May 2023

CURRENT AFFAIRS
- MAY 2023
CURRENT AFFAIRS (INTERNATIONAL)
• On May 1, 2023, Paraguay held elections resulting in Santiago Pena, a
member of the right-wing Colorado Party, emerging as the winner, defeating
Efrain Alegre from the center-left. This outcome has sparked concerns about
corruption due to the Colorado Party's prolonged governance, spanning nearly
eight decades, which has faced allegations of graft.
• Recently, the Australian High Commission in India unveiled a groundbreaking
project in Kargil named "Return to Roots, marking the first of its kind for the
Ladakh region. This initiative is anticipated to bring substantial benefits to the
area and was announced during a special meeting in Srinagar, led by Barry
O’Farrell, the Australian High Commissioner to India.
• Geoffrey Hinton, revered as the 'godfather of AI' and honored with the Turing
Award in 2018, recently resigned from Google.
• Sberbank has introduced GigaChat, a technology designed to rival ChatGPT
in the field of artificial intelligence chatbots. Initially accessible through
invitation-only testing, GigaChat distinguishes itself by demonstrating superior
conversational abilities in Russian compared to other foreign neural networks.
• On Tuesday, April 2, the Kremlin announced that Ukraine launched two drone
attacks in an alleged attempt to assassinate Russian President Vladimir Putin.
These attacks occurred overnight while the president was not present at the
Kremlin.
• King Charles III, who succeeded to the throne in September following the
passing of Queen Elizabeth II, will have his official coronation ceremony on
Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Westminster Abbey. This ceremony will mark his
formal ascension as the monarch of the United Kingdom after a reign of over
70 years.
• Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, recently revealed
a statue honoring the Maratha warrior king, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, during
his visit to Mauritius.
• State-owned power conglomerate NTPC Group has achieved a momentous
milestone in the power sector, expanding its installed capacity to 72,304 MW.
This significant growth includes the recent addition of the 660 MW Unit-1 at
the Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant (MSTPP) in Rampal, Bangladesh,
marking NTPC's inaugural overseas capacity enhancement.
• Dialog Axiata, Sri Lanka's leading telecommunications provider and a
subsidiary of Malaysian company Axiata, has announced a binding term sheet
with Bharti Airtel from India for the merger of their Sri Lankan subsidiaries.
• American regulators announced the takeover of First Republic Bank and its
sale to JPMorgan Chase & Co, making it the third significant U.S. financial
institution to fail in two months.
• Ukraine's Defence Ministry faced severe criticism online following the posting
of an offensive tweet that portrayed the Hindu Goddess Kali in a distorted
manner. The tweet, showcasing a depiction by Ukrainian artist Maksym
Palenko, was later removed from the Ministry's Twitter account. Following the
backlash, Deputy Foreign Minister Emine Dzhaparova issued an apology in
response to the offensive tweet.
• Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov disclosed that Russia has accrued a
substantial amount of Indian rupees due to a burgeoning trade surplus
between the two countries. However, there's a concern over the inability to
utilize these funds, necessitating discussions as the rupees require conversion
to another currency before being operationalized. Foreign Minister Sergei
Lavrov addressed reporters during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization
meeting held in India's western state of Goa
• On Saturday, April 6, 2023, the first-ever border haat along the India-
Bangladesh border was inaugurated at Bholaganj in Companiganj upazila of
Sylhet division. Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Imran
Ahmad and Indian High Commissioner Niraj Kumar Jaiswal jointly inaugurated
the haat.
• India emerged as the primary source market for Sri Lanka's tourism sector in
April 2023, reclaiming the top spot after six months. Nearly 20,000 Indian
tourists visited the island nation last month, surpassing the 14,656 Russian
tourist arrivals, according to Sri Lanka's Tourism Authority figures.
• Pakistan has decided to relinquish its Hajj quota to Saudi Arabia for the first
time in 75 years due to the country's soaring inflation. The decision stems
from thousands of Pakistanis opting out of the pilgrimage this year.
• Sri Lanka's Speaker of Parliament confirmed that the Supreme Court has
granted approval for a bill aimed at decriminalizing homosexuality, marking a
positive stride for LGBTQ+ rights advocates. Presently, laws in the country
impose imprisonment and fines for homosexuality, prompting a longstanding
campaign for change.
• India has opted to extend a $1 billion credit line to Sri Lanka for an additional
year, aiming to assist in funding essential imports amidst Sri Lanka's economic
turmoil. This credit extension is part of the emergency aid totaling $4 billion
that India offered to Sri Lanka during its severe financial distress last year.
• Saudi Arabia has implemented a new electronic visa system to replace
traditional visa stamps in passports, starting from May 2023. This initiative
aims to digitize consular services and introduce a modern method for issuing
work, residency, and visit visas in seven specific countries: Jordan, UAE, Egypt,
India, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and Indonesia.
• Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan have agreed to expand the China-Pakistan Economic
Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan in a bid to bolster their economic ties and exploit
Afghanistan's potential as a crucial regional connectivity center. The extension of CPEC,
supported by Beijing, aims to enhance connectivity and economic cooperation in the
region.
• Syria, after a more than ten-year suspension from the Arab League due to a
government crackdown and ensuing war, has been readmitted. President Bashar al-
Assad's efforts to normalize relationships with other Arab nations have contributed to
this move, with Syria's return being decided by foreign ministers during a meeting in
Cairo before the upcoming Arab League summit in Saudi Arabia.
• Ludovit Odor, the former Vice-Governor of the National Bank of Slovakia, has been
appointed as Slovakia's new caretaker Prime Minister following the resignation of former
caretaker Prime Minister Eduard Heger on May 7. Slovak President Zuzana Caputova
entrusted Odor with leading the country until the scheduled snap elections in
September.
• India and Canada have agreed to intensify their discussions on facilitating the
movement of skilled professionals and students to bolster their bilateral
economic partnership. This decision was reached during the sixth India-Canada
Ministerial Dialogue on Trade and Investment, where Commerce and Industry
Minister Piyush Goyal and Canadian Minister Mary Ng assessed progress made
in seven rounds of negotiations for an early harvest trade deal.
• Raghuram Rajan, the former Reserve Bank of India Governor, has voiced
apprehensions about the global economy's current state and the imminent
challenges it confronts. Specifically, he has expressed concerns about the
United States' economic landscape despite already witnessing the downfall of
three major banks. Rajan highlighted issues like riskless capitalism, simmering
financial dangers, and long-term challenges during a podcast conversation with
DBS Bank's Chief Economist, Taimur Baig.
• Brazil, renowned as the world's top chicken exporter, has reported cases of
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in wild birds. Despite being the
country's first occurrence of such cases, the Brazilian government assures that
the situation will not lead to a ban on Brazilian poultry imports, aligning with
guidelines from the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE).
• Libya's political landscape faced upheaval as the eastern-based parliament
removed Prime Minister Fathi Bashagha from office, replacing him with
Finance Minister Osama Hamad without clear reasons for the dismissal.
• The World Bank's Board of Executive Directors sanctioned an $82 million
loan aimed at bolstering India's adoption of global best practices for managing
animal health. The goal is to prevent, detect, and respond to endemic zoonotic,
transboundary, and emerging infectious diseases, recognizing the
interdependence among people, animals, and the environment.
• India initiated "Operation Karuna" to aid those affected by Cyclone Mocha in Myanmar.
Three Indian Naval Ships—Shivalik, Kamorta, and Savitri—arrived in Yangon carrying
emergency relief supplies like food, tents, medicines, water pumps, generators, clothing,
and hygiene items on May 18th.
• During the federal parliament joint meeting, President Ram Chandra Paudel declared
the decade of the 2080s in the Bikram Samvat calendar as 'the Visit Nepal decade,' with
the year 2025 designated as a special year for tourism. These announcements were part
of the policies and programs outlined for the 2080/81 fiscal year.
• The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has forged a partnership with Israel to
establish the 'India-Israel Center of Water Technology' (CoWT), focusing on resolving
challenges in water resource management and technology in India. The Letter of Intent
(LoI) for this center, signed by representatives from both nations, underscores the
importance of this collaboration in ensuring India's water security.
• Indian Railways recently handed over 20 broad gauge locomotives to
Bangladesh as a move to strengthen bilateral relations. The virtual ceremony
took place at Rail Bhavan and was attended by India's Railway Minister,
Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Bangladesh's Railway Minister, Md Nurul Islam Sujan.
• The joint naval exercise named 'Tiger Shark 40' between Bangladesh and the
US commenced at BNS Nirvik in Chattogram. This exercise aims to enhance
the strategic capabilities of both nations and facilitate the exchange of
technical and procedural knowledge.
• Coventry, a city in the West Midlands of the United Kingdom, recently
appointed Jaswant Singh Birdi as its new Lord Mayor, marking a historic
occasion as he becomes the first Sikh councillor to hold this esteemed position.
Birdi’s appointment signifies a significant milestone in Coventry’s history,
reflecting the city’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
• Ireland is poised to become the pioneer in enforcing mandatory health
advisories on alcohol products, with the country's Health Minister, Stephen
Donnelly, sanctioning the policy set to commence on May 22, 2026. This
three-year period is aimed at facilitating the adaptation of businesses to the
new public health guidelines.
• The World Meteorological Congress recently endorsed a pioneering initiative,
the Global Greenhouse Gas Watch, in a move aimed at facilitating urgent
measures to curb the emissions of heat-trapping gases that contribute to the
escalating global temperatures. This initiative, as proposed by the World
Meteorological Organization (WMO).
• Bola Tinubu assumed the Nigerian presidency on May 29, amid significant
pressure to tackle enduring economic and security challenges in the nation.
The inauguration, held at Eagles Square in Abuja, drew attendance from
various local and international dignitaries.
• Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has secured victory in the recent
election's run-off, obtaining 52.14 percent of the votes, surpassing his rival
Kemal Kilicdaroglu, who secured 47.86 percent. Erdogan's re-election marks an
extension of his rule for another five years, aligning him with the tenure of
Turkey's founder, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who served for 15 years.
• Kasumi Ishikawa, a celebrated Japanese table tennis athlete, achieved three
women's team medals successively in various Olympic Games – London 2012,
Rio 2016, and Tokyo 2020 – contributing significantly to Japan's success in the
sport at the global level has announced her retirement.
• Margherita Della Valle, who has been serving as interim CEO of Vodafone
Group since December 2022 following Nick Read's departure, has been
officially appointed as the permanent Chief Executive Officer. Her tenure at
Vodafone spans almost three decades, where she has held diverse roles
encompassing marketing, operational, commercial, and financial responsibilities.
• Vanessa Hudson has recently been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer
of Qantas Airways Ltd, marking a significant milestone as the first woman to
hold this position in the airline's history. She will succeed Alan Joyce, who is
set to retire in November.
• Ajay Banga, formerly the CEO of Mastercard and of Indian origin, has been
chosen as the 14th President of the World Bank. His term, starting from June
2, will span five years. His nomination for this prestigious post was presented
by US President Joe Biden back in February.
• Neera Tandon, an Indian-American, was appointed as the Domestic Policy
Advisor in the Biden administration on May 5, 2023. Her selection for this role,
leading the White House Advisory Council, marked a significant historical
moment as she became the first Asian-American to hold this position.
• Linda Yaccarino, a former advertising executive at NBCUniversal, is set to
take over as CEO of Twitter. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, announced
his intention to transition to the role of executive chairman and chief
technology officer at Twitter.
• Geeta Rao Gupta, an Indian American, has been confirmed by the US Senate
as the Ambassador at Large for Global Women’s Issues in the State
Department. The department expressed its anticipation for Gupta to utilize her
efforts in advocating for the rights of women and girls worldwide through US
foreign policy. She was confirmed with a vote of 51 to 47 earlier this week.
•
CURRENT AFFAIRS (NATIONAL)
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 91 FM transmitters in 18 states
and two union territories to enhance FM radio connectivity in border areas
and aspirational districts, benefiting an additional two crore people who lacked
access to this medium before.
• Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar inaugurated the Millets
Experience Centre (MEC) at Dilli Haat in New Delhi. This initiative, established
by the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd.
(NAFED) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, aims to promote the
adoption and consumption of millets among the public.
• The Anji Khad Bridge, India's first cable-stayed rail bridge, spans 653 km and
includes 96 cables. The construction involved intricate geological assessments
by IIT Roorkee and IIT Delhi to navigate the challenging Himalayan terrain.
• The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has suspended the Foreign Contribution
(Regulation) Act registration of the Centre for Policy Research (CPR) for 180
days due to initial breaches of FCRA regulations. As a consequence, CPR will
not be able to accept fresh foreign donations or utilize previously-accepted
donations without the MHA’s approval.
• ICAO, the International Civil Aviation Organization, has established ambitious
environmental goals to reduce carbon emissions from international civil
aviation. These goals encompass a two percent annual fuel efficiency
improvement until 2050, carbon-neutral growth, and aiming for net-zero
emissions by 2050. These objectives fall under CORSIA and LTAG frameworks.
• The Supreme Court of India has allowed divorce on the grounds of
"irretrievable breakdown of marriage" under Article 142 of the Constitution.
This applies to cases where both parties mutually consent to divorce or when
one spouse seeks divorce against the other's opposition.
• As part of the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, CBSE has decided to
introduce coding and artificial intelligence (AI) into the curriculum for Classes 6
to 8.
• The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023 commenced in Dubai, UAE, with
India's Ministry of Tourism actively participating to promote inbound travel
from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. India showcases its
diverse cultural and tourism offerings through one of the largest pavilions at
the event, featuring over 100 participants, including state tourism boards,
hotels, and tour operators.
• The CU-Chayan portal, launched by UGC Chairman M Jagadesh Kumar, is
specifically designed as a user-friendly recruitment platform for faculty
positions in Central Universities. It offers a unified system for job listings,
advertisements, and applications across all participating universities,
streamlining the recruitment process.
• India is reportedly contemplating becoming a part of the 'Climate Club,' an
environmental initiative initiated by the G7 nations, which focuses on
strengthening climate action. The club is centered around three key elements:
promoting ambitious and transparent climate policies, supporting significant
industrial decarbonization, and encouraging international collaboration for an
equitable transition.
• The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways introduced the 'Harit Sagar'
Green Port Guidelines 2023, unveiled by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal,
to pave the way for achieving zero carbon emissions.
• The UNESCO World Heritage Centre has recommended Santiniketan, a
cultural site in West Bengal, India, for inclusion in the prestigious UNESCO
World Heritage List. This suggestion was made by the International Council on
Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS).
• The Supreme Court rendered a significant judgment granting the Delhi
government authority over all services in the national capital, including the
Indian Administrative Service (IAS), except for domains concerning land, police,
and law and order. The Constitution Bench comprising Chief Justice of India
DY Chandrachud and Justices MR Shah, Krishna Murari, Hima Kohli, and PS
Narasimha unanimously passed this judgment.
• The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), under the commerce
ministry, has proposed imposing an anti-dumping duty on a specific kind of
optical fiber imported from China, Korea, and Indonesia. This action aims to
safeguard the local industry from the adverse effects of low-priced foreign
shipments of "dispersion unshifted single-mode optical fiber," used notably in
high-data-rate, long-distance, and access network transportation.
• The National Medical Commission (NMC) has mandated that doctors practicing
medicine in India must obtain a Unique Identification Number (UID) generated by the
NMC ethics board. This UID will be crucial for registration in the National Medical
Register (NMR) and will serve as eligibility for medical practice in the country.
• The University Grants Commission (UGC) has recently introduced two significant
initiatives - the UTSAH Portal and the Professor of Practice (PoP) Portal. These
endeavors are aimed at enhancing the quality of higher education in India by providing
valuable resources and opportunities for students, faculty, and universities.
• Mission LiFE, initiated by the Prime Minister, is a movement focused on transforming
behavior patterns by encouraging mindful consumption and sustainability. Launched on
October 20, 2022. The Meri LiFE App's Role: The Meri LiFE app serves as a pivotal tool
in this movement, aiming to engage the youth in climate action.
• The 8th All India Pension Adalat, organized by the Department of Pension and
Pensioners’ Welfare, is set to be inaugurated by Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh. This
initiative, which commenced in 2017, focuses on resolving persistent pension-related
issues by utilizing technology and bringing together all stakeholders involved.
• The establishment of C-PACE by Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) aims to
streamline and expedite the process of striking off defunct companies from the Registry.
By centralizing this process, it intends to reduce the burden on the Registry while
ensuring accuracy and reliability of the data. Stakeholders are expected to benefit from a
more efficient and hassle-free filing system, enhancing their overall experience.
•Kiren Rijiju, an Arunachal Pradesh politician, has undergone portfolio shifts in the Indian
government. He was previously the Union Law Minister and has now been assigned to
the Ministry of Earth Sciences. His prior roles encompassed areas like Home Affairs,
Minority Affairs, and Youth Affairs and Sports.
• Union Minister Dr. L Murugan inaugurated the India Pavilion at the 76th
Cannes International Film Festival. This pavilion serves as a platform
showcasing India's diverse culture, heritage, and thriving creative economy on
the global stage. Among the attendees were Indian Ambassador to France,
Jawed Ashraf, Joint Secretary from the Ministry of Information and
Broadcasting, Prithul Kumar, and notable figures from the Indian film industry.
• The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has sanctioned
the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Institute
of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and The Chartered Accountants of
the Maldives (CA Maldives). This collaboration aims to cultivate cooperation in
the realm of accounting, fostering professional growth, knowledge
• Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah initiated the establishment
of the permanent campus for the National Academy of Coastal Policing in
Dwaraka, Gujarat.
• Union Minister Bhupender Yadav inaugurated the Centre of Excellence on Sustainable
Land Management (CoE-SLM) at the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education
(ICFRE) in Dehradun, marking a significant move in promoting sustainable land
management practices and combating land degradation.
• Minister Giriraj Singh inaugurated the ‘SAMARTH Campaign on Promoting Digital
Transactions in 50,000 Gram Panchayats’ in Lucknow, an initiative by the Ministry of
Rural Development. The objective is to encourage digital transactions in rural areas,
especially focusing on empowering women, aligning with the AzadiKaAmritMahotsav
commemorating India's 75 years of independence.
• The Ministries of Ayush and Minority Affairs have collaborated to enhance and promote
the Unani System of Medicine across India. A grant of Rs 45.34 crore has been allocated
under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK), benefiting Unani Medicine in
Hyderabad, Chennai, Lucknow, Silchar, and Bengaluru.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi disclosed the plan to establish a new consulate in
Brisbane, Australia, addressing the Indian community at Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena. The
move aims to meet the long-standing demand of the Indian diaspora in Australia.
• The Ministry of Finance unveiled a special ₹75 coin to mark the inauguration of India’s
new parliament building. Scheduled for release on May 28, in conjunction with India’s
75th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will reveal this commemorative
coin.
• On May 28, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new Parliament
building in a grand event. Dressed in traditional attire, he was welcomed by Lok Sabha
Speaker Om Birla. The ceremony commenced with a ceremonial “Ganapati Homam,”
conducted by priests from Karnataka's Shringeri Math, seeking divine blessings for the
auspicious occasion. During the ceremony, PM Modi took part in a procession carrying
the "Sengol," a five-feet long sceptre made of silver and gold.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the significance of Niti Aayog's
role in assisting states to devise their long-term strategies for the next 25
years. He called upon states and union territories to collaborate as "Team
India" to align their developmental plans with national objectives. The goal is to
transform India into a prosperous and developed nation by 2047, termed as
"Viksit Bharat."
• Nepal's Investment Board chaired by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal,
also known as Prachanda, has given the green light for the development of a
669-megawatt Lower Arun Hydropower project by India's SJVN Limited. This
comes as SJVN is already in the process of developing the 900-MW Arun-III
hydroelectric project, scheduled for completion by 2024.
•Under the revised guidelines, the SPG's security responsibility for the Prime
Minister will now be overseen by an officer from the Indian Police Service (IPS)
holding a rank of at least an Additional Director General (ADG).
• Debadatta Chand, presently the Executive Director at Bank of Baroda, has
been appointed as the Managing Director of Bank of Baroda for a term of
three years starting from July 1, 2023, or until further notice, as per the
government announcement made on April 29.
• Rajneesh Karnatak, presently serving as the Executive Director at Union Bank
of India, has been appointed as the Managing Director and CEO of Bank of
India for a term of three years.
• Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, currently serving as the Director of Bhabha Atomic
Research Centre (BARC), has been approved as the Secretary of the
Department of Atomic Energy and Chairman of the Atomic Energy
Commission. His tenure is until he reaches the age of 66 years or until October
10, 2025, or further orders, whichever comes earlier.
• Justice TS Sivagnanam has been officially designated as the Chief Justice of the
Calcutta High Court, a position he had been serving in an acting capacity since March 31,
2023. His appointment was recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium in February
of the same year.
• Renowned Maharashtra politician and former Union Minister, Sharad Pawar, has opted
to resign from his position as the President of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
• Polavarapu Mallikharjuna Prasad, currently serving as CMD of Central Coalfields (CCL),
has been recommended by the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PSEB) to become the
next Chairman and Managing Director of Coal India (CIL).
• The Delhi High Court appointed P Krishna Bhat, a former judge of the Karnataka High
Court, as the administrator of the Basketball Federation of India (BFI). Bhat's
responsibility is to oversee the conduct of elections within BFI and ensure compliance
with the Sports Code.
• Ajay Vij has been appointed as the Country Managing Director, a newly
created role at Accenture. He will expand his current responsibilities from
Corporate Services & Sustainability lead to provide overall leadership and drive
coordinated decision-making for key company priorities in India.
• Omar Rashid, currently the Joint Secretary of the Badminton Association of
India (BAI), has been appointed as the Chair of the Technical Officials
Committee by Badminton Asia.
• Rathendra Raman, belonging to the 1995 batch of the Indian Railway Traffic
Service (IRTS), has assumed the role of Chairman at the Syama Prasad
Mookerjee Port (formerly Kolkata Port). Prior to this appointment, he served as
the Chief Freight Traffic Manager (CFTM) in the South Eastern Railway.
• Larsen & Toubro (L&T), a prominent Indian multinational engineering
company, announced the appointment of S N Subrahmanyan as the new
Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), effective from October 1, 2023.
• Parminder Chopra has been recommended by the Public Enterprise Selection
Board (PESB) to assume the role of Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) at
Power Finance Corporation (PFC). If confirmed, she would become the first
woman to hold this esteemed position at PFC, India’s largest Non-Banking
Financial Company (NBFC) by net worth.
• Karthik Balagopalan has been appointed as the new Managing Director of
PUMA India, succeeding Abhishek Ganguly.
• Praveen Sood, currently serving as Karnataka's Director General of Police, has
been designated as the forthcoming Director of the Central Bureau of
Investigation (CBI). Upon the conclusion of Subodh Kumar Jaiswal's tenure on
May 25, Sood, aged 59, will take charge for a two-year term.
• Manoj Soni, an educationist, is set to be sworn in as the Chairman of the Union Public
Service Commission (UPSC). Having joined the Commission as a member in June 2017,
Soni has been fulfilling the responsibilities of the UPSC chairman since April 2022.
• Bhavesh Gupta has been appointed as the President and Chief Operating Officer
(COO) of One 97 Communications Ltd, the parent company of Paytm.
• Ravneet Kaur, a 1988 Punjab cadre IAS officer, has been appointed as the Chairperson
of the Competition Commission of India (CCI).
• Captain Pratima Bhullar Maldonado, of Indian origin, recently achieved the highest rank
held by a South Asian woman within the New York Police Department (NYPD).
• A K Jain, former Coal Secretary, has been appointed as the Chairman of the Petroleum
and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) by the Appointments Committee of the
Cabinet.
• The Central government has approved the appointment of senior advocate
KV Viswanathan and Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, Justice
Prashant Kumar Mishra, as Supreme Court judges.
• Namdev Shirgaonkar, holding a black belt in Taekwondo, was re-elected
unopposed as the President of India Taekwondo during the executive
committee elections.
• Dr K. Govindaraj, a Congress MLC and President of Basketball Federation of
India and Karnataka Olympic Association, has been unanimously elected as the
President of FIBA Asia. This marks the first time an Indian has been nominated
to lead FIBA Asia, which represents 44 countries.
• R.N. Jayaprakash and Monal D Chokshi were re-elected as President and
Secretary of the Swimming Federation of India (SFI) during the annual general
body meeting.
• Harsh Jain, the founder of Dream11, is elected as the new chairperson of the
Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI). Rajesh Magow of
MakeMyTrip becomes the vice chairperson, and Satyan Gajwani of Times
Internet takes on the Treasurer's role.
• Jayakumar S. Pillai has been appointed as Deputy Managing Director on IDBI
Bank’s Board, as per the official filing. The appointment is sanctioned by the
bank's board of directors and is valid for three years from his joining date,
authorized by the RBI.
• R. Dinesh, the Executive Vice Chairman of TVS Supply Chain Solutions, has
taken charge as the President of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) for
the term 2023-24. He is a fourth-generation member of the TVS family and
has a long association with CII at various levels.
• Srikrishnan Harihara Sarma has been appointed as the new MD & CEO of
Karnataka Bank, subject to shareholders' approval at the upcoming Annual
General Meeting or within three months from the date of taking charge.
• Girish Chandra Murmu, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG),
has been re-elected as the External Auditor of the World Health Organization
(WHO) for a four-year term spanning from 2024 to 2027.
• Angshumali Rastogi, a senior bureaucrat from the Indian Railway Service of
Mechanical Engineers (IRSME), has been appointed as India's representative to
the council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Montreal,
Canada, succeeding Shefali Juneja.
• Praveen Kumar Srivastava, a retired officer from the Indian Administrative
Service (IAS) of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, recently assumed the position of
Central Vigilance Commissioner after being sworn in at Rashtrapati Bhavan by
President Droupadi Murmu.
SPORTS
• Sergio Perez claimed victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, skillfully capitalizing
on a timely safety car intervention to secure the win ahead of his Red Bull
teammate, Max Verstappen.
• Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty etched their names in Indian
badminton history by securing a groundbreaking victory at the Badminton Asia
Championships. They emerged victorious in the men's doubles category,
marking the first time an Indian men's doubles pair has clinched gold at this
prestigious tournament.
• Ding Liren made history by becoming the 17th World Chess Champion,
marking the first-ever individual from China to achieve this prestigious title. He
secured this monumental victory by defeating Russia's Ian Nepomniachtchi in a
tie-breaker, thereby claiming the coveted title in the world of chess.
SPORTS
• Commander Abhilash Tomy, a retired Naval Commander and acclaimed Indian
sailor, embarked on the challenging Golden Globe Race (GGR) in March 2022.
This race is known for its rigorous solo, non-stop voyage around the globe,
considered one of the most dangerous and adventurous endeavors in sailing.
• Luca Brecel, the 28-year-old Belgian snooker sensation, secured his first-ever
world title by triumphing over Mark Selby in a thrilling final held at Sheffield's
Crucible.
• The Odisha government has decided to extend its sponsorship for both the
Men and Women Indian Hockey Teams (senior and junior) for an additional ten
years, spanning from 2023 to 2033. This decision was made during a Cabinet
meeting presided over by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
SPORTS
• Geoffrey Emmanuel is set to create history as the first Indian participant in
the FIM World JuniorGP Championship. As the son of seven-time National
Champion Emmanuel Jebaraj, Geoffrey's entry into the competition marks a
significant milestone in Indian motorsport.
• Shabnim Ismail, recognized as the fastest bowler in women's cricket, has
announced her retirement from international cricket.
• Nepal secured their berth in the Asia Cup 2023 after emerging victorious in
the ACC Men’s Premier Cup. Led by Rohit Paudel, Nepal triumphed over the
United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the final, clinching a convincing seven-wicket
win at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.
• The Global Chess League (GCL), a collaborative effort between FIDE and
Tech Mahindra, revealed Dubai as the inaugural venue for its first edition.
SPORTS
• Tori Bowie, the former 100m world champion sprinter from the United States,
passed away at the age of 32. Her notable achievements include being
crowned world champion in 2017 and securing three Olympic medals during
the Rio Games in 2016.
• Nijel Amos, the silver medalist in the men’s 800m at the 2012 Olympics, has
been handed a three-year ban by the Athletics Integrity Unit for doping. He
tested positive for GW1516, a prohibited substance, ahead of the previous
year's track world championships.
• Neeraj Chopra, the Olympic gold medalist, emerged victorious with an
impressive throw of 88.67 meters at the Doha Diamond League 2023.
• Mark Nicholas, a former England cricketer and renowned cricket
commentator, has been appointed as the upcoming president of the
Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).
SPORTS
• Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur inaugurated the official logo, mascot,
torch, anthem, and jersey of the Khelo India University Games Uttar Pradesh
2022 during the Buddha Purnima celebrations in Lucknow. Uttar Pradesh
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was also present at this significant occasion.
• Babar Azam, Pakistan's cricket team captain, has set a remarkable milestone
in One Day International (ODI) cricket by becoming the fastest player to reach
5000 runs, achieving this in just 97 innings during the fourth match against
New Zealand in Karachi.
• Carlos Alcaraz secured victory at the Madrid Open, successfully defending his
title by defeating Jann-Lennard Struff in a thrilling three-set match.
•Praveen Chithravel created history by setting a new national record in the
men's triple jump event in Havana, Cuba. His exceptional leap of 17.37 meters
surpassed the previous national record of 17.30 meters set by Renjith
Maheswary in 2016.
SPORTS
• Despite starting from ninth on the grid, Max Verstappen showcased an
outstanding performance to triumph over his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez
at the 2023 Miami Grand Prix.
• Lionel Messi, the captain of Argentina's victorious team in the 2022 World
Cup, was honored with the Laureus Sportsman of the Year award during a
ceremony in Paris. Notably, Messi also accepted the World Team of the Year
award on behalf of the Argentina men’s football team for their triumph in
Qatar.
• Fakhar Zaman from Pakistan clinched the ICC Men’s Player of the Month
award for April due to his exceptional performances in the One-Day
International (ODI) series. Naruemol Chaiwai, the captain of Thailand, earned
the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for her remarkable consistency
and high-scoring performances during Thailand's historic ODI series triumph
against Zimbabwe.
SPORTS
• Scottish tennis player Andy Murray secured his first tournament victory since
2019 by defeating Tommy Paul, the world No. 17, in the final of the ATP
Challenger event in Aix-en-Provence.
• Yuzvendra Chahal, representing both India and the Rajasthan Royals, made
history by becoming the first Indian bowler to claim 300 wickets in T20 cricket
during a match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad.
• The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has designated June 23, the birth
anniversary of Indian football legend Pradip Kumar Banerjee, as 'AIFF
Grassroots Day'.
•Yashasvi Jaiswal, a player for the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2023, showcased an
outstanding performance during a match against the Kolkata Knight Riders. He
set a new record in the IPL by scoring the fastest 50 in league history,
achieving this milestone in just 13 balls.
SPORTS
• V. Prraneeth, a 15-year-old chess prodigy from Telangana, secured the
prestigious title of Grandmaster (GM), becoming the sixth from his state and
the 82nd in India. He achieved this milestone by defeating GM Hans Niemann
from the US during the penultimate round of the Baku Open 2023.
• FC Barcelona clinched their 27th La Liga title in the club's history after
securing a decisive victory against local rivals Espanyol with a commanding
scoreline of 4-2. The win helped Barcelona move 14 points clear of second-
placed Real Madrid, marking their first league victory since 2019.
• Gatka, a traditional martial art form, has received recognition and inclusion in
the 37th National Games scheduled to occur in October 2023 in Goa. This
decision signifies a significant milestone for Gatka's national-level recognition.
SPORTS
• The South Asian Youth Table Tennis Championship 2023 concluded on May
17 in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, featuring the participation of more than a
hundred athletes from Bhutan, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and
Nepal. Lt. General KT Parnaik (Retd.), serving as the Governor of Arunachal
Pradesh, graced the event's closing ceremony as the Chief Guest, held at the
Dorjee Khandu Indoor Stadium in Itanagar.
• Daniil Medvedev claimed victory in the 2023 Italian Open Men's Singles final
by defeating Holger Rune with a score of 7-5, 7-5. This win marked
Medvedev's first-ever clay-court title and his sixth ATP Masters 1000 triumph.
• Neeraj Chopra, the Tokyo Olympic gold medallist in javelin throw, has secured
the number one ranking in men's javelin for the first time. He now leads the
charts with 1455 points, 22 ahead of Anderson Peters from Grenada, the
reigning world champion.
SPORTS
• Adidas, the German multinational corporation known for athletic shoes,
apparel, and equipment, is set to become the new kit sponsor for the Indian
cricket team. This move comes after the previous interim sponsor, Kewal Kiran
Clothing Ltd (maker of Killer Jeans), filled in when MPL Sports withdrew from
the deal midway.
• Magnus Carlsen, the World No.1 and reigning World Chess Champion,
claimed the 2023 Superbet Rapid & Blitz Poland, the second leg of the Grand
Chess Tour (GCT). He secured victory with a score of 24/36, earning the
$40,000 1st place prize.
• Ambati Rayudu, known for his batting prowess, officially announced his
retirement from the IPL after a successful career spanning 14 seasons. He
confirmed that the final match of the 2023 edition against Gujarat Titans
would be his last in the tournament.
SPORTS
• Red Bull's Max Verstappen secured a commanding victory at the Monaco
Grand Prix, leading all 78 laps from pole position. This win marked
Verstappen's fourth victory of the season and further extended his lead in the
Drivers' Championship by 39 points.
• Chennai Super Kings (CSK) secured their fifth Indian Premier League (IPL)
title, matching Mumbai Indians' record, with a thrilling five-wicket victory over
Gujarat Titans (GT). Despite GT's strong batting performance, rain
interruptions led to a revised target for CSK, adjusted to 171 runs in 15 overs.
• India emerged victorious in the NSC-CAVA Women’s Volleyball Challenge
Cup held in Kathmandu by triumphing over Kazakhstan in the final at the
National Sports Council’s Covered Hall in Tripureshwor.
AWARDS
• Russian author Maria Stepanova, residing in Berlin, received the 2023 Leipzig Book
Prize for European Understanding. Her novel "In Memory of Memory," exploring
Stalinism and the Soviet Union's fall, was Booker Prize-nominated in 2021. However,
Stepanova won the Leipzig Prize for her poetry collection "Girls Without Clothes,"
addressing the hidden violence against women and power dynamics.
• UNESCO observed World Press Freedom Day by awarding the World Press Freedom
Prize to three imprisoned Iranian female journalists: Niloufar Hamedi, Elaheh
Mohammadi, and Narges Mohammadi. They were recognized for their courageous
reporting on human rights violations in Iran.
•Pandit Ramkishan, a prominent socialist leader, was honored with the title "Shatabdi
Purush" (Man of the Century) in New Delhi for his significant contributions to Indian
socialism. The recognition was conferred during the centenary celebrations of Madhu
Limaye, a well-known socialist thinker and parliamentarian.
AWARDS
• The 2023 Pulitzer Prize winners were revealed, and among the 16 journalism
awards across 15 categories, four were presented to local news outlets that
covered corruption among local officials. The Pulitzers are considered the most
esteemed recognition for journalists and organizations in the United States.
Category Title and Author
Fiction “Demon Copperhead” by Barbara

Kingsolver (Harper)
Fiction “Trust” by Hernan Diaz (Riverhead Books)
Drama “English” by Sanaz Toossi

AWARDS
Biography “G-Man: J. Edgar Hoover and the Making of the
American Century” by Beverly Gage (Viking)
Memoir or Autobiography “Stay True” by Hua Hsu (Doubleday)
Poetry “Then the War: And Selected Poems, 2007-2020”

by Carl Phillips (Farrar, Straus and Giroux)
General Nonfiction “His Name Is George Floyd: One Man’s Life and the
Struggle for Racial Justice” by Robert Samuels and
Toluse Olorunnipa (Viking) (Moved by the Board
from the Biography category.)
Music “Omar” by Rhiannon Giddens and Michael Abels
History “Freedom’s Dominion: A Saga of White Resistance

to Federal Power” by Jefferson Cowie (Basic
Books)
AWARDS
• Michael Douglas is set to receive an honorary Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film
Festival for his remarkable career and contributions to cinema. The festival's
opening ceremony on May 16 will celebrate the 78-year-old actor, known for
starring in acclaimed films such as "The China Syndrome," "Basic Instinct,"
"Falling Down," and "Behind the Candelabra," all of which have been previously
featured at Cannes.
• Former President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, honored Chief Minister Yogi
Adityanath with the Bharat Ratna Dr. Ambedkar Award for his efforts in
establishing a secure environment in Uttar Pradesh.
• The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways recognized the Cochin Port
Authority (CPA) by presenting them with the Sagar Shreshtha Sammaan for
achieving the best turnaround time in the non-container category during
2022-23.
AWARDS
• Renowned astronomer Professor Jayant V. Narlikar was honored with the
inaugural Govind Swarup Lifetime Achievement Award by the Astronomical
Society of India (ASI).
• At the South Asian Film Festival of Montreal 2023, Kavitha Lankesh's
documentary "Gauri" claimed the esteemed "Best Long Documentary Award."
The film explores the life of Gauri Lankesh, a journalist and activist who was
tragically assassinated in 2017, shedding light on the contemporary political
turmoil in India.
• N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of the Tata Group, was honored with France's
highest civilian distinction, the Chevalier de la Legion d'honneur, for his
substantial contributions in bolstering trade ties between India and France.
Catherine Colonna, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, presented
the award on behalf of the French President.
AWARDS
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the highest civilian awards of Papua New
Guinea and Fiji, marking an unprecedented recognition of a non-resident in both Pacific
island nations.
• Georgi Gospodinov's novel, "Time Shelter," translated by Angela Rodel, has clinched the
esteemed 2023 International Booker Prize, marking the first instance of a Bulgarian
novel being honored with this prestigious literary award.
• Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, accepted
the Dag Hammarksjold Medals on behalf of Head Constables Shishupal Singh and
Sanwala Ram Vishnoi posthumously.
• Damodar Mauzo, an eminent Goan writer in Konkani, was conferred with the
prestigious 57th Jnanpith Award, the highest literary recognition in India.
•The Department of Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, Chandigarh, was honored with the
Skoch SILVER Award 2023 for pioneering e-Governance in managing medical records of
treated livestock.
BUSINESS
• NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) has partnered with global digital
payments infrastructure provider PPRO to extend the reach of India's RuPay
cards and Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
• Airtel Payments Bank has partnered with NPCI to introduce face
authentication for the Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AePS) at its
extensive network of five lakh banking points. This collaboration marks a
significant initiative in India where only four banks have integrated face
authentication with NPCI for AePS transactions.
• AdaniConneX, a joint venture between Adani Group and EdgeConneX, is
constructing an Integrated Data Center and Technology Business Park in
Madhurawada, Vizag.
BUSINESS
• Microsoft India has introduced two key initiatives designed to support the
digital transformation of SMBs in India. The first initiative is a dedicated
website, 'Microsoft for Small and Medium Businesses,' offering networking
opportunities, skill enhancement through an SMB Academy, insights into
various Microsoft solutions, and access to a vast partner ecosystem. The
second initiative is a Digital Transformation Helpline (1800-102-1147),
providing personalized guidance and expert assistance to SMBs in navigating
their technological adoption journey.
• Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) has successfully
completed the sale of its Myanmar port, Coastal International Terminals Pte
Limited, for a sum of $30 million. This decision was taken following
recommendations by the Risk Committee in October 2021. The sale was
initially announced in May 2022 after political upheaval in Myanmar, leading to
international backlash and sanctions by the US.
BUSINESS
• Mastercard has reportedly taken over as the global sponsor of the
International Cricket Council (ICC), replacing BharatPe, a US-based
multinational financial services corporation.
• A new mandate from the Ministry of Finance dictates that businesses with an
annual turnover of Rs 5 crore or more must generate e-invoices for all their
business-to-business (B2B) transactions, starting from August 1. This revises
the previous threshold, which stood at Rs 10 crore.
• The London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) has unveiled plans to establish a
technology center of excellence in Hyderabad, India. Anticipated to generate
around 1,000 job opportunities annually, this move is poised to invigorate the
Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector in the city.
BUSINESS
• European Union regulators have granted approval for Microsoft's acquisition
of Activision Blizzard, a major gaming company, for $69 billion. The EU's
executive arm, the European Commission, sanctioned the deal following
Microsoft's proposed solutions concerning concerns related to antitrust issues
in cloud gaming.
• Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu revealed that Hindustan Petroleum
Corporation Limited (HPCL) plans to establish a modern ethanol plant in
Jeetpur Baheri, Una district, with an estimated cost of Rs 500 crore.
• Zomato has partnered with ICICI Bank to introduce its own UPI feature,
Zomato UPI, within its app. This move aims to streamline the payment
experience for users, enabling them to make in-app orders and complete
payments seamlessly without switching to external payment apps.
BUSINESS
• Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd (RRVL) has completed the acquisition of METRO
AG's Indian Cash and Carry business, acquiring all 31 wholesale stores
operated by METRO Cash & Carry India and its entire real estate portfolio,
which includes six store-occupied properties.
• AWS has unveiled intentions to inject $12.7 billion into cloud infrastructure
in India by 2030. This investment is aimed at fulfilling the rising demand for
cloud services in the country and is expected to augment India’s economy by
an estimated $23.3 billion during the same period.
• One97 Communications Ltd, in collaboration with SBI Card and the National
Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has introduced the Paytm SBI Card on
the RuPay network. This credit card is designed to offer specific discounts and
cashback benefits on transactions made through the Paytm mobile app.
BUSINESS
• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has granted approval for the proposed
merger between Credit Suisse Group AG and UBS Group AG. This merger involves the
absorption of Credit Suisse by UBS to create a surviving legal entity Credit Suisse is a
Swiss multinational financial services and investment bank operating globally.
• Global private equity firm Blackstone has acquired the International Gemological
Institute (IGI) in a deal valued at $535 million. The acquisition involves Blackstone taking
over the 80% stake held by China-based investment firm Fosun and the remaining 20%
stake held by Roland Lorie, a member of the founding family of IGI.
• TCS has expanded its collaboration with Google Cloud to introduce TCS Generative AI.
Leveraging Google Cloud's Generative AI tools alongside TCS' solutions, this initiative
aims to build tailored business solutions, combining client-specific knowledge and agile
development for faster delivery of transformational solutions.
BUSINESS
• BSNL has awarded advance purchase orders worth ₹15,700 crore to TCS and
ITI for deploying 100,000 4G sites, marking a significant step in BSNL's
infrastructure upgrade. The collaboration aims to expand BSNL's network
nationwide, bringing it closer to private sector rivals that have already
established advanced services.
• China emerged as the world's largest car exporter in the first quarter of the
year, surpassing Japan. With a 58% increase, China exported 1.07 million
vehicles, largely driven by the rising demand for electric vehicles and
heightened sales to Russia.
DEFENCE
• Indian Naval Ships Satpura and Delhi, led by RAdm Gurcharan Singh, arrived
in Singapore on May 1st, 2023, to participate in the inaugural ASEAN India
Maritime Exercise (AIME-2023). The exercise is scheduled from May 2nd to
May 8th, 2023, featuring both a Harbor Phase and a Sea Phase.
• Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan has taken charge as the 17th Commander-in-
Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), India’s sole tri-services
command, succeeding Lt Gen Ajai Singh.
• The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is hosting the "Ekta Evam Shradhanjali
Abhiyan" during its 64th BRO Day Celebrations to pay tribute to the dedicated
efforts and sacrifices made by its Karmyogis towards nation-building.
DEFENCE
• Shivangi Singh, the first woman pilot to operate the Rafale fighter aircraft,
stands as a trailblazer within the Indian Air Force. Notably, she is part of the
IAF contingent gearing up for the multinational Exercise Orion in France,
presenting an opportunity for her to solidify her historical significance by
showcasing her proficiency in flying the versatile air dominance aircraft.
• The Indian Navy and Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO)
collaborated on the maiden test trial of the ADC-150, an air droppable
container, launched from the IL 38SD aircraft off the Goa coast on April 27,
2023.
• Defense Minister Rajnath Singh of India and his Maldivian counterpart,
Mariya Didi, launched the construction of a harbor at Sifavaru, aimed at
bolstering the maritime security capabilities of Maldives. This initiative gains
significance amidst heightened Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean Region,
marked by increased warship deployments and developmental projects.
DEFENCE
• The Indian Army conducted the 'Buland Bharat' exercise, combining
surveillance and firepower training at the recently operational High Altitude
Artillery Ranges in the Eastern Theatre, known as the longest of its kind.
• Rajnath Singh, India's Defence Minister, unveiled the nation's inaugural Indian
Air Force Heritage Centre in Chandigarh on May 8, established through a
memorandum of understanding between the Indian Air Force and the Union
Territory of Chandigarh.
• The Indian Navy bid farewell to INS Magar, its oldest Landing Ship Tank
(Large), marking the end of its 36 years of service. The decommissioning
ceremony, held at the Naval base in Kochi, was graced by Vice Admiral MA
Hampiholi and Air Marshal B Manikantan, along with Commander Hemant
Salunkhe, who commanded the ship during its tenure.
DEFENCE
• The Indian Air Force has recently acquired its inaugural indigenously designed and
developed loitering munitions, marking a significant advancement in autonomous
weaponry. Crafted by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), the system, known as the
ALS 50, operates with versatility across diverse terrains, including high altitude regions,
offering a striking range of over 50 km without endangering personnel.
• India's first Airbus C295 aircraft successfully completed its inaugural flight, a significant
milestone on its path to delivery expected in the latter half of 2023. The tactical plane,
intended for use by the Indian Air Force, took off from Seville, Spain, at 11:45 am local
time on May 5th and landed after a three-hour flight at 2:45 pm.
•India and Thailand recently conducted the 35th edition of the India-Thailand
Coordinated Patrol (Indo-Thai CORPAT) from May 3 to May 10, 2023, reaffirming their
commitment to bolstering maritime ties and ensuring security across the Indian Ocean.
DEFENCE
• Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit assumed the role of Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, a
statement confirmed by the Minister of Defence.
• The Indian ASW Corvette, INS Kavaratti, constructed and designed domestically, has
arrived in Batam, Indonesia, to participate in the 4th India-Indonesia Bilateral exercise,
Samudra Shakti-23, scheduled from May 14 to May 19, 2023.
• The Gajraj Corps of the Indian Army recently orchestrated a collaborative flood relief
exercise named 'Jal Rahat' at Hagrama Bridge on the Manas River in Assam. The exercise
was designed to validate joint procedures and augment coordination among diverse
agencies involved in flood relief operations.
• India's defence sector has reached a monumental milestone as the value of domestic
defence production surpassed ₹1 lakh crore for the first time. This remarkable
achievement signifies a strategic shift, reducing reliance on military imports and elevating
India's stature as a leading exporter of weapons and systems.
DEFENCE
• The Indian Navy's last Kalvari-class submarine, Vaghsheer, has initiated its sea
trials, a crucial phase before its planned delivery to the Indian Navy in early
2024. The submarine, launched on April 20, 2022, from the Kanhoji Angre
Wet Basin of Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), is undergoing
rigorous trials post its launch. The Ministry of Defence highlighted MDL's
achievement in delivering three submarines of Project-75 within 24 months,
emphasizing the significance of commencing sea trials for the sixth submarine.
• The arrival of INS TARKASH and INS SUBHADRA at Port Al-Jubail signifies
the initiation of the second edition of the naval exercise, ‘AL-MOHED AL-
HINDI 2023,’ further cementing the burgeoning defense collaboration
between India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
DEFENCE
• The Sudarshan Shakti Exercise 2023, conducted by the Sapta Shakti
Command of the Indian Army along the western borders in Rajasthan and
Punjab, represented a pivotal moment aimed at modernizing the armed forces
and preparing them for future challenges.

May 2023

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CURRENT AFFAIRS

Fiction “Demon Copperhead” by Barbara

Fiction “Trust” by Hernan Diaz (Riverhead Books)

Drama “English” by Sanaz Toossi

Poetry “Then the War: And Selected Poems, 2007-2020”

History “Freedom’s Dominion: A Saga of White Resistance

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