parakram Diwas on January 23 to mark the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra
Bose. In 2022, which anniversary is being celebrated of the great freedom fighter?
A) 127 B) 121
C) 125 D) 126
Answer : D
✓ The birth anniversary of Subhash Chandra Bose on 23 January is celebrated every year as Parakram
Diwas to inspire the people of the country, especially the youth
✓ Parakram Diwas : 126th Birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
✓ Its aim is to work with patience in the face of adversity like Netaji and to inculcate the spirit of patriotism.
✓ It was on this day in 1897, that Neta Ji was born in Cuttack, Odisha
✓ What is Parakram Diwas and why is it celebrated?
✓ To honour and remember Netaji's indomitable courage and selfless service to the nation, the Government
of India decided to celebrate his birthday on 23 January every year as Parakram Divas.
Q. The birth anniversary of which freedom fighter is to be celebrated as “Parakram Diwas” every year?

A) Bhagat Singh B) Lala Lajpat Rai
C) Subash Chandra Bose D) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Answer : C
Q. Who will be the chief guest at the 74th Republic Day function of India?
A) Abdel Fattah El-Sisi B) Aung San Suu Kyi
C) Frank-Walter Steinmeier D) Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Answer : A
✓ According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Egypt President Abdel Fattah El Sisi will be the chief guest
at the 74th Republic Day celebrations.
✓ He will pay a state visit to India from the 24th to the 26th of this month.
✓ This is the first time that the President of Egypt has been invited as the chief guest on the Republic Day
2023 of India.
✓ A 180-member strong contingent of the Egyptian Army will also participate in the Republic Day parade.
✓ The President of Egypt had earlier visited India in October 2015 to attend the 3rd India-Africa Forum
Summit, followed by a state visit in September 2016
✓ President Sisi will have a bilateral meeting and delegation-level talks with PM Modi on bilateral, regional
and global issues of mutual interest.
✓ Abdel Fattah Sisi is a former Army officer who was elected as the president of Egypt t in 2014 and was
re-elected in 2018.
✓ About Republic Day Celebration
✓ Every year Republic day is observed on 26 January. It was on this day the constitution of India was
promulgated in 1950 and India became a republic.
✓ The President of India presides over the Republic day functions. It is customary to invite a foreign country
leader as an honoured guest at the Republic day function.
✓ In 1955 Rajpath (Now Kartavya Path) became the permanent place for the Republic day parade.
✓ The Chief Guest was the Governor-General of Pakistan Malik Ghulam Muhammad.
✓ President of Indonesia, Sukarno was the first guest at 1950 Republic day parade
Q. Which Police Station of Odisha Awarded as the Best Police Station in India 2022?
A) Aska Police Station B) Hinjili Police Station
C) Dharakote police station D) Sheragada Police Station
Answer : A
✓ Aska police station in Ganjam district of Odisha was awarded as number one police station by Home
Minister Amit Shah during the DGSP/IGSP conference 2022 held at National Agricultural Science
Complex, New Delhi.
✓ Aska police station got this title in the annual ranking of police stations for the year 2022.
✓ On this occasion, Aska police station in-charge Inspector Prashant Kumar Sahu was awarded the
prestigious award along with a citation by the Home Minister.
✓ Gangapur police station in Odisha's Ganjam district has been awarded the second best police station
award.
✓ Banbasa police station in Champawat district of Uttarakhand has been selected as the third best station.
Q. Which state government is planning to make the state as the first Green Energy State by the end of 2025?
A) Madhya Pradesh B) Kerala
C) Rajasthan D) Himachal Pradesh

Answer : D
✓ Himachal Pradesh targets to be first ‘green energy state’ by 2025
✓ The Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced that the state
government is planning to make the state as the first Green Energy State by the end of 2025.
✓ The state government would also invest in solar plants and will install 500 MW solar projects during the
year 2023-24.
Q. The Indian Navy has organized a 6-day-long mega biennial tri-services amphibious ‘exercise AMPHEX
2023’ in which state?
A) Mizoram B) Tripura
C) Andhra Pradesh D) Uttarakhand
Answer : C
✓ The biggest tri-services exercise 'AMPEX' 2023 was conducted from January 17 - 22 near Kakinada in
Andhra Pradesh.
✓ Troops of the Indian Army, warships of the Indian Navy and aircraft of the Air Force participated during
the five-day exercise.
Q. Which of the following armed forces is conducting ‘Ops Alert’ exercise?

A) ITBP C) CISF
D) BSF D) ICG
Answer : C
✓ The Border Security Force (BSF) has started an “Ops Alert” exercise with an aim to enhance security
along the India-Pakistan border in the Kutch district of Gujarat and Barmer in Rajasthan.
✓ The ‘Ops Alert’ exercise commenced on January 21 and will continue till January 28 “all along the Indo-
Pak international border from Sir Creek (marshy area) to the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat and Barmer
district of Rajasthan.
✓ It is being carried out to “thwart any ill-designs of anti-national elements” during the Republic Day
celebrations.
Q. Who has been awarded the Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia Lifetime Achievement Award?
A) Dr. Rahul Srivatshav B) Dr. Prabha Atre
C) Dr. Rajiv Dixit D) Dr. Umesh Mishra
Answer : B
✓ Hindustani vocalist & Padma Vibhushan awardee, Dr. Prabha Atre has been awarded the Pandit
Hariprasad Chaurasia Lifetime Achievement Award.
✓ The award was conferred by Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde to her, at a function at Ram Ganesh
Gadkari Rangayatan in Mumbai.
✓ She was also presented with a citation and Rs 1 lakh.
✓ She is an Indian classical vocalist from the Kirana Gharana.
✓ She has been awarded Padma Shri (1990), Padma Bhushan (2002), and Padma Vibhushan (2022) by the
Q. Who is the author of the book titled ‘COACHING BEYOND: My Days with the Indian Cricket Team’?
A) Dhruv Shringi & Sanjay Mohan B) Nishant Pitti & Ashwin Damera

C) Dilip Kumar & Alok Nath D) R. Kaushik & R Sridhar
Answer : D
✓ A book titled ‘COACHING BEYOND: My Days with the Indian Cricket Team’ has been authored by
R. Kaushik & R. Sridhar.
✓ The book reflects on R. Sridhar’s seven-year from 2014 to 2021 coaching tenure with the Indian cricket
team as its fielding coach.
✓ Sridhar, a left-arm spinner who played for Hyderabad in the late 1990s, discovered his love for coaching
when still an active player.
✓ Kaushik is also the co-author of V.V.S Laxman’s autobiography, 281 and Beyond, as well as, Gundappa
Vishwanath’s autobiography, Wrist Assured.
Q. Which day is celebrated as the International Day of Education globally?
Answer : A
✓ The International Day of Education is marked every year on 24 January globally to celebrate the role of
education in bringing global peace and sustainable development..
✓ The first International Day of Education was held in 2019.
✓ The theme of 4th International Day of Education in 2023 is "To invest in people, prioritise education"
✓ The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution on 3rd December 2018, proclaiming January
24 as International Day of Education.
✓ The celebration is led by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Q. In India January 24 is marked as which of these days?
A) National Education Day B) National Women’s Day
C) National Peace Day D) National Girl Child Day
Answer : D
✓ In India the National Girl Child Day (NGCD) is observed annually on January 24 since 2008.
✓ The day was initiated by the Ministry of Women and Child Development to:
✓ Spread awareness among people about all the inequalities faced by girls in the country.
✓ Promote awareness about the rights of a girl child.
✓ Increase awareness on the importance of girl education, health, and nutrition.
Q. Who has been sworn in as the 41st Prime Minister of New Zealand?
A) Carmel Sepuloni B) Chris Carlson Cook
C) Jacinda Ardern D) Chris Hipkins
Answer : D
✓ New Zealand's ruling Labor Party on 22 January elected Chris Hipkins as its leader and the country's
41st prime minister, replacing Ms Jacinda Ardern.
✓ Hipkins was the only candidate for the position and was confirmed by 64 MPs in what is known as the
Labor caucus.
✓ Known as "Chippy", Hipkins played a key role in the response to COVID-19.
✓ He was first elected to Parliament in 2008 for the Labor Party.
✓ New Zealand

Q. The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) 2022 has been conferred upon how many
students?
A) 16 B) 20
C) 11 D) 23
Answer : C
✓ President of India, Droupadi Murmu conferred the “Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar” instituted
by the Ministry of Women and Child Development to 11 exceptional children on 23 January.
✓ This year the award has been given to 11 children from 11 States/UTs, who represent the diversity of the
nation for their exceptional achievements.
✓ This year's awardees include one in the category of bravery and social service, two in the category of
innovation, three in sports and four in art and culture.
✓ Out of 11 awardees, 5 are girls and 6 are boys.
✓ Smriti Zubin Irani also released a book "Young Heroes of India" on Bal Veer during the ceremony, who
presented the first copy to the President of India
✓ Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar.
✓ Every year, the Government of India presents the 'Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar' for
exceptional achievement to children in the age group of 5 to 18 years.
✓ The awards are given to the children for their achievements in 6 categories - Art & Culture, Bravery,
Innovation, Scholastic, Social Service and Sports which are worthy of national recognition.
✓ Each awardee receives a medallion, a cash prize of Rs.1,00,000/-, a certificate and a citation.
Q. For the Aditya L1 project of ISRO, who has made the Visible Line Emission Coronagraph payload?
A) Bhabha B) DRDO
C) Indian Institute of Astrophysics D) HAL
Answer : C
✓ The Visible Line Emission Coronagraph (VELC) payload for the Aditya-L1 mission was handed over to
ISRO by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) on January 26, 2023, at the Centre for Research and
Education in Science and Technology (CREST) Campus at Hosakote, near Bengaluru.
✓ The VELC payload was conceived and built on the CREST site. At URSC, the payload would be
integrated with the satellite.
Q. Prasar Bharti has recently signed an MoU to facilitate content exchange between national media
authorities of which country?
A) Japan B) Germany
C) Egypt D) South Africa
Answer : C
✓ Prasar Bharati and the National Media Authority of Egypt inked an MoU to promote content sharing,
capacity building, and co-productions on January 25, 2023.
✓ The agreement was signed by Anurag Singh Thakur, Minister of Information and Broadcasting, and
Sameh Hassan Shoukry, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Government of Egypt.
✓ The agreements were signed in New Delhi in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

Q. The National Voters’ Day is observed every year on January 25 in India to mark the foundation of the
Election Commission of India (ECI). In 2023 which edition of National Voters’ Day is being celebrated?
A) 17th B) 10th
C) 15th D) 13th
Answer : D
✓ On January 25, 2023, the country's 13th "National Voters' Day" is being celebrated.
✓ An overview of the news
✓ The theme of this year's National Voters' Day (NVD) is 'Nothing Like Voting, I Vote for Sure'.
✓ It was started in the year 2011 in the context of the establishment of the Election Commission of India.
✓ The Election Commission came into existence on January 25, 1950, on the eve of the first Republic Day
of independent India.
Q. The Government of India has declared which day to be observed as the National Tourism Day in the
country?
Answer : D
✓ In India, the National Tourism Day is celebrated every year on 25th January to promote tourism and
raise awareness about the importance of tourism for the country’s economy.
✓ The Indian government established the National Tourism Day to cultivate awareness among the global
community on the importance of tourism and to demonstrate how it affects social, political, financial,
cultural worth and economic values worldwide..
✓ The theme for National Tourism Day 2022 is ‘Rural and Community Centric Tourism’.
✓ The World Tourism Day is observed worldwide on September 27 since 1980.
Q. What is the theme for the National Voters’ Day in 2023?

A) No Voter to be Left Behind
B) Making Our Voters Empowered, Vigilant, Safe and Informed.
C) Electoral Literacy for Stronger Democracy
D) Nothing Like Voting, I Vote for Sure
Answer : D
Q. Who is the author of the book titled “India’s Knowledge Supremacy: The New Dawn”?
A) Rajnish Kumar B) Ashwin Fernandes
C) Pooja Singh D) Ramesh Kandula
Answer : B
✓ A new book titled “India’s Knowledge Supremacy: The New Dawn” written by Dr. Ashwin Fernandes
was released globally.
✓ This book was launched by Minister of Education of India Dharmendra Pradhan, at an event at Dr.
Ambedkar International Centre.
✓ This New book launched focuses on India’s knowledge supremacy, journey showcasing changing trends
in newly emerging India.

✓ The book is published by Bloomsbury Publishing, a leading independent publishing house, established
in 1986, with authors who have won the Nobel, Pulitzer and Booker Prizes, and is the originating
publisher and custodian of the Harry Potter series.
Q. Which state has celebrated the 3rd edition of the annual Orange Festival 2023?
A) Manipur B) Tripura
C) Meghalaya D) Nagaland
Answer : D
✓ Nagaland has celebrated the 3rd edition of the annual Orange festival 2023 at Rusoma village, under
Kohima district.
✓ The Festival is being organized by the department of Horticulture, Agriculture, Rural Development,
Land Resources and Kohima Smart City.
✓ The Festival is conceptualized to recognize the hard work of orange growers while facilitating them the
market linkages to sell their produce.
✓ Popular Festivals of Nagaland
✓ Hornbill festival
✓ Moatsu festival
✓ Ngada festival
✓ Monyu festival
✓ Aoleng Festival
Q. Which railway station has been awarded the ‘Green Railway Station Certification with the highest rating
of Platinum’ by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) for adopting green concepts?
A) Visakhapatnam Railway Station B) Lucknow Railway Station
C) Jaipur Railway Station D) Patna Railway Station
Answer : A
✓ Visakhapatnam railway station of East Coast Railway has been awarded the ‘Green Railway Station
Certification with the highest rating of Platinum’ by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) for
adopting green concepts.
✓ Visakhapatnam is one of the few railway stations to get this prestigious certificate. Visakhapatnam
secured 82 out of 100 points in six environmental categories.
✓ The Green Railway Station Rating System has been developed by the Environment Directorate of Indian
Railways in collaboration with IGBC.
✓ The system addresses national priorities such as water conservation, waste management, energy
efficiency, limited use of fossil fuels, minimal reliance on the use of natural materials, and health and
well-being of users.
Q. Padma Bhushan awardee Balkrishna Doshi passed away recently at the age of 95. Who was she?
A) Historian B) Writer
C) Social Worker D) Architect
Answer : D
✓ Noted architect and Padma Bhushan awardee Balkrishna Doshi passed away recently at the age of 95.
✓ Doshi was awarded the prestigious Aga Khan Award in the year 1995 for the architecture of ‘Aranya
Low-Cost Housing’ township.
✓ Doshi was also awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award in the year 2020 and
Padma Shri in 1976.

✓ He was awarded the most prestigious award in the field of architecture “Pritzker” in the year 2018. He
was the first Indian to receive this honour.
✓ Regarded as the foremost architect of modern India, Doshi was born on 26 August 1927 in Pune,
Maharashtra.
Q. International Customs Day (ICD) is marked annually on which day?

Answer : B
✓ On the occasion of 74th Republic Day, another important day is being celebrated all over the world on
26 January which is called International Customs Day.
✓ The theme of 2023 International Customs Day is- ‘Nurturing the next generation: promoting a culture of
knowledge-sharing and professional pride in Customs’.
✓ The day was first established in 1953 and ratified by the Customs Co-operation Council (CCC) for the
first time.
Q. Who inaugurated North India's largest floating Solar project of 2000kWp at Water Works in Chandigarh?
A) Banwari Lal Purohit B) Acharya Devvrat
C) Gurmit Singh D) Vinai Kumar Saxena
Answer : A
✓ Administrator Balwari Lal Purohit inaugurated a 2MWp capacity solar plant on January 23, 2023, with
the aim of making the city self-sufficient in power generation by the Chandigarh administration.
✓ North India's largest floating solar plant has been installed at Chandigarh's Water Works.
✓ Apart from this, Balwari Lal Purohit also inaugurated a 500 kWp floating solar power plant in Dhansa
Lake.
✓ The solar plant with 2MWp capacity will generate 28 million units of electricity. Also, due to the
installation of panels on water, this project will reduce the evaporation of about 382 million litres
annually.
Q. India to celebrate its ____ Republic Day on 26th January 2023.
A) 73rd B) 74th
C) 75th D) 76th
Answer : B
✓ India celebrated its 74th Republic Day on 26 January. This year's parade was special with many events
taking place for the first time.
✓ Programs to be organised for the first time in 74th Republic Day Parade
✓ This was the first Republic Day celebrations hosted at the ceremonial boulevard after Rajpath was
renamed to 'Kartavya Path' last year.
✓ For the first time, 12 women riders were part of the Border Security Force's (BSF) camel contingent and
16 march contingents of the armed forces.
Q. Which country said 26th January 2023 that it had reached a deal to transfer more than 100 cheetahs to
India as part of an ambitious project?
A) Kenya B) South Africa

C) Nigeria D) Jamaica
Answer : B
✓ India and South Africa on 27 January signed a Memorandum of Understanding to introduce 12 African
Cheetahs annually over the next eight to ten year.
✓ As per the agreement, an initial batch of 12 cheetahs will be brought from South Africa to India during
February 2023.
✓ These cheetahs will be joined by eight cheetahs brought to India from Namibia during 2022.
✓ After the import of 12 cheetahs in February, there are plans to move 12 cheetahs annually for the next 8
to 10 years.
✓ The initiative to reintroduce the cheetah to India comes after a request from the Indian government, after
the species had become locally extinct due to over-hunting and habitat loss.
✓ Under the scheme, 50 cheetahs will be released in various national parks of the country over a period of
5 years.
✓ Extinction of cheetahs
✓ The last cheetah of the country was found dead in the year 1947 in Chhattisgarh and in the year 1952 it
was declared extinct in the country.
✓ Recently news,
✓ PM Narendra Modi has released wild Cheetahs, which had become extinct from India, in Kuno National
Park.
✓ Cheetahs which have been brought from Namibia are being introduced in India under Project Cheetah,
which is the world’s first inter-continental large wild carnivore translocation project.
✓ Out of the eight Cheetahs, there are five female and three male.
✓ "The proposal for 'Project Cheetah' was prepared in 2008-09. .
✓ SOUTH AFRICA
✓ Capital : Pretoria (executive)
✓ Cape Town (legislative)
✓ Bloemfontein (judicial)
✓ Largest city : Johannesburg
✓ Currency : Rand
✓ President : Cyril Ramaphosa
Q. Who is the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Toyota Motor Corp from 1st April 2023?
A) Harald Krüger B) Koji Sato
C) Jim Rowan D) Martin Schwenk
Answer : B
✓ The chief executive of Toyota Motor Corp, Akio Toyoda will step down as head of the company his
grandfather founded, the Japanese automaker. Koji Sato, the automaker’s 53-year-old chief branding
officer, who is also president of Toyota’s luxury brand Lexus, will take over as chief executive from April
1, as Akio Toyoda becomes chairman
✓ Toyota Motor Corp
✓ Founded : 1937, Japan;
✓ Founder : Kiichiro Toyoda.
Q. How many people have been conferred with the Padma Awards in 2023?
A) 110 B) 120
C) 106 D) 128
Answer : C

✓ The President has approved the conferment of 106 Padma Awards including three dual cases (in a dual
case, the award is counted as one) for the year 2023.
✓ The list includes 6 Padma Vibhushan, 9 Padma Bhushan and 91 Padma Shri awardees. The list of
awardees includes 19 women and 2 persons from the category of Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI and 7
posthumous awardees.
✓ The three personalities from Bihar selected for the Padma Shri award are Subhadra Devi, Anand Kumar
and Kapil Dev Prasad.
✓ Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) pioneer Dilip Mahalanobis will be posthumously awarded the Padma
Vibhushan in the field of medicine (paediatrics).
✓ He pioneered the widespread use of ORS, which is believed to have saved more than five crore lives
globally.
✓ Former Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav will be posthumously awarded the Padma
Vibhushan in the public sector.
✓ Tabla player Zakir Hussain will also be awarded the Padma Vibhushan.
✓ Those who will be awarded the Padma Bhushan include Kannada novelist and screenwriter S L
Bhairappa, industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla and author and philanthropist Sudha Murthy.
✓ The prominent names among Padma Shri awardees include stockbroker Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, Rasna
founder Areez Khabatta, former union minister and Manipur BJP president Thounaojam Chaoba Singh,
former Tripura minister and Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura president Narendra Chandra
Debbarma, RRR music composer M M Keeravani.
✓ Ghazal singers Ahmed Hussain and Mohd Hussain, and Bollywood actor Raveena Tandon are also
among Padma Shri awardees.
✓ Super 30 founder Anand Kumar has been selected for the Padma Shri award for distinguished service in
the field of literature and education.
Q. Who among the following received the Padma Shri Award 2023 in the field of Trade & Industry?
A) Jamshed J Irani B) Rakesh Jhunjhunwala
C) MG George Muthoot D) Cyrus Mistry
Answer : B
✓ Rakesh Jhunjhunwala was awarded the Padma Shri in the field of trade and industry.
✓ Rakesh Jhunjhunwala was an Indian billionaire business magnate, Chartered Accountant, stock trader,
and investor.
✓ He was also a founder of Akasa Air.
✓ He began investing in 1985 with a capital of ₹5,000, with his first major profit in 1986.
✓ Big Bull Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, Indian billionaire investor, locally known as India’s Warren Buffett .
Q. Who among the following was given the Padma Vibhusan (posthumous) award 2023?
A) Brinda Somaya B) Raj Rewal
C) Achyut Kanvinde D) Balkrishna Doshi
Answer : D
✓ Noted architect Balakrishna Doshi honored with Padma Vibhushan posthumously
✓ Balakrishna Doshi who has contributed a lot to the field of architecture in India
✓ Balkrishna Doshi was an Indian architect.
✓ Doshi was awarded the prestigious Aga Khan Award in the year 1995 for the architecture of 'Aranya
Low Cost Housing' township.

✓ He was awarded the most prestigious award in the field of architecture "Pritzker" in the year 2018. He
was the first Indian to receive this honour.
✓ Doshi was also awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian award in the year 2020.
✓ Royal Gold Medal for Architecture, Government of United Kingdom, 2022
✓ Padma Shri, Government of India, 1976
Q. Who was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan award in the field of art (musician) from Maharashtra in
2023?
A) Bismillah Khan B) Shivkumar Sharma
C) Zakir Hussain D) R.D. Burman
Answer : C
✓ Tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain has been conferred with Padma Vibhushan 2023 For their
contributions to art.
✓ Ustad Zakir Hussain is an Indian tabla player, composer, percussionist, music producer and film actor.
✓ Born : Bombay, Maharashtra
✓ Occupation : Musician
✓ Instrument : Tabla
✓ He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in
2023, by the Government of India.
✓ He was also awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1990, given by the Sangeet Natak Academy,
India's National Academy of Music, Dance and Drama.
✓ In 1999, he was awarded the United States National Endowment for the Arts' National Heritage
Fellowship, the highest award given to traditional artists and musicians
Q. Who among the following is a recipient of Padma Shri for the year 2023 in the field of Art-Music?
A) Vedala Hemachandra B) N. C. Karunya
C) M. M. Keeravani D) Sid Sriram
Answer : C
✓ RRR music composer MM Keeravani will be confer with the Padma Shri Award the fourth highest
civilian award of India
✓ South Cinema's film RRR has created history at the 80th 'Golden Globe Awards 2023' award ceremony,
✓ 'Naatu Naatu' is the first Indian song to win this prestigious award.
✓ The song was composed by MM Keeravani and sung by Kaala Bhairava and Rahul Sipligunj.
Q. Consider the following statement in the context of Padma Award 2023
(a) Tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain has been conferred with Padma Vibhushan.
(b) Music composer MM Keeravani and actor Raveena Tandon have been conferred with Padma Shri
(c) Super 30 founder Anand Kumar Anand Kumar has been selected for the Padma Shri award for
distinguished service in the field of literature and education

(d) Gujarat Tribal Woman Hirbai Ibrahim Lobi Conferred With Padma Vibhushan
A) Only (a), (b)
B) Only (c), (d)
C) Only (a), (b), (c)
D) Only (a), (c), (d)
Answer : C
✓ A Siddi tribe woman from Jambur village of Junagadh, Hirbai Ibrahim Lobi, has been honoured with
the Padma Shri award, the fourth-highest civilian award by the government of India.
Q. Consider the following statement in the context of Padma Award 2023.

1. Padma awards are given in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma
Shri.
2. Dilip Mahalanobis will be posthumously awarded the Padma Bhushan in the field of medicine.
3. 6 were awarded the Padma Vibhushan, 9 named for the Padma Bhushan and 91 named for Padma
Shri.
Select the correct answer by using the code mentioned below.
A) Only 2 and 3 B) Only 1 and 2
C) Only 1 and 3 D) None of the above
Answer : C
✓ Padma awards are given in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma
Shri.
Q. Who among the following got Padma Vibhushan Award 2023 under the Public Affairs category?
A) Srinivas Varadhan B) Dilip Mahalanabis
C) Balkrishna Doshi D) Mulayam Singh Yadav
Answer : D
✓ Mulayam Singh Yadav was posthumously conferred the second-highest civilian award in India, the
Padma Vibhushan in the field of public affairs.
✓ The other Padma Vibhushan winner are
✓ Balkrishna Doshi (Posthumous) : Architecture
✓ Zakir Hussain : Art
✓ S M Krishna : Public Affairs
✓ Dilip Mahalanabis (Posthumous) : Medicine
✓ Srinivas Varadhan : Science & Engineering
✓ Mulayam Singh Yadav (Posthumous) : Public Affairs
Q. Which of the following person awarded Padma Bhushan in the field of Social Work?
A) Sudha Murty B) Kamlesh D Patel

C) Kumar Mangalam Birla D) SL Bhyrappa
Answer : A
✓ Distinguished educator, author, and philanthropist Sudha Murty was awarded the Padma Bhushan 2023
by the government of India for her contributions in the field of social work.
✓ The Chairperson of Infosys Foundation Sudha Murty was born on 19 August 1950.
✓ On August 19, 1950, in Shiggaon, Haveri in the Indian state of Karnataka, Sudha Murty was born into
a Kannada Deshastha Madhva Brahmin family.
✓ In 2006, the Indian government gave Murty the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian honour in the
country, in recognition of his social services.
✓ The other Padma Bhusan winner are:
✓ Kamlesh D Patel - Spiritualism (Telangana)
✓ Kumar Mangalam Birla - Trade & Industry (Maharashtra)
✓ SL Bhyrappa - Literature & Education (Karnataka)
✓ Deepak Dhar - Science & Engineering (Maharashtra)
✓ Vani Jairam - Art (Tamil Nadu)
✓ Swami Chinna Jeeyar - Spiritualism (Telangana)
✓ Suman Kalyanpur - Art (Maharashtra)
✓ Kapil Kapoor - Literature & Education (Delhi)
Q. India's First Green Solar Panel Factory to Build by Luminous in Which state?
A) Gujarat B) Karnataka
C) Uttarakhand D) Uttar Pradesh
Answer : C
✓ Luminous to build India's first green solar panel factory in Uttarakhand.
✓ Luminous Power Technologies on 27 January announced its plan to build the country's first green energy-
based solar panel manufacturing factory in Uttarakhand.
✓ The new manufacturing plant located in Rudrapur is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2023.
✓ This state-of-the-art facility will be equipped with the latest technology to design and produce high quality
solar panels that will be used for both residential and commercial applications.
✓ Spread over 4.5 lakh sq ft/10 acres, the facility will help enable a solar generation capacity of 500 MW
per annum, which can be scaled up to 1 GW.
✓ It will produce a range of solar panels with power output from 40W to 600W.
✓ The plant has been certified as a green facility by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) and will
reduce CO2 emissions by over 70 million tonnes per year.
✓ This solar panel facility is completely robotic and will harness energy from 100 percent solar power
Q. The iconic Mughal Gardens in Rashtrapati Bhavan has been renamed as the __.
A) Amrit Udyan B) Bharat Udyan
C) Nation Udyan D) Suryodhaya Udyan
Answer : A
✓ The Central government on 28 January renamed the Mughal Gardens in New Delhi's Rashtrapati
Bhavan as 'Amrit Udyan.
✓ In keeping with the theme of 'Amrit Mahotsav' to commemorate 75 years of India's independence, the
Union Government has renamed the Mughal Gardens as Amrit Udyan.
✓ On the occasion of 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav', the President of India has given a common name to
Rashtrapati Bhavan Gardens as Amrit Udyan.
✓ The Central Government had last year renamed Delhi’s iconic Rajpath as “Kartavya Path”.

✓ Rashtrapati Bhavan has a rich variety of gardens. Basically, they include East Lawn, Central Lawn, Long
Garden and Circular Garden.
✓ About Mughal Gardens
✓ The Mughal Gardens were designed by Edwin Lutyens in 1917, and the first saplings were planted in
1928–1929.
✓ Like the Rashtrapati Bhavan building, which has two different styles of architecture, Indian and Western.
✓ Lutyens brought together two different horticultural traditions, the Mughal style and the English flower
garden, for the gardens.
✓ More gardens namely Herbal-I, Herbal-II, Tactile Garden, Bonsai Garden and Arogya Vanam were
developed during the tenure of former Presidents Dr APJ Abdul Kalam and Ram Nath Kovind.
Q. Asia's second and India's first cable suspension bridge "Bajrang Setu" is being constructed at Which state?
A) Gujarat B) Uttar Pradesh
C) Uttarakhand D) Arunachal Pradesh
Answer : C
✓ In Uttarakhand, Asia's second and India's first cable suspension bridge "Bajrang Setu" is being
constructed at Rishikesh.
✓ This bridge is coming up next to the famous 90-year-old Laxman Jhula
Q. Who has laid the foundation stone for a National Forensic Sciences University at the premises of the
University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad in Karnataka?
A) Narendra Modi B) Amit Shah
C) Araga Jnanendra D) Shobha Karandlaje
Answer : B
✓ Union Home Minister Amit Shah will lay the foundation stone for a National Forensic Sciences
University at the premises of University of Agricultural Sciences at Dharwad in North Karnataka
Q. Which Footwear manufacturer and designer has appointed women's cricket team captain, Harmanpreet
Kaur as a brand ambassador?
A) Nike B) Adidas
C) Reebok D) Puma
Answer : D
✓ Footwear manufacturer and designer Puma India has signed Harmanpreet Kaur as its new brand
ambassador
✓ Harmanpreet Kaur will promote the brand's footwear, apparel and accessories including select collections
through the brand campaign.
Q. Which of the following state is launched first survey of migrants recently?

C) Uttarakhand D) Jharkhand
Answer : D
✓ Recently the first survey of migrants has been started by the Government of Jharkhand
✓ This survey will be done in 11 thousand houses in 24 districts of the state.
✓ The objective of the survey is to create a robust database of migrants and migration patterns in the state.

✓ The results of the survey will be used for state level policy making.
✓ The survey will collect information about migrants coming into the state, migrants going out of the state,
quality of life of migrants, understanding the mindset of migrants etc.
Q. Which government announces 'Laadli Bahna' scheme?

A) Madhya Pradesh B) Maharashtra
C) Punjab D) Uttar Pradesh
Answer : A
✓ Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced the implementation of Ladli Bahna
Yojana on the occasion of Narmada Jayanti.
✓ Through this scheme, ₹ 1000 per month will be given to the sisters of poor and middle class families of
Madhya Pradesh.
✓ Scheme Benefits / Eligibility
✓ To get the benefit of the scheme, the woman must be a resident of Madhya Pradesh.
✓ Women of all castes of the state – General, Backward, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes will be able
to get the benefit of this scheme.
✓ The benefits of the scheme will be given to such sisters who are not income tax payers.
✓ 65% sisters of Madhya Pradesh will be able to get the benefit of this scheme.
✓ Through the scheme, an amount of ₹ 60000 will be added to each sister's account by the government in
5 years
Q. Who has been appointed as the new Vice Chief of the Indian Air Force?
A) Vijay Kumar Singh B) Amar Preet Singh
C) Abhinandan Varthaman D) Manoj Mukund Naravane
Answer : B
✓ Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh will take over as the new Vice Chief of the Indian Air Force, succeeding
incumbent Air Marshal Sandeep Singh.
Q. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has designated ‘Odesa’ a
World Heritage in danger site. In which of the following country is it situated?
A) Ukraine B) Maldives
C) Egypt D) Denmark
Answer : A
✓ United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has designated Odesa as
it faced danger from Russian air strikes.
✓ Odesa is a historic centre and strategic port city located on the Black Sea.
✓ In July 2022, part of the large glass roof and windows of Odesa’s Museum of Fine Arts, inaugurated in
1899, were destroyed.
✓ Empress Catherine founded ODESA.
Q. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is planning to launch which mission by June or July
2023?
A) Aditya-L1 B) Shukrayaan-1
C) Mangalyaan 2 D) Lunar Polar Exploration Mission
Answer : A

✓ The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is planning to launch the Aditya-L1 mission by June or
July 2023.
✓ Aditya L1 is the first space-based Indian mission to study the Sun from a halo orbit around the Lagrangian
point 1 (L1) of the Sun-Earth system.
✓ This mission with seven payloads on board to observe the photosphere, chromosphere and the outermost
layers of the Sun (the corona) will provide greater advantage of observing the solar activities and its effect
on space weather.
✓ The ISRO recently received the Visible Line Emission Coronagraph (VELC), which is the primary
payload onboard Aditya-L1, from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA).
✓ VELC is the first scientific mission of India for studying the sun.
Q. India’s Ministry of Culture has signed an MoU with the Government of Egypt to strengthen cultural ties.
This MoU has been signed for a period of how many years?
A) 3 years B) 5 years
C) 7 years D) 6 years
Answer : B
✓ India’s Ministry of Culture signed an MoU with the Government of Egypt to strengthen cultural ties.
✓ The MoU was signed by the Culture Minister of India, G. Kishan Reddy and the Foreign Minister of
Egypt, Sameh Hassan Shoukry.
✓ This MoU has been signed for a period of five years.
✓ Under the aegis of the MoU on Cultural Cooperation signed between India and Egypt, both countries
will host cultural activities in the fields of music, dance, theatre, literature, libraries, organizing festivals
in the respective countries, research and documentation etc.
✓ About Egypt
✓ Capital : Cairo
✓ Currency : pound
✓ Continent : Africa, Asia
✓ President : Abdel Fattah El-Sisi

G-20 SUMMIT 2023

History Of G20
❖ The Group of Twenty (G20) was formed in 1999 and was originally a meeting of the
Minister of Finance and the Governor of the Central Bank in an effort to broaden the
discussion of policies that are beneficial for resolving the global economic and
financial crisis. As an economic forum, the G20 is a membership of 19 countries , i.e.
US, Argentina, Brazil, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Turkey, Indonesia, South Korea,
Japan, China, Germany, Britain, India, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Italy, France, Russia,
and one regional organization namely the European Union As for the Managing
Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the President of the World Bank
together with the Chair of the International Monetary and Financial Committee and the
Development Committee participated at the meeting of the Ministers of Finance and the
Governor of the Central Bank on an ex officio basis.
❖ The formation of the G20 is inseparable from the disappointment of the international
community over the failure of the G7 in finding solutions to the problems of the global
economy at that time. The view that emerged at the time was the importance of middle-
income countries and those with systemic economic influence to be included in the
negotiations in order to find solutions to global economic problems.
❖ At the beginning of its formation, the G20 focused on efforts to reform the global
financial system as one of the keys to responding to the global economic crisis. In line
with the improvement in world economic conditions, at the 2009 G20 Summit in
Pittsburgh, USA, the G20 objectives were formulated more clearly, namely to create
strong, sustainable and balanced economic growth. To realize this goal, the G20
Summit in Cannes, France in 2011 agreed that the G20 has the responsibility to
"coordinate their policies and produce political agreements that are very important in
addressing challenges due to conditions of global economic interdependence" ( to
coordinate their policies and generate the political agreement necessary to tackle the
challenges of global economic interdependence).
❖ As a major world economic forum that has a strategic position because it collectively
represents around 65% of the world's population, 79% of global trade, and at least 85%
of the world economy, various G20 meetings put forward dialogue to build the political
commitment of the leaders of the world's major economic leaders in resolving

challenges which affects global economic growth, including issues of finance, trade,
infrastructure and investment, energy, employment, corruption eradication,
development, agriculture, and technology, innovation, and the digital economy.
❖ To discuss these issues, the G20 is divided into two channels, namely the financial
track and the Sherpa track. The financial channel, which consists of Finance Ministers
and Central Bank Governors from all G20 members, specifically addresses a number of
agendas related to the financial sector. Meanwhile, the Sherpa track addresses other
agendas that are outside the financial sector, as well as preparing various documents
to be discussed at the Summit. Therefore, Sherpas are generally appointed directly by
the Head of Government / Country and are seen as their representation at various G20
meetings in addition to the Summit.
❖ The G20 does not have a permanent Secretariat. In the process and system of its work,
the G20 has a Presidency determined by consensus by its members based on regional
rotation and changes every year. Therefore, every year the "Troika" - which consists of
the previous presidency, the current year presidency, and the upcoming presidency -
conduct intensive communication and coordination to ensure the continuity of the G20
agenda.
About G20 Summit

G20 Summit: The Group of Twenty, or G20, is an intergovernmental organization made up
of the European Union and 19 other nations (EU). It strives to address important global
economic concerns like international financial stability, reducing greenhouse gas
emissions, and sustainable development.
G20 nations catered for 85 percent of world economy, 75 percent of world trade and 66
percent of world population.
G20 Summit: Key Points

The majority of the world’s greatest economies, both industrialized and developing
countries, make up the G20. Together, they represent two-thirds of the world’s population,
80% of the gross world product (GWP), 75% of international trade, and 60% of the planet’s
surface area.
In 1999, the G20 was established in response to various global economic problems. It has
met at least once a year since 2008, with summits attended by the heads of state or
government, the finance minister, the foreign minister, and other top officials from each
member; the European Union is represented by the European Commission and the

European Central Bank. The summits are open to participation from other nations,
international organizations, and nonprofit organizations, some of which are invited on an
ongoing basis.
The G20 proclaimed itself the principal forum for global economic and financial
cooperation during its summit in 2009.
The group’s status has grown over the past ten years, and analysts now acknowledge its
significant global influence.
However, they also criticise it for having a small membership, having little enforcement
authority, and allegedly undermining established international organizations. Protests
against summits are common, especially from anti-globalization organizations.1st G20
Central Bank Deputies Meet in Bengaluru Under India’s Presidency.
G20 Summit: Countries
G20 Group’s 20 members as of 2022 are-

✓ Argentina
✓ Australia
✓ Brazil
✓ Canada
✓ China
✓ France
✓ Germany
✓ India
✓ Indonesia
✓ Italy
✓ South Korea
✓ Japan
✓ Mexico
✓ Russia
✓ Saudi Arabia
✓ South Africa
✓ Turkey
✓ United Kingdom
✓ United States
✓ The European Union

✓ Spain, the UN, the World Bank, the African Union, and ASEAN are just a few of the
organisations thahave been invited as guests.
The leaders of 19 nations and the European Union are represented in summits of world
leaders, and the finance ministers and central bank governors of 19 nations and the
European Union are present at meetings at the ministerial level.
List of G20 Summit
List of L20 Summits (Summits of trade union and labour leaders from the G20 countries):
✓ 2008: United States Washington
✓ 2009: United Kingdom London
✓ 2009: United States Pittsburgh
✓ 2010: Canada Toronto
✓ 2010: South Korea Seoul
✓ 2011: France Paris
✓ 2012: Mexico Los Cabos
✓ 2013: Russia Moscow
✓ 2014: Australia Brisbane
✓ 2015: Turkey Antalya
✓ 2016: China Beijing
✓ 2017: Germany Berlin
✓ 2018: Argentina Mendoza
✓ 2019: Japan Tokyo
✓ 2020: Saudi Arabia Riyadh
✓ 2021: Italy Rome
✓ 2022: Indonesia Bali
✓ 2023: India
List of B20 Summits (summits of business leaders from the G20 countries):
✓ 2012: Mexico Los Cabos
✓ 2013: Russia Saint Petersburg
✓ 2014: Australia Sydney
✓ 2015: Turkey Turkey
✓ 2016: China Hangzhou
✓ 2018: Argentina Buenos Aires
✓ 2022: Indonesia Bali, Indonesia
List of C20 Summits (Summits of civil society delegates from the G20 countries):
✓ 2014: Australia Melbourne
✓ 2015: Turkey Istanbul
✓ 2017: Germany Hamburg
✓ 2022: Indonesia Bali

List of T20 summits (summits of think tanks from the G20 countries):
✓ 2012: Mexico Mexico City
✓ 2013: Russia Moscow
India to host G20 Summit in 2023

Recently, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that India is hosting the G-20
(Group of 20) leaders’ summit in New Delhi next year 2023.
✓ The 17th G20 Heads of State and Government Summit will happen in November 2022
in Indonesia,after which India will assume the presidency of G20 from December 2022.
✓ India is assuming the Presidency of the G20 for one year.
❖ 18th G-20 Summit(2023) - India.

❖ 19th G-20 Summit(2024) - Brazil.
❖ India assumed G-20's Presidecy - From December 1, 2022 to November 30, 2023.
❖ G20 India Theme - “Vasudhaiva Kutumba-kam” or “One Earth One Family One
Future”.
❖ G20 India Logo - The symbol of the lotus in the G20 logo.
Recent G20 India Meetings and Venues:-

❖ Secretariat for Science 20 (S20) Meeting - IISc Bengaluru.
❖ G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting - New Delhi.
❖ G-20 Science 20 inception Meeting - Puducherry.
❖ First Infrastructure Working Group Meeting - Pune.
❖ First Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion Working Group Meeting- Kolkata.
❖ First G20 International Financial Architecture Working Group meeting-
Chandigarh.
❖ First Employment Working Group Meeting under the Sherpa track of the G20 -
Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
❖ First G20 Energy Transition Working Group meeting - Bengaluru.

Guest Countries:
India, as G20 Presidency, will be inviting Bangladesh, Egypt, Mauritius, Netherlands,
Nigeria, Oman, Singapore, Spain and UAE as Guest countries.
Guest Countries and Invited International Organizations

In addition to the member countries, i.e. 19 countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil,
Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea,
Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, United Kingdom, and the United
States) and the European Union, each G20 Presidency invites other guest countries and
international organizations (IOs) to participate in the G20 meetings and Summit.
India will be inviting Bangladesh, Egypt, Mauritius, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman,
Singapore, Spain and UAE as guest countries during its G20 Presidency. For Guest IOs,
India will be inviting ISA, CDRI and ADB in addition to the regular G20 International
Organizations (UN, IMF, WB, WHO, WTO, ILO, FSB and OECD) and Chairs of Regional
Organizations (AU, AUDA-NEPAD and ASEAN).
G20 STRUCTURE
Sherpa Track
It is headed by Sherpa who is the representative of the Leader.
Focus areas:
Socio-economic issues such as agriculture, anti-corruption, climate, digital economy, education,
employment, energy, environment, health, tourism, trade and investment. The Working Groups
under this track include:-
1. Agriculture Working Group

2. Anti-corruption Working Group
3. Culture Working Group
4. Development Working Group
5. Digital Economy Working Group
6. Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group
7. Education Working Group
8. Employment Working Group
9. Energy Transitions Working Group
10. Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group
11. Health Working Group
12. Tourism Working Group
13. Trade and Investment Working Group
Finance Track
It is headed by the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors, who generally meet
four times a year, with two meetings being held on the side-lines of WB/IMF meetings.
Focus areas:
Fiscal and monetary policy issues such as the global economy, infrastructure, financial
regulation, financial inclusion, international financial architecture, and international
taxation. The Working Groups and Workstreams under this track include:-
1. Framework Working Group
2. International Financial Architecture Working Group
3. Infrastructure Working Group
4. Sustainable Finance Working Group
5. Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion
6. Joint Finance and Health Task Force
7. International taxation Issues
8. Financial Sector Issues
• G20 EMPOWER
The G20 Alliance for the Empowerment and Progression of Women’s Economic
Representation (G20 EMPOWER) was launched during the G20 Osaka Summit in 2019. It
aims to accelerate women’s leadership and empowerment in the private sector by
leveraging its unique alliance among business leaders and governments across the G20
countries.
• SPACE ECONOMY LEADERS MEETING

Under India’s G20 Presidency, Indian Space Research organization/ Department of Space
(ISRO/DOS) is organizing the 4th edition of the Space Economy Leaders Meeting (SELM) to
continue the deliberations on the significance of space in shaping the global economy. The

previous editions of SELM were organized by the Saudi Space Commission (2020), Italian
Space Agency (2021) and National Research & Innovation Agency, Indonesia (2022).
Considering importance of New Space in shaping the global economy, the theme for this
year’s SELM is “Towards a New Space ERA (Economy, Responsibility, Alliance)”.
Engagement Groups
As part of the G20 members' commitment to consult relevant stakeholder communities,
dialogue is facilitated through the engagement groups, comprising nongovernment
participants from each G20 member. These groups often draft recommendations to the
G20 Leaders that contribute to the policy-making process. The engagement groups are as
follows:
1. Business20
2. Civil20
3. Labour20
4. Parliament20
5. Science20
6. SAI20
7. Startup20
8. Think20
9. Urban20
10. Women20
11. Youth20
INDIA’S G20 PRESIDENCY 2023

Sherpa Track Working Groups
1. Agriculture Working Group
The G20 Agriculture Deputies Group was created during the French Presidency in 2011 to
deal with volatility in global food prices. It has since become an important forum to
enhance cooperation among the G20 members on agriculture related issues critical for
achieving UN 2030 agenda, especially the goal of zero hunger (SDG 2). The working group
facilitates information exchange and cooperation on a range of global issues such as food
security, nutrition, antimicrobial resistance, food waste and loss, sustainability, and
resilient and inclusive food value chains.

2. Anti-corruption Working Group
Anti-Corruption Working Group (ACWG) was established in 2010. The Anti-Corruption
Working Group reports to the G20 Leaders on anti-corruption issues and aims to establish
minimum common standards among the legal systems of the G20 countries, in order to
combat corruption. It focuses on public and private sector integrity and transparency,
bribery, international cooperation, asset recovery, beneficial ownership transparency,
vulnerable sectors and capacity-building.
3. Culture Working Group

The G20 Culture Ministers met for the first time in 2020 and highlighted culture’s
crosscutting contribution to advancing G20 agenda. Recognizing the synergies between
culture and other policy areas, and considering the impact of culture, cultural heritage and
the creative economy on the economic, social and environmental dimensions of
development, culture was integrated into the G20 agenda as a Culture Working Group
(CWG) in 2021. The group aims to strengthen international cooperation and collaboration
to support cultural and creative industries.
4. Development Working Group

Development Working Group (DWG) has been acting as the custodian of G20
‘development agenda’ since its inception in 2010. After the adoption of the 2030 Agenda
forSustainable Development and its Goals in 2015, DWG has played an important role in
supporting Sherpas in both driving the G20 Sustainable Development agenda and in
working with other workstreams to better understand the sustainable development
intersections of G20 actions with efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda.
5. Digital Economy Working Group

Digital Economy Working Group (DEWG), established in 2021, offers inspiration and broad
guidance to policy makers on harnessing the digital potential of economies. The Working
Group aims at digital transformation to enhance public participation and realize inclusive
social and economic growth.
6. Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group

The Working Group on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRRWG) will build on earlier discussions
on disaster risk reduction held during the previous G20 Presidencies, including the
Indonesian Presidency, and will provide a renewed sense of urgency to disaster risk
reduction efforts. This would also work in tandem with other G20 working groups,
including the Climate Sustainability, Infrastructure, and Development Working Groups. The
G20 nations have the technical wherewithal across multiple institutions and disciplines

that can be brought to bear to measurably reduce disaster losses by 2030 in G20 nations
as well as globally.
7. Education Working Group

Education Working Group (EdWG) was established in 2018 during Argentina’s Presidency.
EdWG focuses on strengthening learning outcomes and equitable access through
technological tools, digitalization, universal quality education, financing, partnerships for
education and international cooperation. EdWG also collaborates with Employment and
other WGs to address cross cutting issues like skill development and school-to-work
transition.
8. Employment Working Group

Employment Working Group (EWG) started as the G20 Taskforce on Employment – set up
in 2011 under the French Presidency – which was raised to Working Group level following
the Leaders’ Declaration under the Australian Presidency in 2014. The first meeting of
EWG took place under the Turkish Presidency in 2015. The EWG discusses labor,
employment and social issues to further develop strong, sustainable, balanced, inclusive
and job-rich growth.
9. Energy Transitions Working Group

Energy has been discussed in the G20 as a critical element for sustainable global economy
since 2009. A dedicated Energy Sustainability Working Group was established in 2013 to
discuss energy related issues. In 2017, energy was discussed as part of the Climate
Sustainability Working Group. During the Argentine Presidency in 2018, the energy issues were de-
linked from climate and steered towards discussions on energy transition under the Energy Transition
Working Group (ETWG). The Working Group deliberates on energy security, accessibility and
affordability, energy efficiency, renewable energy, innovation, technology and financing.
10. Environment Deputies Meeting and Climate Sustainability Working Group

Climate Sustainability Working Group (CSWG) was established during the Argentine Presidency
in 2018, while the Environment Deputies Meeting (EDM) started in 2019 under Japan’s
Presidency. EDM & CSWG focus on environment and climate issues which include inter alia
resource efficiency, circular economy, ocean health, marine litter, coral reefs, land degradation,
biodiversity loss, water resource management, and ways to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
11. Health Working Group

Health Working Group (HWG) was established under the German Presidency in 2017 to
enhance dialogue and inform the G20 Leaders on important global health issues. The
group works towards creating sustainable well-being societies committed to achieving
equitable health for the present and future generations. Issues concerning preparedness
of health systems for health emergencies, One Health approach, Digital Health, Universal

Health Coverage, Compliance with International Health Regulations, Sustainable Financing,
etc. are discussed.
12. Tourism Working Group

Since its inception in 2020, the Tourism Working Group (TWG) has brought together the
member countries and relevant stakeholders to discuss, deliberate and guide the course of
action for further development of local and global tourism, as also mitigating common
challenges faced by the sector including the COVID19 pandemic. Given the sector’s key
role in global economy and its progress towards achieving Agenda 2030, making tourism
more sustainable and boosting its resilience has been the Working Group’s primary focus
in recent times.
13. Trade and Investment Working Group

Trade and Investment Working Group (TIWG) was established in 2016. It focuses on
subjects including strengthening the G20 trade and investment mechanism, promoting
global trade growth, supporting the multilateral trading system, promoting global
investment policy cooperation and coordination, and promoting inclusive and coordinated
global value chains.
Finance Track Working Groups and Workstreams

1. Framework Working Group (FWG)
Framework Working Group (FWG) Discusses global macroeconomic issues of current

relevance, monitoring of global risks and uncertainties, and possible areas of policy co-
ordination aimed at promoting Strong, Sustainable, Balanced, and Inclusive Growth
(SSBIG) across the G20. India and the UK co-chair this working group.
2. International Financial Architecture (IFA)
Working Group deals with issues related to international financial architecture such as
global financial safety net (GFSN); matters related to development finance; managing debt
vulnerabilities and enhancing debt transparency; capital flow management and promoting
local currency bond markets. The working group is co-chaired by Republic of Korea and
France.
3. Infrastructure Working Group (IWG)
Infrastructure Working Group (IWG) Deliberates on various aspects of infrastructure

investments including developing infrastructure as an asset class; promoting quality
infrastructure investment; Infratech; and identifying innovative instruments for mobilizing

financial resources for infrastructure investment. The working group is co-chaired by
Australia and Brazil.
4. Sustainable Finance Working Group (SFWG)
Sustainable Finance Working Group (SFWG) Is a newly established group under the 2021
G20 Italian Presidency co-chaired by the US and China. The working group deliberates on
how to help focus the attention of the G20, international organizations and other
stakeholders to key priorities of the sustainable finance agenda and form consensus on
key actions to be taken.
5. Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI)
Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI) works for advancing financial inclusion
globally. Some of the work areas include ways to improve financial system infrastructure,
pursue policies conducive to harnessing emerging technologies, facilitating remittance
flows and reducing the cost of remittance transfers, financial literacy and consumer
protection, digital financial literacy and bridging the digital divide among others. The GPFI
is co-chaired by Italy and Russia.
6.Joint Finance and Health Task Force (JFHTF)

Joint Finance and Health Task Force (JFHTF) was established during the G20 Rome
Leaders’ Summit, 2021. The Task Force is aimed at enhancing dialogue and global
cooperation on issues relating to pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response (PPR),
promoting the exchange of experiences and best practices, developing coordination
arrangements between Finance and Health Ministries, promoting collective action,
assessing and addressing health emergencies with cross-border impact, and encouraging
effective stewardship of resources for pandemic PPR, while adopting a One Health
approach.
7.International Taxation
International Taxation agenda in the G20 Finance Track is discussed directly at the level of
the G20 Finance and Central Bank Deputies and there is no formal working group on
taxation under the aegis of G20. The matters discussed under the group include
addressing tax challenges arising from digitalization of the economy, fighting against tax
evasion, ending bank secrecy and tax havens, exchange of information, and addressing tax
avoidance by multinational corporations. The work on G20 international tax agenda is
carried out in the OECD’s Inclusive Framework.
8.Financial Sector issues
Financial Sector issues related discussions take place directly at the level of the G20
Finance and Central Bank Deputies and there is no formal working group for the same. The

Financial Stability Board provides the necessary discussion papers for facilitating the
Deputies’ discussion on the G20 financial sector agenda. The key areas of discussion have
included strengthening global financial system resilience, prudential oversight, improving
risk management, establishing supervisory colleges, enhancing cross-border payments,
addressing structural vulnerabilities in non-bank financial intermediation (NBFI) and
climate-related financial risk, assessment of risks from crypto assets and policy among
others.
Engagement Groups
1. Business20
Business20 (B20), officially launched in 2010, is the G20 dialogue forum for the global
business community. It delivers concrete actionable policy recommendations on priorities
established by each rotating Presidency to spur economic growth and development. It
works through Task Forces and Action Councils entrusted with developing consensus-
based policy proposals to the G20 and to international organizations and institutions.
2. Civil20
Civil20 (C20) Engagement Group was launched as an official G20 Engagement Group in
2013, though Civil Society engagement among the G20 member countries had started in
2010. C20 provides a platform for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) around the world to
bring forth a non-government and non-business voice to G20. It provides space through
which global CSOs can contribute in a structured and sustained manner to the G20.
3. Labour20
Labour20 (L20) Summit first took place formally during the French Presidency in 2011. L20
convenes trade union leaders from G20 countries and provides analyses and policy
recommendations aimed at addressing labor related issues.
4. Parliament20
Parliament20 (P20) Engagement Group, started during Canada’s Presidency in 2010, is led
by Speakers from Parliaments of G20 countries. Since Parliamentarians play an important
role in guiding respective governments, P20 meetings aim to bring a parliamentary
dimension to global governance, raise awareness, build political support for international
commitments, and ensure that these are effectively translated into national realities.
5. Science20
Science20 (S20) Engagement Group, comprising the national science academies of the G20
countries, was initiated during Germany’s Presidency in 2017. It presents policymakers
with consensus-based science-driven recommendations formulated through task forces
comprising international experts.

6. SAI20
Supreme Audit Institutions 20 (SAI20) is an Engagement Group introduced by the
Indonesian Presidency in 2022. It is a forum to discuss the important role played by SAIs
globally in ensuring transparency and accountability, and in promoting cooperation among
the G20 members.
7. Startup20
Startups act as a catalyst for economic growth and development. They offer platforms and
tools to foster collaboration and spur innovation across borders and facilitate economies
in achieving the SDG targets. The proposed Startup20 engagement group aims to
recommend actions to the G20 Leaders to address growth challenges and other
constraints.
8. Think20
Think20 (T20), as an official G20 Engagement Group, was initiated during the Mexican
Presidency in 2012. It serves as an “idea bank” for the G20 by bringing together think tanks
and high-level experts to discuss relevant international socio-economic issues. T20
recommendations are synthesized into policy briefs and presented to G20 working groups,
ministerial meetings, and leaders’ summit to help the G20 deliver concrete policy
measures.
9. Urban20
Urban20 (U20) was established in December 2017 during the Argentine Presidency at the
One Planet Summit in Paris. This is a formal engagement group for city leaders to jointly
discuss urbanization issues, SDG goals and impact of climate change on cities.
10. Women20
Women20 (W20) is an Engagement Group which was launched in 2015 during the Turkish
Presidency. The primary purpose of W20 is to implement the “25x25” commitment
adopted at Brisbane Summit in 2014, aimed at reducing the gender gap in labor force
participation by 25% by the year 2025. W20 focuses on ‘gender inclusive economic
growth’, and the following three pillars form the core areas of its advocacy: Labor
Inclusion, Financial Inclusion and Digital Inclusion.
11. Youth20
Youth20 (Y20), with its first Y20 conference held in 2010, provides a platform that allows
youth to express their vision and ideas on the G20 priorities, and comes up with a series of
recommendations which are submitted to the G20 Leaders.

G20 SUMMIT MCQs
Q. Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav has inaugurated a two- day G20 Flower
Festival in which city ?
A) Bengaluru
B) Chennai
C) Hyderabad
D) New Delhi
Answer:- D
Q. The first G20 Environment and climate sustainability working group meeting under
India's presidency is started in which city?
A) Pune
B) Bengaluru
C) New Delhi
D) Chennai
Answer:- B
Q.The IIS Bengaluru will function as the secretariat for science 20, a working group set up
as part of the G20 which will be presided over by India in 2023. The theme for S20 2023 is
A) Science and Earth
B) Green Economy and Sustainable development
C) Disruptive Science for innovative and sustainable development
D) Science and technology for sustainable development
Answer:- C
Q. Where did the first G20 meeting of Anti-corruption working group(ACWG) begin on 1
March 2023 which was co-chaired by Italy?
A) Mumbai
B) Pune
C) Gurugram
D) Ranchi
Answer:- C
Q. The G20 second digital economy working group meeting began on April 17 in which
city?
A) Mumbai
B) Hyderabad
C) Gandhinagar
D) Bengaluru
Answer:- B

Q. Y20 India summit under the aegis of India's G20 Presidency is being held at which
university?
A) Maharaja Sayajirao University
B) Banars Hindu University
C) Sardar patel University
D) University of Lucknow
Answer:- A
Q.Who was appointed the chair of B20 India and led the business agenda during India's
G20 Presidency on 7 December 2022?
A) Kumar Mangalam Birla
B) N Chandrasekharan
C) Raghu Ram Rajan
D) Jyant K Patel
Answer:- B
Q. The G20 foreign ministers meeting will be held in which city from 1st to 2nd March
2023?
A) Chandigarh
B) New Delhi
C) Agra
D) Tripura
Answer:- B
Q. Where will the 1st meeting of G20 finance track agenda to be held under G20
Presidency take place ?
A) Mumbai
B) Delhi
C) Kolkata
D) Bengaluru
Answer:- D
Q. Which ministry has inaugurated the G20 cyber security exercise and drill for more than
400 domestic and international participants under India's G20 Presidency?
A) Ministry of electronics and information technology
B) National human rights commission
C) National legal service authority
D) Ministry of information and broadcast
Answer:- A

Q. The second Sherpa meeting of the G20 summit under India's presidency began in which
state ?
A) Kerala
B) Gujrat
C) New Delhi
D) Punjab
Answer:- A
Q. The first Sherpa meeting of the G20 summit under India's presidency began in which
city ?
A) Udaipur
B) Agra
C) Delhi
D) Pune
Answer:- A
Q.Think 20 meeting under G20 began in which city on 16th January 2023?
A) Ranchi
B) Patna
C) Bhopal
D) Pune
Answer:- C
Q. The first G20 Trade and investment working group meeting under India's G20
Presidency is being organised in which city from March 28-30 , 2023?
A) Mumbai
C) Hyderabad
C) Agra
D) New Delhi
Answer:- A
Q. What is the theme of India's G20 Presidency?

A) One world sustainable world
B) Recover Together, Recover stronger
C) One Earth One Family One future
D) Building consensus for fair and sustainable development
Answer:- C

Q.The second working group of climate sustainability working group of G20 will be held in
which city on 27-29 March 2023?
A) Gandhinagar
B) Udaipur
C) Bhopal
D) Bengaluru
Answer:- A
Q. The first G20 disaster risk reduction working group meeting will begin on 30 March
2023 in which of the following cities?
A) Hyderabad
B) Bhopal
C) Gandhinagar
D) Lucknow
Answer:- C
Q. First G20 Cultural working group meet will be held in which city?
A) Khajuraho
B) Bhuneshwar
C) Madurai
D) Cuttack
Answer:- A
Q. Name the Indian city that will host the space 20 program of G20 (Group of 20) in April
2023.
A) Shillong ,Meghalaya
B) Guwahati, Assam
C) Kolkata, West Bengal
D) Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Answer:- A
Q. Ntpc host G20 international seminar on carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS)
on 5 February 2023 in which city?
A) Bengaluru
B) Pune
C) New Delhi
D) Goa
Answer:- A

Q. The first meeting of the three -day Youth -20 engagement group under India's G20
chairmanship behan in which city?
A) Lucknow
B) Guwahati
C) Patna
D) Varanasi
Answer:- B
Q. Space Economy Leaders meet (SELM) under G20 summit has organised in which city ?
A) Shillong
B) Imphal
C) Gangtok
D) Bhuneshwar
Answer:- A
Q. In which country was the 2nd meeting of G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank
Governors (FMCBG) under the Indian G20 Presidency held in 2023?
A) Japan , Tokyo
B) New Delhi, India
C) Washington Dc Usa
D) Beijing China
Answer:- C
Q. In which city is the first meeting of the global partnership for financial inclusion working
group of G20 being held ?
A) Kolkata
B) New Delhi
C) Bengaluru
D) Hyderabad
Answer:- A
Q.The second G20 Infrastructure working group(IWG) meeting is being organised in which
state from March 28 - 29 , 2023?
A) Arunachal Pradesh
B) Uttarakhand
C) Andhra Pradesh
D) Telegnana
Answer:-C

Q.The first G20 Infrastructure working group(IWG) meeting is being organised in which
city?
A)Pune
B) Dehradun
C) Vishakapatnam
D) Chennai
Answer:-A
Q.The two- day G20 Research and Innovation Initiative Gathering (RIIG) conference began
in which city?
A) Dibrugarh
B) Mumbai
C)Kolkata
D)Shillong
Answer:- A
Q. Which state will host the first -ever G20 summit of the state commencing on the 3rd of
April 2023?
A)Manipur
B)Mizoram
C)Meghalaya
D)Tripura
Answer:- D
Q. India holds the Presidency of the group of twenty (G20) from December 1,2022 to
November 30, 2023 with the theme of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam". The theme of G20 was
inscribed from which of the following?
A) Maha Upanishad
B) Mundka Upanishad
C) Prasana Upanishad
D) Kenka Upanishad
Answer:- A
Q. Four -day meeting of G20 development working group (DWG) to be held in with city?
A) Mumbai
B) Chennai
C) Hyderabad
D) Kolkata
Answer:- A

Q. The second Energy Transitions Working Group (ETWG) meeting under India's G20
Presidency held in which place ?
A) Bhopal
B) Bhuneshwar
C) Gandhinagar
D) Raigarh
Answer:- C
Q. Which IIT has organised the Youth20 (Y20) consultation under the G20 Presidency of
India?
A) IIT Delhi
B) IIT Guwahati
C) IIT Kanpur
D) IIT Madras
Answer:- C
Q. Who has been appointed as the chair of India's Civil 20(C20) an official engagement
group of the G20?
A) Mata Amritanan damayi
B) N Chandrasekharan
C) Ashima Goel
D) Piyush Goel
Answer:- A
Q. The second G20 Empower (Empower and Progression of women's Economic

Representation) has recently began in ?
A) Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
B) Vishakapatnam Andhrapradesh
C) Chandigarh,Haryana
D) Kolkata,West Bengal
Answer:- A [ The theme of the meeting is Women's Empowerment: A win-win for equity
and economy]
Q. The first Energy Transitions Working Group (ETWG) meeting under India's G20
Presidency held in which place ?
A) Bhopal
B) Bengaluru
C) Gandhinagar
D) Raigarh
Answer:- C

Q. Which financial company has launched a special G20- theme QR code to celebrate
India's G20 Presidency and the country's leadership in mobile payments?
A) Google Pay
B) Phone Pay
C) Paytm
D) Bhim UPI
Answer:- C
Q. Labour20( L20) engagement group's inception meet as part of India's G20 Presidency
behan deleberation recently in
A) Amritsar
B) Kochi
C) Pune
D) Bengaluru
Answer:- A
Q.Where did the first Digital Economy Working Group(DEWG) meeting under India G20
Presidency?
A) Varans
B) Lucknow
C) Chhattisgarh
D) Pune
Answer:- B
Q. The first G20 Employment working group (EWG) meeting began in which of the
following city?
A) Guwahati
B) Bhuneshwar
C) Jodhpur
D) Jaipur
Answer:- C
Q. The Second G20 Employment working group (EWG) meeting began in which of the
following city?
A) Guwahati
B) Bhuneshwar
C) Jodhpur
D) Jaipur
Answer:- A

Q. The first Agriculture Representatives Meeting (ADM) of the agriculture working group
under the G20 Presidency of India has been held in which city?
A) New Delhi
B) Vishakapatnam
C) Indore
D) Guwahati
Answer:- C
Q. The second sustainable finance working group (SFWG) meeting under India's G20
chairmanship held in?
A) Udaipur
B) Jodhpur
C) Jaipur
D) Gandhinagar
Answer:- A
Q. The first sustainable finance working group (SFWG) meeting under India's G20
chairmanship held in?
A) Guwahati
B) Jodhpur
C) Jaipur
D) Gandhinagar
Answer:- A
Q.G20 MACS (Meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientist) meeting to be held in which city from
17 April to 19 April 2023 to feature the MAHARISHI initiative?
A) Varanasi
B) Chennai
C) Hyderabad
D) Bhuneshwar
Answer:- A
Q. The 100th meeting of the G20 grouping , under India's presidency was held in which
city?
A) Gurugram
B) New Delhi
C) Lucknow
D) Varanasi
Answer:- D

Q. The second G20 framework working group (FWG) meeting under India's presidency
held in which city?
A) Delhi
B) Mumbai
C) Kolkata
D) Chennai
Answer:- D
Q. The second G20 Cultural working group meet will be held in which city?
A) Khajuraho
B) Bhuneshwar
C) Madurai
D) Cuttack
Answer:- B
Q. The second G20 development working group (DWG) meeting under India's presidency
held in ?
A) Thrissur Kerala
B) Kumarkom Kerala
C) Bhopal Mp
D) Lucknow Uttar Pradesh
Answer:- B
Q. The second G20 Health working group meeting under India's presidency held in which
state?
A) Maharashtra
B) Goa
C) Madhya Pradesh
D) Uttar Pradesh
Answer:- B
Q. The first G20 Empower (Empower and Progression of women's Economic

Representation) has recently began in ?
A) Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
B) Vishakapatnam Andhrapradesh
C) Chandigarh,Haryana
D) Agra , Uttar Pradesh
Answer:- D
Explanation- [ The theme of the meeting is Empoweing women to lead across sectors :
role of digital skilling and future skills]

Q. The first G20 Health working group meeting under India's presidency held in which
state?
A) Mumbai
B) Thiruvananthapuram
C) Bhopal
D) Aurangabad
Answer:- B
Q. The first G20 international financial architecture working group meeting under India's
presidency held in?
A) Hyderabad
B) Chandigarh
C) Pune
D) Guwahati
Answer:- B
Q. The first tourism summit under India's G20 Presidency held in which city?
A) Rann of Kutch
B) Delhi
C) Pune
D) Chandigarh
Answer:-A
Q. The second tourism summit under India's G20 Presidency held in which city?
A) Siliguri and Darjeeling
B) Delhi and Pune
C) Pune and Maharashtra
D) Chandigarh and kolkata
Answer:-;A
Q.The first G20 Education working group under the India's G20 Presidency held in which
city?
A) Kolkata
B) Chennai
C) Mumbai
D) Ahmedabad
Answer:- B

Q.The Second G20 Education working group under the India's G20 Presidency held in
which city?
A) Kolkata
B) Amritsar
C) Mumbai
D) Ahmedabad
Answer:- B
Q. The second Agriculture working group meeting under India's presidency held in?
A) Chandigarh
B) Cuttack
C) Shillong
D) Guwahati
Answer:- A
Q. The second international financial arthitecture working group meeting under India's
presidency held in?
A) Paris
B) New Delhi
C) New York
D) Tokyo
Answer:- A
Q. Where will be the second G20 meeting of Anti-corruption working group(ACWG) under
India's G20 Presidency ?
A) Mumbai
B) Pune
C) Rishikesh
D) Ranchi
Answer:- C
Q. The second G20 disaster risk reduction working group under India's G20 Presidency
meeting will be held in which city?
A) Ahmedabad
B) Devpryag
C) Mumbai
D) Indore
Answer:- C

₹2000 Note Withdrawal

₹2000 Denomination Bank notes –Withdrawal from
Circulation; Will continue as Legal Tender
• The ₹2000 denomination banknote was introduced in November 2016 under Section 24(1)
of RBI Act, 1934, primarily to meet the currency requirement of the economy in an
expeditious manner after the withdrawal of legal tender status of all ₹500 and ₹1000
banknotes in circulation at that time. The objective of introducing ₹2000 banknotes was met
once banknotes in other denominations became available in adequate quantities. Therefore,
printing of ₹2000 banknotes was stopped in 2018-19.
• About 89% of the ₹2000 denomination banknotes were issued prior to March 2017 and are at
the end of their estimated life-span of 4-5 years. The total value of these banknotes in
circulation has declined from ₹6.73 lakh crore at its peak as on March 31, 2018 (37.3% of
Notes in Circulation) to ₹3.62 lakh crore constituting only 10.8% of Notes in Circulation on
March 31, 2023. It has also been observed that this denomination is not commonly used for
transactions. Further, the stock of banknotes in other denominations continues to be adequate
to meet the currency requirement of the public.
• In view of the above, and in pursuance of the “Clean Note Policy” of the Reserve Bank of
India, it has been decided to withdraw the ₹2000 denomination banknotes from circulation.
• The banknotes in ₹2000 denomination will continue to be legal tender.
• It may be noted that RBI had undertaken a similar withdrawal of notes from circulation in
2013-2014.
• Accordingly, members of the public may deposit ₹2000 banknotes into their bank accounts
and/or exchange them into banknotes of other denominations at any bank branch. Deposit
into bank accounts can be made in the usual manner, that is, without restrictions and subject
to extant instructions and other applicable statutory provisions.
• In order to ensure operational convenience and to avoid disruption of regular activities of
bank branches, exchange of ₹2000 banknotes into banknotes of other denominations can be
made upto a limit of ₹20,000/- at a time at any bank starting from May 23, 2023.

Why in News?
In May 19, 2023, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced that it will withdraw
the Rs 2000 denomination banknotes from circulation.
▪ While the existing notes will remain legal tender. The RBI has provided a
generous timeframe, allowing individuals to deposit or exchange the notes
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.
Withdrawal of 2000 Rupee Note
▪ The RBI said that the withdrawal of the 2000 rupees notes is part of
its currency management operations.
▪ The Rs 2000 banknotes were introduced in 2016 to meet the immediate
currency requirements after the withdrawal of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes
during the demonetization exercise.
▪ With an adequate supply of other denominations available, the printing of Rs
2000 notes was stopped in 2018-19, as the initial objective of expediting the
currency requirement was achieved.
▪ As of March 31, 2023, the value of Rs 2000 banknotes in circulation has
decreased to Rs 3.62 lakh crore, constituting only 10.8% of the total notes in
circulation.
▪ The last time India demonetised currency was in November 2016 when the
government withdrew 500 and 1000 rupees notes in an effort to remove
forgeries from circulation.
▪ The move took away 86% of the economy's currency in circulation by value
overnight.
▪ Exchanging and Depositing Rs 2000 Notes:

▪ The exchange limit for Rs 2000 banknotes is set at Rs 20,000 at a time. Non-
account holders can also exchange these banknotes at any bank branch.
▪ Deposits into bank accounts can be made without limitations, subject to
compliance with Know Your Customer (KYC) norms and other applicable
regulations.

▪ Impact:
▪ The RBI governor stated that the impact of withdrawal of 2000 rupees notes
will be "very very marginal" on the economy because it accounts for
only 10.8% of currency in circulation.
▪ The withdrawal will not cause disruption "either in normal life or in the
economy" as there is an adequate stock of banknotes in other
denominations.
▪ Some economists said that the withdrawal of the higher-value note is "a
sensible form of demonetization" and could boost bank deposits at a time of
high credit growth.
▪ The withdrawal could ease the pressure on deposit rate hikes and could also
result in moderation in short-term interest rates and would help to
curb black money and corruption.
The Clean Note Policy

The Clean Note Policy is an important aspect of the RBI’s initiatives to provide the
public with good-quality currency notes and coins that incorporate enhanced security
features. It aims to ensure that soiled notes are withdrawn from circulation.
Additionally, older banknotes issued before 2005, which have fewer security features
compared to those printed afterward, have been phased out in line with international
practices.
Demonetization in India?
About: Demonetization is the act of stripping a currency unit of its status as legal
tender. The current form or forms of money is pulled from circulation and retired,
often to be replaced with new notes or coins.
▪ Legality in India:
▪ 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 by notification in the
Official Gazette, on the recommendation of RBI.
▪ The legality of demonetization was challenged in several petitions filed in
various courts across India.

▪ However, the Supreme Court upheld the demonetisation as valid and stated
that demonetisation of currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 satisfied
the test of proportionality.
▪ To satisfy the test of proportionality, the benefits of demonetisation must
be significant enough to justify the costs and disruptions that it may
cause.
What is Legal Tender in India?

▪ About: A legal tender is a form of currency that is recognised by law as an
acceptable means for settling debts or obligations
▪ RBI is responsible for determining which forms of currency are considered
valid for transactions.
▪ It consists of coins issued by the Government of India under Section 6 of The
Coinage Act, 2011, and banknotes issued by the Reserve Bank of India
under Section 26 of the RBI Act, 1934.
▪ Govt issues all coins upto ₹ 1,000, and 1 Rupee Note.
▪ RBI issues currency notes other than ₹ 1 Note.
Question & Answer

Q. ₹2000 bank notes was introduced in November 2016 under ___ section of RBI Act
1934?
A) 24(1)
B) 45(A)
C) 35(A)
D) 44(1)
Answer :- A
Q. On which date RBI issued a notice to stop the circulation of ₹2000 banknotes, But
it will remain as a legal tender.
A) 18 May 2023
B) 19 May 2023
C) 20 May 2023
D) 17 May 2023
Answer:- B

Q. Reserve Bank of India issues notes under which section of RBI Act 1934?
A) 25
B) 24
C) 22
D) 29
Answer:- C
Explanation:- As per section 22 of RBI Act 1934 RBI has the sole authority to issue
Banknotes in India
Q. As per the report, A majority of ₹ 2000 denomination notes were issued in ____
and are end of their estimated life span of 4-5 years.
A) 2017
B) 2016
C) 2018
D) 2020
Answer:- A
Explanation: As per the report, A majority( 89 %) of ₹ 2000 denomination notes were
issued in 2017 and are end of their estimated life span of 4-5 years.
Q. The total value of the ₹2000 notes has declined from ₹6.73 crore at its peak of
March 31,2018 (37.3% of notes in circulation) to ₹ 3.62 lakh crore constituting only
____% of notes in circulation on March 31,2023?
A) 11.5%
B) 12.2%
C) 10.8%
D) 7.5%
Answer:- C
Explanation:- The total value of the ₹2000 notes has declined from ₹6.73 crore at its
peak of March 31,2018 (37.3% of notes in circulation) to ₹ 3.62 lakh crore constituting
only 10.8% of notes in circulation on March 31,2023.
Q. Recently Reserve Bank of India withdrew ₹2000 banknotes in circulation. RBI

introduced in which year ₹2000 denomination notes.
A) October 2017
B) November 2016
C) August 2015
D) November 2014
Answer:- B
Explanation:- Reserve Bank of India introduced ₹2000 currency notes in November
2016 under section 24(1) of RBI Act 1934 after ₹1000 and ₹500 banknotes were
demonetised on November 8,2016.

Q. Reserve Bank of India decided to withdraw the ₹2000 notes unde its ___ policy ?
A) Remove Note Policy
B) Clean Note Policy
C) New Note Policy
D) Clean and Remove Policy
Answer:- B
Q. What is the dimension of ₹2000 notes?

A) 65 mm *160 mm
B) 66 mm * 166 mm
C) 75 mm* 180 mm
D) 67 mm* 130 mm
Answer:- B
Q. What is the colour of ₹2000 notes?

A) Light Yellow
B) Grey
C) Light Blue
D) Magenta
Answer:- D
Q. ₹2000 bank notes stopped printing in which financial year?

A) 2018-19
B) 2017-18
C) 2019-20
D) 2016-17
Answer:- A
Q. According to RBI from which date ₹2000 can be exchanged in Bank branches and
RBI regional offices?
A) 22 May 2023
B) 23 May 2023
C) 20 May 2023
D) 19 May 2023
Answer:- B
Q. According to RBI guidelines till which date ₹l2000 notes can be exchanged ?
A) 30 August 2023
B) 30 June 2023
C) 31 July 2023
D) 30 September 2023
Answer:- D

Q. What is the limitation of ₹2000 notes which can be exchanged at a time?
A) ₹20000
B) ₹10000
C) ₹40000
D) ₹12000
Answer:- A
Q. At____ RBI regional offices and Bank braches ₹2000 notes can be exchanged.
A) 21
B) 22
C) 18
D) 19
Answer:- D
Q. In which year, the RBI completely withdrew from circulation all bank notes issued
prior to 2005?
A) 2015
B) 2014
C) 2012
D) 2010
Answer - B
Explanation:- In 2014, the RBI completely withdrew from circulation all banknotes
issued prior to 2005.The January 22, 2014 notification urged public to approach banks
for exchanging these notes after April 1
Q. How many ₹2000 notes can be exchanged at a time?

A) 20
B) 25
C) 10
D) 15
Answer:- C
Q. The objective of RBI's "clean Note Policy" introduced in ___ is to provide good
quality currency notes and coins while the soiled notes are withdrawn out of
circulation.
A) 1997
B) 1998
C) 1999
D) 1996
Answer:- C

Q. The Rs 2,000 banknotes was introduced in November 2016 under section 24 (1) of
the RBI Act ,1934-- which allowed the central bank to issue notes of any
denomination not exceeding Rs___
A) ₹10,000
B) ₹20,000
C) ₹5,000
D) ₹2,000
Answer:- A
Q. How many times Demonetisation and bank notes Withdrawal have done ?
A) 2 times Demonetisation and 1 time Notes Withdrawal
B) 3 times Demonetisation and 2 times notes Withdrawal
C) 2 times Demonetisation and 2 times Notes Withdrawal
D) 3 times Demonetisation and 3 times notes Withdrawal
Answer:- B
Explanation:- Three times Demonetisation and 2 times notes Withdrawal have done.
First Demonetisation:- 1946-( ₹500, ₹1000 and ₹10,000) - reintroduced all three notes
after 8 years in 1954.
Second Demonetisation:- 1978- (₹ 1000, ₹5000 and ₹10000)- ₹1000 reintroduced in
2000.
Third Demonetisation:- 2016( ₹500 and ₹1000)- new notes of ₹500 amd ₹2000 had
introducedBank notes Withdrawal:2014 and 2023
Q. As a report, A majority of ____% of ₹2000 denomination notes were issued in 2017

and are end of their estimated life span of 4-5 years.
A) 85%
B) 87%
C) 89%
D) 75%
Answer:- C

New Parliament Building
PM Narendra Modi inaugurates new Parliament building
• On May 28, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially opened the new Parliament
building. He arrived at Gate No. 1, wearing traditional attire, and was greeted by Lok
Sabha Speaker Om Birla. Accompanied by priests from Karnataka’s Shringeri Math,
the Prime Minister participated in a ceremonial “Ganapati Homam” to seek divine
blessings for the inauguration of the new Parliament building. Vedic chants added a
spiritual atmosphere to the occasion.
• PM Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Ministers and CMs of different States
attend a multi-faith prayer meeting under way at the new Parliament building. PM
Narendra Modi felicitates the workers who helped in the building and development of
the new Parliament House.
• Modi led a procession carrying the “Sengol“ while traditional “nadaswaram” tunes
played and Vedic mantras were chanted. The procession made its way to the new
Parliament building, where Modi placed the “Sengol” in a dedicated enclosure on the
right side of the Speaker’s chair in the Lok Sabha chamber. During the ceremony, the
Prime Minister also honored select workers who had made significant contributions to
the construction of the new Parliament building.

About the Sengol
Made of silver and gold, the five-feet long sceptre was handed over by Lord Mountbatten
to 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.
Historic Scepter ‘Sengol’ Finds Home In New Parliament Building
About the Parliament building

• The new building is located in the Central Vista area of New Delhi and is designed to
accommodate the growing size and needs of the Indian Parliament.The new Parliament
building has been designed to accommodate future requirements, with seating for 888
members in the Lok Sabha and 384 members in the Rajya Sabha.
• The new building will also house six committee rooms equipped with state-of-the-art
audio-visual systems. This is a significant improvement compared to the present
structure, which has only three such rooms.
• Unlike the circular shape of the old Parliament building, the new building takes on a
triangular shape to optimize space utilization, covering an area of approximately 65,000
square meters.
• The four-storey building has been constructed at an estimated cost of ₹970 crore. The
building has been designed by Ahmedabad-based HCP Design, Planning and
Management, and constructed by Tata Projects Limited.
New Parliament Building Name

The Parliament House in New Delhi, also known as Sansad Bhavan, serves as the official
venue for the Parliament of India. It accommodates the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha,
which represent the lower and upper houses, respectively, in India’s two-chambered
parliament.
New Parliament Building Location

As part of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project in India, a new parliament building
was constructed in New Delhi. On 28th May 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi
inaugurated this new building.
The parliament building is situated on Sansad Marg, which intersects the Central Vista
area. It is surrounded by various prominent landmarks, including the Old Parliament

House, Vijay Chowk, India Gate, National War Memorial, Vice President’s House,
Hyderabad House, Secretariat Building, Prime Minister’s Office and residence, ministerial
buildings, and other administrative units of the Indian government.
New Parliament Building History

In the early 2010s, concerns about the stability of the current parliament building led to
proposals for a new one. Speaker Meira Kumar established a committee in 2012 to explore
alternative options to replace the existing complex. The old building, which is 93 years old,
faced issues such as insufficient space for parliament members and their staff, and
modifications that compromised its structural integrity as it was not earthquake-resistant.
However, due to its significance to India’s national heritage, measures are being taken to
preserve the building.
New Parliament Building Architect

The previous parliament building constructed in 1927 was heavily influenced by the Hindu
Yogini Temple at Mitaoli. It was designed by British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir
Herbert Baker between 1912 and 1913, and completed in 1927.
According to Bimal Patel, the architect overseeing the redesign of Central Vista, the new
complex will have a hexagonal shape and will be located adjacent to the current complex.
It will be nearly identical in size to the previous one.
New Parliament Building Design

• The new building is planned to have a lifespan of over 150 years.
• It is designed to withstand earthquakes and will incorporate architectural styles from
various regions of India.
• The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha chambers will have larger seating capacities to
accommodate potential future increases in the number of Members of Parliament due
to population growth and future delimitation.
• The new complex will feature 888 seats in the Lok Sabha chamber and 384 seats in the
Rajya Sabha chamber.
• Unlike the old parliament building, it will not have a central hall.
• The Lok Sabha chamber will be capable of accommodating 1,272 members in the event
of a joint session.
• The rest of the building will consist of four floors with offices for ministers and
committee rooms.

• The new building will have a total built area of 20,866 square metres (224,600 sq ft),
MCQS
including Related
a 2,000 to New
square metre (22,000 sqParliament
ft) open-sky area for aQuestions
banyan tree.
• This makes it approximately 10% smaller in size compared to the existing circular
building, which spans 22,900 square metres (246,000 sq ft) with a diameter of 170.7
metres (560 ft) and includes a 6,060 square metre (65,200 sq ft) open-sky area divided
into three sectors.
• The Parliament House will have three entrances: Gyan Dwar (knowledge gate), Shakti
Dwar (power gate), and Karma Dwar (karma gate).
New Parliament Building Inauguration

Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally opened India’s new parliament building on May
28, 2023, amidst widespread protests and boycotts. The day started with Mr. Modi
revealing a plaque that symbolized the dedication of the building to the nation. He also
delivered a speech to a gathering of legislators.
A historically significant gold sceptre known as the sengol was placed in the new
parliament building as part of the inauguration. The opposition parties chose to largely
refrain from attending the event, stating their preference for the president to perform the
opening ceremony instead of Mr. Modi.
New Parliament Building Timeline of Construction

• In September 2019, the Indian government conceived the master plan for the
redevelopment of Central Vista Avenue.
• In September 2020, Tata Projects Ltd was awarded the contract worth ₹862 crores by
the CPWD to construct the new parliament building.
• In October 2020, HCP Design Planning and Management Pvt Ltd, based in
Ahmedabad, won the architectural consultancy work.
• On December 10, 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the
new parliament building.
• On July 11, 2022, Prime Minister Modi unveiled the statue of the national emblem on
top of the new Parliament building.

Q. Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated the new Parliament House.
The building was designed by Ahmedabad - based HCP Design, Planning and
Management and constructed by Which company?
A)Adani Group
B)Tata Project Ltd
C)Reliance Industries
D)Larsen and Turbo
Answer:- B
Q.Prime Minister Narendra Modi has installed "Sengol" in a dedicated enclosure to the
right of the Speaker's chair in the Lok sabha chamber. Sengol is a symbol of rule in the
which kingdoms of the past?
A)Telugu
B)Kanadda
C)Tamil
D)Assamese
Answer:- C
Q. India's New Parliament House is under construction by Tata projects on Sansad
Marg as a part of _
A)Sagarmala Project
B)Setu Bharatam Project
C)Bharatmala Project
D)Central Vista Redevelopment Project
Answer:- D
Q. "Sengol" is made of silver and gold. It is a five feet long sceptre which was given by
lord Mountbatten to _ on August 14,1947 as a symbol of the transfer of power.
A)Lal Bhadur Shastri
B)Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru
C)Dr.Rajendra Prasad
D)Mahatma Gandhi
Answer:- B
Q. Prime Minister Narendra Modi to launch New ₹___ coin to mark New Parliament
Inauguration.
A)₹75
B)₹100
C)₹50
D)₹25
Answer:- A
Explanation:According to finance ministry, the ₹75 coin is circular in shape with a
diameter of 44 mm. The composition of the coin is of a quaternary alloy- 50 % silver, 40%
copper , 5% nickel and 5% zinc.The inscription Sansad Sankul is written in Devanagari
script in the upper pheriphery while the words " Parliament complex" are in English on the
lower periphery of the coin
Q.Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the new Parliament building on ___
A)30th May 2023
B)29th May 2023
C)28th May 2023
D)26th May 2023
Answer:- C
Q. The "Sengol" installed by PM Modi which is associated with ___ Empire , one of
the longest -ruling and most influential dynasties in South India.
A)Chalukya
B)Chola
C)Rastrykuta
D)Behmani
Answer:- B

Q. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid foundation stone of new Parliament building on
___.
A)December 10, 2020
B)May 10, 2019
C)August 5,2019
D)July 31, 2017
Answer:- A
Q. Who is the chief architecture of new Parliament building ?

A)Vimal Jukla
B)Amrendra Bahubali
C)Bimal Patel
D)Vishnuvardhan
Answer:- C
Q. The old parliament was in the circle shape , while the qnew Parliament building was
designed in ___ shape .
A)Oval
B)Rectangular
C)Circle
D) Triangular
Answer:- D
Q. The old parliament house of India which was architect by Edwin lutyens and
Herbert Baker, and it was inaugurated on 18 January 1927 by ___?
A)Lord Mountbatten
B)Lord Irwin
C)Lord Canin
D)Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru
Answer:- B

Q. What is the revamped seat capacity of Loksabha and Rajyasabha houses
respectively?
A)848, 388
B)888, 348
C)888, 384
D)868, 384
Answer:- C
[ total -1272 ]
Q. The New Parliament, the loksabha and Rajyasabha hall based on the theme of ____
respectively and the nation tree the banyan in the centre of the parliament building.
A)National Flower "Lotus" and National Bird "Peacock"
B)National Bird "Peacock"and National Flower "Lotus"
C)National Animal "Tiger" and National Bird "Peacock"
D)National Bird "Peacock" and National Animal "Tiger"
Answer:- B
Q. The new Parliament building has how many gates?

A) 5
B) 6
C) 4
D) 7
Answer:- B
Explanation:- The new Parliament building has six gates named Makar and Hans (
dedicated to water) , Shardul and Garuda( dedicated to sky) and Ashva and Gaja
(dedicated to land)

Q. The new Indian Parliament building will be the ___ largest in the world ?
A)4th B)3rd
C)5th D)6th
Answer:- A
Explanation:- The new Parliament building will be the fourth largest in the world, after
the parliament houses of China(2980 seats), Romania and the US
Q. The old parliament building had a total area of 24,281 sq meter while the new
Parliament building has a total area of ___ sq m .
A)75,400 sq m B)67,800 sq m
C)54,500 sq m D)65,400 sq m
Answer:- D
Q. Article 79 of Indian constitution states that the Parliament of India comprises the
president and the ___ houses.
A)1
B)2
C)3
D)4
Answer:-B
Explanation-Article 79 of Indian constitution states that Parliament of India comprises the
president and the two houses. First the permanent house/the council of states or the
Rajyasabha and the house of the people or the loksabha.
Q. What was the old strength of Rajyasabha and Loksabha buliding hall.?
A)245, 545 B)260, 555
C)345, 455 D)241, 520
Answer:- A
Explanation:-Rajya Sabha had a sanctioned strength of 245 members and 12 of these
members are nominated by the President. Lok Sabha had 545 members including 2 of
these members nominated members from the Anglo-Indian Community by the President
of India.[ Note:- old parliament total seats in loksabha -550 and Rajyasabha - 250]

PRADHAN MANTRI MUDRA YOJANA [PMMY]
About PMMY Scheme:

Launched On: April 8, 2015
Launched By: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Aim: To Provide Loans upto 10 lakh to the non- corporate, non- farm small/micro
enterprises.
Comes under: Ministry of Finance
These Loans are Classified as MUDRA loans under PMMY:

• MUDRA has been initially formed as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Small
Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) with 100% capital being contributed
by it.
• Presently, the authorized capital of MUDRA is 1000 crores and paid-up capital is
750 crore, fully subscribed by SIDBI.
Quantum of Loan(Min/Max):-
• Maximum loan amount : upto Rs.10 lakhs.
• Loans from Rs.50,000 are categorised as SHISHU .
• Loans from Rs.50,001 to Rs.500,000 are categorised as KISHORE .
• Loans from Rs.500,001 to Rs.10,00,000/- are categorised as TARUN.
• PMMY helped in generation of 1.12 crore net additional employment during a
period of approximately 3 years ( from 2015 to 2018).
PRADHAN MANTRI MUDRA YOJANA[PMMY MCQ
Q. Which of the following scheme is for collateral free loans to to Small/Micro enterprises and
individuals in the non agriculture sector.
A) PMMY
B) PMEP
C) PMVVY
D) PMJDY
Answer:- A
Q.What does R stands for in MUDRA?

A) Return
B) Refinance
C) Ratio
D) Risk
Answer:- B
[MUDRA stands for Micro Unit Development Refinance Agency]

Q. MUDRA Bank is a Subsidiary of?
A) RBI
B) SEBI
C) SIDBI
D) NABARD
Answer:- C
Q.What is the maximum limit of loan under MUDRA Yojana?

A) 1 lakh
B) 5 lakh
C) 50 lakh
D) 10 lakh
Answer:- D
Q. How many schemes/products are available under MUDRA Yojana?

A) 2
B) 3
C4
D) 5
Answer:- B
[There are three types of mudra loan schemes, namely Tarun, Kishor, and Shishu.]
Q.What is the maximum loan limit under the Shishu product of MUDRA Yojana?
A) 50,000
B) 10 lakh
C) 1 lakh
D) 5 lakh
Answer:- A
Q.What is the maximum loan limit under the Kishore product of MUDRA Yojana?
A) 1 lakh
B) 5 lakh
C) 10 lakh
D) 15 lakh
Answer:- B
Q.What is the maximum loan limit under the Tarun product of MUDRA Yojana?
A) 10 lakh
B) 5 lakh
C) 1 lakh
D) 50,000
Answer:- A
Q.Which of the following cannot grant loans under MUDRA Yojana?

A) Private Sector Banks
B) Micro Finance Institutions
C) Non-Banking Finance Companies
D) Payments Bank
Answer:- D

Q.Which of the following activities can be granted loan under MUDRA Yojana?
A) Purchase of Transport Vehicle
B) Food Products Sector
C) Textile Products Sector
D) Agricultural Loans
Answer:- D
Q. Recently Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) has completed how many years?
A) 7 years
B) 8 years
C) 9 years
D) 6 years
Answer:- B
Explanation:- On April 8 , 2023 Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY)completed Eight years. It
was launched on April 8,2015
Q. As on 31 March 2022, NPA( non performing assets) in MUDRA stood at ____%

A) 2.25%
B) 4.50
C) 1.25%
D) 3.17%
Answer:- D
Explanation:- According to Minister of state for finance Bhagwant Karad in December last year had
informed parliament that the total non performing assets in MUDRA loans stood at 3.17% as of
March 2022.
Q. According to finance ministry, nearly ___% of the accounts under the scheme belong to Sc/St/obc
entrepreneurs?
A) 51%
B) 54%
C) 57%
D) 61%
Answer:- A
Explanation:- According to finance ministry, about 51% of the accounts under the scheme belong to
Sc/St/obc entrepreneurs
Q. According to finance ministry, nearly ___% of the accounts under the scheme belong to women
entrepreneurs?
A) 66%
B) 67%
C) 68%
D) 77%
Answer:- C
Explanation:- According to finance ministry, nearly 68% of the accounts under the scheme belong to
women entrepreneurs

Q.Since the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) eight years ago, more than 40.82
crore loan worth _ have been sanctioned so far.
A) 22.2 lakh crore
B) 32.2 lakh crore
C) 23.2 lakh crore
D) 20.2 lakh crore
Answer:- C
Explanation:- Q.Since the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) eight years ago,
more than 40.82 crore loan worth 23.2 lakh crore have been sanctioned so far.
Q.The average ticket size of loans under Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY/MUDRA) has
nearly doubled to ____in FY23 from ₹38,000 in FY16, according to State Bank of India’s economic
research department.
A) ₹76,000
B) ₹75,000
C) ₹72,000
D) ₹74,000
Answer:- C
Explanation:- average ticket size of loans under Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY/MUDRA)
has nearly doubled to ₹72,000 in FY23 from ₹38,000 in FY16, according to State Bank of India’s
economic research departmen
Q.The gap between sanctioned and disturbed under Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) has
declined to an all -time low level of _% at the end of FY23
A) 2.23%
B) 1.35%
C) 1.07%
D) 2.33%
Answer:- B
Explanation:-The gap between sanctioned and disturbed under Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana
(PMMY) has declined to an all -time low level of 1.35% at the end of FY23.Earlier the gap between
sanctioned and disbursed under PMMY stood at 2.2% and 3.3%.
PRADHAN MANTRI FASAL BIMA YOJANA ( PMFBY )
About PMFBY Scheme

• Launched on:- 18th Feb,2016
• Launched by:- PM MODI at Sehore in Madhya Pradesh
• PMFBY Comes Under:- Ministry of Agriculture and farmers welfare
• Aim:- To reduce the Premium burden of farmers and ensure early settlement lement of crop
assurance claim for the full insured sum.
• Objective:- To stabilise the income of farmers to ensure their continuance in farming . To
encourage farmers to adopt innovative and modal agricultural practice.
• Budget Outlay for FY23-24:- 13,625 crore

Premium Under this Scheme
❖ 1.5% on all Rabi crops
❖ 2% on all Kharif crops
❖ 5% on Horticulture
Cap on Centre's Premium Subsidy

❖ For unirrigated Areas – upto 30%
❖ For irrigated Areas -upto 25%
❖ 21 states implemented the scheme in Khrif 2016 whereas 23 states and 2 UTs have implemented
the scheme in Rabi 2016-17.
❖ Central share in premium subsidy to be increased to 90% for North Eastern States from the
existing sharing pattern of 50:50.
Some Information about Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana

• Some States/UTs like Bihar, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh Jharkhand,West Bengal and Gujarat
have opted out of the scheme after implementing it for some seasons due to their own reasons like
perception about risk and financial constraints. Due to the efforts of Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare, Andhra Pradesh has re-joined the scheme from Kharif 2022 season and Punjab
has made a budget announcement to do so. The PMFBY is available for all States/UTs and is
voluntary for them. States/UTs are free to subscribe under the scheme keeping in view their risk
perception and financial considerations etc. The scheme is also voluntary for the farmers to enroll
themselves as per their risk perception.
• Since inception of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) in 2016-17,coverage under
the scheme has been around 30% of Gross Cropped Area (GCA) in the States/UTs who are
implementing the scheme.
• Telengana,Gujarat, Bihar, West Bengal and Jharkhand have also been requested to rejoin
PMFBY.
PRADHAN MANTRI FASAL BIMA YOJANA ( PMFBY ) MCQ
Q. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana ( PMFBY) launched in ?

A) 18th February, 2016
B) 16 May, 2020
C) 12 June,2020
D) 1 March,2020
Answer – A

Q.What is the maximum premium payable by farmers for Rabi crops under Pradhan Mantri Fasal
Bima Yojana?
A) 2.0%
B) 2.5%
C) 1.5%
D) 3.0%
Answer – C
Q.What is the maximum premium payable by farmers for kharif crops under Pradhan Mantri
Fasal Bima Yojana?
A) 2 %
B) 2.5%
C) 1.5%
D) 3 %
Answer – A
Q.Under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana ( PMFBY ) Premium to be paid by farmers is
what percent of sum insured for cash crops?
A) 5%
B) 3%
C) 2%
D) 7%
Answer – A
Q.Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana launched from?

A) Sehore, Madhya Pradesh
B) Bundi ,Rajasthan
C) Noida , Uttar Pradesh
D) Panipat, Haryana
Answer:- A
Q.Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana is:

A) Government sponsored crop insurance scheme
B) Government sponsored educational scheme
C) Free loan for Farmers
D) Free Education for all
Answer:- A
Explanation:- Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana provides insurance coverage and financial support
to the farmers for notified crops.
Q. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana ( PMFBY ) comes under the ministry of ?
A) Ministry of Finance
B) Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
C) Ministry of Social and Welfare
D) Ministry of agriculture and farmers welfare
Answer – D

Q. How many states/UTs have implemented the scheme in Kharif in 2016 and Rabi in 2016-17?
A) 21States in Kharif whereas 23 States and 1 UTs in Rabi
B) 23 States in Kharif whereas 21 states and 2 UTs in Rabi
C) 21 States in Kharif whereas 23 States and 2 UTs in Rabi
D) 22 States in Kharif whereas 23 States and 2 UTs
Answer:- C.
Explanation: 21 states implemented the scheme in Kharif 2016 whereas 23 States and 2 UTs have
implemented the scheme in Rabi 2016-17.
Q.In Dec 2020, which of the following states has launched Kisan Fasal Rahat Yojana to replace
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana for farmers?
A) Uttar Pradesh B) Chhattisgarh
C) Punjab D) Jharkhand
Answer:- D
Explanation:-Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren has launched Kisan Fasal Rahat Yojana on 29th
December 2020 .It is a compensation scheme aimed at providing security cover to Jharkhand farmers
in case of crop damage due to natural calamity.It will cover both land owning and landless farmers.
Q. Which state government has decided to rejoin the ambitious Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima
Yojana?
A) Andhra Pradesh B) Chhatisgarh
C) Madhya Pradesh D) Uttar Pradesh
Answer – A
Q.Recently in April which state has bagged the national award for the best implementation of the
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana in the country?
A) Karnataka B) Uttar Pradesh
C) Tamil Nadu D) Maharashtra
Answer:- A
Explanation:-Karnatka state has bagged the national award for the best implementation of the
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. PMFBY is being implemented in Karnataka through its own
portal “ Samrakshane” , designed and developed by the state through National Informatics centre.
Q. Which insurance company has launched “ Meri policy mera hath” campaign to support Indian
farmers communities in Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh , Uttarakhand, Assam and Karnataka
during the implementing Rabi season under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)?
A) SBI General Insurance
B) Kotak Genaral Insurance
C) Hdfc Ergo general Insurance
D) Muthoot General Insurance
Answer:- A
Explanation:- As part of the "Azaadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav" Campaign, SBI General insurance
organized a significant PMFBY (Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana) policy distribution drive to
support Indian farmer communities in Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Assam, and
Karnataka during the impending Rabi season.

Q. Recently in March agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar launched a digitised claim
settlement module – DigiClaim– under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) which
will help farmers receive the disbursed amount electronically like in the case of PM- Kisan. As for
the launch , it has been made operational in ___ states with demonstration actual transfer of
claims in bank accounts of beneficiary farmers
A) 5 states B) 6 states
C) 7 states D) 8 states
Answer:- B
Explanation:- The claims will be disbursed electronically. It will benefit farmers of six states. It
includes farmers from Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttrakhand and
Haryana.Insurance claims of over Rs 1260.35 crore have been disbursed through the DigiClaim
module to the farmers of six states.
Q.Recently as per the April report the government is planning to rehaul the livestock insurance
scheme and will launch a comprehensive livestock insurance scheme just like _______ .
A) Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayi Yojana
B) Pradhan Mantri Kissan Samman Nidhi Yojana
C) Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana
D) Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana
Answer:- C
Explanation:- The government is planning to rehaul the livestock insurance scheme and will launch
a comprehensive livestock insurance scheme just like Prime Minister Fasal Bima Yojana. At present,
less than 1% of India’s cattle population is insured and the average yearly premium is 4.5% of the
insured amount.
Q. What is the budget Outlay for Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana for FY 23-24?
A) 15,500 crore
B) 60,000 crore
C) 14,200 crore
D) 13,625 crore
Answer:- D
Explanation:- The budget Outlay for Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana in FY23-24 is ₹13,625
crore.
Q. What is I stands in NCIP ?

A) Income
B) Insurance
C) Information
D) Interest
Answer:-B
Explanation:- National crop insurance Portal(DigiClaim)launched by the Narendra Singh Toma to
enable the farmers to recive their PMFBY claim amount in the time bound and automated manner.

PRADHAN MANTRI JAN DHAN YOJANA:-[PMJDY]
About PMJDY Scheme
• Prime Minister’s People’s Wealth Scheme]

• Announced :-On 15th August,2014 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi
• Launched On:-28, August 2014
• Slogan Of the Scheme:-“Mera Khata Vhagya Vidhata” (My Account Fate Restorer)
• Run By:- Department of Financial services and ministry of Finance
• Age Limit:- 18-65 year
• On Inauguration Day:- 15 million Account were opened
SOME ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT PMJDY :-
• Under Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), a free RuPay debit card is provided to the
PMJDY account holders with inbuilt accident insurance cover of Rs. 1 lakh. This coverage
amount has since been raised from Rs 1 lakh to Rs. 2 lakh to PMJDY accounts opened after
28.08.2018.
• In the original scheme the government had announced a life insurance cover of ₹30,000 to the
account holders. But this had been discontinued since March 2020.
• An Overdraft Facily(OD) facility up to Rs.10,000 to eligible account holders is available.
• PMJDY accounts are eligible for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti
Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), Atal Pension Yojana
(APY), Micro Units Development & Refinance Agency Bank (MUDRA) scheme.
BENEFICIARIES AS ON 9/ 04 /2023
• Number of Total Beneficiaries
• 48.82 crore
• Women Holders
• 27.15 crore
• Total Rupy Card Issued
• 33.06 crore
• Total Deposits
• 199341.41 crore

MCQ RELATED TO PRADAHN MANTRI JAN DHAN YOJANA
Q. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana Announced on ?
A) 10 March, 2015
B) 15 August,2014
C) 20 January,2017
D) 10 June, 2016
Answer:- B
Explanation:- Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana Announced by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi
on 15 August 2014.
Q. PMJDY(Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana) launched On?

A) 20 Nov,2016
B) 15 August,2019
C) 28 August,2014
D) 18 February,2016
Answer:- C
Q.What is the Slogan of PMJDY?

A) Mera Khata Mera Inaam
B) Mera Khata Vhagya Vidhata
C) Mera Khata Vhagya Banata
D) Mera Khata Vhagya Bhrose
Answer:-B
Q. What is the Age Limit under the PMJDY?

A) 18-50 years
B) 18-65 years
C) 20-60 years
D) 2 1-59 years
Answer:- B
Q.Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is Run By?

A) Department of Financial services and ministry of Finance
B) Department of Pharmaceuticals ministry of Chemical and Fertilizers
C) Department of Agriculture and farmers welfare
D) Department of Housing and Urban Affairs
Answer:- A
Q. The PMJDY provides an accidental insurance cover of how much amount?

A) ₹1 lakh
B)V₹2 lakh
C) ₹2.5 lakh
D) ₹1.5 lakh
Answer:- B

Q.Which of the following is a nation-wide financial inclusion scheme ofGovernment of India?
A) PMJDY
B) PMMY
C) PMJJBY
D) PMSBY
Answer:- A
Q. What is the Overdraft limit under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)?
A) ₹6,000
B) ₹10,000
C) ₹4,000
D) ₹15,000
Answer:- B
Explanation:-OD limit doubled from Rs 5,000/- to Rs 10,000/-; OD upto Rs 2,000/- (without
conditions)
Q. The total balance in the basic Bank accounts under Pradhan Mantri Jandhan Yojana has surged a
record of ₹_____ crore in the financial year ended March 31,2023.
A) 30,000 crore
B) 40,000 crore
C) 50,000 crore
D) 60,000 crore
Answer:- C
Q. About how much percent of women Holders in PMJDY?

A) 51%
B) 52%
C) 60%
D) 56%
Answer:- D
Q. As per the Reserve Bank of India data , about ___% of PMJDY accounts have zero balance.
The average balance is upwards of ₹2,400.
A) 8%
B) 6%
C) 5%
D) 10%
Answer:- A
Q. Total Account opened under the PMJDY till the date of 9 April 2023?
A) 46.25 crore B) 48.82 crore
C) 51.26 crore D) 45.21 crore
Answer:- B
Q. How many Rupay cards have issued under the PMJDY till the date of 9 April 2023?
A) 33.06 crore
B) 27.75 crore
C) 30.16 crore
D) 31.05 crore
Answer:- A

Q.The Pradhan Mantri Jandhan Yojana bank account holders are provided the facility of accident
insurance cover, only __% of the claims made in the past two years were settled.
A) 40%
B) 60%
C) 50%
D) 30%
Answer:- C
Explanation:- In the past two financial years, only 329 of the 647 claims filled for accident insurance
cover provided to bank account holders under Pradhan Mantri Jandhan Yojana have settled

MAHATMA GANDHI NATIONAL RURAL EMPLOYMENT GUARANTEE ACT
[MGNREGA]
About MGNREGA Scheme

❖ Act Passed:- 23 August 2005
❖ Launch Year:- February 2006
❖ Launched by:- Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
❖ Sector:- Rural Employment
❖ Under :- Ministry of Rural and Development
Budget Outlay for FY23-24:-

❖ 60,000 crore
Some Additional Information about Mahatma Gandhi National Rural

Employment Guarantee Act.
✓ Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act 2005 or MGNREGA, earlier
known as the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act or NREGA, is an Indian labour law
and social security measure that aims to guarantee the 'right to work’.
✓ The act was first proposed in 1991 by P.V. Narasimha Rao. In 2006, it was finally accepted in the
parliament and commenced implementation in 625 districts of India. Based on this pilot
experience, NREGA was scoped up to covered all the districts of India from 1 April 2008.
MCQ RELATED TO MGNREGA
Q. In which year Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)
Passed by the Indian government ?
A) 2005
B) 2006
C) 2007
D) 2008
Answer:- A
Explanation :- The Indian Parliament passed the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment
Guarantee Act on 23 August 2005.

Q. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) comes under
the which ministry?
A) Ministry of Rural and Development
B) Ministry of housing and urban affairs
C) Ministry of Home affairs
D) Ministry of Finance
Answer:- A
Q. In which years MGNREGA was launched ?

A) 2006
B) 2005
C) 2009
D) 2007
Answer:- A
Explanation:- MGNREGA was launched in February 2006.
Q. What is the budget allocation in FY23-24 for MGNREGA scheme?

A) 70,000 crore
B) 73,000 crore
C) 60,000 crore
D) 80,000 crore
Answer:- C
Explanation:- The government has reduced the budget for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural
Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme to 60,000 crore rupees in 2023-24.The new
allocation is 33% lower than the revised estimate of 89,000 crore for 2022-23 and 18% lower than the
budget estimate of 73,000 crore for the same year.
Q. Last year which state government has launched ab ambitious scheme to provide 100 days of
employment to needy families in urban areas on the lines of rural employment guarantee scheme
MGNREGS?
A) Madhya Pradesh
B) Rajasthan
C) Bihar
D) Chhatisgarh
Answer:- B
Q.____district in Odisha has occupied the top position in the country in generating man-days and
providing 100 days of work to rural households under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural
Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) till January 22 of the FY 22-23.?
A) Sambalpur
B) Cuttack
C) Puri
D) Ganjam
Answer:-D
Explanation:- Ganjam district of Odisha generated 2.26 crore man-days under the rural employment
scheme during the period and topped the country. It is followed by Barmera (2.18 crore) in Rajasthan
and Tiruvannamalai (2.13 crore)in Tamil Nadu in generating man days during the period.

Q. Which two states recorded a high proportion of women workers during FY22-23?
A) Uttar Pradesh, Kerala
B) Bihar , Uttar Pradesh
C) Karnataka, Assam
D) Jharkhand, West Bengal
Answer:-B
Q.The proportion of women workers participating in the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural
Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) has touched ___% which is 10-year high in the
financial year 2022-23.
A) 57.8%
B) 62.5%
C) 55.4%
D) 52.3%
Answer:- A
Explanation:- The proportion of women workers participating in the Mahatma Gandhi National
rural employment guarantee scheme (MGNREGS) has touched a 10 – year high in the financial year
2022-23. According to the report 57.8% of the workers who used the scheme this year were women,
this is the highest level of participation since 2021-13.
Q.In December 2022, the central government ordered that digitally capturing attendance is
mandatory for all workers employed under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment
Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) and that will be applicabled from __.
A) January 1,2023
B) February 2,2023
C) March 1, 2023
D) April 1, 2023
Answer:- A
Explanation:-In December 2022, the central government ordered that digitally capturing attendance
is mandatory for all workers employed under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment
Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) and that will be applicabled from January 1,2023.
Q. In December 2022, The central government constituted a committee to review the

implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act
(MGNREGA) scheme, that committee was headed by whom?
A) Ak Sikri
B) VK Paul
C) Amarjeet Singha
D) Rajesh Chauhan
Answer:- C
Explanation:-The central government constituted a committee to review the implementation of the
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme, especially to
assess the programme’s efficacy as a poverty alleviation tool. The committee, headed by former Rural
Development Secretary Amarjeet Singha.
Q. Recently MGNREGS wage rates revised by up to __% for 2023-24?

A) 5%
B) 10%
C) 7%
D) 9%
Answer:- B

Explanation:- The union ministry of Rural Development issued a notification on the change in the
wage rates on March 24. The wage hikes which range from ₹7 to ₹26, will come into effect from
April 1.The notification was issued under Section Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005,
which says the Centre may, by notification, specify the wage rate for its Beneficiaries.
Q. As per the recent report, Which state has the highest daily wage under the under the
MGNREGS?
A) Haryana
B) Rajasthan
C) Chhattisgarh
D)Bihar
Answer:- A
Explanation:- The government has notified an increase in wage rates under the Mahatma Gandhi
National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme for the financial year 2023-24, with Haryana having
the highest daily wage at ₹357 and Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh the lowest at ₹221.
PRADHAN MANTRI JEEVAN JYOTI BIMA YOJANA (PMJJBY)
About PMJJBY Scheme:
✓ Launched – 9 May 2015 from Kolkata

✓ Launched by – Prime Minister Narendra Modi
✓ Under - Ministry of Finance
✓ Age Limit - 18-50 years
✓ Risk coverage - 2 lakhs in case of death of the insured, due to any reason.
✓ Scheme is offered by – LIC and all other life insurance companies.
Some Changes in Scheme:
• Last year the Premium rate of PMJJBY revised upward to₹1.25 per day,translating into
an increase from ₹330-₹436 since its inception. In terms of percentage the premium
increse is 32%.
• The new rate had effected from June 1,2022.
Status :
• About 8.3 crore Beneficiaries under PMJJBY as of now and 15.99 crore enrollment taken
place till March 31,2023.

PRADHAN MANTRI SURAKSHA BIMA YOJANA (PMSBY):
About PMSBY Scheme:-
✓ Launched - 9 May 2015, from Kolkata

✓ Launched by – Prime Minister Narendra Modi
✓ Under – Ministry of Finance
✓ Age Limit :- 18-70 years
✓ Risk coverage :- 2 lakh for accidental death & full disability and 1 lakh for partial
disability.
✓ Scheme is offered by :- Public sector General Insurance companies or any other general
insurance company.
Some Changes in Scheme:-

• Last year, The Premium rate of PMSBY revised from ₹12 to ₹20 for the first time since
its inception In pertange terms, the premium increase in PMSBY is 67%.
• New rate had effected from June 1,2022.
Status:-
• About 23.9 crore Beneficiaries under the PMSBY and 33.78 crore enrollment taken
place till March 31,2023
ATAL PENSION YOJANA
About APY Scheme

✓ Launched :- 9 May 2015 from Kolkata
✓ Launched by:- Prime Minister Narendra Modi
✓ Under : Ministry of Finance
✓ Administered by:- PFRDA
✓ Age Limit :- 18-40 years

Some Additional Information About APY:-
✓ Atal Pension Yojana is a pension scheme under the government of India. This scheme
is replaces the Swavalamban Yojana and was established to provide to old age income
security to the workers belonging to the unorganised sector.
✓ From 1st October,2022, any citizen who is or has been an income-tax payer, shall not
be eligible to join APY.
✓ Subscribers would receive the guaranteed minimum monthly pension of Rs. 1000 or Rs.
2000 or Rs. 3000 or Rs. 4000 or Rs. 5000 at the age of 60 years.
✓ In case of premature death of subscriber (death before 60 years of age), spouse of the
subscriber can continue contribution to APY account of the subscriber, for
✓ the remaining vesting period, till the original subscriber would have attained the age of
60 years.
✓ Subscribers can make contributions to APY on monthly/ quarterly / half-yearly basis.
✓ The minimum contribution to get Rs.1000 as pension amount, at the age of 18, is
Rs.42. The maximum contribution of Rs.1454 will be paid at the age of 40 years for a
pension amount of Rs.5000.
Status
The Ministry of Finance has said that total enrolment under the Atal Pension Yojana
(APY) has crossed the 5 crore 20 lakh mark as of the 31st of March of this year. The
scheme enrolled more than 1 crore 19 lakh new subscribers in the Financial Year 2022-23
as compared to 99 lakh in the last depicting a growth of more than 20 percent. The
ministry said that as of date the total assets under management in APY are more than 27
thousand 200 crore rupees and the scheme has generated an investment return of 8.69
percent since inception of the scheme.
MCQ RELATED TO PMJJBY, PMSBY AND APY

Q. Pradahn Mantri Jeewan Bima Yojna(PMJJBY) , Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima
Yojana (PMSBY) and Atal Pension Yojana (APY)launched in?
A) 15 June, 2014
B) 9 May,2015
C) 18 Feb,2016
D) 22 Aug, 2017
Answer:- B

Q. What is the age criteria under the PMJJBY?
A) 18-50
B) 18-40
C) 18-60
D) 18-65
Answer:-A
Q. What is the revised premium rate in PMJJBY since its inception?

A) ₹330-₹430
B) ₹331-₹435
C) ₹333-₹436
D) ₹330-₹436
Answer:-D
Q. How many subscribers under the PMJJBY till the date of Mar 31,2023.?
A) 6.3 cr
B) 8.3 cr
C) 6.4 cr
D) 6.6 cr
Answer:-B
Q. How many enrollment taken place under PMJJBY till March 31,2023?
A) 14.21 crore
B) 17.45 crore
C) 15.99 crore
D) 12.34 crore
Answer:- C

Q. Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana ( PMJJBY ) , Pradhan Mantri Suraksha
Bima Yojana (PMSBY) and Atal Pension Yojana (APY) launched from ?
A) Kolkata
B) Lucknow
C) Indore
D) Bhopal
Answer – A
Q. Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana
and Atal Pension Yojana come under Which ministry?
A) Ministry of Rural Development
B) Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
C) Ministry of Health and family Welfare
Answer:- D
Q.Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana provides life insurance cover of ___to all
holders of bank accounts.
A) 5 Lakh B) 4 Lakh
C) 2 Lakh D) 8 Lakh
Answer:- C
Explanation - Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana provides life insurance cover of
Rs. 2 Lakh to all holders of bank accounts.
Q. What is Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana?
A) A financial inclusion scheme
B) A health insurance scheme
C) A life insurance scheme
D) An Accident insurance scheme
Answer – C

Q. What is the revised premium under Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana
(PMSBY)?
A) ₹12-₹20
B) ₹30-₹40
C) ₹25-₹30
D) ₹40-₹45
Answer:- A
Q. Under Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) a renewable one-year

accidental death cum disability cover of Rs 2 lakhs is offered to all subscribing bank
account holders in the age group of ___ Years?
A) 15 to 80
B) 15 to 60
C) 18 to 60
D ) 18 to 70
Answer – D
Q. How many subscribers under the PMSBY till the date of Mar 31,2022.?
A) 22.6 crore
B) 24.5 crore
C) 23.9 crore
D) 21.2 crore
Answer:- C
Q. How many enrollment have taken place under PMSBY till March 31,2023?
A) 33.78 crore
B) 41.25 crore
C) 30.25 crore
D) 35.26 crore
Answer:- A

Q.To achieve saturation under Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)
and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), the finance ministry launched a
_____ months campaign.
A) 2 months
B) 3 months
C) 4 months
D) 5 months
Answer:- B
Explanation:- To achieve saturation under Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana
(PMJjBY) and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), the finance minister
launched a 3 months campaign. A special 3 months campaign has been launched by
DFS(department of financial services) at Gram Panchayat Level covering all districts in
the country to saturate all eligible persons under the PMJJBY and PMSBY w.e.f 1st April
2023 to the 30th June 2023.
Q. The Atal Pension Yojana was previously known as_ ?

A) Swabhim Yojana
B) Swavalamban Yojana
C) Saksham Yojana
D) Sampoorna Yojana
Answer:- B
Q.Atal Pension Yojna, is administered by which organisation?

A) SIDBI
B) PFRDA
C) NABARD
D) IRDAI
Answer :- B

Q. In Atal Pension Yojna contribution can be done ?
A) Yearly
B) Monthly
C) Half -yearly
D) Quarterly
Which above of the following is correct regarding contribution
(1) Only A
(2) Only A&B
(3) Only B,C&D
(4) All except A
Answer :3
Explanation:- In APY contribution can be Monthly, Quarterly or Half-Yearly basis.
Q.What is the age criteria under the APY ?

A) 18-40
B) 18-50
C) 18-55
D) 18-70
Answer:- A
Q. APY Define as:-

A) It is a Pension scheme focused on all citizens in the reorganized sector.
B) It is a Pension scheme focused on Female citizens in the rural sector.
C) It is a Pension scheme focused on all citizens in the unorganised sector.
D) It is a Pension schemes focused on only BPL subscriber
Answer:- C

Q. What is will be the minimum monthly pension payble to the subscriber under Atal
Pension Yojana (APY)?
A) 1,000
B) 2,000
C) 3,000
D) 4,000
Answer:- A
Explanation:- Monthly Pension of either ₹1000/-, ₹2,000/- ₹3,000/- , ₹4,000/- or ₹5,000
would be paid to the subscriber after the he attains the age of 60 years.
Q. The Ministry of Finance has said that total enrolment under the Atal Pension
Yojana (APY) has crossed the five crore 20 lakh mark as of the 31st of March of this
year.?
A) 8 crore 20 lakh
B) 5 crore 20 lakh
C) 7 crore 20 lakh
D) 9 crore 20 lakh
Answer:- B
Explanation:- The Ministry of Finance has said that total enrolment under the Atal
Pension Yojana (APY) has crossed the five crore 20 lakh mark as of the 31st of March of
this year. The scheme enrolled more than one crore 19 lakh new subscribers in the
Financial Year 2022-23 as compared to 99 lahk in the last financial year depicting a growth
of more than 20 percent.

“VIVAD SE VISHWAS I” –“ Relief To MSMEs”
Announced in :- Union Budget 2023-24 by Union Finance Minister Smt Nirmala

Sitaraman
Launched By:- Ministry of Finance
Launch Year :- 2023
Some More Information About the Scheme:-

Ministry of finance has launched “Vivad Se Vishwas I - Relief for MSMEs”for
providing relief to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for COVID-19
period.
Objective:-
To provide relief to all MSMEs in all contracts for procurement of goods and services
entered into by any ministry/department/attached or subordinate office/autonomous
body/ CPSE / Public sector financial institutions etc.
Eligibility of MSME
Only those MSMEs which meet the following criteria are eligible –
✓ Registered as an MSME as per relevant scheme of Ministry of MSME on the date
of claim by supplier/ contractor.
✓ MSME could be registered for any category of Goods and Services.
✓ The original delivery period/ completion period stipulated in contract was between
19.02.2020 and 31.03.2022 (both dates are inclusive)
✓ Under the scheme, Ministries have been asked to refund performance security, bid
security and liquidated damages forfeited/ deducted during the COVID-19
pandemic.
The Ministry of Finance, through this scheme, decided to give following additional
benefits to eligible MSMEs, affected during the COVID-19 period:
✓ 95% of the performance security forfeited shall be refunded.
✓ 95% of the Bid security shall be refunded.
✓ 95% of the Liquidated Damages (LD) deducted shall be refunded.
✓ 95% of the Risk Purchase amount realized shall be refunded.
✓ In case any firm has been debarred only due to default in execution of such
contracts, such debarment shall also be revoked, by issuing an appropriate order by
the procuring entity.
✓ No interest shall be paid on such refunded amount.

Last date of submission of Claims ::
The Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, had issued an order on
06.02.2023 indicating the broad structure of the scheme. Final instruction in this
regard, extendingthe relief to cover more cases and relaxing the limits of refunds was
issued on 11.04.2023. The scheme was commenced from 17.04.2023 and the last date
for submission of claims is 30.06.2023.
Implementation:-
Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has developed a dedicated webpage for
implementation of this scheme. Eligible claims shall be processed only through GeM.
MCQ RELATED TO VIVAD SE VISHWAS SCHEME:
Q.Vivad se Viswas Scheme announced in which union budget?

A) 2021-22
B) 2022-23
C) 2023-24
D) 2019-20
Answer:- C
Q.Vivad se Viswas Scheme launched By which ministry?

A) Ministry of MSME
B) Ministry of women and child development
C) Ministry of Home Affairs
Answer:-D
Q.Under the scheme, Ministries have also been asked to refund performance
security,bid security and liquidated damages forfeited/ deducted during the
COVID-19 pandemic. The given statement is
A) True
B) False
Answer:- A
Q.The scheme was commenced from?

A) 10 April 2023
B) 10 May 2023
C) 17 April 2023
D) 1 March 2023
Answer:- C

Q. What is the last date of submission of Claims under the scheme?
A) 31 May 2023
B) 30 June 2023
C) 15 August 2023
D) 10 July 2023
Answer:- B
Q. Consider the following statements with respect to Vivad Se Vishwas I Relief for
MSMEs scheme and identify the correct statement/s
A) It has been launched by the ministry of MSME
B) The last date to submit claims under the scheme is 30th June 2023.
C) The scheme has been launched to provide relief to MSMEs which have defaulted
in paying GST during COVID period.
D) 95% of the performance security forfeited shall not be refunded.
(1) only B
(2)only 1&2
(3)only 2
(4)only 2&4
Answer:-C
Q.Ministry of Finance, has launched the scheme, “Vivad Se Vishwas” relief for
____
A) Street Vendors
B) MSMEs
C) Unemployed sectors
D) Old Age Person
Answer:- B

JAL JEEVAN MISSION(JJM)
✓ Launched- 15 August 2019

✓ Launched By- Prime Minister Narendra Modi
✓ Comes under:- Ministry of Jal Shakti
✓ Budget Outlay for FY23-24:-70,000 crore
✓ Objective:- The main objective of the Jal Jeevan Mission is to supply 55 liters of water
per person per day to every rural household through Functional Household Tap
Connections (FHTC) by 2024.
Some Additional Information About Jal Jeevan Mission

History
✓ The central government assistance to states for rural water supply began in 1972 with
the launch of Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme. It was renamed as National
Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) in 2009.The Modi government
restructured NRDWP into Jal Jeevan Mission in August 2019.
✓ The 14 Finance Commission (2015-2020) recognized health, education, drinking water
and sanitation as public services of national importance and defined the sustainable
drinking water supply systems as 'those being operated under a formal management
model.
Under SDG 6
*The program is a crucial step towards achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable
Development Goal 6, which aims to ensure access to water and sanitation for all.
Funding Share
• The Jal Jeevan Mission has a financial outlay of ₹3.60 lakh crore.
• The fund sharing pattern between the Centre and states is 90:10 for Himalayan and
North-Eastern States, 50:50 for other states, and 100% for Union Territories.
Performance
• Over 11 crore rural households of the country have access to tap water connection
under the ongoing Jal Jeevan Mission.
• As many as 123 districts and more than 1.53 lakh villages of India have reported ‘Har
Ghar Jal’, which means every household has access to clean drinking water through
tap.

• According to the jal shakti ministry, 56% of the targeted 19.35 crore households had
been covered. The mission aims to provide tap water supply to households with special
focus on women and children by 2024.
• Some States and Uts like Gujrat, Goa , Telengana, A&N Islands, D&N haveli, Daman
& diu ,Puducherry and Haryana have achieved 100%households
connections.Burdhanpur, Madhya Pradesh became first Har Ghar Jal certified district
in the country.
JAL JEEVAN MISSION (Urban)
✓ In the budget 2021-22 , Jal Jeevan Mission(Urban) has been announced under the
Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry to provide universal coverage of water supply to
all households through functional taps in all statuory towns in accordance with
Sustainable Development Goal-6.
✓ It complements the Jal Jeevan Mission (Rural) which envisages supply of 55 litres of
water person per day to every rural household through Functional household Tap
Connection (FHTC) by 2024.
Objectives of Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban):
Securing tap and sewer connections
❖ To bridge the estimated gap of 2.68 crore urban household functional water tap
connections.
❖ To provide 2.64 crore sewer connections/septage in 500 AMRUT cities.
❖ Rejuvenation of water bodies
❖ Creating circular water economy
MCQ RELATED TO JAL JEEVAN MISSION
Q. Jal Jeevan Mission launched in?

A) 10 August 2019
B) 25 January 2020
C) 15 August 2019
D) 28 March 2018
Answer:C

Q. Jal Jeevan Mission comes under the ministry of Jal Shakti who is the present jal
Shakti Minsiter of India?
A) Thawar Chand Gehlot
B) Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
C) Ashiwini Viashnv
D) Piyush Goel
Answer: B
Q. What is the Budget Outlay for Jal jeevan Mission in FY 23-24?
A) 60,000 crore
B) 70,000 crore
C) 4,000 crore
D) 13,625 crore
Answer:- B
Q.Jal Jeevan Mission was launched to provide safe & adequate drinking water through
individual household tap connections by which year to all households in rural India ?
A) 2028
B) 2024
C) 2019
D) 2016
Answer: B
Q.In which budget Jal Jeevan Mission Urban was announced?

A) 2019-20
B) 2022-23
C) 2021-22
D) 2018-19
Answer:- C

Q.The Program is a crucial step towards achieving the United Nation Sustainable Goal
____which aims to ensure access to water and sanitation for all.
A) 6
B) 7
C) 13
D) 17
Answer:- A
Explanation:-The Jal Jeevan Mission is synonymous with SDG Target 6.1, which aims to
provide safe and affordable drinking water to rural households by 2024.
Q.The target of the mission ‘Jal-Jeevan’ – ‘A tap in every home’ started by Indian
Central Government has been firstly achieved by which State?
A) Goa B) Uttrakhand
C) Manipur D) Uttar Pradesh
Answer – A
Explanation:- Gujarat, Goa, Telangana, A&N islands , D&N haveli, Daman & Diu ,
Puducherry and Haryana have achieved 100% household connections, while Burhanpur in
Madhya Pradesh become the first har ghar jal certified district in the country.
Q.With over ___billion invested in the water sector through government resources,
and partnerships with private innovators, and startups, India is leading the charge
toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal-6 targets.100% household
connections.
A) $ 150 bn B) $ 200 bn
C) $ 240 bn D) $170 bn
Answer:- C
Explanation:With over $240 billion invested in the water sector through government
resources, and partnerships with private investors , and startups , India is leading the
charge towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal-6 targets , according to union jal
shakti ministry Gagendra Singh Shekhawat while addressing the UN Water conference
2023.

Q.In April ____ became the third state in the country in terms of number of tap water
connection under Har Ghar Jal yojana, overtaking Rajasthan.
A) Madhya Pradesh B) Uttar Pradesh
C) West Bengal D) Jharkhand
Answer:- B
Explanation:- According to the government report, Uttar Pradesh has provided 97,11,717
tap connections, which are benefitting more than 5,82,70,302 villagers of Up against
39,33,140 in Rajasthan. Top 5 states providing tap water connection include
Bihar(1,59,10,093 connection), Maharashtra (1,09,98,678 connections),UP 97,11,717
connections),Gujrat(91,18,449 connections) and Tamil Nadu (79,62,581 connections).
Q.In March as per the report ___ state has tied up with a French development agency to
improve drinking water service.
A) Uttar Pradesh B) Maharashtra
C) Himachal Pradesh D) Chhattisgarh
Answer:- C
Explanation:- To improve water and sanitation in five towns of Himachal Pradesh , a
MoU of Rs 817.12 crore project has been signed by the state government with French
development agency Agence Francaise de development (AFD).
Q. In March who launched the jal shakti Abhiyan – catch the rain 2023 campaign for
the sustanibilty of drinking water in New Delhi.
A) Narendra Modi B) Draupdi Murmu
C) Gagendra Singh Shekhawat D) Anurag Singh Thakur
Answer:- B
Explanation:- President Draupadi Murmu launched the Jal Shakti Abhiyan - Catch the
Rain 2023 campaign for the sustainability of drinking water in New Delhi.The theme of
this year’s campaign is ‘Source Sustainability for Drinking Water’. She also launched a
video on 'Jal Shakti se Nari Shakti' and a commemorative stamp as well as conferred 36
awards under Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen, Jal Jeevan Mission and National Water
Mission.

Q.As per the recent report Prime Minister Narendra Modi, laid the foundation stones
of two Jal Jeevan Mission project at Tiptur and Chikkanayakanahalli at Tumakuru in
___?
A) Tamil Nadu
B) Kerala
C) Andhra Pradesh
D) Karnataka
Answer:- D
Explanation:-Modi had laid the foundation stones of two Jal Jeevan Mission projects at
Tiptur and Chikkanayakanahalli in Tumakuru Karnataka.The Tiptur multi-village
drinking water supply project will be built at a cost of over ₹430 crore. The Multi-village
water supply scheme to 147 habitations of Chikkanayakanahlli taluk will be built at a cost
of around ₹115 crore.
Mahila Samman Saving Certificate(MSSC)
About Scheme:-
Mahila Samman Saving Certificate, a new small savings scheme launched
specifically for female investors, was announced by Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala
Sitaraman in Budget 2023 to promote investment among women. This is a one-time
scheme and will remain available for a two-year period i.e. up to March 2025.It
will encourage more women to adopt formal financial saving instruments.
Account Open:-
Accounts opened under this scheme will be single holder accounts that can be opened
at the Post Office.
Who can open Mahila Samman Savings account:-

Any woman above 18 years of age can open a Mahila Samman account for herself
.Also, in the case of minors, the guardian can open the account on behalf of the girl.
Women investors must submit Form - I by March 31, 2025.
Minimum Investment:-
The minimum investment amount is Rs 1000 ,and any quantity of multiple of Rs
100 can be deposited in an account with no further deposits permitted.
Maximum Investment:-
The maximum investment authorised under the scheme is ₹ 2 lakh.

Interest Rate :-
The interest rate on the deposits made under this scheme is 7.5% annually. The
interest will be compounded quarterly and credited to the account.
Maturity Period:-
The maturity period of the Mahila Samman Savings Certificate account is two years.
Partial Withdrawal :-
The scheme also offers a partial withdrawal facility to withdraw your balance before
maturity. The withdrawal is available one year after the account’s opening, but only
40% of the eligible balance can be withdrawn.
Premature closure:
The scheme comes with a maturity period of two years, but there are some
exceptions in which you can close the account before maturity.
These are:-
• On the death of the account holder
• On extremely compassionate grounds, such as the account holder’s life-
threatening disease, the guardian’s death, etc. For this, you will have to provide
the relevant documents.
• After six months from the date of account opening without any reason. But in this
case, your interest rate will be reduced by 2% and become 5.5%.
Second Mahila Samman Savings Certificate:-

A woman or guardian of a girl child can open a second Mahila Samman Savings
Certificate account after a minimum gap of three months from the opening .
Recent Announcement:-
[No TDS on Interest from Mahila Samman Savings Scheme]
According to finance ministry notification, Tax deducted at source(TDS) will not
apply on interest earned on Mahila Samman Savings Certificate (MSSC) , but the
interest income will be added to the total income for tax calculation. Finance
Ministry says the Mahila Samman Savings Certificate (MSSC) will be scheme under
“ sub -clause (c) of clause (i) of sub – section (3) of section 194A of the income tax
Act 1961.” Section 194A deals with provisions relating to TDS on interest other than
interest on securities. Tax is to be deducted under under section 194A if interest
(other than interest on securities) is paid to a resident.However, this will not be
applicable as prescribed under sub clause (c) of clause (i) of subsection(3), on interest
amounting to ₹ 40,000 on any post office Deposit under any scheme framed and
notified by the central government.
The exemption limit for senior citizens is ₹50,000.

MCQ RELATED TO MAHILA SAMMAN SAVING CERTIFICATE
Q. Mahila Samman Saving Certificate a new small saving scheme for

women and girl child announced in which union Budget?
A) 2023-24 B) 2022-23
C) 2021-22 D) 2020-21
Answer :- A
Q.The scheme offers deposit facility up to Rs 2 lakh in the name of

women or girls for a tenor of __________ years.
A) 1 year
B) 2 year
C) 3 year
D) 4 years
Answer:- B
Q. What is the minimum investment in Mahila Samman Savings
Certificate ?
A) ₹500
B) ₹100
C) ₹1000
D) ₹250
Answer:- C
Q. What is the maximum investment in Mahila Samman Savings

Certificate ?
A) 1 lakh B) 5 lakh
C) 2.5 lakh D) 2 lakh
Answer:- D
Q. What is the interest rate under Mahila Samman Savings Certificate?

A) 7.5%
B) 8.2%
C) 7.7%
D) 7.1%
Answer:- A

Q. Under the Mahila Samman Savings Certificate the partial
withdrawal is available one year after the account’s opening, but only
____% eligible amount can be withdrawn.
A) 30%
B) 50%
C) 40%
D) 60%
Answer:- C
Q. What is the lock- in- period of the Mahila Samman Savings

Certificate?
A) 1 year
B) 1.5 year
C) 6 months
D) 2 year
Answer:- D
Q. Mahila Samman Saving Certificate a new small savings schemes for
women and girl child a one time scheme and will remain available for a
two year period upto ____.
A) June 2025
B) March 2025
C) December 2025
D) May 2025
Answer:- B
Q.Which bank offers Mahila Samman Savings Certificate?

A) Indian Post
B) All Payment Banks
C) All private sector bank
D) All Commercial Bank
Answer:- A
Explanation:- [The Mahila Samman Savings Certificate is exclusively
provided by the Indian Post.Hence,you cannot invest in this scheme
throughout banks.]

Q.If you are closing your account after six months from the date of
opening without any reason. In this case, your interest rate will be
reduced by___%.
A) 1%
B) 3%
C) 2%
D) 1.5%
Answer:- C
Q. The Mahila Samman Savings Certificate , 2023 is available from

_____ in the post offices at interest rate of 7.5%.
A) 1 April 2023
B) 1 March 2023
C) 30 June 2023
D) 10 February 2023
Answer:- A
Q.Which of the following statements are correct with reference to

Mahila Samman Saving Certificate (MSSC)?
A) The Mahila Samman Savings Certificate is a small savings scheme that
can be done only in the name of a girl child or woman..
B) The minimum deposit amount under the Mahila Samman Saving
Certificate is Rs.1,000 and the maximum deposit amount is Rs.5 lakhs in
one account.
C) A woman or guardian of a girl child can open a second Mahila
Samman Savings Certificate account after a minimum gap of six months
from the opening of the existing account
D) The account holder can withdraw up to 50% of the account balance
after one year from the account opening date.
1. Only B
2. Only A
3. Only B and C
4. Only A and C
5. Only A , B and D
Answer:- 2

Q. As per the recent report of Finance Minsitry, TDS will not apply on
interest earned on Mahila Samman Savings Certificate , but the interest
income will be added to the total income for tax calculation. What is
the full form of TDS?
A) Tax deducted at solutions
B) Tax deducted at source
C) Tax deduction at savings
D)Tax deductor from Source
Answer:- B

“NATIONAL MISSION FOR CLEAN GANGA”
“NATIONAL MISSION FOR CLEAN GANGA”

[Registered Society , Under Act 1860]
Ministry of JAL Shakti “Department of Water Resources , River Development &

Rejuvenation Government of India”
About NMCG (National Mission for Clean Ganga)

✓ It is being implemented by the National Council for Rejuvenation, Protection and
Management of River Ganga also known as the National Ganga Council.
✓ This mission was established on 12th August 2011 under the Societies Registration
Act ,1860 as a registered society.
Objective:
• To restore and maintain the surface flow and groundwater.
• To maintain the continuity of the water flow without changing the natural season
variations.
• To conserve and regenerate the aquatic biodiversity as well as the riparian
biodiversity of the river Ganga basin.
About NAMAMI GANGE PROGRAMME:

✓ Namami Gange Programme was launched in June 2014 for a period upto 31st
March, 2021 to rejuvenate River Ganga and its tributaries with a budgetary outlay
of Rs.20,000 crore.
Main Pillars of the Namami Gange Programme are:-

✓ Sewage Treatment Infrastructure
✓ River surface cleaning
✓ Afforestation
✓ Bio-diversity
✓ River -front development
✓ Public awerness
✓ Ganga Gram
✓ Considering the need and spread of the Programme, Government of India has
further approved Namami Gange Mission-II with a budgetary outlay of Rs.22,500
crore till 2026 interalia including projects for existingliabilities (Rs.11,225 Cr) and
new projects/interventions (Rs.11,275) crore.

✓ A total of Rs.14,084.72 crore has been released by the Government of India to the
National Mission for CleanGanga (NMCG), from Financial Year (FY) 2014-15 till
31st January 2023, out of which Rs.13,607.18 crore have been released by NMCG
to State Governments, State Missions for Clean Ganga and other agencies for
implementation of projects related to Ganga rejuvenation.
BUDGET Outlay for FY23-24

✓ ₹4,000 crore
MCQ RELATED TO NAMAMI GANGE

PROGRAMME
Q. Namami Gange Programme launched in ?
A) June 2015 B) August 2014
C) June 2014 D) March 2016
Answer:-C
Q. Namami Gange Programme comes under which Ministry?

A) Ministry of JAL Shakti
B) Ministry of Home affairs
C) Ministry of Finance
D) Ministry of Social Affairs
Answer:- A
Q.What was the initial timeline of Namami Gange Programme?

A) 31March 2019 B) 31 March 2021
C) 31 March 2020 D) 31 March 2022
Answer:- B
Q. What was the budget Outlay for this scheme when it was launched?
A) 22,500 crore B) 25,000 crore
C) 20,000 crore D) 17500 crore
Answer:- C
Q. Namami Gange Mission II with a budgetary outlay of _____ crore till

____approved by the Government.
A) 25,000 crore, 2025
B) 22,500 crore, 2026
C) 20,000 crore, 2024
D) 21,000crore , 2022
Answer:- B

Q. What is the Budget Outlay for Namami Gange Programme in FY23-24?
A) 5000 crore
B) 1700 crore
C) 4000 crore
D) 2800 crore
Answer:- C
Q. Who is the Present Director General of Namami Gange Flagship Programme ?

A) Vinod Rai
B) KK Venugopal
C) Amarjeet Singha
D) Shri G.Asok Kumar
Answer,:- D
Q.In December 2022 the government approved project worth ____ crore for
developing sewerage infrastructure in the Ganga basin.
A) 2500 crore
B) 2000 crore
C) 2700 crore
D) 1700 crore
Answer:- C
Explanation:- The National Mission for Clean Ganga has approved river
rejuvenation projects worth over ₹2700 crore in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar,
Jharkhand and West Bengal.
Q. In December UN (United Nation) recognised ____as one of the Top 10

Environment Restoration Flagships programmes focused at recovering the natural
world.
A) Namami Gange
B) Jal Jeevan Mission
C) Awas Yojana
D) Smart cities mission
Answer:- A
Q. ____ launched the project on “Capacity Building Programme for Leveraging

Community and Local Resources Based on Technology”under Arth Ganga .
A) Gagdendra Singh Shekhawat
B) Narendra Modi
C) Shri G.Asok Kumar
D) G Kisan Reddy
Answer:- C

Q. In February National Mission for clean Ganga (NMCG) and National
Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) organised DHARA in Pune. What is H stands in
DHARA ?
A) Healthy
B) Holistic
C) Hour
D) Huge
Answer:- B
[DHARA stands for Driving Holistic Action for Urban Rivers.]
Q.In March as per the report National Mission for clean Ganga (NMCG) executive
committee (47th Meeting) approves ___ projects worth ₹1278 crore for pollution
abatement in Ganga Basin and Ghat Development.
A) 8
B) 10
C) 6
D) 9
Answer:- D
Q.Under Pradhan Mantri Namami Gange Yojana, in March Prime Minister

Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of 55 MLD capacity sewage treatment
plant at Bhagwanpur in ______.The plant will be constructed at a cost of over Rs
300 crore.
A) Varanasi , Uttar Pradesh
B) Indore, Madhya Pradesh
C) Resai, Jammu & Kashmir
D) Degana Nagaur Rajasthan
Answer:- A
Q.Recently in April National Mission for Clean Ganga has signed an agreement
with __universities to inspire youth toward water conservation and river
rejuvenation.
A) 50
B) 35
C) 49
D) 29
Answer:- C

Q . Recently in April, The union ministry of Jal Shakti Shri Gagendra Singh
Shekhawat chaired the 11th meeting of Empowered task force (ETF) of National
Mission for clean Ganga (NMCG) in New Delhi and the Union Minister launched
the Monetaring Centre “PRAYAG” which is a Real Time Monitoring Centre for
planning and monitoring of projects, river water quality. What is ‘P’ stands in
PRAYAG?
A) Procurement
B) Platform
C) Production
D) Preservation
Answer:- B
[PRAYAG stands for Platform for Real- Time Analysis of Yamuna, Ganga
and their Tributaries]
Q.The Ministry of Culture informed that an action plan to hold ‘Ganga Sanskriti
Yatra’ has been formulated. The Yatra will pass through the States of Uttarakhand,
UP, Bihar and _____.
A) Jharkhand
B) Chhatisgarh
C) Madhya Pradesh
D) West Bengal
Answer:- D
Explanation:-The proposed Yatra will start from Gangotri in Uttarakhand and
terminate at Ganga Sagar in West Bengal, showcasing the cultural heritage of Ganga
at more than 100 different venues from Gangotri to Ganga Sagar

Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS)
SMALL SAVINGS SCHEMES PART -2
Introduction : Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) was introduced in 2004 as per
the Senior Citizens Savings Scheme Rules,2004.
Eligibility for SCSS: Senior citizen of India aged 60 years or above Retires who have
opted for the Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) .or Superannuation with the age
between 55-60 .
Minimum Deposit:- ₹1000[The deposits can be made in the multiples of Rs.1,000]
Maximum Deposit : Rs 30,00,000[It is increased from 15 lakhs to 30 lakhs in

Budget 2023-24]
Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) Interest rate : The current interest rate
applicable to SCSS is 8.2% p.a. This interest rate is applicable from 1st April 2023
until 30th June 2023. The interest will be paid on a quarterly basis.
Maturity of the scheme :- The maturity period of SCSS is 5 years However,

individuals can extend the maturity period for 3 more years by submitting an
application. The application for extension of maturity should be given in the 4th year.
Mode of deposit:- An individual can deposit the money in cash when the amount is
below Rs.1 lakh. When the deposit amount is above Rs.1 lakh, an individual should
make the payment in cheque.
Numbers of Accounts:- Individuals can open more than one SCSS account. They
may open another account either by themselves or a joint account with their spouse.
Interest payment:- Individuals who open an SCSS account get an interest on the
principal deposited amount at the rate fixed by the government. They will receive a
quarterly interest against their deposited amount. Interest payment will be credited to
an individual’s account on the first date of April, July, October, and January.
SCSS: Income Tax Benefit:- Senior citizens can claim a deduction of up to Rs 1.5
lakh under section 80C of the Income-tax Act, 1961 for investing in the Senior
Citizens' Savings Scheme.

MCQ RELATED TO SENIOR CITIZEN SAVING SCHEME (SCSS)
Q. Senior citizen saving scheme(SCSS) was introduced in 2004 as per the ___.
A) Senior Citizen saving Act 2002
B) Senior citizens Savings Scheme Act 2004
C) Senior Citizens Savings Scheme Rules 2002
D) Senior citizens Savings Scheme Rules 2004.
Answer:- D
Q. Who is not eligible for Senior Citizens Savings Scheme?

A) NRI and HUF
B) Retired person of defence services
C) Person above the age of 60 years
D) Person who has taken VRS on attaing 58 years.
Answer:- A
Q.What is the minimum deposit in Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS)?

A) ₹500
B) ₹1000
C) ₹100
D) ₹2000
Answer:- B
[ Minimum deposit in SCSS is ₹1000 or the deposit can be made in the multiple of
₹1000]
Q. What is the maximum deposit in Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS)?

A) 15 lakhs
B) 10 lakhs
C) 30 lakhs
D) No such limit
Answer:- C
[ Maximum deposit limit in SCSS is ₹30 lakhs. Earlier it was ₹15 lakhs which is
increased ₹30 lakhs in FY2023-24]
Q. How many deposits are allowed in Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS)?
A) 1
B) 6
C) 5
D) 12
Answer:- A
[There shall be only one deposit in the account in multiple of one thousand rupees not
exceeding Rs 30 lakhs.]

Q. Cash deposit is allowed under Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS) upto the
amount of ₹__?
A) 10 lakhs
B) 1 lakhs
C) 5 lakhs
D) ₹50,000
Answer:- B
[Cash deposit is allowed only when deposit is less than ₹1 lakh. For higher amount
Cheque and D/D is required.
Q. The interest in Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS) is paid at what

intervals?
A) Monthly
B) Half yearly
C) Yearly
D) Quarterly
Answer:- D
Q. What is the maturity period of SCSS?
A) 3 years
B) 5 years
C) 10 years
D) 15 years
Answer:-B
[5 years. One extension of 3 years is allowed. Such extended accounts can also be
closed after one year of extension without any penalty.]
Q. Premature closer of Senior Citizens Savings Scheme(SCSS) is allowed minimum

after how many years?
A) 1 year
B) 1.5 years
C) 2 years
D) 2.5 years
Answer:- A
[Premature withdrawal is allowed after 1 year on deduction of an amount equal to
1.5% of the deposit & after 2 years 1% of the deposit.]
Q.Senior citizens can claim a deduction of up to Rs ____ under section 80C of the
Income-tax Act, 1961 for investing in the Senior Citizens' Savings Scheme.
A) 1 lakh
B) 1.5 lakhs
C) 2 lakhs
D) 2.5 lakhs
Answer:- B

Q. What is the current interest rate under Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS)?
A) 7.1%
B) 8%
C) 8.2%
D) 7.5%
Answer:- C
[ The current interest rate under Senior Citizens Savings Scheme is 8.2% . This
interest rate is applicable from April 1 ,2023 to until 30 June 2023.

SUKANYA SAMRIDDHI YOJANA (SSY)
SMALL SAVINGS SCHEMES PART -1
SUKANYA SAMRIDDHI YOJANA (SSY)::

About Scheme
✓ Launched:- The scheme was launched by the Prime Minister Narendra modi on 22
January 2015 as a part of the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign.
✓ Minimum Deposit per Year : Rs 250/- (then amount in multiple of Rs 100 can be
deposited thereafter)
✓ Maximum Deposit per Year: Rs.1,50,000 /- (Any deposit above the maximum
cap will not earn any interest and can be withdrawn anytime by the depositor)
✓ Who can open the account : A natural/ legal guardian on behalf of a girl child
✓ Number of accounts under Sukanya Samriddhi Account Yojana : Only one
account per girl child.
✓ Accounts can be opened for a Maximum of two girl children in one family.
✓ In case, the guardian has triplet daughters from first birth or twin daughters from
the second birth, maximum of 3 accounts can be opened by the parent, where one
account is opened in the name of a single girl child.
✓ When can an SSA account be opened : Any time between birth of girl child till she
attains the age of 10 years Till which year regular yearly deposit is required– For
initial 15 years from the date of opening of account.
✓ Maturity of deposit : After 21 years from date of opening of account. (No interest
will be earned after this.)
✓ Present Sukanya Samridhi Accounts Interest Rate= 8%
MCQ RELATED TO SUKANYA SAMRIDDHI YOJANA (SSY)
Q. When Sukanya Samridhi Yojana was launched by the Prime Minister of

Narendra Modi?
A) 14 January 2015
B) 10 August 2016
C) 22 January 2015
D)22 September 2018
Answer:- C

Q.What is the minimum deposit in SSY?
A) ₹200
B) ₹500
C) ₹1000
D) ₹250
Answer:- D
Q.What is the maximum deposit in SSY?

A) ₹1,50,000
B) ₹2,00,000
C) ₹2,50,000
D) ₹1,00,000
Answer:- A
Q.A girl child has how many Sukanya Samridhi Account on her name?
A) one
B) Two
C) Three
D) Four
Answer:- A
Q. Investment made in the SSY scheme are eligible for deduction under section 80C
subject to a maximum cap of ____.
A)₹50,000
B) ₹1 lakh
C) ₹1.5 lakhs
D)₹2.5 lakhs
Answer:- C
Q. Sukanya Samridhi Account can be opened for a girl till the age of ?
A) 5 years
B) 10 years
C) 20 years
D) 15 years
Answer:- B
Q.Till which year regular yearly deposit is required in Sukanya Samridhi Account?
A) 10 years from the date of opening
B) 21 years from the date of opening
C) 15 years from the date of opening
D) When girl attains age of 18
Answer:- C

Q. Premature withdrawal is allowed in Sukanya Samridhi Account after the girl
attains the age of ___
A)10 years
B)15 years
C)20 years
D)18 years
Answer:- D
Q. When is the maturity year for Sukanya Samridhi Account?

A) When girl attains age of 21 years
B) 21 years from date of opening account
C) After marriage of girl
D) When girl attains age of 18 years
Answer:- B
Q.What interest rate does the deposit under Sukanya Samridhi Account earns after
matury?
A) Post office saving rate
B) Same as the prevailing SSA interest rate
C) No interest is earned after the maturity
D) Bank rate
Answer:- C
.Q.The government increased the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) interest rate by
___ basis points (bps)from 7.6% for the quarter of April to June 2023.
A) 30 basis
B) 50 basis
C) 45 basis
D) 40 basis
Answer:- D
Q. What is the current SSA interest rate?

A) 7.5%
B) 8%
C) 8.2%
D) 7.7%
Answer:- B
Q. Identify the false statement with respect of Sukanya Samridhi Account

A) Accounts for more than two girl children are allowed.
B) Account shall be mandatorily operated by the girl child after she attains age of 18
years.
C) Balance can be transferred anywhere in India and from or to post office

D) All are correct
Answer:- D
Q. In January 2023, Sukanya Samridhi Yojana completed how many years ?
A) 8 years
B) 7years
C) 9 years
D) 6 years
Answer:- A
STAND-UP INDIA SCHEME
About STAND-UP INDIA Scheme

✓ Launched on:- 5 April, 2016
✓ Launched By:- Prime Minister Modi as Part of the government efforts to
supportentrepreneurship among Women and SC & ST communities.
✓ Title of the scheme was:- Stand-up India Scheme for financing SC/St or Women
Entrepreneurs.
✓ Under:- Ministry of Finance
✓ Developed By:-SIDBI
✓ Extended Till:- 2025
Objective Of This Scheme

• To facilitate Bank Loans between 10 lakh and 1 cr to at least one SC or ST borrower and at
leastone Woman borrower per bank setting up a green field enterprise.
• In case Non- Individual enterprise at least 51% of share holding and controlling state should
behold by either an SC/ST entrepreneurs..
Eligibility
✓ Sc/St and or / Women Entrepreneurs,above 18 years of age.
✓ Borrower should not be in default to any bank or financial institution
✓ The loan is repayble in 7 years with a maximum moratorium period of 18 months.
✓ The margin money requirements for loans under the scheme has been reduced from 'upto 25%' to
'upto 15%' and activities allied to

Achievement
✓ Recently in April 5,2023 Stand-up India completed its 7 years.
✓ As much as Rs 40,710 crore sanctioned to over 0.18 million accounts under this scheme during
the last seven years since its inception. Of the funds sanctioned till March 21, 2023 , about the
80% of the loan have been given to women entrepreneurs. According to official data Rs 33152. 43
crore was sanctioned to 0.14 million accounts of women while Rs 5625.5 crore was sanctioned to
26,889 SC accounts. Just Rs 1932.5 crore was sanctioned to 8960 of ST members.
STAND-UP INDIA SCHEME MCQ:-
Q. Stand-Up India Scheme Launched in?

A) 5 Apr,2016 B) 21 July, 2017
C) 10 June, 2014 D) 15 Aug, 2015
Answer:- A
Q.Stand- Up India Scheme comes under which ministry?

A) Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
B) Ministry of MSME
C) Ministry of Finance
D) Ministry of Rural and Development
Answer:- C
Q. This scheme is developed by ?

A) RBI
B) SEBI
C) SIDBI
D) PFRDA
Answer:- C
Q. Stand-Up India Scheme extended till?

A) 2024
B) 2025
C) 2023
D) 2026
Answer:- B
Q. The margin Money requirements for loans under the Stand-up India Scheme has
been reduced from upto 25% to upto?
A) 15% B) 10%
C) 20% D) 5%
Answer:-A
Explanation:- The margin money requirements for loans under the scheme has been reduced from
upto 25% to upto 15% and activities allied to agriculture have been included in the scheme.

Q. Recently in April 5,2023 Stand -Up India complted its how many years?
A) 5
B) 7
C) 8
D) 6
Answer:- B
Q. Who are the eligible for the Stand-up India Scheme?

A) Only St women
B) Sc/St and or/ women
C) All catogeries are eligible
D) Only SC women
Answer:- B
Q. Under this scheme the loan is repayble in 7 years with a maximum moratorium
period of ?
A) 10 months
B) 18 months
C) 15 months
D) 24 months
Answer:- B
Q. In case Non-Individual enterprise at least how much perscent of share holding and
controlling state should be hold either an SC/ST entrepreneurs?
A) 33%
B) 41%
C) 67%
D) 51%
Answer:- D
Q.How much loan have been sanctioned to over 1.8 lakh accounts under Stand -Up
India scheme in 7 years?
A) 35,000 crore
B) 40,710 crore
C) 38,500 crore
D) 39,200 crore
Answer:- B
Explanation:- Over Rs 40,700 crore sanctioned to 1.8 lakh accounts under Stand-Up India Scheme in
7 years.

BEST MCQ STATIC BANKING AWARENESS
Q. The Ombudsman Scheme for Digital Transactions, 2019 has been introduced under which Act?
A) Banking Regulations Act, 1949
B) Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007
C) Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934
D) Banking Ombudsman Scheme 2006
Answer : B
Q. RBI has set up its Centralised Receipt and Processing Centre (CRPC) for Integrated Ombudsman
Scheme, 2021 in which city?
A) Mumbai B) Delhi
C) Pune D) Chandigarh
Answer : D
Q. Name the first urban co-operative bank of India to receive licence from RBI to transition to Small
Finance Bank (SFB)
A) Municipal Cooperative Bank
B) Vijay Cooperative Bank
C) Shivalik Mercantile Cooperative Bank
D) New India Cooperative Bank
Answer : C
✓ Uttar Pradesh-based Shivalik Mercantile Co-operative Bank (SMCB) has become the first urban
co-operative bank (UCB) in India to receive licence from RBI to operate as a Small Finance Bank
(SFB).
Q. How many small finance banks are there in India at present?
A) 10 B) 15
C) 12 D) 13
Answer : C
Q. Which of the following banks will become the India’s first Small Finance Bank (SFB)?
A) Ujjivan Financial Services Pvt. Ltd
B) Capital Local Area Bank Ltd
C) Au Financiers Ltd
D) Janalakshmi Financial Services Pvt. Ltd
Answer : B

Q. What is the minimum paid-up equity capital for Small Finance Bank?
Answer : A
✓ The minimum paid-up equity capital for small finance banks shall be Rs. 200 crore.
Q. What is the maximum balance which a customer of a Payments Bank may hold in his/her account at
the end of the day?
C) Rs 10 lakh D) No such limit
Answer : B
✓ RBI has enhanced the limit of maximum balance at the end of the day from ₹1 lakh to ₹2 lakh per
individual customer of PBs with immediate effect
Q. Payments Banks were formed on the recommendations of
A) Narsimhan Committee B) Nagrajan Committee
C) Nachiket Mor Committee D) Subramaniam Committee
Answer : C
✓ The RBI set up a committee on comprehensive financial assistance for all small businesses and low
income chaired by Shri Nachiket Mor member of the Central Board of Directors, RBI.
Q. What is the minimum paid-up equity capital for payments banks?
A) Ra 100 crore B) Rs 500 crore
Answer : A
Q. Which of the following is the first operational Payments Bank in India?
A) India Post Payments Bank B) Paytm Payments Bank
C) Airtel Payments Bank D) FINO Payments Bank
Answer : C
✓ On April 11, 2016, Airtel Payments Bank became the first entity in India to receive a payments
bank license from the RBI.
✓ India currently has 6 Payment Banks
1. Airtel Payments Bank : HQ - New Delhi
2. India Post Payments Bank : HQ- New Delhi
3. Paytm Payments Bank : HQ - Noida
4. FINO Payments Bank : HQ - Mumbai
5.NSDL Payments Bank : HQ - Mumbai
6. Jio Payments Bank : HQ - Mumbai

Q. What is the minimum deposit limit under the Gold Monetization Scheme (GMS), 2015?
A) 10 grams of raw gold B) 1 grams of raw gold
C) 5 grams of raw gold D) 20 grams of raw gold
Answer : A
✓ The minimum deposit at any one time shall be 10 grams of raw gold (bars, coins, jewellery
excluding stones and other metals).
Q. The Reserve Bank of India provides a discount of what amount on price of Sovereign Gold Bonds
(per gram) is the payment is made by online mode?
A) Rs 100 B) Rs 50
C) Rs 500 D) Rs 250
Answer : B
✓ The Government of India, in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India, has decided to offer a
discount of ₹50/- per gram less than the nominal value to those investors applying online and the
payment against the application is made through digital mode.
Q. What is the maximum limit of Gold Bond to be purchased under SGB for individuals?
A) 1 kg B) 2 kg
C) 4 kg D) 20 kg
Answer : C
Q. What is the maximum limit of Gold Bond to be purchased under SGB for trusts?
A) 1 kg B) 2 kg
C) 4 kg D) 20 kg
Answer : D
✓ 4 KG for individual, 4 Kg for HUF and 20 Kg for trusts
✓ Minimum Limit: 1 gram of gold
Q. What is the tenor of Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) Scheme?
Answer : C
Q. What is the maximum amount of Indian currency that can be brought in while coming into India?
A) Rs. 2,50,000 B) Rs. 50,000
C) Rs. 25,000 D) Rs. 15,000
Answer : C
✓ A resident of India, who has gone out of India on a temporary visit may bring into India at the time
of his return from any place outside India (other than Nepal and Bhutan), currency notes of
Government of India and Reserve Bank of India notes up to an amount not exceeding Rs.25,000

Q. What was the highest denomination note ever printed by the RBI?
A) Rs 20,000 B) Rs 2,000
C) Rs 5,000 D) Rs 10,000
Answer : D
✓ The highest denomination note ever printed by the Reserve Bank of India was the ₹10000 note in
1938 which was demonetized in January 1946. The ₹10000 was again introduced in 1954. These
notes were demonetized in 1978.
Q. Where is the headquarters of BRBNMPL located?
C) Bengaluru D) Kolkata
Answer : C
✓ Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran Private Ltd (BRBNMPL)
✓ Founded : 1995
✓ Headquarters : Bengaluru
✓ BRBNMPL has two presses in Mysuru and Salboni
Q. Where is the headquarters of DICGC located?
A) Delhi B) Mumbai
C) Kolkata D) Banglore
Answer : B
✓ Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC)
✓ Founded : 1978
✓ Headquarters : Mumbai
✓ Chairman : M.D. Patra
Q. Where is the headquarters of the Reserve Bank Information Technology Private Limited (ReBIT)?
C) Bengaluru D) New Delhi
Answer : A
✓ ReBIT
✓ Founded : 2016
✓ Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
Q. Where is the headquarters of the Institute for Development & Research in Banking Technology
(IDRBT)?
A) Chennai B) Gurugram
Answer : C
✓ IDRBT
✓ Founded : 1996
✓ Headquarters : Hyderabad, Telangana

✓ Director : D. Janakiram
Q. Where is the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH) located?
A) Bengaluru B) Chennai
C) Mumbai D) New Delhi
Answer : A
✓ Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH)
✓ Headquarters : Bengaluru, Karnataka
✓ Chairperson : Shri Senapathy (Kris) Gopalakrishnan
Q. In which year Reserve Bank of India was established?
A) 1928 B) 1934
C) 1935 D) 1949
Answer : C
✓ Reserve Bank of India was established on April 1, 1935 in accordance with the provisions of the
Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
Q. In which year was RBI nationalized?
A) 1935 B) 1969
C) 1949 D) 1947
Answer : C
✓ RBI was nationalisation in 1949 and the Reserve Bank is fully owned by the Government of India
Q. In 1935 the headquarters of RBI was established in which city?
A) Mumbai B) Delhi
C) Madras D) Calcutta
Answer : D
✓ The Headquarters of the Reserve Bank was initially established in Calcutta but was permanently
moved to Mumbai in 1937.
Q. Where is the headquarters of RBI located?
A) Mumbai B) Delhi
C) Kolkata D) Kerala
Answer : A
Q. RBI can have maximum of how many Deputy Governors at a time?
A) 3 B) 4
C) 5 D) 6
Answer : B
✓ Maximum four Deputy Governors. Maximum term- 5 years (Appointed under Section 8 (1) (a) of
the RBI Act, 1934)

Q. RBI has how many fully owned subsidiary?
A) 2 B) 3
C) 4 D) 5
Answer : D
Q. Which of the following is not a fully owned subsidiary of RBI?
A) Indian Financial Technology and Allied Services (IFTAS)
B) National Housing Bank (NHB)
C) Reserve Bank Information Technology Private Limited (ReBIT)
D) Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH)
Answer : B
✓ FIVE SUBSIDIARIES OF RBI :
1. Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (DICGC)
2. Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran Private Limited (BRBNMPL)
3. Reserve Bank Information Technology Private Limited (ReBIT)
4. Indian Financial Technology and Allied Services (IFTAS).
5. Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH)
Q. Who was the first Indian Governor of the Reserve Bank of India?
A) C.D. Deshmukh
B) S. mukherjee
C) Sachindra Roy
D) N C Sen Gupta
Answer : A
✓ The first Indian Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was C D Deshmukh in 1943
appointed by Britishers
Q. How many printing press does the Reserve Bank of India has?
A) 2 B) 3
C) 4 D) 6
Answer : C
✓ Four printing presses print and supply banknotes. These are at Dewas in Madhya Pradesh, Nasik
in Maharashtra, Mysore in Karnataka, and Salboni in West Bengal
Q. How many coin mints are there in India?
A) 2 B) 4
C) 6 D) 8
Answer : B
✓ Coins are minted in four mints owned by the Government of India. The mints are located at
Mumbai, Hyderabad, Calcutta and NOIDA.

Q. In how many languages, the amount of a banknote is written on it ?
A)15 B)17
C) 22 D) 24
Answer : B
✓ There are 17 languages written on the Currency Note out of the 22 official languages of India that
are mentioned in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India.
Q. Where is the RBI museum situated in India?
A) Kolkata B) Bhopal
C) Delhi D) Bhubneshwar
Answer : A
Q. What is the maturity period of Public Provident Fund (PPF) Scheme?
C) 15 years D) 7 yaers
Answer : C
✓ 15 years. But the same can be extended within one year of maturity for further 5 years and so on.
Q. Partial withdrawal is allowed in Public Provident Fund (PPF) Scheme after completion of how many
years?
A) 3 B) 5
C) 6 D) 7
Answer : C
✓ One can close a PPF account only upon maturity i.e. after completion of 15 years. However the
scheme permits partial withdrawals from year 7 i.e. on completing 6 years
Q. What is the maturity period for Kisan Vikas Patra?
Answer : A
✓ According to the latest amendments in the scheme, the maturity period is 10 years and 4 months
(124 months)
Q. What is the minimum investment allowed in Kisan Vikas Patra?
A) Rs 1000 B) Rs 500
C) Rs 100 D) Rs 250
Answer : A
✓ Minimum Limit: Rs 1,000/- Maximum Limit: No Upper Limit

Q. The Monetary Policy Committee has how many members?
A) 4 B) 3
C) 5 D) 6
Answer : D
✓ The Monetary Policy Committee has six members. Out of these three members are ex-officio* (and
from RBI), while three other members (external members) are nominated by the Central
Government from various fields.
Q. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has been formed by the Central Government under which
Act/framework?
A) Banking Regulation Act 1949
B) Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934
C) Monetary Policy Committee Act, 2016
D) Both A and B
Answer : B
✓ The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has been constituted by the Central Government under
Section 45ZB of RBI Act, 1934.
Q. The minutes of the Monetary Policy Committee meeting is published on which day by RBI after the
meeting?
A) 10 B) 8
C) 14 D) 16
Answer : C
✓ Minutes of MPC meet: The Reserve Bank of India shall publish, on the fourteenth day after every
meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee the minutes of the meeting
Q. Who is the Chairperson of the Monetary Policy Committee?
A) Finance Minister of India
B) Cabinet Secretary
C) Governor of Reserve Bank of India
D) Deputy Governor of Reserve Bank of India
Answer : C
Q. Which of these is the first Indian state to issue Masala Bond?
A) Madhya Pradesh B) Kerala
C) Gujarat D) Maharashtra
Answer : B
✓ Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board is the first state-owned entity to issue masala bonds.
Kerala is also the first state in India, to issue masala bonds.

Q. Which of the following years signifies the minimum maturity of Masala Bonds?
A) Five years B) One year
C) Three years D) Seven years
Answer : C
✓ Masala Bonds have a minimum maturity period of 3 years. However they can be issued for three
or five or seven year maturities
Q. Special Drawing Rights (SDR) is an international reserve asset. It has been created by which bank?
A) World Bank B) Asian Development Bank
C) International Monetary Fund D) US Federal Reserve
Answer : C
Q. Which currency has the highest weight in the Special Drawing Rights (SDR) basket?
A) USD B) Chinese Yuan
C) Euro D) Japanese Yen
Answer : A
✓ The value of the SDR is based on a basket of five currencies—the U.S. dollar, the euro, the Chinese
renminbi, the Japanese yen, and the British pound sterling.
Q. Which organization has recently launched the Retail Direct Scheme?
A) SEBI B) RBI
C) IRDAI D) PFRDA
Answer : B
✓ Reserve Bank of India-Retail Direct (RBI-RD) Scheme will bring G-secs within easy reach of the
common man by simplifying the process of investment
Q. The Monetary Policy Committee has been formed for which of the following institution?
A) SEBI B) SIDBI
C) FPRDA D) RBI
Answer : D
Q. What is the share of State Government in Regional Rural Bank?
A) 50%
B) 15%
C) 35%
D) 20%
Answer : B
✓ The Government of India, the concerned State Government and the sponsor bank contribute to the
share capital of RRBs in the proportion of 50%, 15% and 35%, respectively.

Q. How many banks were nationalized in the year 1980 in India?
A) 14 B) 6
C) 7 D) 13
Answer : B
✓ Six banks, viz, Andhra Bank, Corporation Bank, New Bank of India, Oriental Bank of Commerce,
Punjab and Sind Bank, and Vijaya Bank with deposit liabilities of Rs.200 crore and above, were
nationalised in April 1980.
Q. What is the minimum paid-up capital requirement for a scheduled bank?
A) Rs 10 lakh B) Rs 10 crore
C) Rs 5 lakh D) Rs 5 crore
Answer : C
✓ A scheduled bank is one that is listed in the second schedule of RBI Act, 1934. Banks having paid
up capital of at least Rs 5 lakh are eligible for inclusion in the Second Schedule to the Reserve Bank
of India Act, 1934.
Q. RRN number is a __ digit number generated to record the transaction and to identify a transaction
uniquely in Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS).
A) 10 B) 12
C) 15 D) 18
Answer : B
✓ RRN number is a 12 digit number generated to record the transaction and to identify a transaction
uniquely
Q. The prompt corrective action (PCA) Framework of the Reserve Bank of India is based on how many
parameters?
A) 2 B) 3
C) 4 D) 5
Answer : B
✓ The Reserve Bank has specified certain regulatory trigger points, as a part of prompt corrective
action (PCA) Framework, in terms of three parameters
Q. The Financial Inclusion Fund (FIF) is maintained by _.
A) RBI B) IRDAI
C) NABARD D) SIDBI
Answer : C
Q. What is the corpus of Financial Inclusion Fund (FIF)?

Q. Which of the following is not a Financial Sector Regulator?
A) RBI B) SEBI
C) EXIM D) IRDAI
Answer : C
Q. Who is the chairperson of Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC)?
A) Governor of RBI B) Deputy Governor of RBI
C) Finance Minister of India D) Finance Secretary of India
Answer : C
Q. UPI was launched by NPCI in which year?
A) 2017 B) 2016
C) 2018 D) 2015
Answer : B
Q. The SARFAESI Act 2002 is related to which of the following?
A) regulations of banks B) foreign exchange reserves
C) digital payements D) recovery of bad loans
Answer : D
Q. Who manages the Foreign Exchange Reserves in India?
A) Reserve Bank of India B) SEBI
C) Ministry of Finance D) SBI
Answer : A
Q. National Pension Scheme (NPS) is regulated by?
A) IRDAI B) SEBI
C) RBI D) PFRDA
Answer : D
✓ It is administered and regulated by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority
(PFRDA).
Q. e-RUPI has been launched by?
A) RBI B) SEBI
C) IRDAI D) NPCI
Answer : D
Q. Who regulates credit rating agencies in India?
A) RBI B) Ministry of Finance
C) SEBI D) PFRDA

Answer : C
✓ The SEBI (Credit Rating Agencies) Regulations, 1999 gives this power to SEBI.
Q. What is the minimum size of Priority Sector Lending Certificates?
Answer : D
✓ The PSLCs would have a standard lot size of ₹ 25 lakh and multiples thereof.
Q. Who is the regulator of mutual funds in India?
A) RBI B) PFRDA
C) SEBI D) IRDAI
Answer : C
Q. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is owned by?
A) Reserve Bank of India B) Government of India
C) SIDBI D) Both A and B
Answer : B
✓ 100% ownership of NABARD is with GoI.
Q. What percent of stake is owned in EXIM Bank by Government of India?
A) 100% B) 95%
C) 51% D) 99%
Answer : A
Q. Banks with only a digital presence and no physical branches is known as?
A) Islamic Bank B) Neo Bank
C) Geo Bank D) Global Bank
Answer : B
Q. When funds are borrowed for a period of 2 to 14 days then it is known as?
A) Call Money B) Notice Money
C) Repo Money D) Periodic Money
Answer : B
✓ For 1 day- Call money; For 2 to 14 days- notice money.
Q. A swift code consists of how many characters?
A) 7 B) 13
C) 11 D) 20
Answer : C

✓ The SWIFT code consists of 8 or 11 characters. When 8-digits code is given, it refers to the primary
office.
Q. Priority Sector Lending is provided by banks under how many categories?
A) 6 B) 7
C) 8 D) 9
Answer : C
✓ 8 category- Agriculture; Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises; Export Credit; Education;
Housing; Social Infrastructure; Renewable Energy; Others
Q. How many digits/characters are thre in Indian Financial System Code (IFSC)?
A) 8 B) 9
C) 11 D) 13
Answer : C
Q. Payments Bank can apply for conversion to Small Finance Bank after how many years of operation?
C) 5 years D) 1 year
Answer : C
Q. What is the financial year followed by the Reserve Bank of India?
A) July- June B) April- March
C) January- December D) July-March
Answer : B
✓ Till 2019-20, RBI followed the financial year as July-June, And now from the year 2021-22 RBI has
changed its FY as April-March, as a result the FY2020-21 saw only 9 months i.e July-March
Q. What is the maximum amount outstanding in respect of full-KYC PPIs (KYC-compliant PPIs)?
A) Rs 1 lakh B) Rs 2 lakhs
C) RS 3 lakhs D) Rs 2.5 lakhs
Answer : B
✓ The maximum amount outstanding in respect of full-KYC PPIs (KYC-compliant PPIs) has been
increased from ₹1 lakh to ₹2 lakh
Q. What is the cash withdrawal limit from Points of Sale (PoS) terminals (per transaction) using debit
cards at Tier 1 and Tier 2 center?
A) Rs 1000 B) Rs 500
C) Rs 2000 D) Rs 5000
Answer : C
✓ ₹2,000 per transaction within an overall monthly limit of ₹10,000 across all locations (Tier 1 to 6
centres)

Q. Which type of ATMs are set up, owned and operated by non-banks?
A) Brown Label ATM B) Black Label ATM
C) Green Label ATM D) White Label ATM
Answer : D
✓ ATMs set up, owned and operated by non-banks are called WLAs
Q. The Reserve Bank of India Core Banking Solution system is known by which name?
A) E-Lakshmi B) E-Kuber
C) E-Dhan D) E-Maal
Answer : B
Q. The Cheque Transaction System is in use in India from which year?
A) 2010 B) 2014
C) 2020 D) 2012
Answer : A
✓ Cheque Transaction System or Image-based Clearing System, in India, is a project of the Reserve
Bank of India, commenced in 2010, for faster clearing of cheques
Q. Which among the following measures can lead to more foreign direct investment (FDI) in India?
A) production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme
B) improved ease of doing business
C) opening up of the insurance sector
D) all of the above
Answer : D
Q. The Financial Stability Report is released by which organisation?
A) MoF B) IBA
C) FICCI D) RBI
Answer : D
Q. Which of the following organization is the nodal agency for the implementation of the ‘Interest
Subvention Scheme for MSMEs 2018’ launched by Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
(MSMEs)?
A) RBI B) SIDBI
C) SBI D) NPCI
Answer : B
Q. What is the total priority sector lending target for Regional Rural Banks?
A) 40% B) 25%
C) 75% D) 60%

Answer : C
Q. Who regulates Venture Capital Fund Company in India?
A) RBI B) SEBI
C) Ministry of Finance D) IRDAI
Answer : B
Q. Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) code has how many characters?
A) 10 B) 15
C) 20 D) 25
Answer : C
Q. The first ATM in India was set up in which year?
A) 1980 B) 1987
C) 1990 D) 1992
Answer : B
✓ The first ATM in India was set up in 1987 by HSBC in Mumbai.
Q. The first Regional Rural Bank was set up in which year in India?
A) 1972 B) 1973
C) 1974 D) 1975
Answer : D
✓ The first Regional Rural Bank “Prathama Grameen Bank” was set up on October 2, 1975.
Q. Which of the following is India’s first credit rating agency?
A) ICRA B) CRISIL
C) CARE D) India Ratings and Research
Answer : B
✓ CRISIL is India’s first credit rating agency. It was incorporated and promoted by erstwhile ICICI
Ltd. in 1987. It started its operation in 1988.
Q. What is the minimum Capital to Risk-weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR) by RRBs?
A) 8%
B) 9%
C) 10%
D) 7%
Answer : B
✓ RRBs are required to maintain a minimum Capital to Risk-weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR) of 9 per
cent on an ongoing basis

Q. Who manages the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF)?
A) SIDBI B) RBI
C) NABARD D) SBI
Answer : C
Q. RBI has released the National Strategy for Financial Inclusion (NSFI) for which period?
A) 2020-2024
B) 2019-2023
C) 2019-2024
D) 2020-2023
Answer : C
Q. Which Bank has opened its Melbourne office and became the first Indian bank to have a branch in
the Australian state of Victoria?
A) Bank of India B) Bank of Baroda
C) Union Bank of India D) State Bank of India
Answer : D
Q. RBI has released the ‘framework for authorization of pan-India Umbrella Entity for Retail Payments’
in India. What shall be the minimum paid-up capital of the umbrella entity?
Answer : A
Q. What is the minimum amount stipulation for RTGS transactions?
A) Rs 50,000 B) Rs 1 lakh
C) Rs 2 lakhs D) No Limit
Answer : C
Q. What is the maximum amount stipulation for RTGS transactions?
C) Rs 1 Crore D) No Limit
Answer : D
Q. How many payment banks are there in India ?
A) 12 B) 10
C) 06 D) 15
Answer : C

Q. Which of the following is the first ‘Presidency bank’ in India?
A) Bank of Hindustan B) Bank of Bengal
C) Bank of Bombay D) Bank of Madras
Answer : B
✓ The first ‘Presidency bank’ was the Bank of Bengal established in Calcutta on June 2, 1806
Q. The three presidency banks in India were amalgamated into which bank?
A) State Bank of India B) Imperial Bank of India
C) Reserve Bank of India D) Allahabad Bank
Answer : B
✓ The three presidency banks were amalgamated into a single bank, the Imperial Bank of India, in
1921. The Imperial Bank of India also functioned as a central bank prior to the establishment of the
Reserve Bank in 1935.
Q. Which of the following banks is formed by merging the 3 banks Bank of Bengal, the Bank of Bombay
and Bank of Madras?
A) Punjab National Bank B) State Bank of India
C) Bank of India D) Imperial Bank of India
Answer : D
✓ The 3 banks Bank of Bengal, the Bank of Bombay and Bank of Madras were merged in 1921 to
form the “Imperial Bank of India
Q. Which among the following banks merged with the Indian Bank with effect from April 2020?
A) Canara Bank B) Andhra Bank
C) Punjab National Bank D) Allahabad Bank
Answer : D
✓ New mergers include:
✓ Punjab National Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce, and the United Bank of India will combine to
form the nation’s second-largest lender.
✓ Canara Bank and Syndicate Bank.
✓ Union Bank of India will amalgamate with Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank.
✓ Allahabad Bank was merged with Indian Bank from April 1, 2020
Q. Which two banks were merged with Bank of Baroda with effect from 1st April 2019?
A) Syndicate Bank and UCO Bank
B) Union Bank of India and Andhra Bank
C) Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank
D) Allahabad Bank and Canara Bank
Answer : C
✓ Syndicate bank merged with Canara Bank In 2019.
✓ Indian bank merged with Allahabad Bank In 2019.

✓ Union Bank of India merged with Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank in 2019
Q. As of September 2021, how many public sector banks are included in the Indian banking system?
A) 14 B) 10
C) 16 D) 12
Answer : D
✓ As of September 2021, The Indian banking system consists of 12 public sector banks, 22 private
sector banks, 46 foreign banks.
✓ 12 public sector banks are;
✓ 1st - State Bank of India
✓ 2nd largest - Punjab National Bank (With Merger of Oriental Bank of Commerce and United Bank
of India)
✓ 3rd largest - Bank of Baroda
✓ 4th Largest - Canara Bank (With Merger of Syndicate Bank)
✓ 5th largest - Union Bank of India (With Merger of Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank)
✓ 6th largest - Bank of India
✓ 7th largest - Indian Bank (With Merger of Allahabad Bank)
✓ 8th - Central Bank of India
✓ 9th - Indian Overseas Bank
✓ 10th - UCO Bank
✓ 11th - Bank of Maharashtra
✓ 12th - Punjab & Sind Bank
Q. The Integrated Ombudsman Scheme, 2021 of the Reserve Bank of India, has been formed by
combining how many earlier Ombudsman Schemes?
A) 2 B) 3
C) 4 D) 5
Answer : B
✓ Scheme integrates the existing three Ombudsman schemes of RBI namely, (i) the Banking
Ombudsman Scheme, 2006; (ii) the Ombudsman Scheme for Non-Banking Financial Companies,
2018; and (iii) the Ombudsman Scheme for Digital Transactions, 2019.
Q. The Integrated Ombudsman Scheme, 2021 of the Reserve Bank of India includes under its ambit Non-
Scheduled Primary Co-operative Banks with __ size of _ crore and above.
A) deposit; Rs. 500 B) asset; Rs. 500
C) deposit; Rs. 50 D) asset; Rs. 50
Answer : C.
Q. Payments Infrastructure Development Fund is managed by which organization?
A) NPCI B) RBI
C) SEBI D) Ministry of Finance
Answer : B
✓ Reserve Bank has now decided to include street vendors identified as part of the PM Street Vendor’s
AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi Scheme) in tier-1 and tier-2 centres as beneficiaries under the
PIDF Scheme.

Q. What is the maximum amount that banks can charge from customers (per transaction) w.e.f January
01, 2022, after free ATM transaction are over?
A) Rs 15 B) Rs 17
C) Rs 20 D) Rs 21
Answer : D
Q. What is the limit for collateral free loans to Self Help Group?
Answer : C
Q. Which among the following section of Banking Regulation Act 1949, gives RBI power to impose
penalty?
A) Section 47A B) Section 48
C) Section 49 D) Section 49A
Answer : A
✓ Section 47A power of reserve Bank to impose penalty, Section 48 Application of fines, Section 49
Special provisions for private banking companies, Section 49A Restriction on acceptance of
deposits withdrawable by cheque
Q. What is the name of Central Bank of Singapore?
A) Central Bank
B) Federal Bank
C) Reserve Bank of Singapore
D) Monetary Authority of Singapore
Answer : D
✓ With reference to ‘Urban Cooperative Banks’ in India, consider the following statements:
1. They are supervised and regulated by local boards set up by the state Governments.
2. They were issue equity shares and preference shares.
3. They were brought under the purview of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 through an amendment
in 1966.
Q. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 only
B) 2 only
C) 1 and 3
D) 2 and 3
Answer : D

Q. Which ministry grants approval under the PLI scheme for key starting Materials and Active
Pharmaceutical ingredients?
A) Ministry of MSME
B) Ministry of Science and Technology
C) Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
D) Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Answer : C
Q. Which among the following is not a schedule commercial bank?
A) Fino Payments Bank B) Paytm Payments Bank
C) Airtel Payment Bank D) Jio Payments Bank
Answer : D
✓ 4 payments Banks which are Scheduled payments banks are:
✓ India Post Payment Bank
✓ Fino Payment Bank
✓ Paytm Payment Bank
✓ Airtel Payment Bank
Q. What percent of ANBC should be maintained for PSLs for RRBs in our country?
A) 10% B) 20%
C) 30% D) 75%
Answer : D
✓ 75% of the ANBC should be maintained for PSLs for RRBs in our country.
Q. What do you understand by ANBC?
A) Adjusted netted bank credit
B) Adjusted net banking credit
C) Adjusted new bank creditor
D) Adjusted net bank Credit
Answer : D
Q. What is the increased housing loan limit for UCBs in tier 1 cities?
A) 30 lakhs
B) 60 lakhs
C) 40 lakhs
D) 50 lakhs
Answer : B
✓ Tier 1 is increased to 60 lakhs from 30 lakhs and Tier 2 from 70 lakh to 1.4 crore.

Q. Which among the following statement is correct:
1.SFBs 50% loan portfolio must be 25 lakhs
2. Foreign shareholdings are not allowed in SFBs.
3. The banks are restricted to certain region.
Answer the correct options:
A) Only 1 B) Only 3
C) Only 2 D) All
Answer : A
✓ SFBs 50% loan portfolio must be 25 lakhs, Foreign shareholdings are allowed in SFBs and The
banks are not restricted to certain region.
Q. Consider the following statements:
I. RRBs are restricted to a particular region.
II. RRBs can participate in money market.
III. RRBs are regulated by RBI.
A) Only 1 B) Only 2 and 3
C) Only 3 D) All
Answer : D
Q. How many non official members are there in board of RBI?
A) 10 B) 6
C) 21 D) 20
Answer : C
Q. What is the lock in period in Kisan Vikas Patra?
Answer : A
✓ 30 months is the lock in period in Kisan Vikas Patra.
Q. What is the maximum deposit amount insured by the DICGC?
A) 2 lakh
B) 1 lakh
C) 4 lakh
D) 5 lakh
Answer : D

Q. Premature withdrawal is allowed in Sukanya Samriddhi Account after the girl attains the age of ___.
Answer : B
Q. India’s first insurance company Oriental Life Insurance Company was established in which city?
A) Mumbai B) Kolkata
C) Pune D) New Delhi
Answer : B
✓ Oriental Life Insurance Company was established in Calcutta in 1818.
Q. What is the name of the insurance company which was first general insurance company in India?
A) The Oriental Insurance Company
B) New India Assurance
C) GIC Re
D) Triton Insurance Company Ltd
Answer : D
✓ Triton Insurance Company is the first general insurance company established in Calcutta in 1850.
Q. The Reserve Bank of India has excluded which of the following banks from the second schedule of
RBI act after it was merged with DBS bank India limited in 2020?
A) Karur Vysya Bank B) Lakshmi Vilas Bank
C) Indian Overseas Bank D) TMB Bank
Answer : B
Q. According to 2018 regulation brought by RBI loans belonging to MSMEs will be classified as NPA
after how many days?
A) 120 days B) 150 days
C) 180 days D) 360 days
Answer : C
Q. Who is the regulator of mutual funds in India?
A) RBI B) PFRDA
C) SEBI D) IRDAI
Answer : C
Q. Which character is mandatorily zero in IFSC Code?
A) 6 B) 5
C) 4 D) 11
Answer : B

✓ In an IFSC code, the first 4 digits of the IFSC represent the bank and last 6 characters represent the
branch. The 5th character is zero.
Q. Who is the regulator of Housing Finance Companies?
A) NHB B) RBI
C) Ministry of Finance D) SEBI
Answer : B
Q. When was Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana was launched?

A) 2014 B) 2015
C) 2016 D) 2017
Answer : A
✓ Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi launched the Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana on 11th October 2014 on
the birth anniversary of Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
Q. What is the validity of Job card under MGNREGS?
A) 2 Years B) 3 years
Answer : C
✓ Job card is a unique document that records workers entitlements under Mahatma Gandhi national
rural employment guarantee scheme. The validity of a job card under MGNREGS is 5 years.
Q. Mufin finance, one of the leading NBFC’s has received in principle RBI approval for issuance of semi
close prepaid payment instruments. Identify the correct statement regarding NBCF’s
I. NBFC cannot accept demand deposits.
II. NBFC’s do not form part of the payment and settlement system.
III. NFC scan issue cheques drawn on itself.
A) Only I B) Only III
C) Both I and II D) Both II and III
Answer : C
Q. The Reserve Bank of India extended the timeline for the implementation of certain provisions of its
master direction with regard to the issuance and conduct off credit cards and debit cards. These
directions were issued on April 21, 2022. The timeline has been extended from July 1, 2022 to ___.
A) August 1, 2022
B) September 1, 2022
C) October 1, 2022
D) November 1, 2022
Answer : C

Q. Which of the following is the goalpost of payments vision 2025?
A) integrity B) inclusion
C) innovation D) all of the above
Answer : D
✓ The goalpost of payments vision 2025 are integrity, inclusion, innovation, institutionalization.
Q. Single dashboard for PFMS has been launched for leveraging the use of technology for effective
management of public finances. What do you understand by F in ‘PFMS’?
A) finance B) first
C) financial D) fixed
Answer : C
✓ PFMS is Public Financial Management System.
Q. Scheduled banks are included under which schedule of the RBI act 1934?
A) 1st schedule B) 2nd schedule
C) 3rd schedule D) 4th schedule
Answer : B
✓ Scheduled commercial banks are considered under the second schedule of the RBI act, 1934.
Q. What is the minimum paid up capital of a bank, must have to be eligible for inclusion in the Reserve
Bank of India at 1934’s Second Schedule to attain Scheduled Banks’ status?
A) Rs. 2 lakhs B) Rs. 4 lakhs
C) Rs. 5 lakhs D) Rs. 20 lakhs
Answer : C
Q. RRBs are Indian government owned scheduled commercial banks that operate at the regional level in
several states. What is the share of the central government in the regional rural banks?
A) 50 B) 35
C) 45 D) 15
Answer : A
✓ Regional Rural Banks should have the share of 50%, 15% and 35% owned by the central
government, state government and sponsoring bank respectively.
Q. What is the authorized capital of regional rural banks?
A) ₹20 lakhs
B) ₹50 lakhs
C) ₹ 1 crore
D) ₹5 crores
Answer : D

Q. Anyonya Co-operative Bank Limited (ACBL) is the first cooperative bank in India. Where was it
located?
A) Uttar Pradesh B) Gujarat
C) Maharashtra D) Bihar
Answer : B
✓ first co-operative bank in India is Anyonya Co-operative Bank Limited (ACBL), which is based in
Vadodara (previously Baroda) in Gujarat.
Q. The local area bank scheme was introduced in August 1996. What is the minimum paid up capital
required for setting up of local area banks?
A) Rs. 1 crore B) Rs. 2 crores
C) Rs. 5 crores D) Rs. 10 crores
Answer : C
Q. Which are the branches in India of the joint stock banks incorporated abroad.
A) Regional Rural Banks B) Foreign Banks
C) Local Area Banks D) Private Banks
Answer : B
Q. The centre has drastically lowered the divestment target for fiscal year 2022-23 to _.
A) Rs. 65,000 crore B) Rs. 78,000 crore
C) Rs. 1.75 lakh crore D) Rs. 1.55 lakh crore
Answer : A
✓ The centre has drastically lowered the divestment target for fiscal year 2022-23 to Rs. 65,000 crore
Q. What is the number of digits used to represent the universal account number?
A) 10 B) 20
C) 12 D) 16
Answer : C
Q. Pan card is issued under which section of the Income Tax Act?
A) 139A B) 150B
C) 89A D) 162A
Answer : A
✓ Pancard will be issued under section 139A of the Income Tax Act.
Q. Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) is 8 to 11 _.
A) digital code B) alphabetic code
C) alpha-numerical code D) Roman code
Answer : B

✓ Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) is 8 to 11 alphabetic
code.
Q. ISIN is a 12 alphanumeric code which represents the first two characters as the country code. What is
the full form of ISIN?
A) International Securities Indian Number
B) Indian Service Identification Number
C) International Securities Identification Number
D) Identification Service of International Numbers
Answer : C
Q. What is the full form of PPI?
A) Postpaid Payment Instrument B) Prepaid Payment Instrument
C) PostOffice Payment Inclusion D) none of the above
Answer : B
Q. India’s first golf centric credit card was launched by which bank?
A) State Bank of India B) RBL Bank
C) Union Bank of India D) Punjab National Bank
Answer : B

Budget 2023-24 Key Highlights

HISTORY OF THE UNION BUDGET
❖ Under the Article 112 of the Constitution of India, Union Budget is aka
Annual financial statement. Every year it is presented on the last
working day of February by the Finance Minister of India in
Parliament.But in 2017 Arun Jaitley started presenting the Union Budget
on February 1 departing from the colonial-era tradition of using the last
working day of that month. The budget is presented by means of the
Financial bill and Appropriation bill which has to be passed by the
houses.
❖ The Union Budget comes into effect from April 1.
❖ The budget division of the department of economic affairs (DEA) in the
finance ministry is the nodal body responsible for producing the budget.
❖ First Union budget of Independent India was presented by R.
K.Shanmukham Chetty on November 26, 1947.
❖ In 1951-52, C D Deshmukh was the first Indian governor of the RBI who
presented the Interim Budget.
❖ In 1958-59, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was the first PM who presented the
UnionbBudget.
❖ In 1959, Morarji Desai, who became the finance minister of India,
presented the maximum number of budgets so far i.e. 10. He presented
two budgets on his birthday1964 and 1968 as he was born on February
29.
❖ From 1970 to 1971, Indira Gandhi was the only woman Finance Minister
who took over the Finance portfolio.
❖ Union Budget 1973-74 is known as the “Black Budget” of India as the
budget deficitrose to Rs 550 crore.
❖ The Budget was first introduced in India on April 7, 1860, when Scottish
economist and politician James Wilson from the East India Company
presented it to the British Crown.
What is the Union Budget
1. According to Article 112 of the Indian Constitution, The Union Budget is a

statement of the estimated receipts and expenditures of the government for
that particular year.
2. It is also referred to as the Annual Financial Statement.
3. It is broadly classified into 2 segments- Revenue Budget & Capital Budget.
4. The budget provides for 3 sets of data
✓ Actual data of the preceding year.
✓ Provisional data of the current year.
✓ Budgetary estimates for the following year.

The Union Budget of India, also referred to as the Annual Financial
Statement in Article 112 of the Constitution of India,is the annual budget of
the Republic of India. The Government presents it on the first day of
February so that it could be materialised before the beginning of new
financial year in April. Until 2016 it was presented on the last working day
of February by the Finance Minister in Parliament. The budget division of
the department of economic affairs (DEA) in the finance ministry is the
nodal body responsible for producing the budget.It is presented by means
of the Finance bill and the Appropriation bill has to be passed by Lok Sabha
before it can come into effect on 1 April, the start of India's financial year.
An interim budget is not the same as a 'Vote on Account'. While a 'Vote on
Account' deals only with the expenditure side of the government's budget.
An interim budget is a complete set of accounts, including both expenditure
and receipts. An interim budget gives the complete financial statement,
very similar to a full budget. While the law does not disqualify the Union
government from introducing tax changes, normally during an election
year, successive governments have avoided making any major changes in
income tax laws during an interim budget.
Since 1947, there have been a total of 73 annual budgets, 14 interim budgets
and four special budgets, or mini-budgets.
This is the first budget in Amrit Kaal
Economic Survey 2023: Key Points
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharanam tabled the Economic Survey 2022-23 in

parliament on 31-01-2023 before presenting the budget 2023.
According to the Economic Survey for 2022-23, India’s GDP growth for the
fiscal year 2023-24 will be in the 6-6.8 percent range. The baseline forecast
for real GDP growth in the Survey is 6.5 percent. Finance Minister Nirmala
Sitharaman introduced the survey in Parliament today. It is the Ministry of
Finance’s flagship document, prepared under the direction of the Chief
Economic Advisor. The document contains critical insights into India’s
macroeconomic landscape and government policies, as well as reforms that
can be implemented.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Economic Survey report
in the Lok Sabha.The survey projected a GDP growth rate in the range of 6-
6.8% for the next fiscal 2023-24.Economic Survey 2022-2023 presented in
the parliament in two 2 volumes. The first looks at overall macroeconomic
and sectoral developments, and the second is a revamped statistical
appendix.
Budget 2023-24 Key Highlights
The Finance Minister, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union

Budget for the fiscal year 2023-24 in Parliament on 1st February 2023
and here we are with the Union Budget 2023 key highlights ebook.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has used a 'Made in India' tablet
computer to deliver a paperless Budget address. She will be presenting
her fifth budget, the previous being, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. This
year's buzzword is 'Saptrishi' focus areas
owing to the seven pillars of the Union Budget according to the FM.
The Seven Important Pillars of the Union Budget 2023-24
Finance Minister Smt Nirmala Sitharaman introduced this year's

budget as the first budget in 'Amritkaal'. She also stated that the Indian
Economy is on the right track and heading toward a bright future and
that the budget is a people-centric one, to take on global challenges.
There were seven main focuses/pillars of the budget:-

● Inclusive development
● Reaching the last mile
● Infra & investment
● Unleashing the potential
● Green growth
● Youth power
● Financial sector
Mrs. Sitharaman named these the 'Saptrishi' of the Union Budget

2023.

Agriculture
❖ Atmnanirbhar Clean Plant Programme: To improve the

availability of clean, disease-free planting material. Outlay: Rs.
2,200 crores.
❖ 11.4 cr farmers for Rs. 2.2 trillion in cash
❖ Empowerment of women through SHGs focussed on raw material
supply, branding and marketing of products, etc.
❖ A global hub of millets; the Indian Institute of Millet Research to
be supported as the center of excellence.
❖ PM Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman, PM Vikas: Package of
assistance for artisans and craftspeople. Enable them to improve
the quality, scale, and reach of products and integrate them with
the MSME value chain.
✓ Financial Support
✓ Advanced skill training
✓ efficient brand promotion
✓ digital payments
✓ social security
❖ Technology in Agriculture: Computerization of 63,000 primary
agri credit societies. Investment: Rs. 2,516 crores.
❖ Agriculture Accelerator fund: young entrepreneurs in rural areas
❖ Collaboration between farmers, state
❖ Scheme under PM Garib Kalyan Ann Yojna for free foodgrains to
all Antyodaya and priority households for one year.
❖ The agricultural credit target - is up to 20 lakh cr. with a focus on
animal husbandry, dairy, and fisheries.
❖ New subscheme of PM Matsya Sampada Yojna - targeted
investment of Rs. 6000 crores enable activities of fishermen, fish
vendors
❖ For farmers, esp small and marginal farmers, a Co-operative
based economic development model
❖ New Ministry of Cooperation to realize the vision of Sehekar se
Samriddhi - Rs. 2516 crores
❖ National Cooperative Database for nation-wide mapping of
cooperative societies

Health Education and Skilling
❖ Mission to eliminate sickle cell anemia by 2047 - universal screening of 7 cr people

(age 0-40 years)
❖ 157 new nursing colleges in a core location with existing 157 medical colleges
❖ Facilities in select ICMR labs for encouraging collaborative research
❖ New Pharma program to promote R&D in pharmaceuticals
❖ Dedicated multidisciplinary courses for medical devices
❖ Teachers training re-envisioned
❖ National digital library for children and adolescents
❖ National Book Trust, Children book trust- provide non-curricular titles in regional
languages and English to cover the gap in reading due to pandemic
❖ Collaboration with NGOs to inculcate literacy
❖ Aspirational Blocs program- saturation of essential govt services across various
domains
❖ Pradhan Mantri Primitive, Vulnerable Tribal Groups Development Mission
empowering tribal groups with safe housing, connectivity, and healthcare Rs. 15000
crores
❖ Eklavya Model Residential Schools - recruit 38,800 teachers and support staff for
the 740 Eklavya Model Residential Schools reaching up tp 3.5 lakh tribal students
❖ Upper Bhadra Project - central assistance of 5,300 cr for drought-prone areas of
upper Karnataka.
❖ PM Awaaz Yojna - outlay enhanced from 66% to Rs. 79,000 crores
❖ Bharath Shared Repository Inscriptions - digitization of 1 lakh ancient inscription
❖ Support for poor prisoners - for those who are unable to afford bail amounts and
fines
❖ Make AI in India: 3 specialized AI centers in educational institutions
❖ Vivad-e-Vsihwas I: Less stringent contract execution for MSMEs
❖ Vivad-e-Vishwas II: Easier and standardized settlement scheme
❖ E-Courts Phase III
❖ 100 labs for 5 G services
❖ R&D grant for Lab-grown diamonds

Infrastructure and Private Investment
❖ Capital Investment Outlay - increased by 33% to 10 lakh cr (3.3% of
GSP)
❖ Support to State Govt for capital investments - 50 yr interest-free loan
to state govt extended for one more year, the outlay of Rs. 1.3 lakh
crores
❖ Railways - a capital outlay of 2.40 lakh cr: highest (9x from 2013-14)
❖ 100 infra projects identified - Rs. 75,000 crores including Rs. 15000
crores from private sources.
❖ 50 additional airports, heliports, water aerodromes, and advanced
landing grounds revived
❖ Digilocker for businesses: PAN will be used as a common business
identifier.
❖ Cities and towns to be enabled to 100% transition of sewers and septic
tanks from manhole to machine hole mode.
Natural Energy
❖ India heading for a net zero Panchamrit goal by 2070.

❖ 500 new ‘Waste to Wealth’ plants under the Gobardhan scheme
❖ 35,000 cr priority capital for the energy transition
❖ Battery energy storage of 4000MWH to be supported.
❖ 1 crore farmers to get assistance to adopt natural farming
❖ Green Credit Programme
❖ 83 bn central support for Ladhakh energy
❖ PM Pranam

❖ 10000 bio input centers
❖ MISHTI - Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Income
MNREGA CAMPA funds integrated
❖ Amrit Darohar- Encourage optimal use of wetlands, ecotourism, and
income generation for local communities
❖ Coastal Shipping promotion
❖ Vehicle Replacement for old polluting vehicles including those of the
central govt
❖ National Hydrogen Mission - Rs 19,700 crore allocated to the National
Hydrogen
❖ Mission. Objective: hydrogen production capacity of 5 metric million
tonnes by 2030.
Youth
❖ PM Kaushal Vikas Yojna 4,0: Skill training for lakhs of youth within next
3 yrs, on-the-job training
❖ New age courses - coding AI IOT 3D Printing, drones,
❖ 30 Skill India International Skilling Centers
❖ Unified skill India Digital Platform
❖ Stipend support to 47 lakh youth - National Apprenticeship Promotion
Scheme
❖ 100 labs for developing apps using 5G services will be set up in
engineering institutions.
Tourism
❖ 50 destinations for tourism
❖ Enhance tourist experience
❖ Every destination developed as a complete package
❖ Sector-specific skilling - Dekho Apna Desh
❖ Unity Mall - One District One Product

Financial Sector
The budget proposals for the financial sector will be in two parts:
Part A
❖ Credit guarantee for MSMEs: Revamped scheme takes effect with an
infusion of Rs. 9000 crores
❖ Fiscal support for digital public infrastructure
❖ Additional collateral-free guarantee credit of 2 lakh cr of rupees cost of
credit -1%
❖ National Financial Information Registry - a central repository of
financial and ancillary information
❖ Setting up of Central Data Processing Center under the Companies Act
❖ Financial Sector regulators will carry out a comprehensive review
❖ To enhance business activities in GIFT IFSC
✓ Delegating Powers to the IFSCA
✓ Single window IT system for registration and approval of IFSCA, SEZ
authorities,GSTN, RBI, SEBI, IRDAI
✓ Permitting acquisition financing
✓ Amending IFSCA Act
❖ Data Embassy for countries looking for digital continuity solutions in
GIFT IFSC

❖ Improving governance and investor protection in the banking sector –
Banking Regulation Act, Reserve Bank of India Act, Banking Companies
Act amendments
❖ SEBI to regulate and enforce awarding of diplomas
❖ Senior citizens saving scheme limit doubled to 30 lakh
❖ Mahila Samman Bachat Scheme for women with 7.5% interest. Savings
of up to 2 lakhs for 2 years.
❖ Fiscal deficit of states: 3.5% GSDP allowed (0.5% tied to power sector
reforms)
❖ The fiscal deficit revised to 6.4%
❖ Fiscal deficit next year: 5.9% of GDP. Aiming to reduce to 4.9% by
2026.

Part B
● Indirect taxes:
❖ Simplified tax structure
❖ Reduce basic custom duty rates from 21 to 13%
❖ Expemt excise duty on GST paid CNG
❖ Customs duty exemptions for green mobility - Li-ion batteries
❖ Key inputs for producing shrimp feed
❖ Seeds for manufacturing lab-grown diamonds

❖ Taxes on cigarettes increased by 16%
❖ Chemicals and petrochemicals - exempt from basic customs duty on
denatured ethyl alcohol and acid-grade fluoro spar from 5% to 2.5%.
Crude glycerine
❖ Electronics
✓ Increased to 31 crore units valued at Rs. 2,75,000 cr in 2022-23
✓ Relief to customs duty for mobile phone parts extended for one more
year
✓ Reduce customs duty for TV parts
● Direct Taxes
❖ Tax receipts for the next fiscal budgeted at Rs. 23.3 lakh crore.
❖ MSMEs and professionals: With cash receipts <5%, presumptive tax
limits
❖ increased to Rs 3 crores (turnover) and Rs 75 lakh (income) respectively
❖ New IT return form for easier filing
❖ Higher TDS Limit for Rs. 3 crore
❖ 100 JT Commissioners for small tax disputes
❖ Lower taxes on higher digital payments
❖ High-value insurance policies: Returns will be taxed
● Personal Income Tax

● Benefit hard-working middle class
● The rebate limit increased to 7 lakhs for income tax - no tax needs to be paid
● Tax structure changed
✓ 0-3 lakh: nil
✓ 3-6 lakhs: 5%
✓ 6-9 lakh: 10%
✓ 9-12 lakh: 15
✓ 12-15 lakh: 20
✓ >15 lahks: 30%
● Pensioners
The benefit of the standard deduction
● Income of >=5 lakh
● Highest tax rate - 42.7%, reduce the higher surcharge from 375 to 25% in
the new tax regime, maximum rate reduced to 39%
● Limit of tax exemption on leave encashment: increased to 25 lakh rupees

Allocation to Specific Ministries
Sector Funds Allocated (in Lakh Crore)
Ministry of Defence 5.94

Ministry of Road Transport and 2.70
Highways
Ministry of Railways 2.41
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & 2.06
Public Distribution
Ministry of Home Affairs 1.96
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers 1.78
Ministry of Rural Development 1.60
Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer’s 1.25

Welfare
Ministry of Communication 1.23

Funds Allocated Funds Allocated
Scheme (in Crore) (in Crore)
2023-24 2022-23
Development of 1,250 100
Pharmaceutical Industry
Jal Jeevan Mission 70,000 60,000
Eklavya Model Residential 5,943 2,000
Schools
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna 79,590 48,000
Scheme for Faster Adoption 5,172 2,908
and Manufacturing of EVs
(FAME)
North East Special 1,419 2,491
Infrastructure Development
Scheme
Budgetary Allocation to Important Schemes (in Crores)
Scheme Funds Allocated (in Crore)

MGNREGA 60000 Cr
National Social Assistance Program 9636 Cr
National Livelihood Mission Ajeevika 14129 Cr
Jal Jeevan Mission 70000 Cr
National Education Mission 38965 Cr
National Health Mission 36785 Cr
PM Aatmanirbhar Bharat Health 4200 Cr
Infrastructure mission

PM Awas Yojana 79590 Cr
PM Gram Sadak Yojana 19000 Cr
PM Krishi Sinchayi Yojana 10787 Cr
Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan 895 Cr
Swachh Bharat Mission 5000 Cr
AMRUT and Smart Cities Mission 16000 Cr
PM – FME 639 Cr
Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 20554 Cr
PM–KISAN 60000 Cr
Mission Shakti 3144 Cr
Mission Vatsalya 1472 Cr
PM POSHAN 11600 Cr
STARS 800 Cr
National AIDS and STD Control Program 3080 Cr
PM Kisan Sampada Yojana 923 Cr
PM Swasthya Suraksha Yojana 3365 Cr
Fame India 5172 Cr
Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rozgaar Yojana 2273 Cr
PMEGP 2700 Cr
PM KUSUM 1996 Cr
PM SHRI 4000 Cr
Eklavya Model Residential Schools 5943 Cr
Khelo India 1000 Cr
Atal Bhujal Yojana 1000 Cr
Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana 7150 Cr
RoDTEP 15069 Cr
RAMP 1170 Cr
Umbrella Program for Development of ST 9409 Cr
Umbrella Program for Development of SC 4295 Cr
PM VIKAS 540 Cr
Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan 7200 Cr
Arogya Yojna (PMJAY)

Receipts and Expenditure (Lakh Crore)
History of Economic Survey

The first economic survey reportedly came into existence in 1950-51, when it used to be a part of
the budget documents. In the 1960s, it was separated from the Budget documents and presented
day prior to the Union Budget.
It is divided into two parts – Part A and Part B. The first volume contains a holistic review of the
current economic situation of the country while the second part focuses on different issues like
healthcare, poverty, climate change, and the Human Development Index, among others.
Sig
icance of Economic Survey

The Economic Survey reflects the state of India’s economy and presents detailed statistical data on different
sectors and how they performed in the year gone by. Economic forecasts such as projected Gross Domestic
Product (GDP) growth also constitute a part of the Economic Survey. It also states the estimated growth
that specific sectors are expected to witness. Various government schemes and their outcome is also
highlighted in the survey.
What is the Economic Survey?

• It provides a detailed report of the state of the national economy (from
• Itagriculture
provides a to unemployment
detailed to infrastructure)
report of the for the
state of the national year that
economy is coming
(from to a close
agriculture to
(2022-23) with forecasts of the upcoming financial year (2023-24).
unemployment to infrastructure) for the year that is coming to a close (2022-23) with
It is prepared
• forecasts of the by the Economic
upcoming Division
financial of the Department of Economic
year (2023-24).
• ItAffairs
is prepared
(DEA),byMinistry
the Economic Division
of Finance, of the
under theDepartment
guidance ofofthe
Economic Affairs (DEA),
chief economic adviser
Ministry
(CEA). of Finance, under the guidance of the chief economic adviser (CEA).
•• Once
Onceprepared,
prepared, the Survey
the Surveyis approved
is approvedby the Finance
by the Minister
Finance and the
Minister andcomments or policy
the comments
solutions contained in the Survey are not binding on the government.
or policy solutions contained in the Survey are not binding on the government.
Economic Survey 2023: Key Points
INDIA TO WITNESS GDP GROWTH OF 6.0 PERCENT TO 6.8 PER CENT IN 2023-24,
DEPENDING ON THE TRAJECTORY OF ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS
GLOBALLY.
ECONOMIC SURVEY 2022-23 PROJECTS A BASELINE GDP GROWTH OF 6.5 PER CENT IN
REAL TERMS IN FY24.
ECONOMY IS EXPECTED TO GROW AT 7 PERCENT (IN REAL TERMS) FOR THE YEAR
ENDING MARCH 2023, THIS FOLLOWS AN 8.7 PER CENT GROWTH IN THE PREVIOUS
FINANCIAL YEAR.
CREDIT GROWTH TO THE MICRO, SMALL, AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (MSME) SECTOR
HAS BEEN REMARKABLY HIGH, OVER 30.5 PERCENT, ON AVERAGE DURING JAN-NOV
2022.
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE (CAPEX) OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT, WHICH INCREASED

BY 63.4 PER CENT IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF FY23, WAS ANOTHER GROWTH
DRIVER OF THE INDIAN ECONOMY IN THE CURRENT YEAR.
RBI PROJECTS HEADLINE INFLATION AT 6.8 PERCENT IN FY23, WHICH IS OUTSIDE ITS
TARGET RANGE.
RETURN OF MIGRANT WORKERS TO CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES HELPED HOUSING

MARKET WITNESSING A SIGNIFICANT DECLINE IN INVENTORY OVERHANG TO 33
MONTHS IN Q3 OF FY23 FROM 42 MONTHS LAST YEAR.
SURGE IN GROWTH OF EXPORTS IN FY22 AND THE FIRST HALF OF FY23 INDUCED A
SHIFT IN THE GEARS OF THE PRODUCTION PROCESSES FROM MILD ACCELERATION TO
CRUISE MODE.

PRIVATE CONSUMPTION AS A PERCENTAGE OF GDP STOOD AT 58.4 PER CENT IN Q2 OF
FY23,THE HIGHEST AMONG THE SECOND QUARTERS OF ALL THE YEARS SINCE 2013-14,
SUPPORTED BY A REBOUND IN CONTACT INTENSIVE SERVICES SUCH AS TRADE, HOTEL
AND TRANSPORT.
SURVEY POINTS TO THE LOWER FORECAST FOR GROWTH IN GLOBAL TRADE BY THE
WORLD TRADE ORGANISATION, FROM 3.5 PERCENT IN 2022 TO 1.0 PERCENT IN 2023.
India to witness GDP growth of 6.0 per cent to 6.8 per cent in 2023-24, depending on the trajectory of
economic and political developments globally.
ECONOMIC SURVEY 2022-23 PROJECTS A BASELINE GDP GROWTH

OF 6.5 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS IN FY24.
The optimistic growth forecasts stem from a number of positives like the rebound of private consumption
given a boost to production activity, higher Capital Expenditure (Capex), near-universal vaccination
coverage enabling people to spend on contact-based services, such as restaurants, hotels, shopping malls,
and cinemas, as well as the return of migrant workers to cities to work in construction sites leading to a
significant decline in housing market inventory, the strengthening of the balance sheets of the Corporates, a
well-capitalised public sector banks ready to increase the credit supply and the credit growth to the Micro,
Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector to name the major ones.

The Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the
Economic Survey 2022-23 in Parliament today, which projects a baseline GDP growth of
6.5 per cent in real terms in FY24. The projection is broadly comparable to the estimates
provided by multilateral agencies such as the World Bank,the IMF, and the ADB and by
RBI, domestically.
It says, growth is expected to be brisk in FY24 as a vigorous credit disbursal,

and capital investment cycle is expected to unfold in India with the
strengthening of the balance sheets of the corporate and banking sectors.
Further support to economic growth will come from the expansion of public
digital platforms and pathbreaking measures such as PM GatiShakti, the
National Logistics Policy, and the Production-Linked Incentive schemes to
boost manufacturing output.

ECONOMY IS EXPECTED TO GROW AT 7 PERCENT (IN REAL
TERMS) FOR THE YEAR ENDING MARCH 2023, THIS FOLLOWS AN
8.7 PER CENT GROWTH IN THE PREVIOUS FINANCIAL YEAR.
The Survey says, in real terms, the economy is expected to grow at 7 per
cent for the year ending March 2023.This follows an 8.7 per cent growth in
the previous financial year.
Despite the three shocks of COVID-19, Russian-Ukraine conflict and the
Central Banks across economies led by Federal Reserve responding with
synchronised policy rate hikes to curb inflation, leading to appreciation of
US Dollar and the widening of the Current Account Deficits (CAD) in net
importing economies, agencies worldwide continue to project India as the
fastest-growing major economy at 6.5-7.0 per cent in FY23.
According to Survey, India’s economic growth in FY23 has been principally led by private
consumption and capital formation and they have helped generate employment as seen
in the declining urban unemployment rate and in the faster net registration in Employee
Provident Fund. Moreover, World’s second-largest vaccination drive involving more
than 2 billion doses also served to lift consumer sentiments that may
prolong the rebound in consumption. Still, private capex soon needs to take up the
leadership role to put job creation on a fast track.
CREDIT GROWTH TO THE MICRO, SMALL, AND MEDIUM

ENTERPRISES (MSME) SECTOR HAS BEEN REMARKABLY HIGH,
OVER 30.5 PERCENT, ON AVERAGE DURING JAN-NOV 2022.
The Survey says, the credit growth to the Micro, Small, and Medium
Enterprises (MSME) sector has been remarkably high, over 30.6 per cent, on
average during Jan-Nov 2022, supported by the extended Emergency Credit
Linked Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) of the Union government. It adds that
the recovery of MSMEs is proceeding apace, as is evident in the amounts of

Goods and Services Tax (GST) they pay, while the Emergency Credit Linked
Guarantee Scheme (ECGLS) is easing their debt servicing concerns.
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE (CAPEX) OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT,

WHICH INCREASED BY 63.4 PER CENT IN THE FIRST EIGHT
MONTHS OF FY23, WAS ANOTHER GROWTH DRIVER OF THE
INDIAN ECONOMY IN THE CURRENT YEAR.
The Capital Expenditure (Capex) of the central government, which
increased by 63.4 per cent in the first eight months of FY23, was another
growth driver of the Indian economy in the current year, crowding in the
private Capex since the January-March quarter of 2022. On current trend, it
appears that the full year’s capital expenditure budget will be met. A
sustained increase in private Capex is also imminent with the strengthening
of the balance sheets of the Corporates and the consequent increase in
credit financing it has been able to generate.
Dwelling on halt in construction activities during the Pandemic, the Survey
underscores that vaccinations have facilitated the return of migrant
workers to cities to work in construction sites as the rebound in
consumption spilled over into the housing market. This is evident in the
housing market witnessing a significant decline in inventory overhang to 33
months in Q3 of FY23 from 42 months last year.
It also says that the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment
Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) has been directly providing jobs in rural
areas and indirectly creating opportunities for rural households to diversify
their sources of income generation. Schemes like PM-Kisan and PM Garib
Kalyan Yojana have helped in ensuring food security in the country, and
their impact was also endorsed by the United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP). The results of the National Family Health Survey
(NFHS) also show improvement in
rural welfare indicators from FY16 to FY20, covering aspects like gender,
fertility rate, household amenities, and women empowerment.
RBI PROJECTS HEADLINE INFLATION AT 6.8 PERCENT IN FY23,

WHICH IS OUTSIDE ITS TARGET RANGE.
The Survey notes with optimism that Indian economy appears to have
moved on after its encounter with the pandemic, staging a full recovery in
FY22 ahead of many nations and positioning itself to ascend to the
prepandemic growth path in FY23. Yet in the current year, India has also
faced the challenge of reining in inflation that the European strife
accentuated. Measures taken by the government and RBI, along with the
easing of global commodity prices, have finally managed to bring retail
inflation below the RBI upper tolerance target in November 2022.

RETURN OF MIGRANT WORKERS TO CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES
HELPED HOUSING MARKET WITNESSING A SIGNIFICANT DECLINE
IN INVENTORY OVERHANG TO 33 MONTHS IN Q3 OF FY23 FROM
42 MONTHS LAST YEAR.
Dwelling on halt in construction activities during the Pandemic, the Survey

underscores that vaccinations have facilitated the return of migrant
workers to cities to work in construction sites as the rebound in
consumption spilled over into the housing market. This is evident in the
housing market witnessing a significant decline in inventory overhang to 33
months in Q3 of FY23 from 42 months last year.
PRIVATE CONSUMPTION AS A PERCENTAGE OF GDP STOOD AT

58.4 PER CENT IN Q2 OF FY23,THE HIGHEST AMONG THE SECOND
QUARTERS OF ALL THE YEARS SINCE 2013-14, SUPPORTED BY A
REBOUND IN CONTACT-INTENSIVE SERVICES SUCH AS TRADE,
HOTEL AND TRANSPORT.
Manufacturing and investment activities consequently gained traction. By

the time the growth of exports moderated, the rebound in domestic
consumption had sufficiently matured to take forward the growth of
India’s economy. Private Consumption as a percentage of GDP stood at
58.4 per cent in Q2 of FY23, the highest among the second quarters of all
the years since 2013-14, supported by a rebound in contact-intensive
services such as trade, hotel and transport, which registered sequential

growth of 16 per cent in real terms in Q2 of FY23 compared to the previous
quarter.
SURVEY POINTS TO THE LOWER FORECAST FOR GROWTH IN

GLOBAL TRADE BY THE WORLD TRADE ORGANISATION, FROM 3.5
PERCENT IN 2022 TO 1.0 PER CENT IN 2023.
Global growth is forecasted to slow from 3.2 per cent in 2022 to 2.7 per cent
in 2023 as per IMF’s World Economic Outlook, October 2022. A slower
growth in economic output coupled with increased uncertainty will dampen
trade growth. This is seen in the lower forecast for growth in global trade
by the World Trade Organisation, from 3.5 per cent in 2022 to 1.0 per cent in
2023.

India’s Inclusive Growth
The Survey emphasises that growth is inclusive when it creates jobs. Both official and
unofficial sources confirm that employment levels have risen in the current financial
year, as the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) shows that the urban unemployment
rate for people aged 15 years and above declined from 9.8 percent in the quarter ending
September 2021 to 7.2 percent one year later (quarter ending September 2022).This is
accompanied by an improvement in the labour force participation rate (LFPR) as well,
confirming the emergence of the economy out of the pandemic-induced slowdown early
in FY23.
In FY21, the Government announced the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme,
which succeeded in shielding micro, small and medium enterprises from financial
distress. A recent CIBIL report (ECLGS Insights, August 2022) showed that the scheme
has supported MSMEs in facing the COVID shock, with 83 percent of the borrowers that
availed of the ECLGS being micro-enterprises. Among these micro units, more than half
had an overall exposure of less than Rs10 lakh.
Furthermore, the CIBIL data also shows that ECLGS borrowers had lower non-
performing asset rates than enterprises that were eligible for ECLGS but did not avail of
it. Further, the GST paid by MSMEs after declining in FY21 has been rising since and now
has crossed the pre-pandemic level of FY20, reflecting the financial resilience of small
businesses and the effectiveness of the pre-emptive government intervention targeted
towards MSMEs. Moreover, the scheme implemented by the government under the
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural

Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) has been rapidly creating more
assets in respect of “Works on individual’s land” than in any other
category. In addition, schemes like PM-KISAN, which benefits households
covering half the rural population, and PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana have
significantly contributed to lessening impoverishment in the country.
The UNDP Report of July 2022 stated that the recent inflationary episode in
India would have a low poverty impact due to well-targeted support. In
addition, the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) in India shows
improved rural welfare indicators from FY16 to FY20, covering aspects like
gender, fertility rate, household amenities, and women empowerment.
So far, India has reinforced the country’s belief in its economic resilience as
it has withstood the challenge of mitigating external imbalances caused by
the Russian-Ukraine conflict without losing growth momentum in the
process. India’s stock markets had a positive return in CY22, unfazed by
withdrawals by foreign portfolio investors. India’s inflation rate did not
creep too far above its tolerance range compared to several advanced
nations and regions.
India is the third-largest economy in the world in PPP terms and the fifth-
largest in market exchange rates. As expected of a nation of this size, the
Indian economy in FY23 has nearly “recouped” what was lost,“renewed”
what had paused, and “re-energised” what had slowed during the
pandemic and since the conflict in Europe.

BUDGET IMPORTANT MCQS 2023
Q. The Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has presented theUnion Budget 2023-24. It
is the ___ Union Budget of India.
A) 71st
B) 76th
C) 75th
D) 73rd
Answer -C
Explanation:- Union budget 2023-24 is the 75th Union Budget of India.The Union Budget
is the annual financial report of India, which deals with the expected income and
expenditure of the economy in the upcoming fiscal year. The first union budget of
independent India waspresented on 26 November 1947
Q. How many priorities are emphasised in the Union Budget for 2023–24?
A) Eight
B) Five
C) Seven
D) Ten
Answer: C
Explanation:- The Budget adopts the following seven priorities. They complement each
other and act as the ‘Saptarishi’ guiding usthrough the Amrit Kaal.
1. Inclusive Development
2. Reaching Last Mile
3. Infrastructure Investment
4. Unleashing Potential
5. Green Growth
6. Youth Power
7. Financial Sector
Q. Under which article of the Indian Constitution, the Union Budget ofa year is referred to
as the Annual Financial Statement?
A) Article 201
B) Article 119
C) Article 112
D) Article 111
Answer-C
Explanation:- Under Article 112 of the Constitution, a statement of estimated receipts and
expenditure of the Government of India has tobe laid before Parliament in respect of every
financial year, which runs from 1st April to 31st March. This statement titled “Annual
Financial Statement” is the main Budget document.
Q. The Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has presented the Union Budget 2023-
24. She presented the Union Budget for the __ time in a row.
A) 3rd
B) 5th
C) 6th
D) 10th

Answer -B
Explanation:- Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman ispresenting the Union Budget
2023 for the 5th time in a row.
Q. ‘Bharat SHRI’ will be set up in a digital epigraphy museum, with digitization of one
lakh ancient inscriptions in the first stage. What does “R” denotes in SHRI?
A) Ratio
B) Repository
C) Rate
D) Reputation
E) Answer -B
Explanation:- The finance minister in her Budget Speech made an
announcement to setup ‘Bharat SHRI’ (Bharat Shared Repository of Inscriptions), a digital
epigraphy museum, with digitization of onelakh ancient inscriptions in the first stage.
Q.Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Presented the union budgeton February 1, 2023.
In the 2023 Budget speech, Sitharaman spoke for?
A) 2 hour and 30 minutes
B) 1 hour and 20 minutes
C) 1 hour and 25 minutes
D) 3 hour and 10 minutes
Answer -C
Q. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman outlined seven priorities in the Union Budget
2023–2024, calling it _that will guide India's vision during Amrit Kaal ?
A) Saptdush
B) Saptarishi
C) Saptadarshan
D) Saptkanika
Answer- B
Explanation:- ‘Saptarishi’ guiding us through the Amrit Kaal.
1. Inclusive Development
2. Reaching Last Mile
3. Infrastructure Investment
4. Unleashing Potential
5. Green Growth
6. Youth Power
7. Financial Sector
Q. What is the theme of the Union Budget 2023-24?

A) Budget Jindgi ka
B) Green Budget
C) Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam
D) Budget the youth power
Answer- C
Explanation:- With the theme of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', we aresteering an
ambitious,people-centric agenda to address global challenges, and to facilitate sustainable

economic development.
Q. What is the current year’s economic growth estimated in the Union

Budget 2023-24?
A) 9%
B) 10%
C) 7%
D) 11%
Answer-C
Explanation:- Finance Minister Sitharaman announced that the economic growth in the
current year is estimated to be at 7 per cent.
Q. What percentage of GDP is the fiscal deficit for Fiscal Year 2023–2024 expected to be?
A) 9.9%
B) 5.9%
C) 7.6%
D) 7.0%
Answer- B
Explanation:- Fiscal deficit for Fiscal Year 2024 is projected at 5.9 percent of GDP.
Q.A one time new small savings scheme, Mahila Samman savings certificate announced for
women for a two year period up to March 2025.The small saving certificate will have a
fixed interest rate of _% for 2 years. The deposit can be made in the name of a woman or a
girlchild. The maximum deposit amount has been kept at ₹_.?
A) 7.6%, ₹1 lakh
B) 7.5%, ₹2 lakh
C) 6.5%, ₹3 lakh
D) 6.9%,₹5 lakh
Answer:- B
Q. What is the budget allocated for National Green Hydrogen Missionto shift low carbon
economy and reduce reliance on fossil fuel?
A) Rs 20,700 Cr
B) Rs 14,300 Cr
C) Rs 19,700 Cr
D) 17,700 Cr
Answer - C
Q. What is the rate of tax for Income tax slab between the income ofRs 6 Lakh to Rs 9
Lakh for assessment year 2023-24?
A) 7%
B) 5%
C) 9%
D) 10%
Answer - D
Explanation:- 10% is the rate of tax for Income tax slab between theincome of Rs 6 Lakh to Rs
9 Lakh for assessment year 2023-24.
The New Income Tax Rates are :-Rs 0-3
Lakhs : Nil
Rs 3-6 Lakhs : 5%
Rs 6-9 Lakhs : 10%

Rs 9-12 Lakhs : 15%
Rs 12-15 Lakhs : 20%
Above Rs 15 Lakhs : 30%
Q.How much allocation has been made for the healthcare sector in theIndia budget 2023?
A) 79,155 Cr
B) 89, 155 Cr
C) 69, 155 Cr
D) 88, 155 Cr
Answer – B
Q. How much amount was allocated in the Union Budget 2023–2024for Road Transport
and Highways Ministry?
A) 3.61 Trillion
B) 2.70 Trillion
C) 5.60 Trillion
D) 8.5 Trillion
Answer - B
Explanation:- Rs 2.70 trillion was allocated in the Union Budget 2023–2024 for Road Transport
and Highways Ministry.
Q. How much amount was allocated for the Railway Sector in theUnion Budget 2023-24,
that is the highest ever outlay?
A) Rs. 2.40 lakh crore
B) Rs. 5.20 lakh crore
C) Rs. 6.00 lakh crore
D) Rs. 7.81 lakh crore
Answer-A
Explanation:- Capital outlay of Rs. 2.40 lakh crore has been providedfor the Railways,
which is the highest ever outlay and about nine times the outlay made in 2013-14.
Q.How much allocation has been made for the Minister of ConsumerAffairs,Food & Public
Distribution in the India budget 2023?
A) 2.06 Lakh Crore
B) 8.9 Lakh Crore
C) 3.6 Lakh Crore
D) 5.94 Lakh Crore
Answer - A
Q.How much allocation has been made for the Ministery of HomeAffairs in the India
budget 2023?
A) 1.96 Lakh Crore
B) 7.9 Lakh Crore
C) 1.6 Lakh Crore
D) 6.94 Lakh Crore
Answer - A

Q.How much allocation has been made for the Ministery of Chemicaland Fertilizers in the
India budget 2023?
A) 1.78 Lakh Crore
B)1.9 Lakh Crore
C)6.6 Lakh Crore
D) 9.94 Lakh Crore
Answer - A
Q.How much allocation has been made for the Ministry of RuralDevelopment in the India
budget 2023?
A) 1.78 Lakh Crore
B) 1.90 Lakh Crore
C) 6.60 Lakh Crore
D) 1.60 Lakh Crore
Answer - D
Explanation:- Rs 1.60 trillion was allocated in the Union Budget 2023–2024 for Rural
Development Ministry.
Q.How much allocation has been made for the Ministry of agricultureand Family in the
India budget 2023?
A) 1.78 Lakh Crore
B) 1.90 Lakh Crore
C) 1.25 Lakh Crore
D) 1.60 Lakh Crore
Answer -C
Q.How much allocation has been made for the Ministry ofCommunication in the India budget
2023?
A) 1.78 Lakh Crore
B) 1.90 Lakh Crore
C) 1.25 Lakh Crore
D) 1.23 Lakh Crore
Answer -D
Explanation:- Rs 1.23 trillion was allocated in the Union Budget 2023–2024 for
Communications Ministry.
Q. How much amount was allocated in the Union Budget 2023–2024for the Development
of the pharmaceutical industry ?
A) 1360 Crore
B) 1160 Crore
C) 1250 Crore
D) 1963 Crore
Answer- C

Q. How much amount was allocated for Jal Jeevan Mission in thenUnion Budget 2023–
2024?
A) 60,000 Crore
B) 80,000 Crore
C) 70,000 Crore
D) 50,000 Crore
Answer- C
Explanation:- Rs 70,000 crore was allocated for Jal Jeevan Mission inthe Union Budget
2023–2024.
Q. How much amount was allocated in the Union Budget 2023–2024for Eklavya Model
Residential Schools?
A) 1,944 Crore
B) 3,900 Crore
C) 5,943 Crore
D) 3,333 Crore
Answer- C
Explanation:- Rs 5,943 crore was allocated in the Union Budget 2023–2024 for Eklavya Model
Residential Schools.
Q. The capital expenditure outlay for FY2023-24 has been hiked by33% to __
A) ₹15 lakh crore
B) ₹20 lakh crore
C) ₹10 lakh crore
D) ₹25 lakh crore
Answer:- C
Q.How much amount has been allocated for the Ministry of defence inthe Budget 2023-24?
A) ₹3.95 lakh crore
B) ₹5.94 lakh crore
C) ₹7.90 lakh crore
D) ₹4.56 lakh crore
Answer:- B
Q. What is the total Outlay for Pradhan MantriAwas Yojana in theUnion Budget 2023-
24?
A) 1,9440 Crore
B) 3,9000 Crore
C) 5,9430 Crore
D) 79,590 Crore
Answer - D
Explanation:- Outlay for Pradhan MantriAwas Yojana is beingenhanced by 66% to over
Rs.79,590 crore.

Q. What is the total Outlay for the faster Adoption and Manufacturingof EVs (FAME)
Scheme faster Adoption and Manufacturing of EVs (FAME) in the Union Budget 2023-24?
A) 1,944 Crore
B) 3,900 Crore
C) 5,943 Crore
D) 5,172 Crore
Answer - D
Explanation:- Rs 5,172 crore was allocated for the faster Adoption andManufacturing of
EVs (FAME) Scheme faster Adoption and Manufacturing of EVs (FAME) in the Union
Budget 2023-24.
Q. How much allocation has been made for the scheme for North EastSpecial Infrastructure
Development scheme in the India budget 2023?
A) 2683 Crore
B) 7188 Crore
C) 8186 Crore
D) 2491 Crore
Answer - D
Q. Railway plan to refurbish more than __ Coaches of premier trains

A) 1,000 coaches
B) 5,100 coaches
C) 100 coaches
D) 5100 coaches
Answer - A
Q. How many teachers and support staff to be recruit for the 740 Eklavya Model
Residential Schools, serving 3.5 lakh tribal studentsover the next three years?
A) 40,000
B) 38,800
C) 29,000
D) 66,000
Answer- B
Explanation:- Centre to recruit 38,800 teachers and support staff forthe 740 Eklavya Model
Residential Schools, serving 3.5 lakh tribal students over the next three years.
Q. Which year is the target for the Green Hydrogen Mission's annualproduction of 5 MMT?
A) 2029
B) 2030
C) 2035
D) 2032
Answer- B
Explanation:- Annual production of 5 MMT under Green Hydrogen Mission to be targeted
by 2030 to facilitate transition of the economyto low carbon intensity and to reduce
dependence on fossil fuel imports.

Q. What is the enhanced amount for maximum deposit for seniorcitizen saving scheme?
A) 10 lakh to 30 lakh
B) 5 lakh to 30 lakh
C) 15 lakh to 30 lakh
D) 25 lakh to 30 lakh
Answer - C
Explanation:- The maximum deposit for senior citizen saving schemeto be enhanced to
₹30 lakh from for ₹15 lakh.
Q. The finance Minister Proposed to reduce the Highest surchargeRate from 37 percent to
___ in the new tax regime?
A) 18%
B) 25%
C) 12%
D) 33%
Answer - B
Q. Mahila Savings Certificate, a new small savings scheme announcedfor women for 2
years up to March 2025. This will offer deposit facility upto _in the name of women or
girls for a tenor of 2 years
A) 1 lakh
B) 5 lakh
C) 2 lakh
D) 3 lakh
Answer - C
Explanation:- Mahila Samman Savings Certificate, will be made available for a two-year
period up to March 2025. This will offer deposit facility upto Rs 2 lakh in the name of
women or girls for atenor of 2 years at fixed interest rate of 7.5 per cent with partial
withdrawal option.
Q. The maximum deposit limit for monthly income account scheme will be enhanced from
Rs 4.5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh for single account andfrom Rs 9 Lakh to rs ___ lakh for joint
account ?
A) 10 Lakh
B) 50 Lakh
C) 15 Lakh
D) 33 Lakh
Answer-C
Q. Ms Nirmala Sitharaman said that the total receipt other than borrowing and the total
expenditure are estimated at Rs __ Lakhcrore and Rs 45 Lakh crore respectively?
A) 27.1
B) 28.3
C) 27.7
D) 27.2
Answer - D

Q. What is the total Outlay for Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Program inthe Union Budget
2023-24?
A) 2400 crore
B) 2200 crore
C) 1800 crore
D) 1200 crore
Answer- B
Explanation:- Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Program with an outlay of
₹2200 crore to be launched to boost availability of disease-free,quality planting material for
high value horticultural crops.
Q. In the Union Budget 2023-24, Finance Minister has announced thatthe Agriculture
credit target would be raised to ___ with a focus on animal husbandry and fisheries.
A) 18 lakh crore
B) 20 lakh crore
C) 21 lakh crore
D) 22 lakh crore
Answer- C
Explanation:- Agriculture credit target would be raised to ₹20 lakhcrore with a focus on
animal husbandry and fisheries.
Q. What is the new sub-scheme introduced to further enable activitiesof fishermen, fish
vendors, and micro & small enterprises, improve value chain efficiencies?
A) 5,000 crore
B) 6,000 crore
C) 7,000 crore
D) 4,000 crore
Answer-B
Explanation:- A new sub-scheme of PM Matsya Sampada Yojana withtargeted investment of
₹6,000 crore to be launched to further enable activities of fishermen, fish vendors, and micro &
small enterprises, improve value chain efficiencies, and expand the market.
Q. How much amount was allocated for priority capital investments towards achieving
energy transition and net-zero objectives as well as energy security by the Ministry of
Petroleum and Natural gas?
A) 50000 crore
B) 80000 crore
C) 25000 crore
D) 35000 crore
Answer - D
Explanation:- The budget provided ₹35,000 crore for priority capital investments towards
achieving energy transition and net-zero objectives as well as energy security by the
Ministry of Petroleum andNatural gas.

Q. How many teachers and support staff to be recruit for the 740 Eklavya Model
Residential Schools, serving 3.5 lakh tribal studentsover the next three years?
A) 3000 Techers
B) 38800 Teachers
C) 25000 Teachers
D) 40000 Teachers
Answer- B
Explanation:- Centre to recruit 38,800 teachers and support staff forthe 740 Eklavya Model
Residential Schools, serving 3.5 lakh tribal students over the next three years.
Q. How much amount was allocated for “Upper Bhadra Project” to provide sustainable
micro irrigation and filling up of surface tanks fordrinking water in the Union Budget 2023–
2024?
A) Rs 5300 crore
B) Rs 6000 crore
C) Rs 5800 crore
D) Rs 4500 crore
Answer - A
Explanation:- Rs. 5,300 crore to be given as central assistance to Upper Bhadra Project
to provide sustainable micro irrigation and filling up of surface tanks for drinking
water.
Q. What is the total Outlay for implementation of Pradhan MantriPVTG Development
Mission over the next three years under the Development Action Plan for the Scheduled
Tribes?
A) Rs 15,000 crore
B) Rs 30,000 crore
C) Rs 25,000 crore
D) Rs 28,000 crore
Answer- A
Explanation:- Rs. 15,000 crore for implementation of Pradhan MantriPVTG Development
Mission over the next three years under the Development Action Plan for the Scheduled Tribes.
Q. What is the total Outlay for ‘Effective Capital Expenditure’ in the

Union Budget 2023-24?
A) Rs. 13.7 Lakh Crore
B) Rs. 16.6 Lakh Crore
C) Rs. 15.9 Lakh Crore
D) Rs. 13.3 Lakh Crore
Answer- A
Explanation:- ‘Effective Capital Expenditure’ of Centre to be Rs. 13.7
lakh crore.
Q. What is the new MSME scheme has announced in the Union Budget2023-24?
A) 9,000 crore
B) 8,000 crore
C) 7,000 crore
D) 7,500 crore
Answer- A
Explanation:- Revamped credit guarantee scheme for MSMEs to takeeffect from 1st April

2023 through infusion of Rs 9,000 crore in the corpus. This scheme would enable additional
collateral-free guaranteed credit of Rs 2 lakh crore and also reduce the cost
of the credit by about 1 per cent.
Q. What is the total expenditure in the Union Budget 2023-24?
A) 37.05 lakh crore
B) 45.03 lakh crore
C) 44.33 lakh crore
D) 50.45 lakh crore
Answer- B
Explanation:- The fiscal policy statement highlighted the total expenditure is to be Rs.
45.03 lakh crore in 2023-24; increase of 7.5%over 2022-23.

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