MAY - CA - CFC Flashcards
Which company’s Vizhinjam Port in Kerala has been recently (in May’ 24) approved by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) to operate as India’s 1st Transshipment Port?
1) Mormugao Port Authority
2) L&T Shipbuilding limited
3) Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority
4) India Ports Global Limited
5) Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited
Answer-5) Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited
Explanation:
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways(MoPSW) has approved Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited Vizhinjam Port in Kerala to operate as India’s 1st transshipment port facilitating the transfer of cargo between ships. The initial phase targets a capacity of 1 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), with subsequent phases aiming to add 6.2 million TEUs.
• The proposal to designate it as a customs-notified port has also been made and the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) is expected to provide approval to set up a customs office here in the next 3 months.
Option revision
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2. In March 2024, The United Kingdom Ministry of Defence (MoD) deputed Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) ships RFA Argus and RFA Lyme Bay for repairs at L&T Shipbuilding’s Kattupalli Shipyard.
3. In October 2023, DP World, a global logistics operator, and the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) signed a MoU valued at Rs 20,000 crore for the development of Vadhvan port, Maharashtra.
4. In April 2024, The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) approved a proposal for India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) to take over the operations of the Sittwe port.
In May 2024, the United Nations (UN)’s 1st International Conference on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) held under __________ (country’s) Leadership in New York, United States of America (USA).
1) India
2) Belgium
3) Switzerland
4) Uganda
5) Brazil
Answer-1) India
Explanation:
On April 25-26, 2024, the first United Nations (UN) Conference on ‘Citizen Stack: Digital Public Infrastructure, Transformative Technology for Citizens’ was held at UN headquarters in New York, United States (US) under India’s leadership to harness the technology to propel Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and foster inclusivity. The conference introduced India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) framework as a global standard.
• It was hosted by the Permanent Mission of India and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in collaboration with iSPIRT (Indian Software Product Industry Roundtable).
Option revision
2. In March 2024, Brussels, Belgium hosted the first-ever Nuclear Energy Summit, Organised by- International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Belgium.
3. In January 2024, the 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum(WEF), also known as “Davos Summit 2024” was held at Swiss Alpine School, Davos in Switzerland from 15th to 19th January 2024.
• The theme of the 2024 summit is “Rebuilding Trust’’.
4. In January 2024, Union Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) led the Indian delegation at the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
• Heads of State and Government Summit held in Speke Resort Convention Center, Munyonyo in Kampala, Uganda, on 19-20 January 2024.
• During the summit, Uganda assumed the NAM chairmanship for 2024-2027. Uganda took over the leadership from Azerbaijan (2019-2023).
In May 2024, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced the interest rate of __________ on Floating Rate Savings Bond (FRSB) 2034.
1) 3.8%
2) 6.5%
3) 4.5%
4) 7.7%
5) 8%
Answer-5) 8%
Explanation:
On 29th April 2024, The Reserve Bank of India(RBI) announced an 8% interest rate on the Floating Rate Savings Bond(FRSB) 2034.
• This is a variable rate bond as the interest rate will change after every 6 months and has a maturity time period of 7 years.
• Minimum investment amount for FRSBs is Rs 1000 and there is no limit on maximum amount.
• The RBI Cancelled the Certificate of Registration(CoR) of Acemoney (India)Limited over irregular lending practices. Click here to read more.
Option Revision
1. On March 2024, As per the RBI’s Quarterly House Price Index (HPI) for Q3FY24, all-India HPI increased by 3.8% (Year-on-Year/Y-o-Y) in Q3FY24 compared to 3.5% growth in Q2FY24 and 2.8% in Q3FY23.
2. In April 2024, RBI kept the repo rate unchanged at 6.5% for the 7th consecutive time to reduce inflation and make sure people expect lower prices while ensuring it works effectively. The committee decided this with a majority of 5:1.3. In April 2024, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation or retail inflation is projected at 4.5% (unchanged vis-a-vis February 2024 projection) for FY25, with FY25’s Q1 at 4.9%, Q2 at 3.8%, Q3 at 4.6%, and Q4 at 4.5%.
Which of the following organisations has recently (in May’ 24) raised an investment of USD 5 Million in Seed Funding from PayU to Enhance Cross-border Payments?
1) BRISKPE
2) PayPal
3) PayGlocal
4) Fonepay
5) PhonePe
Answer-1) BRISKPE
Explanation:
GoBrisk Technologies Private Limited (BRISKPE), a Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based cross-border payments platform, secured an investment of USD 5 million in a seed round from PayU, the payments and fintech business of Prosus.
• This investment focuses on simplifying global payments for Indian Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and exporters.
Option Revision
2. In April 2024, PayU partnered with PayPal to improve cross border payment experience for Indian merchants.
3. On 10th November 2023, PayGlocal got RBI approval for Payment Aggregator (PA) licence.
4. On18th March 2024, National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) partnered with Nepal’s Fonepay Payment Service to launch cross-border UPI Transactions between India & Nepal.
As per the recently(in May’ 24) released report of National Council of Applied Economic Research’s (NCAER) Monthly Economic Review (MER) for April 2024, it is projected that the Indian economy will grow faster than _______ in the financial year 2024-2025 (FY25).
1) 7.5%
2) 7%
3) 6.8%
4) 6.1%
5) 6.6%
Answer- 2) 7%
Explanation:
The New Delhi, Delhi-based National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) in its Monthly Economic Review (MER) April 2024 projected the Indian economy to grow faster than 7% in the financial year 2024-2025 (FY25).
• Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for manufacturing reached a 16-year high at 59.1 in March 2024 from 56.9 in February 2024, indicating robust expansion.
Option Revision
1. On 3rd April 2024, the World Bank projected the Indian Economy to grow at 7.5% in 2024.
3. On 1st March 2024, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) raised India’s growth projection to 6.8% for FY 25.
5. In March 2024, the World Bank expects the Indian economy to grow by 6.6% in the fiscal year 2024-25
Which company has recently (in May’ 24) signed an MoU with Nagar Nigam Haridwar to establish a Waste-to-Green Energy Plant?
1) Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited
2) Khanij Bidesh India Limited
3) THDCIL – UJVNL Energy Company Limited
4) Remine India private limited
5) Indraprastha Gas Limited
Answer-3) THDCIL – UJVNL Energy Company Limited
Explanation:
THDCIL – UJVNL Energy Company Limited (TUECO) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nagar Nigam (municipal corporation) Haridwar, Uttarakhand, to establish a waste-to-green energy plant worth Rs 140 crores.
• This initiative aims to convert 400 tonnes per day of municipal solid waste into 140 tonnes of green charcoal.
• Nagar Nigam Haridwar has allocated around 10 acres of land at Sarai for the construction of this plant.
Option Revision
1. On 19th February 2024, Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) & Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) signed a MoU to set up World’s 1st Hydrogen plant within an Airport.
4. On 9th April 2024, The Department of Science and Technology (DST) signed an agreement with Remine India Private Limited to establish a commercial plant for recycling lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries (LIBs) and e-waste using indigenous technology in Sitarganj, Uttarakhand.
5. On 16th February 2024, Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) signed a MoU with tech partners to set up 19 CBG plants across Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
Name the personality from Asia who has recently (in May’ 24) won the 35th Goldman Environmental Prize (2024), also known as Green Nobel Prize.
1) Teresa Vicente
2) Marcel Gomes
3) Jadav Payeng
4) Alok Shukla
5) Murrawah Maroochy Johnson
Answer- 4) Alok Shukla
Explanation:
On 29th April 2024, Goldman Environmental Foundation announced the winners of the 35th Goldman Environmental Prize(2024), which is also known as “Green Nobel Prize”.
• Alok Shukla, convenor of the Chhattisgarh Bachao Andolan and founding member of the Hasdeo Aranya Bachao Sangharsh Samiti,won the 2024 Goldman Prize from Asia for his efforts to save the forests of Hasdeo Aranya in Chhattisgarh.
• The 2024 award was presented to seven individuals committed to protecting their communities and environment.
• The winners included Nonhle Mbuthuma and Sinegugu Zukulu(South Africa); Teresa Vicente(Spain); Murrawah Maroochy Johnson(Australia); Andrea Vidaurre(USA) and Marcel Gomes(Brazil).
• Alok Shukla spearheaded a community campaign that prevented 21 planned coal mines from encroaching upon 445,000 acres of biodiverse forests in Chhattisgarh, India. Click here to read more.
Option Revision
1. Teresa Vicente led a grassroots campaign to preserve the Mar Menor, Europe’s largest saltwater lagoon, from collapse.
2. Marcel Gomes led a global campaign exposing JBS, the world’s largest meatpacking company) beef links to illegal deforestation in Brazil.
5. Murrawah Maroochy Johnson – halted the Waratah coal mine, safeguarding the 20,000-acre Bimblebox Nature Refuge and preventing the release of 1.58 billion tons of Carbon dioxide (CO2). Her precedent-setting case, upheld in 2023, allows other Indigenous groups to oppose coal projects by connecting climate change to Indigenous rights.
Who has recently (in May’ 24) won the 2024 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Award for Middle East and North Africa (MENA)region?
1) Gina Justus
2) Meena Mishra
3) Gopi Thotakura
4) Akshata Krishnamurthy
5) Angad Pratap
Answer- 1) Gina Justus
Explanation:
Indian-origin teacher Gina Justus in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been named the regional winner 2024 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards from Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
• India’s Meena Mishra, was named the winner of the award from South Asia region. She works as a teacher at Dr.Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan International School in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• Cambridge announced nine regional winners, and out of them, one will be selected as the overall winner of the Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards 2024, which will be announced on 29th May 2024.
Option Revision
3. In April 2024, Gopi Thotakura, an entrepreneur and seasoned pilot from Andhra Pradesh was selected among 6 crew members for Blue Origin’s New Shepard-25 (NS-25) space tourism mission.
4. In December 2023 – Indian Researcher Dr Akshata Krishnamurthy became the first Indian citizen (woman) to operate the rover (Perseverance) on Mars and also the first Indian citizen to collect samples from Mars to bring back to Earth.
Who has been recently (in May’ 24) appointed as the Director General (DG) of National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) for a period of 3 years?
1) Daljit Singh Chaudhary
2) Nawaf Salam
3) Mohammad Rihan
4) Sukhbir Singh Sandhu
5) Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal
Answer-3) Mohammad Rihan
Explanation:
Dr. Mohammad Rihan, a Professor from the Electrical Engineering Department at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh has assumed the role of Director General (DG) at the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE).
• He will serve at NISE on deputation for an initial term of 3 years, with the potential for an extension of up to 2 years.
• Dr. Mohammad Rihan’s appointment to the position of DG was endorsed by a selection committee of experts and senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers.
• The selection committee’s recommendation received official approval from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
Option Revision
1. In January 2024, The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Daljit Singh Chaudhary as the Director General (DG) of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) with effect from the date of joining till 30th November 2025(the date of his superannuation).
He succeeds Rashmi Shukla, who served as the DG of SSB from March 2023 to January 2024.
2. In February 2024, Justice Nawaf Salam from Lebanon was elected as the President of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the principal judicial organ of the United Nations(UN), for 3 years with effect from 6th February 2024.
• Nawaf Salam succeeds Judge Joan E Donoghue from the United States of America(USA) who served as president of ICJ from 2021 to 2024.
5. In February 2024, the Central Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) was elected CA. Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal as its 72nd President for the term 2024-25.
• He succeeded CA. Aniket Sunil Talati who served as the president of ICAI for the term 2023-24.
• ICAI also elected CA. Charanjot Singh Nanda as its Vice President for the term 2024-25.
When was the Satellite Technology Day 2024 observed across India?
1) 19th April
2) 12th April
3) 23th August
4) 4th October
5) 20th July
Answer-1) 19 April
Explanation:
Satellite Technology Day (STD) 2024 was observed across India on 19 April 2024 to highlight the achievements made in satellite technology. The Day commemorates the successful launch of India’s first satellite ‘Aryabhata’ into space on 19 April 1975.
• STD-2024 marks the beginning of the 50th year of the Aryabhata Launch.
• The tradition of celebrating STD annually at the U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), Bengaluru (Karnataka) began on April 19, 2000.
• URSC, Bengaluru commemorated STD 2024, marking the 50th anniversary of India’s 1st satellite, Aryabhata.
Option Revision
2. The United Nations (UN) International Day of Human Space Flight is annually observed across the globe on 12 April to celebrate the beginning of the space era for mankind and underscores the pivotal role of space science and technology in advancing sustainable development goals (SDGs) and enhancing the welfare of nations and individuals.
3. On 26th August 2023, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi declared that 23rd August of every year will be observed as “National Space Day” in India to commemorate the soft landing of Chandrayaan 3 on the Moon.
4. The United Nations (UN) World Space Week (WSW) is observed across the globe from 4th to 10th October to celebrate the contributions of space science and technology to the betterment of the human condition.
• The theme for World Space Week 2023 is “Space and Entrepreneurship”.
Name the neobanking platform that has recently (in May’ 24) secured an Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) licence from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
1) Worldline ePayments India
2) Revolut
3) Fi
4) Decfin
5) Juspay
Answer-3) Fi
Explanation:
Fi, the neobank platform of Epifi Technologies Private Limited, has received Non-Banking Financial Company(NBFC) licence from the Reserve Bank of India(RBI).
• The NBFC licence will enable Fi to offer loans from its own books and also eliminates the need of external dependencies such as: banks and other NBFCs which have authorization to provide loans.
Note: Worldline ePayments India Private Limited, a digital payment service provider, has received the approval from RBI to operate as online Payment Aggregator(PA) under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
Option revision:
1. Worldline ePayments India gets RBI approval to operate as payment aggregator
4 & 5. On February 9 2024, Fintech startups Juspay and Decfin received RBI approval to act as PA.
In May 2024, the NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) signed a pact with the central bank of ________ (country) to develop a Unified Payments Interface (UPI)-like Payment System.
1) The United Kingdom
2) Nepal
3) Denmark
4) Indonesia
5) Namibia
Answer- 5) Namibia
Explanation:
NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), the overseas arm of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has signed a pact with the Bank of Namibia (BoN), the central bank of the Republic of Namibia, to develop a Unified Payments Interface (UPI)-like instant payment system for Namibia.
• To enhance digital financial services and facilitate real-time Person-to-Person (P2P) and person-to-merchant (P2M) payment transactions in Namibia.
Option revision:
2. On February 17 2024, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Nepal Rastra Bank ink pact to integrate UPI and National Payments Interface (NPI) for cross-border remittances.
3. India and Denmark signed a mobility and migration partnership agreement to enhance people-to-people ties.
• Launched logo – commemorating 75 years of diplomatic ties.
4. On 11 March 2024, RBI and the Bank Indonesia (BI) signed MoU to set up a framework to promote the use of local currencies (Indian Rupee (INR) and the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)) for cross-border transactions.
In May 2024, Groww Pay Services Private Limited received the approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)’s to operate as ________________.
1) Online Payments Aggregator
2) Non-Banking Financial Company
3) Small Finance Bank
4) Prepaid Payment Instruments
5) Private Sector Bank
- Answer-1) Online Payments Aggregator
Explanation:*
Groww Pay Services Private Limited(Groww Pay), the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments platform of the Bengaluru (Karnataka)-based broking firm Groww, secured an Online Payment Aggregator (PA) licence from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• This online PA license will allow the company to enable e-commerce transactions through its UPI app, Groww Pay.
• With the PA license, Groww can onboard merchants and provide digital payment solutions.
Option revision:
2. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cancelled Certificate of Registration (CoR) of 4 Non Banking Financial Companies (NBFC) – Kundles Motor Finance; Nithya finance; Bhatia Hire Purchase & Jiwanjyoti Deposits and Advances.
3. On January 10, 2024, RBI increased Minimum capital requirement of Small Finance Banks (SFB) from Rs 100 crore to 1000 crore – Permitted Payment Banks to upgrade as SFBs.
4. On February 26 2024, RBI amends Master Director on Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPI) to permit authorised banks and non bank ppi issuers to issue PPI for making payment across public transport systems.
Which company has recently (in May’ 24) signed an MoU with Norway Based Ocean Sun to implement Floating Solar Energy Technology in India?
1) Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited
2) NHPC Limited
3) REC limited
4) Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited
5) NTPC Green Energy Limited
Answer-2) NHPC Limited
Explanation:
NHPC Limited, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Norway based Ocean Sun AS to explore various facets of cooperation to demonstrate Ocean Sun’s floating solar energy technology based on photovoltaic panels which would be mounted on hydro-elastic membranes, at sites identified by NHPC.
• This is in line with NHPC’s efforts towards sustainable development and addition of renewable energy capacity.
Option revision:
3. In January 2024 REC Limited signed an MoU with National Investment and Infrastructure Fund Limited (NIIFL) to boost renewable energy and infrastructure in India.
4. In February 2024, Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) commissioned India’s largest Battery Energy Storage System – store energy using solar energy in Chhattisgarh.
5. In April 2024, NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL) and Indus towers limited signed an MoU to address the need of green energy objectives.
Name the personality who has recently (in May’ 24) won the 9th edition of the Oxford Bookstore Book Cover Prize 2024 for ‘The Book Beautiful’.
1) Angela Rodel
2) Pankaj Kumar Chatterjee
3) Salman Rushdie
4) Bhavi Mehta
5) Navarre Scott Momaday
Answer-4) Bhavi Mehta
Explanation:
Designer Bhavi Mehta won the 9th edition of the Oxford Bookstore Book Cover Prize (2024) for creating the book jacket of Pradeep Sebastian’s “The Book Beautiful.”
• The Book Beautiful was published by Hachette India.
• The award comprises a trophy, a certificate, and a one lakh rupee cash prize.
Option revision:
1. In May 2024, Bulgarian Writer Georgi Gospodinov and translator Angela Rodel won the International Booker Prize 2023 for the dark comic novel titled “Time Shelter”.
2. In March 24, The 7th edition of the Romain Rolland Book Prize(2024) has been awarded to “Staliner Divan”, the Bengali translation of Jean-Daniel Baltassat’s French novel “Le Divan de Staline” (Stalin’s Couch), by Pankaj Kumar Chatterjee.
5. In February 2024, Navarre Scott Momaday, a Pulitzer Prize-winning storyteller, poet, educator and folklorist, passed away in New Mexico, United States of America (USA).
• His novel “House Made of Dawn,” published in 1968 by HarperCollins, won the Pulitzer Prize in fiction for the year 1969.
Who has been recently (in May’ 24) elected as a New Prime Minister (PM) of Solomon Islands?
1) Bjarni Benediktsson
2) Vo Thi Anh Xuan
3) Jeremiah Manele
4) Peter Pellegrini
5) Gabriel Attal
Answer-3) Jeremiah Manele
Explanation:
Jeremiah Manele, former Foreign Minister of the Solomon Islands was sworn in as the new Prime Minister (PM) of the Solomon Islands by winning the PM vote in the secret ballot after the results of the 2024 national election failed to deliver a majority to any political party.
• Jeremiah Manele replaced Manasseh Sogavare, who served as PM of Solomon Islands for 4 terms.
• The Solomon Islands conducted “joint elections” for the first time in 2024, holding simultaneous province, city council, and national elections.
Option revision:
1. In April 2024, Bjarni Benediktsson, chairman of Iceland’s Independence Party took office as Prime Minister (PM) of Iceland on 9 April 2024. He succeeds Katrín Jakobsdóttir, who resigned as PM of Iceland to run for President of Iceland.
2. In April 2024, Vietnam’s Vice-President Vo Thi Anh Xuan (54 years old) was appointed Interim President of Vietnam on 21st March 2024.
• Vo Thi Anh Xuan succeeds Vo Van Thuong, who resigned from the post of President on 20th March 2024. He has been serving as the President of Vietnam since March 2023.
4. In April 2024, Peter Pellegrini, former Prime Minister (PM) of Slovakia, is set to become the President of the Slovak Republic. He won the Slovakia presidential election 2024 defeating Ivan Korčok.
• Pellegrini will succeed Zuzana Caputov, the first female President of Slovakia.
• He will be inaugurated as the 6th president of Slovakia on 15th June 2024.
Which company/organisation has recently (in May’ 24) developed a long-range Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system that was launched from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha?
1) Defence Research and Development Organisation
2) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
3) Simran Flowtech Industries
4) BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited
5) Bharat Electronics Limited
Answer-1) Defence Research and Development Organisation
Explanation:
On May 1, 2024, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tested a long range Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Chandipur in Balasore, Odisha using a ground mobile launcher.
• Developed by DRDO, it is the next-generation missile-based light-weight torpedo delivery system.
• It is designed to enhance the Indian Navy’s anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, and to counter the increasing deployment of submarines by the naval forces of other countries in the Indian Ocean region.
Option revision:
2. In November 2023, The Indian Army conducted the inaugural test firing of 70 mm rockets and 20 mm turret guns of its Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand in both day and night conditions. It was carried out by the 1st LCH squadron from the Air Force station in Likabali in Arunachal Pradesh.
• The Prachand is India’s first indigenous multi-role class combat helicopter, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). It received operational clearance in 2017.
3. In December 2023, During the exercise, IAF successfully test-fired the SAMAR air defence missile system for the first time which engaged aerial threats with a speed range of 2 to 2.5 Mach.
• SAMAR is developed using refurbished Russian-origin Vympel R-73E and R-27ET1 air to air missiles infrared guided Air-to-Air Missiles (AAMs). It is jointly developed by IAF’s 7 Base Repair Depot (BRD), Delhi and 11 BRD, Nashik, Maharashtra in association with Indian private-sector companies Simran Flowtech Industries and Yamazuki Denki.
4. In January 2024, Indian Navy (IN), in collaboration with BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL), test-fired an extended-range BrahMos supersonic cruise missile (BrahMos ER) on 24th January 2024.
• It is based on the Russian P-800 Onyx missile.
Name the Chess player who has been recently (in May’ 24)bestowed with The International Chess Federation (FIDE)’s 84th Grandmaster(GM) Title?
1) Nihal Sarin
2) Vaishali Ramesh Babu
3) Sreeja Akula
4) Koneru Humpy
5) Dommaraju Gukesh
Answer-2) Vaishali Ramesh Babu
Explanation:
Indian Chess Player Vaishali Ramesh Babu has officially bestowed the title of GrandMaster(GM) by the International Chess Federation(FIDE).
• Vaishali Ramesh Babu and her brother GM Rameshbabu Pragnanandhaa are the world’s 1st GrandMaster(GM) Brother-Sister duo.
• After this GM title, she became the 84th Indian GM and 42nd woman from any country to hold the GM title.
• She officially received the GM title only after the final decision was taken at the FIDE Council meeting during the Candidates Tournament in Toronto, Canada in April 2024.
Option revision:
3. In April 2023, India’s Sreeja Akula(Hailing from Telangana) won the women’s singles title at the World Table Tennis (WTT) Feeder Beirut II 2024 by defeating Sarah De Nutte (Luxembourg) in the finals.
• Sreeja overtakes Manika, becomes India No. 1 in women’s singles
4. In January 2024, Russian chess player Anastasia Bodnaruk (neutral Fide flag) won the 2023 FIDE World Rapid Chess Women’s title by defeating Indian Chess Grandmaster, Koneru Humpy in a tiebreaker match to secure first place.
5. In April 2024, The chess Grandmaster (GM) Dommaraju Gukesh from Chennai (Tamil Nadu) has won (Open category) the International Chess Federation (FIDE) Candidates 2024 held in Toronto, Canada, by defeating Hikaru Nakamura of the United States to score 9 points.
• He will now be competing with Ding Liren of China in the World Chess Championship 2024.
Who has recently (in May’ 24) launched the new book titled ‘Just A Mercenary? : Notes from My Life and Career’?
1) M.M. Naravane
2) Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri
3) Vijayadevi Rane
4) K.M. Chandrasekhar
5) Duvvuri Subbarao
Answer-5) Duvvuri Subbarao
Explanation:
Dr. Duvvuri Subbarao, former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) (2008- 2013), launched his memoir titled ‘Just A Mercenary? : Notes from My Life and Career’.
• The book was published by Penguin Random House India and narrates about Dr Subbarao’s career, which would help inspire young professionals to navigate their career paths.
Option revision:
1. In January 2024, General Manoj Mukund Naravane (MM Naravane), former Chief of Army Staff(CoAS) penned his autobiography titled “Four Stars of Destiny: An Autobiography”. published in Jan’ 2024 by Penguin Veer, an imprint of Penguin Random House India.
2. In March 2024, Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri, Former Assistant Secretary General, United Nations (UN) and wife of Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, penned her debut novel ‘Swallowing the Sun: A Novel’. She is also a former deputy executive director of UN Women.
3. In April 2024, A book titled “Maker of Goa: The Untold Story of Pratap Singh Rane” is the biography of Pratap Singh Rane, the former CM of the state of Goa , authored by Vijayadevi Rane (Pratap’s wife) and published by Rupa publications.
When was the International Workers’ Day 2024 observed across the globe to advocate for fair wages, better working conditions and labour rights?
1) 10th December
2) 1st May
3) 4th February
4) 1st March
5) 15th March
Answer-2) 1st May
Explanation:
International Workers’ Day (also known as International Labour Day) 2024 was observed across the globe on 1 May 2024 to promote worker’s rights and honour the contribution of workers in every industry and field to society.
• In India, International Workers’ Day is also known as May Day, Antar Rashtriya Shramik Divas, or Kamgar Din.
• In India, the 1st May Day was celebrated by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan on 1 May 1923 in Madras (now Chennai, Tamil Nadu).
• The 8-hour day movement is a social movement that aims to regulate the length of a working day to prevent the abuse of working time. Click here to read more.
Option revision:
3. The United Nations (UN) annual observance – International Day of Human Fraternity 2024 – 4th February 2024- 4th observance.
4. Zero Discrimination Day 2024 observed across the globe on March 1 2024.
• The theme of Zero Discrimination Day 2024 – To protect everyone’s health, protect everyone’s rights.
• It marks the 10th anniversary of Zero Discrimination day.
5. World Consumer Rights Day 2024 observed across the globe on March 15 2024
• The Theme of World Consumer Rights Day 2024 – Fair and Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) for consumers.
In May 2024, the Ministry of Mines signed an MoU with _________ for sharing knowledge support in the area of Critical Minerals.
1) Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation
2) Khanij Bidesh India Limited
3) Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Geophysical Research Institute
4) India Energy Storage Alliance
5) Hindustan Copper Limited
Answer-1) Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation
Explanation:
The Ministry of Mines signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation during the opening ceremony of Critical Minerals summit held in New Delhi, Delhi.
• Secretary of Mines VL Kantha Rao inaugurated the ‘Critical Minerals Summit: Enhancing Beneficiation and Processing Capabilities’ which took place at the India Habitat Centre in Lodhi Estate, New Delhi, from April 29th to April 30th, 2024.
• At the summit, 8 key minerals were identified as key focus areas: Glauconite(Potash), Lithium-Rare Earth elements(Laterite), Chromium, Platinum group, Graphite, Tungsten associated with Graphite, Rare Earths(REs), and Vanadium.
Option revision:
2. On 12 April 2024, Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (CSIR-IMMT) for bolstering technical and knowledge cooperation for Critical Minerals at the National Aluminium Company Limited.
3. On April 24, 2024, Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Geophysical Research Institute (CSIR-NGRI) for long-term collaboration in the field of geophysical investigations.
4. On 29th March 2024, India Energy Storage Alliance inked an initial pact with the Bhubaneswar City Knowledge Innovation Cluster (BCKIC) Foundation to promote cleantech, critical minerals and the energy sector in India.
• The main objective of the partnership is to create a shared science and technology ecosystem.
________ has recently (in May’ 24) released a special postal cover for the “Silver Jubilee” celebration on May 1, 2024.
1) Supreme Court of India
2) All India Railwaymen’s Federation
3) Army Dental Centre Research and Referral
4) Department of Posts in Bihar
5) Reserve Bank of India
Answer-3) Army Dental Centre Research and Referral
Explanation:
On May 1, 2024, the Army Dental Centre of Research & Referral (ADC R&R), Delhi, a specialist dental care raised on May 1, 1999, commemorated its 25th anniversary (Silver Jubilee). During the event, a Special Postal Cover by the Army Postal Service was unveiled by Lieutenant General MK Katiyar, General Officer Commanding in Chief (GoC-in-C), Western Command.
* The ‘Major General RN Dogra Memorial Oration’, an annual event to commemorate the raising day of ADC R&R was delivered by Major General GK Thapliyal on “India that is Bharat.”
Option revision:
2. On 1 March 2024, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Ministry of Railways (MoR) has released a commemorative postage stamp to mark the 100 years of the All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF) in an event held at Karnail Singh Railway Stadium in New Delhi, Delhi.
3. On 28th March 2024, The Department of Posts in Bihar released a ‘Special Cover’ to commemorate 250 years of the release of ‘Copper Ticket’, the world’s first postal ticket from Patna, Bihar.
* The Copper ticket was first issued from Azimabad, Patna (Bihar) in March 1774.
In May 2024, the Comptroller and Auditor General(CAG) of India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with _________ (country) Auditor General to enhance collaboration and exchange of expertise.
1) Nepal
2) United Kingdom
3) Kenya
4) Cuba
5) Bangladesh
Answer-1) Nepal
Explanation:
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, Girish Chandra Murmu signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Toyam Raya, Auditor General of Nepal, to enhance collaboration and exchange of expertise in the field of auditing between Supreme Auditing Institutions (SAIs) of India and Nepal.
• The agreement marks a major milestone which will help in bolstering ties and collaboration among the SAIs of India and Nepal.
• Through this MoU, a platform will be established for the exchange of knowledge and experience amongst auditing professionals and technical teams through collaboration in training programs and mutual assistance in conducting audit.
Option revision:
2. On 13 January 2024, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the United Kingdom (U.K) on 9 & 10 January 2024 and signed LoA and Mou.
i. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between India and U.K. on conduct of bilateral international cadet exchange programme.
ii. Letter of Arrangement was signed between Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), India and Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), U.K. on defence collaboration in Research and Development (R&D).
3. On 18 January 2024, The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India (GoI) signed an MoU with the Ministry of Information Communications and Digital Economy, Government of the Republic of Kenya for cooperation in the field of sharing successful Digital Solutions implemented at Population Scale for Digital Transformation.
i.Through this MoU, Both G2G and B2G bilateral Cooperation in the field of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) will be enhanced.
4. On 24 January 2024, The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Communications of the Republic of Cuba, to foster cooperation in the field of sharing successful digital solutions implemented at a population scale for digital transformation.
_____________has recently (in May’ 24) released the report “Aging Well in Asia” which states that India has the lowest health insurance coverage among older people at 21%?
1) United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
2) Niti Aayog
3) Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority
4) Reserve Bank of India
5) Asian Development Bank
Answer-5) Asian Development Bank
Explanation:
According to the inaugural ‘Aging Well in Asia: Asian Development Policy Report‘ released by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on 2nd May 2024, India has the lowest health insurance coverage among older people standing at only 21%.
• South Korea and Thailand have already achieved universal health coverage.
• The ageing population in Asia and the Pacific is set to nearly double by 2050 to 1.2 billion or 25.2% of the regional population from 13.5% in 2022, emphasising the need for pension, welfare, and healthcare programs.
• India’s economic growth impact from the ageing population in 2031-2040 is expected to be lower due to its young population demographics.
• Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) removed the age limit of 65 for buying health insurance with effect from 1st April 2024, aiming for a more inclusive healthcare system. Click here to read more.
Option revision:
1. On 5th April 2024, According to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) report titled “Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2024, India will lose 5.8% of daily working hours due to increasing temperature by 2030.
2. On January 2024, The National Institution for Transforming India’s (NITI Aayog) discussion paper on the National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), ‘National Multidimensional Poverty: A Progress Review -2023,’ has reduced India’s Multidimensional poverty from 29.17% (2013-14) to 11.28% (2022-23).
Which organisation/regulatory body has recently (in May’ 24) raised India’s Gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast by 40 basis points to 6.6% for FY25 (2024-25)?
1) Securities and Exchange Board of India
2) International Monetary Fund
3) Reserve Bank Of India
4) Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
5) Fitch
Answer-4) Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
Explanation:
According to “OECD Economic Outlook, Volume 2024 Issue 1”, Paris(France) based Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has raised India’s GDP (Gross domestic product) growth forecast for FY25 (2024-25) by 40 basis points (bps) to 6.6% from 6.2% projected earlier.
• Global GDP growth is projected at 3.1% in 2024 and 3.2% in 2025 supported by factors including stronger real income growth and lower policy interest rates.
• India’s GDP is projected at 7.8% in FY24, and around 6.5% in both FY25 and FY26, driven by strong investment despite sluggish private consumption.
• The 2024 Interim Union Budget aims for consolidation, setting a fiscal deficit target at 5.1% of GDP for FY25.
Option revision:
2. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) raised India’s growth projection to 6.8% for FY 25.
• The World Bank expects the Indian economy to grow by 6.6% in the fiscal year 2024-25
5. On March 2024, Fitch Rating, an international credit rating agency, has increased its forecast for India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth by 0.5% points to 7% for the fiscal year 2024-25 (FY25)
Name the personality who has been recently (in May’ 24) awarded with the Whitley Gold Award 2024 by the Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN) in London, United Kingdom.
1) Ajit Mishra
2) Purnima Devi Barman
3) Shashi Tharoor
4) Kiran Nadar
5) Saira Banu
Answer-2) Purnima Devi Barman
Explanation:
On May 1, 2024, a wildlife biologist from Assam, Dr Purnima Devi Barman has been honoured with Whitley Gold Award 2024 aka ‘Green Oscar’ by the Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN) at a Royal Geographical Society awards ceremony in London, United Kingdom (UK).
• The award acknowledged her conservation efforts of the endangered Greater Adjutant Stork (known locally as ‘Hargila‘ in Assamese) and its wetland habitat.
• She received the trophy from charity patron Princess Anne – the Princess Royal, the sister of King Charles III.
• The 2024 Whitley Award conferred upon 6 individuals. Click here for official site.
Option revision:
1. On 28 & 29 January 2024, The City of London Corporation honoured Ajit Mishra, an India-born Lawyer in the United Kingdom(UK) with the “Freedom of the City of London” Award for his contribution to strengthening the business partnership between the City of London and India.
3. On 23 February 2024, Member of Parliament (MP) and prolific author Shashi Tharoor was conferred with “Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur” (Knight of the Legion Honour), the highest French civilian award, by French Senate President Gerard Larcher at the event in the French Embassy in New Delhi, Delhi.
4. On 5 April 2024, 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, by Emmanuel Lenain, French Ambassador to India in a ceremony held at the Residence of France in New Delhi, Delhi.
Who has been recently (in May’ 24) appointed as the President of Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal(GSTAT) by the Appointment Committee of the Cabinet (ACC)?
1) PS Dinesh Kumar
2) BR Gavai
3) Sanjaya Kumar Mishra
4) Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar
5) Jaya Verma Sinha
Answer-3) Sanjaya Kumar Mishra
Explanation:
The Appointment Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Sanjaya Kumar Mishra, the former Chief Justice (CJ) of the High Court (HC) of Jharkhand, as the President of Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT).
• The Government of India established the GSTAT to facilitate the resolution of disputes within the business sector. GSTAT aims to commence the operations from 1st July 2024.
Option revision:
1. On 8th April 2024, the Finance Ministry appointed Justice PS Dinesh Kumar as Presiding officer of Securities Appellate Tribunal for 4 years.
2. On 10th January 2024, National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) nominated Justice Bhushan Ramakrishna (BR) Gavai, a judge of the Supreme Court of India, as the Chairman of Supreme Court Legal Services Committee(SCLSC).
4. On 2nd March 2024, Former Supreme Court judge Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar was appointed as the chairperson of Lokpal
Name the mission that has been recently (in May’ 24) launched by China on the Long March- 5 Y8 carrier rocket to collect and bring back samples from the far side of the moon.
1) Axiom Mission 3
2) Bandwagon-1
3) XPoSat
4) Chang’e-6
5) Maxar 1
Answer-4) Chang’e-6
Explanation:
On 3rd May, 2024, China National Space Administration (CNSA) successfully launched an uncrewed lunar probe, namely “Chang’e-6,” through Long March- 5 Y8 carrier rocket from the Wenchang Space Launch Center in the southern province of Hainan, China.
• It is the world’s first mission to collect and bring back samples from the far side of the moon.
• It is developed by the Institute of Space Technology (IST), Islamabad, Pakistan in partnership with Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU), Shanghai, China and Pakistan’s space agency, Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO).
• It also carries a miniature satellite named “ICUBE-QAMAR cubesat” from Pakistan.
Option revision:
1. On 18th January 2024, Space Exploration Technologies Corporation’s (SpaceX) Falcon 9 rocket launched Axiom Space’s Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3) to the International Space Station (ISS) from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, The United States of America(USA).
• The mission carried the Türkiye’s 1st astronaut, Alper Gezeravcı, along with crew members representing Spain, Italy and Sweden aboard the SpaceX’s Dragon ‘Freedom’ spacecraft.
2. On 11th April 2024, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), has successfully launched TSAT-1A, India’s first private sector-built sub-metre resolution Earth Observation Satellite on board the Space Exploration Technologies Corporation’s (SpaceX’s) Falcon 9 rocket
• This was one of the 11 satellites launched as a part of the ‘Bandwagon-1’ Mission, SpaceX’s first rideshare mission to LEO at inclinations of about 45 degrees.
3. On 1st January 2024, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched XPoSat (X-ray Polarimeter Satellite), India’s 1st dedicated polarimetry mission onboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)-C58 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh (AP).
• PSLV-C58 has launched XPOSAT Satellite into an Eastward low inclination orbit.
Which country is set to host the Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Junior Championships 2025?
1) New Zealand
2) France
3) Thailand
4) Malaysia
5) India
Answer-5) India
Explanation:
India is set to host the Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Junior Championships 2025 at the Badminton Association of India’s (BAI) National Centres of Excellence (NCOE) in Guwahati, Assam.
• This marks the return of the World Junior Championships to India for the first time since 2008.
• The BWF Men’s & Women’s World Team Championships 2026 (Thomas Cup & Uber Cup) will be hosted by Horsens, Denmark.
• Denmark is set to host the event for the second time.
Option revision:
2. In January 2024, The Indian badminton pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty won the men’s doubles title by defeating Chinese Taipei’s Lee Jhe-Huei and Yang Po-Hsuan at the finals of the YONEX French Open 2024.
• The 94th edition of the French Open, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Tour Super 750 Badminton tournament, was held from 5-10th March 2024 at the Arena Porte de la Chapelle, Paris, France.
3. In February 2024, The Indian shuttlers won 18 medals (3 gold, 4 silver, and 11 bronze) at the BWF (Badminton World Federation) Para-Badminton World Championships 2024, held from 20th -25th February 2024 in Pattaya, Thailand.
4. In January 2024, Malaysia Open (annual badminton tournament ) – 9th to 14th January 2024.
• Satwiksairaj and Chirag also won the silver medal(Runners-up) in the men’s doubles after they lost to Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang(Winner – Gold Medal) of China in the PETRONAS Malaysia Open 2024.
When was the United Nations (UN)’s World Tuna Day 2024 observed across the globe?
1) 2nd May
2) 5th April
3) 20th March
4) 2nd February
5) 5th June
- Answer-1) 2nd May
Explanation:*
The United Nations (UN)’s World Tuna Day 2024 was observed across the globe on 2nd May 2024 to spread awareness of the importance of tuna, one of the most economically important fish species. It plays a vital role in food composition and nutrition of humans.
• The day underscores the importance of sustainable fishing practices to preserve the balance of marine ecosystems.
i. Common Oceans Tuna Project (2022-2027):
• The “Sustainable Management of Tuna Fisheries and Biodiversity Conservation in the Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction” project, also known as the “ABNJ Tuna Project,” continues its mission from 2014 to 2019.
• This project aims to ensure that all major tuna stocks are fished at sustainable levels by 2027. Click here to read more
Option revision:
2. National Maritime Day (NMD) 2024 was observed across India on 5 April 2024 to highlight the significance of the national maritime sector in the development of the Indian economy, global trade, and economic exchange across countries.
• 5 April 2024 marks the observance of the 61st National Maritime Day.
3. World Sparrow Day (WSD) 2024 was observed across the globe on 20th March 2024 to raise awareness about the importance of sparrows or house sparrows (Passer domesticus) for biodiversity and the ecosystem
• The theme for WSD is “I LOVE Sparrows”.
4. The United Nati*ons (UN)’s World Wetlands Day was observed across the globe on 2nd February 2024 to raise awareness about the vital role of wetlands, a critically important ecosystem for people and the planet.
• The 2024 theme of World Wetlands Day is ‘Wetlands and Human Wellbeing’.
Which company has recently (in May ‘24) launched an Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) – Flying Wedge Defence 200B (FWD-200B), India’s first indigenous military-grade bomber drone?
1) Adani Defence and Aerospace
2) Marut Dronetech Private Limited
3) Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace Technologies Private Limited
4) IG Drones
5) Dhruva Space
Answer-3) Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace Technologies Private Limited
Explanation:
Bengaluru (Karnataka) based Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace Technologies Private Limited launched its Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) – Flying Wedge Defence 200B (FWD-200B), India’s first indigenous military grade bomber drones.
FWD-200B is a Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE) UCAV entirely designed and manufactured in India.
It boasts a 12-20 hour endurance and can achieve a maximum speed of 200 knot (kts)/370 kilometre per hour(kmph). It holds a ground control station (GCS) range of 200 km.
The FWD-200B has a payload capacity of 100 kgs and can carry a maximum takeoff weight of 498 Kg. It will be available for Rs 25 crores.
Which company has recently (in May’24)partnered with India Post for Last-mile E-commerce Delivery Services?
1) Uber India
2) Pai Platforms
3) RedBus
4) Fship Logistics
5) Myntra
Answer-4) Fship Logistics
Explanation:
Fship Logistics, a tech-driven logistics platform, has partnered with India Post to enhance last-mile delivery services for e-commerce products, benefiting Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) startups, small and medium businesses (SMBs), and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across India.
This partnership aims to create economical deliveries, particularly in rural areas with less developed logistics infrastructure.
Fship expands its reach nationwide, including remote areas where India Post is the exclusive courier service.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently (in May ‘24) approved the appointment of __________ as Part-Time Chairman of HDFC Bank Limited.
1) Ashwani Kumar
2) Anil Kumar Lahoti
3) Atanu Chakraborty
4) S Ravindran
5) Harun Rashid Khan
Answer-3) Atanu Chakraborty
Explanation:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the reappointment of Atanu Chakraborty as Part-Time Chairman of HDFC Bank Limited for 3 years with effect from 5th May 2024 to 4 May 2027.
Following this, the Board of Directors of HDFC Bank has also approved the reappointment of Atanu Chakraborty as Part-Time Chairman and Independent Director of HDFC Bank for 3 years.
Atanu Chakraborty, a 1985 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Gujarat cadre, retired as Secretary of Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance in April 2020.
Which Bank has recently(in May ‘24) appointed Sanjeev Nautiyal as its Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for 3 years with effect from 1 July 2024?
1) Ujjivan SFB
2) AU SFB
3) SBM Bank
4) Jana SFB
5) Equitas SFB
Answer-1) Ujjivan SFB
Explanation:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the appointment of Sanjeev Nautiyal as the Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Limited (Ujjivan SFB) for 3 years with effect from 1 July 2024. He will join the Bank before taking charge as the MD and CEO and will be designated as the President in the interim.
The current MD and CEO, Ittira Davis, was re-appointed for 2 years, starting January 14, 2023. He is set to be released before his original term expiry.
Who has been recently (in May ’24) appointed as the chairperson of Special Olympics Asia Pacific Advisory Council?
1) Mary Kom
2) Shiny Wilson
3) Narsingh Yadav
4) Mallika Nadda
5) P.T. Usha
Answer-4) Mallika Nadda
Explanation:
Dr. Mallika Nadda, President of Special Olympics(SO) Bharat(India), has been appointed as Chairperson of Special Olympics Asia-Pacific Advisory Council(APAC) for 3 years with effect from 1st May 2024 till 31st March 2027.
As the chairperson of APAC, Mallika Nadda will represent the entire Special Olympics Asia Pacific (SOAP) region which includes 34 countries.
She will be SO Bharat representative on the APAC. SO Bharat is a permanent member of APAC.
Awards/Accolades:
i.She was honoured with Rajiv Gandhi Manav Seva Award in 2010 by Ministry of Women and Child Development(MoWCD) in recognition of her contribution in the field of child development.
ii.She was awarded with the Derozio Award in 2011 in the field of education and human enrichment.
Who took charge as the Chairman- cum- Managing Director (CMD) of the National Small Industries Corporation Limited (NSIC) on 2nd May 2024?
1) Rajendra Prasad Goyal
2) Dr. Subhransu Sekhar Acharya
3) Ravindra Kumar Tyagi
4) P Santhosh
5) Sivasubramanian Ramann
Answer-2) Dr. Subhransu Sekhar Acharya
Explanation:
On 2nd May 2024, Dr. Subhransu Sekhar Acharya assumed charge of Chairman- cum- Managing Director (CMD) of the National Small Industries Corporation Limited (NSIC), a Mini Ratna (category-II) Government of India Enterprise under Ministry of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises(MoMSME).
He replaced Vipul Goel, Joint Secretary of the MoMSME, who has been serving as CMD (additional charge) since July 2023.
Prior to this appointment, Subhransu Sekhar Acharya was serving as the Chief General Manager, Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), New Delhi(Delhi) since 2022.
Who has been recently (in May ’24) appointed as Vice-Chief of Naval Staff?
1) Krishna Swaminathan
2) Dinesh K Tripathi
3) Radhakrishnan Hari Kumar
4) Brajesh Mehrotra
5) Anish Dayal Singh
Answer-1) Krishna Swaminathan
Explanation:
On 1 May 2024, Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan assumed charge as the Vice Chief of Naval Staff. He previously served as Chief of Personnel at the Naval Headquarters (NHQ) in New Delhi, Delhi. He replaced Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi who assumed charge as Chief of Naval Staff (CNS).
When was the International Firefighters’ Day 2024 observed across the globe?
1) May 4
2) April 14
3) March 22
4) September 18
5) March 4
Answer-1) May 4
Explanation:
International Firefighters’ Day (IFFD) was observed across the globe on 4th May 2024 to acknowledge the sacrifices of firefighters and honour their dedication to keeping communities and environments safe.
IFFD significantly honours those who have lost their lives in the line of duty and expresses gratitude for the ongoing dedication of firefighting professionals.
May 4 also marks St Florian’s Day, named after St Florian (250-304AD), the patron saint of firefighters and a high-ranking Roman Army officer.
A red-blue ribbon (pinned together at the top) is the symbol of IFFD, which holds profound symbolism, reflecting the core elements of firefighters’ work.Red symbolises fire, and Blue represents water.
When was the International Leopard Day 2024 observed across the globe?
1) March 10
2) April 27
3) February 17
4) February 10
5) May 3
- Answer- 5) May 3
Explanation:
International Leopard Day was observed across the globe on 3rd May 2024 to raise awareness about the conservation and protection of leopards, the most adaptable of the big cats, and their habitats worldwide.
Leopards are listed as “Vulnerable” in the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, with some subspecies classified as Critically Endangered.
India is home to 13,874 leopards, Madhya Pradesh leads with 3,907 leopards, followed by Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
Which space agency has recently launched (in May ’24) a Candle Wax-Powered Rocket on a Test Flight into Space from a launch site in Koonibba, South Australia?
1) Space Exploration Technologies Corporation
2) Rocket Lab USA, Inc.
3) National Aeronautics and Space Administration
4) HyImpulse
5) Roscosmos State Corporation for Space Activities
Answer- 4) HyImpulse
Explanation:
On 3rd May 2024, German private space company HyImpulse successfully test-launched a candle wax-powered rocket “SR75” from a launch site in Koonibba, South Australia.
It is for the 1st-time a rocket carrying commercial satellites on a test suborbital flight into space.
The test rocket is 12 metre(m) long and weighs around 2.5 tonne single stage rocket.
The rocket has the capacity of carrying satellites which weighs up to 250 kg to an altitude of up to 250 kilometers.
It is fuelled by paraffin (candle wax) and liquid oxygen.
Which startup has recently (in may ‘24) launched India’s first commercial System on Chip (SoC) named Secure Internet of Things (IoT)
1) StartupTN
2) Mindgrove
3) OrienSpace
4) Bihar Startup Fund Trust
5) Saankhya Labs
Answer-2) Mindgrove
Explanation:
On May 6 2024, Mindgrove Technologies Private Limited, a semiconductor startup backed by Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) Pravartak Technologies Foundation and IIT Madras Incubation Cell, launched India’s first commercial System on Chip (SoC) named Secure Internet of Things (IoT).
It will probably be 30% less expensive than existing chips in comparable categories and is intended for IoT devices.
The Microcontroller Unit (MCU) chip has undergone the successful Multi-Project Wafer (MPW) tape-out at the 28 nanometer (nm) node.
The Secure IoT is a high-performance micro-controller clocked at 700 Megahertz (MHz).
India was ranked____________ in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
1) 93rd
2) 113th
3) 159th
4) 49th
5) 120th
Answer-3) 159th
Explanation:
According to the 22nd edition of the World Press Freedom Index (WPFI 2024) released by Reporters Without Borders (RSF – Reporters sans frontières in French), India is ranked 159th out of 180 countries with a score of 31.28.
· India was ranked 161st in 2023 with a score of 36.62.
· Norway tops the 2024 index for the 8th consecutive year followed by Denmark (2nd) and Sweden (3rd).
· The last 3 places are occupied by: Eritrea (180th); Syria (179th), and Afghanistan (178th).
· The index ranks 180 countries on the ability of journalists to work and report freely and independently by covering five categories viz. Political Context, Legal Framework, Economic Context, Social Context and Security.
On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day 2024 (3rd May 2024), The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) released a report titled “Press and Planet in Danger:safety of environmental journalists; trends, challenges and recommendations”.
· The report highlighted that a total of 44 journalists reporting on environmental issues were killed in 15 different countries between 2009 and 2023, with only 5 cases resulting in convictions. Around 24 journalists survived murder attempts.
Which organisation has recently(in may ‘24) received No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to establish a wholly-owned subsidiary in IFSC, Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City)?
1) Power Finance Corporation
2) Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited
3) REC Limited
4) Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited
5) National Fertilizers Limited
Answer-3) REC Limited
Explanation:
On 3rd May 2024, REC Limited(formerly Rural Electrification Corporation Limited), has received a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for establishing a wholly-owned subsidiary in the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
· The subsidiary will engage in permissible activities as a Finance Company within GIFT City.
In May 2024, Who was elected as the New President of the Republic of Panama?
1) Laurentino Cortizo Cohen
2) José Raúl Mulino
3) Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo
4) Alexander Stubb
5) Javier Milei
Answer- 2) José Raúl Mulino
Explanation:
On 5th May 2024, José Raúl Mulino (64 years old), former Minister of Public Security, was elected as the New President of the Republic of Panama. He won the 2024 Presidential election by securing 34% of the total votes.
· He will take office as the head of state and head of the government, for a single five-year term on 1st July 2024.
· He will succeed Laurentino Cortizo Cohen, who has been serving as the President of Panama since 2019.
Who has been recently (in may ‘24) appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Paytm Money, a subsidiary of One97 Communications Limited?
1) Rakesh Singh
2) Naveen Tahilyani
3) Matam Venkata Rao
4) Ashish Vijayakar
5) Hitesh Kumar Sethia
Answer-1) Rakesh Singh
Explanation:
In April 2024, Bengaluru (Karnataka)-based Paytm Money Ltd, the wholly-owned subsidiary of One97 Communications Limited, has appointed Rakesh Singh as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He was appointed following the resignation of Varun Sridhar, who has been serving as CEO of Paytm Money since 2020.
· Prior to this appointment, Rakesh Singh was serving as the CEO of broking services at PayU-backed Fisdom, a discount brokerage firm, for over 5 years.
Which company has recently (in may ‘24) delivered the second C-295 transport aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF)?
1) Adani Defence and Aerospace
2) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
3) Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited
4) TATA Advanced Systems Limited
5) Airbus Defence and Space
Answer-5) Airbus Defence and Space
Explanation:
The Indian Air Force (IAF) received its second C-295 transport aircraft from Airbus Defence and Space S.A., Spain. C-295 aircraft will replace Avro Hawker Siddeley HS-748 aircraft in IAF service since 1960.
It is also equipped with a radar warning receiver (RWR), Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS), and a laser warning system (LWS).
Note: 1st C-295 transport aircraft was formally inducted into IAF in September, 2023.
Which country has recently (in May ‘24) won the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Thomas and Uber Cup 2024 after defeating Indonesia in the finals held in Chengdu, China?
1) Netherlands
2) India
3) China
4) Greece
5) Japan
Answer-3) China
Explanation:
The People’s Republic of China’s men’s team won the 33rd edition of Badminton World Federation (BWF) Thomas Cup 2024 after defeating Indonesia men team 3-1. It is China’s 11th Thomas cup title. The BWF 2024 Championship was held in Chengdu, China from 29th April to 5th May 2024.
· China’s women’s team has clinched the 30th edition of Badminton World Federation (BWF) Uber Cup 2024 after defeating Indonesia by 3-0.This is China’s 16th Uber Cup title.
· The winners of the Uber Cup include China being ranked one (Gold medal) followed by Indonesia on 2nd(Silver), Japan and South Korea on 3rd (Bronze) and Denmark, Chinese Taipei, India and Thailand holding 5th rank.
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Note: The winners of the Thomas Cup include China being ranked one (Gold medal) followed by Indonesia on 2nd (Silver), Malaysia and Chinese Taipei on 3rd (Bronze) and Korea, Denmark, India and Japan sharing 5th position.
When was the World Laughter Day (WLD) 2024 observed across the globe to raise awareness about the significance of laughter?
1) 20th March
2) 5th May
3) 29th April
4) 15th April
5) 28th March
Answer-2) 5th May
Explanation:
World Laughter Day (WLD) is annually observed across the globe on the 1st Sunday of May to raise awareness about the significance of laughter, a universal language transcending barriers, and its various health benefits.
World Laughter Day 2024 falls on 5 May 2024.
The theme for World Laughter Day 2024 is “Laughter Unites Us All.”
The Day aims to promote world peace and global unity through laughter.
Note: World Laughter Day 2023 was observed on 7 May 2023 and World Laughter Day 2025 will be observed on 4 May 2025.
When was the International Day of the Midwife (IDM) 2024 observed across the globe?
1) 20th March
2) 12th December
3) 3rd April
4) 5th May
5) 15th March
Answer-4) 5th May
Explanation:
International Day of the Midwife (IDM) is annually observed across the globe on 5 May to recognise and acknowledge the contribution of midwives, the healthcare professionals worldwide.
· IDM also celebrates the role of midwives, highlighting the significance of educating, training, regulating, and licensing midwives to improve the quality of care and reduce maternal and newborn mortality.
· The 2024 theme of International Day of the Midwife is, “Midwives: A Vital Climate Solution.”
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has recently (in may ‘24)granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to change the names of eight railway stations in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh (UP).
Which of the following Railway stations in Amethi was renamed as “Tapeshwarnath Dham”?
1) Jais City
2) Fursatganj Railway Station
3) Akbarganj
4) Misrauli
5) Nihalgarh
Answer- 2) Fursatganj Railway Station
Explanation:
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to change the names of eight railway stations in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh (UP). The renaming of railway stations were proposed by the government of UP.
i.The proposed name changes are as follows
· Fursatganj railway station to Tapeshwarnath Dham
· Kasimpur Halt to Jais City
· Jais to Guru Gorakhnath Dham
· Bani to Swami Paramhans
· Misrauli as Maa Kalikan Dham
· Nihalgarh to Maharaja Bijli Pasi
· Akbarganj to Maa Ahorwa Bhawani Dham
· Warisganj to Amar Shaheed Bhale Sultan
Nepal government has recently (in may ‘24) introduced the new currency note featuring a map which includes the controversial border territories of Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani in its strategic northwest trijunction between India, Nepal and China.
What was the denomination of the currency note?
1) Rs 20
2) Rs 100
3) Rs 75
4) Rs 90
5) Rs 50
Answer-2) Rs 100
Explanation:
Nepal government is set to introduce the new Rs 100 currency note featuring a map which includes the controversial border territories of Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani of Uttarakhand in its strategic northwest trijunction between India, Nepal and China.
During the meeting held on 25th April 2024 and 2nd May 2024, The Nepal Cabinet approved to re-design the Rs 100 banknote and replace the old map printed in the background of the note.
Note: Nepal shares a border of over 1,850 km with 5 Indian states – Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Which Financial Institution recently (in may ‘24) signed the Master Risk Participation Agreement (MRPA) with Citigroup Inc. (Citi) to enhance supply chain financing for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) across Asia-Pacific?
1) European Investment Bank
2) New Development Bank
3) Asian Development Bank
4) Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
5) World Bank
Answer-3) Asian Development Bank
Explanation:
Asian Development Bank(ADB) and Citigroup Inc. (Citi), an American multinational investment bank, have partnered to sign a Master Risk Participation Agreement (MRPA) to enhance access to supply chain financing for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and support over USD 100 million in additional annual trade across Asia-Pacific.
The MRPA signed between ADB’s Trade and Supply Chain Finance Program (TSCFP) and Citibank North America will enable SME across Asia to access Citi’s supply-chain finance offerings via ADB’s TSCFP.
India and Ghana have recently (in may ‘24) agreed to operationalise __________ within a period of 6 months at the 4th session of India-Ghana Joint Trade Committee (JTC) held in Accra, Ghana.
1) Unified Payment Interface
2) Free Trade Agreement
3) Digital Transformation
4) Migrant Workers
5) Double Taxation Agreement
Answer-1) Unified Payment Interface
Explanation:
India and Ghana have agreed to operationalise the Unified Payment Interface (UPI) of National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) on Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems (GHIPSS) within a period of 6 months.
The linkage of India and Ghana payments system allows instant and low-cost fund transfers for users in both India and Ghana.
This was discussed during the 4th session of India-Ghana Joint Trade Committee (JTC) held from 2nd to 3rd May 2024 in Accra, Ghana.
In May 2024, the India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) Private Limited , a wholly owned subsidiary of Fitch group, raised India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast for fiscal year 2024-2025 (FY25) to______ from 6.5%.
1) 7.5 %
2) 7.0%
3) 8.5%
4) 6.6%
5) 7.1%
Answer-5) 7.1%
Explanation:
On May 6 2024, The India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) Private Limited , a wholly owned subsidiary of Fitch group, raised India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast for fiscal year 2024-2025 (FY25) to 7.1% from 6.5%.
Ind-Ra expects average retail and wholesale inflation at 4.6% and 2.9%, respectively, in FY25.
Ind-Ra expects private final consumption expenditure (PFCE) to grow by 7.0% year-on-year in FY25, marking a three-year high.
The capital expenditure continues to support investment demand, with Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) forecast to increase by 8.5 % year on year in FY25.
Ind-Ra expects goods and services exports to expand by 6.6% year on year and imports to grow by 8.8% year on year in FY25, up from 1.5% and 10.9%, respectively, in FY24.
UNICEF(United Nations Children’s Fund) India has recently (in may ‘24) named bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan as its __________.
1) Youth Advocate
2) National celebrity Ambassador
3) Celebrity Advocate
4) Goodwill Ambassador
5) Brand Ambassador
Answer-2) National celebrity Ambassador
Explanation:
On May 4, 2024, UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) India named Bollywood Actress Kareena Kapoor Khan as its National celebrity Ambassador. In this role, she will advocate for children’s rights to early development, health, education, and gender equality.
The appointment comes with the celebration of the 75th year of UNICEF’s partnership with India.
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In Which city, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully conducted the first ignition test on the Semi Cryogenic Pre-Burner Ignition Test Article on 2nd May 2024?
1) Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh
2) Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
3) Chitradurga, Karnataka
4) Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu
5) Chandipur, Odisha
Answer-4) Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu
Explanation:
On May 2, 2024, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted the first ignition test on the Semi Cryogenic Pre-Burner Ignition Test Article (PITA) at Semi Cryo Integrated Engine Test Facility (SIET) at ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu (TN).
The semi-cryogenic engine ignition is achieved using a Start Fuel Ampule, which utilizes a combination of Triethyle Alumnide and Triethyle Boron developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC).
It is used for the first time in ISRO in the 2000 kN semi-cryogenic engine.
In May 2024, The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Army were planned to jointly deploy ________ Predator drones at air bases in Gorakhpur and Sarsawa, Uttar Pradesh
1) X8 drones
2) MQ-9B
3) IG Drones
4) Agribot Drone
5) Bomber Drone
Answer-2) MQ-9B
Explanation:
The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Army plan to jointly deploy MQ-9B Predator drones made by the United States of America (USA) at air bases in Gorakhpur and Sarsawa, Uttar Pradesh (UP), for upgrading surveillance capabilities along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh.
MQ-9B, manufactured by the USA-based General Atomics Aeronautical, has 2 variants – Sky Guardian and Sea Guardian.
When was the World Portuguese Language Day 2024 observed across the globe?
1) 26th March
2) 21 February
3) 23 April
4) 20 March
5) 5th May
Answer-5) 5th May
Explanation:
World Portuguese Language Day 2024 was observed across the globe on 5 May to raise awareness of the Portuguese language, one of the most widely used languages of the Indo-European family, and its role in and contribution to the preservation and dissemination of human civilization and culture.
· UNESCO celebrated the 1st World Portuguese Language Day on 5th May 2020.
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When was the African World Heritage Day (AWHD) 2024 observed across the globe?
1) 18th April
2) 22nd March
3) 5th May
4) 25th January
5) 15th March
Answer-3) 5th May
Explanation:
African World Heritage Day (AWHD) is annually observed across the globe on 5 May to celebrate African culture and heritage by raising awareness of the benefits of its promotion and preservation and the related challenges faced by the African continent.
· 5th May 2024 marks the observance of the 9th edition of African World Heritage Day.
· The theme of AWHD 2024 is “Safeguarding Africa’s Heritage through Education”.
· The observance of AWHD is led by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in collaboration with the African World Heritage Fund (AWHF) and its partners.
When was the International No Diet Day (INDD) 2024 observed across the globe ?
1) 7th June
2) 29 September
3) 6th May
4) 16 October
5) 5th March
Answer-3) 6th May
Explanation:
International No Diet Day (INDD) is annually observed across the globe on 6th May to promote body positivity, self-acceptance, and the acceptance of all body shapes and sizes, as well as raise awareness about the dangers of extreme dieting.
· The symbol of International No Diet Day is a light blue ribbon.
· The theme of INDD 2024 is “Embrace Yourself: Reject Diet Culture, Love You”
Which of the following Exercises was recently(in may ‘24) conducted by the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force (IAF) across multiple locations in Punjab?
1) Surya Kiran
2) DUSTLIK 2024
3) Bharat Shakti
4) Gagan Strike-II
5) MILAN24
Answer-4) Gagan Strike-II
Explanation:
On May 7, 2024, the Ambala, Haryana-based Kharga Corps, under the Indian Army (IA)’s Western Command, and the Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted Gagan Strike-II, a three-day Joint Exercise across multiple locations in Punjab.
The exercise was reviewed by Lieutenant General (Lt Gen) Manoj Kumar Katiyar, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Command.
The exercise aimed to refine processes and validate the use of attack helicopters in mechanized operations in developed terrain.
Which company/regulatory body has recently (in may ‘24)received ISO (the International Organization for Standardization)/ IEC (the International Electrotechnical Commission) 42001:2023 Certification for its Artificial Intelligence Management System (AIMS)?
1) Cognizant
2) HCL Technologies
3) Tata Consultancy Services
4) Securities and Exchange Board of India
5) Infosys
Answer-5) Infosys
Explanation:
Infosys received ISO (the International Organization for Standardization)/ IEC (the International Electrotechnical Commission)42001:2023 Certification for its Artificial Intelligence Management System (AIMS), making it among the first IT services companies globally to earn this recognition.
This certification is the world’s first international standard on AI management systems by TUV India (part of TÜV Nord Group), a leading provider of technical quality and safety services.
Which is the wealthiest city in the world, as per the 2024 World’s Wealthiest Cities Report published by Henley & Partners in collaboration with New World Wealth?
1) New York City, United States of America
2) The Bay Area, United States of America
3) Mumbai, India
4) Delhi, India
5) London, United Kingdom
Answer-1) New York City, United States of America
Explanation:
According to the 2024 World’s Wealthiest Cities Report published by international wealth migration specialists Henley & Partners, New York City, New York, the United States of America (USA) has retained its title as the Wealthiest City in the World.
California’s the Bay Area(USA) is ranked 2nd followed by Tokyo(Japan); Singapore(Singapore) and London(The United Kingdom-UK) at 3rd, 4th and 5th position respectively.
Mumbai(Maharashtra) (24th) and Delhi (37th) were the only Indian cities featured among the top 50 of the 2024 World’s Wealthiest Cities Report.
With 11 cities in the Top 50, the USA has emerged as the World’s richest country.
Note: World’s Wealthiest Cities Report is the annual report published by Henley & Partners in collaboration with New World Wealth, a global data intelligence firm.
In May 2024, The International Organization for Migration(IOM) released the World Migration Report 2024.
What is the remittance value received by India in 2022?
1) USD 61.10 billion
2) USD 51 billion
3) USD 111 billion
4) USD 30.4 billion
5) USD 90.5 billion
Answer-3) USD 111 billion
Explanation:
On 7th May 2024, United Nations(UN) agency, International Organization for Migration(IOM) released the report titled “World Migration Report 2024””. The report revealed that India received over USD 111 billion in remittances in 2022. Thus, India becomes the 1st country to surpass the USD 100 billion mark.
After India, Mexico is the 2nd highest recipient of remittance in the world and received USD 61.10 billion as remittance in 2022.
China, which held 2nd position in terms of highest remittances globally for the longest time, was replaced by Mexico and eventually dropped to 3rd position, with USD 51 billion remittances in 2022 followed by The Philippines (USD 38.05 billion) and France(USD 30.4 billion).
Name the India’s first Large Language Model (LLM) for the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector, developed recently (in may ‘24) by Setu in collaboration with Sarvam AI.
1) Sesame
2) Gemini
3) iMPEL-AI
4) IndiaAI
5) Copilot AI
Answer- 1) Sesame
Explanation:
Setu, a division of the Pine Labs Group, launched Sesame, India’s first Large Language Model (LLM) for the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector. It is developed in collaboration with Sarvam Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Setu aims to empower BFSI customers with smarter credit decisions and hyper-personalized financial services.
In May 2024, ProPublica won the 2024 ______________ (award) in journalism under the Public Service category.
1) Erasmus Prize
2) National Creators Award
3) Abel Prize
4) Pulitzer Prize
5) Ramon Magsaysay Award
Answer- 4) Pulitzer Prize
Explanation:
On 6th May 2024, The Pulitzer Board announced the winners of 108th Pulitzer Prize (2024) under the categories such as: Journalism, Books, Drama and Music, and Special Citations.
Pulitzer Prize is highest national honor in United States of America (USA) in the field of journalism, literature, and music composition.
ProPublica won the 2024 Pulitzer Prize in Journalism under the Public Service category.
Hannah Dreier of New York Times won 2024 Pulitzer Prize in Journalism under the Investigative Reporting category.
David E. Hoffman of the Washington Post won 2024 Pulitzer Prize in Journalism under the Editorial Writing category.
Photography Staff of Reuter won the 2024 Pulitzer Prize in Journalism under the Breaking News Photography.
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Who has been recently (in may ‘24) elected as the 7th First Minister of Scotland, succeeding Humza Yousaf?
1) John Ramsay Swinney
2) Luis Montenegro
3) Ousmane Sonko
4) Simon Harris
5) Petteri Orpo
Answer-1) John Ramsay Swinney
Explanation:
On May 7 2024, Scotland Parliament elected John Ramsay Swinney, the leader of Scottish National Party (SNP) as the 7th First Minister of Scotland.
He succeeds Humza Haroon Yousaf, who formally resigned from the role on May 7 2024.
He will be formally appointed with a Royal Warrant from His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom(UK).
Note: Scotland is a country within the United Kingdom (UK). UK is made up of four constituent states: England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
___________________ has recently (in may ‘24) announced its first ever partnership with Hockey India, for the National Women’s Hockey League 2024-2025.
1) YES Bank
2) Reliance Foundation
3) Anandana, The Coca-Cola India Foundation
4) TATA Group
5) Piramal Foundation
Answer-3) Anandana, The Coca-Cola India Foundation
Explanation:
Anandana, The Coca-Cola India Foundation, announced its first ever partnership with Hockey India, for the National Women’s Hockey League 2024-2025, the inaugural edition of the tournament.
Objective of the partnership: To improve women’s hockey by addressing essential elements such as offering specialised coaching, training equipment, nutritional support, and the organisation of camps and competitions to foster growth.
World Asthma Day (WAD) is annually observed across the globe on the __________________ to raise awareness of Asthma, one of the most common chronic non-communicable diseases (NCD).
1) Second Monday of February
2) First Tuesday of May
3) last Saturday of April
4) Fourth Thursday of April
5) last friday of March
Answer-2) First Tuesday of May
Explanation:
World Asthma Day (WAD) is annually observed across the globe on the 1st Tuesday of May to raise awareness of Asthma, one of the most common chronic non-communicable diseases (NCD), affecting both children and adults.
World Asthma Day 2024 was observed on 7th May 2024.
The annual observance of WAD is led by Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA).
The theme of WAD 2024 is “Asthma Education Empowers”
The 1st World Asthma Day was observed by GINA in 1998.
Which organisation/force under the Ministry of Defence(MoD) has observed its 75th Raising Day on 7th May 2024.
1) Defence Research & Development Organisation
2) Army Medical Corps
3) Central Industrial Security Force
4) Border Roads Organisation
5) Central Reserve Police Force
Answer-4) Border Roads Organisation
Explanation:
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) annually celebrates its Raising Day on 7 May to commemorate the establishment of the BRO in 1960. The Day aims to recognise the organisations’ personnel and invite all ranks to continue to excel in constructing and maintaining roads and bridges in the border area.
7th May 2024 marks the observance of the 65th Raising Day of BRO.
In May 2024, the Indian Coast Guard(ICG) signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with ____________________ to ensure the supply of indigenous marine grade steel.
1) Jindal Steel & Power Limited
2) JSW Steel
3) Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited
4) Jindal Stainless Limited
5) Steel Authority of India Limited
Answer-1) Jindal Steel & Power Limited
Explanation:
On 7th May 2024, Indian Coast Guard(ICG) signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with Jindal Steel & Power Limited (JSPL), a part of OP Jindal Group, to ensure the supply of indigenous marine grade steel to enhance the indigenous content in shipbuilding.
According to the report “Global Electricity Review 2024” by the international energy analytics agency Ember, in 2023, India surpassed Japan to become the world’s third-largest producer of __________ power, generating 113 Terawatt-hour
1) Hydro
2) Coal
3) Wind
4) Solar
5) Thermal
Answer-4) Solar
Explanation:
As per the report “Global Electricity Review 2024” by the international energy analytics agency Ember, in 2023, India surpassed Japan to become the world’s third-largest producer of solar power, generating 113 Terawatt-hour (TWh) compared to Japan’s 110 Terawatt-hour (TWh).
India’s solar generation increased 17 times from 0.5% in 2015 to reaching 5.8% in 2023.
China led global solar production in 2023, producing 584 Terawatt-hour (TWh), surpassing the combined output of the United States, Japan, Germany, and India.
India witnessed the world’s fourth-largest increase in solar generation in 2024, with a growth of 18 terawatt hours (TWh), following China (+156 TWh), the United States (+33 TWh), and Brazil (+22 TWh).
Which company has recently (in may ‘24) opened the world’s largest operational Direct Air Capture and Storage(DAC + S) plant named “Mammoth” in Iceland to extract carbon dioxide from the air and store it underground as rock?
1) Flywire
2) Climeworks AG
3) JERA Co. Inc
4) Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited
5) INOX Air Products
Answer-2) Climeworks AG
Explanation:
On 8th May 2024, Swiss startup Climeworks AG has opened the world’s largest operational Direct Air Capture and Storage(DAC + S) plant named “Mammoth” in Iceland. It will extract Carbon Dioxide(CO2) from the air and store it underground in the form of rock.
· The plant has the capacity to capture up to 36, 000 tons of CO2 per annum.
In May 2024, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) issued guidelines that mandate the acquiring banks to verify merchant details for ________.
1) BHIM Aadhaar Pay
2) Aadhaar Enabled Payment System
3) Unified Payments Interface
4) Bharat Bill Payment System
5) Central Bank Digital Currency
Answer-1) BHIM Aadhaar Pay
Explanation:
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has issued guidelines shifting the responsibility of verifying merchant details onto acquiring banks for Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM) Aadhaar Pay (BAP), where merchants receive digital payments through Aadhaar Authentication.
Acquiring banks are mandated to verify merchant details, whether directly onboarded or through partners.
In May 2024, Google has launched __________________, a secure and private digital purse for all Android users in India to store cards, passes, tickets, keys, or IDs.
1) Gemini
2) Lumiere
3) CSpace
4) Google Wallet
5) Google Pocket
Answer-4) Google Wallet
Explanation:
Google has launched Google Wallet, a secure and private digital wallet for all Android users in India to store cards, passes, tickets, keys, or IDs.· It offers users a single, organised location for quick and easier access to digital documents integrated with QR code
· Google Wallet in India will not support payment-related features. Google Pay, Google’s mobile payment app, will continue to serve the payment needs of users in India.
Researchers from Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) has recently (in may ‘24) discovered the new marine tardigrade species ‘Batillipes Chandrayaani’, named after the Chandrayaan-3.
The new species ‘Batillipes Chandrayaani’ was discovered in which Indian state?
1) Tamil Nadu
2) Kerala
3) Maharashtra
4) West Bengal
5) Andhra Pradesh
Answer-1) Tamil Nadu
Explanation:
Researchers from the Department of Marine Biology, Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) in Kochi, Kerala, have discovered a new species of marine tardigrade “Batillipes Chandrayaani”, named after the Chandrayaan-3, in the intertidal beach sediments at Mandapam Coast, Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu(TN).
· The paper on the discovery was published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal “Zootaxa”.
Name the new Green Lynx Spider that was recently (in may ‘24) identified by Daryapur-based arachnologist Atul Bodkhe from the Churu district of Rajasthan.
1) Brucethoa isro
2) Indopria Angulata
3) Peucetia chhaparajnirvin
4) Cigaritis Conjuncta
5) Pantoea Tagorei
Answer- 3) Peucetia chhaparajnirvin
Explanation:
Atul Bodkhe, Daryapur-based arachnologist has identified a new green lynx spider species named Peucetia chhaparajnirvin from Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary in Churu District, Rajasthan.
The new species was named “chhaparajnirvin “ after the Tal Chhapar where it was discovered by Nirmala Kumari and Vinod Kumari.
In May 2024, Urdu litterateur Shaikh Abdussalam Abdurrazzaq, known by his pen name Salam Bin Razzaq, Passed Away.
He won the 2004 Sahitya Akademi Award for _____________(Book).
1) Ondu Putada Kathe
2) Shahdaba
3) Naar Hatun Kazal Wanas
4) Shikasta Buton Ke Darmiyan
5) Rajdev Ki Amrai
Answer-4) Shikasta Buton Ke Darmiyan
Explanation:
Renowned Urdu litterateur and Sahitya Akademi Award winner(2004) Shaikh Abdussalam Abdurrazzaq known by his pen name Salam Bin Razzaq passed away at the age of 83. He was born in 1941 at Panvel, Raigad district, Maharashtra.
He won the Sahitya Akademi Award for his Urdu short stories collection, ‘Shikasta Buton Ke Darmiyan’, in 2004.
When was World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day 2024 observed across the globe with the theme “Keeping Humanity Alive”?
1) 21st March
2) 20th February
3) 1st March
4) 8th May
5) 8th April
Answer-4) 8th May
Explanation:
World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is annually observed across the globe on 8th May to honour and thank the volunteers and staff of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
The day also celebrates the principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
The theme of World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day 2024 is “Keeping Humanity Alive”.
When was International Thalassaemia Day (World Thalassaemia Day) 2024 observed across the globe?
1) 10th February
2) 14th April
3) 25th April
4) 15th March
5) 8th May
Answer-5) 8th May
Explanation:
International Thalassaemia Day(also known as World Thalassaemia Day) is annually observed across the globe on 8 May to raise awareness about Thalassaemia, an inherited blood disorder that causes your body to have less hemoglobin than normal.
The observance is led by the Thalassaemia International Federation (ΤΙF).
The theme of International Thalassaemia Day 2024 is “Empowering Lives, Embracing Progress: Equitable and Accessible Thalassaemia Treatment for All”.
In May 2024, the World Health Organisation (WHO) granted certification to 3 countries in the Americas i.e. Belize, Jamaica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines for ‘Eliminating the Mother-To-Child Transmission’(EMTCT) of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and ____________.
1) Syphilis
2) Viral hepatitis
3) Cervical Cancer
4) Coronavirus
5) Congenital Chagas
Answer-1) Syphilis
Explanation:
On 7th May 2024, The World Health Organisation (WHO) granted certification to 3 countries in the Americas i.e. Belize, Jamaica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines for eliminating the mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Syphilis.
Criteria for Certification:
i.Countries which have brought the mother-to-child HIV transmission rate to under 5%.
ii.Countries which provided antenatal care and antiretroviral treatment to more than 90% of pregnant women.
iii.Countries which reported fewer than 50 new cases of congenital syphilis per 100, 000 newborns.
iv.Countries which achieved a HIV rate of fewer than 500 per 100, 000 live births.
In May 2024, The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has lifted restrictions on __________(Bank) mobile app, _____________, to onboard new customers in it.
1) Canara Bank, Canara ai1
2) Jammu & Kashmir Bank’s, mPAY – Delight
3) Bank of Baroda’s, BoB World
4) Karnataka Bank, KBL Mobile Plus
5) ICICI Bank, Money2India
Answer-3) Bank of Baroda’s, BoB World
Explanation:
In May 2024, The Reserve Bank of India(RBI) has lifted restrictions on Bank of Baroda(BoB)’s mobile application “BoB World” with immediate effect. This allows BoB to onboard customers through BoB World application in accordance with the applicable guidelines and extant laws /regulations.
Background:
In October 2023, RBI in exercise of its power given under Section 35A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, ordered BoB to immediately suspend the process of adding customers through its “BoB World” mobile application based on certain supervisory concerns.
Which of the following organisation has recently ( in May ‘24) received SEBI approval to function as an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Ratings Provider (ERP)?
1) Acuite Ratings & Research Limited
2) Pragati Development Consulting Services Limited
3) CRISIL ESG Ratings & Analytics Limited
4) CARE ESG Ratings Limited
5) India Ratings and Research
Answer-4) CARE ESG Ratings Limited
Explanation:
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has given approval to CARE ESG Ratings Limited (CareEdge-ESG – formerly known as CARE Advisory Research & Training Limited), a wholly owned subsidiary of CARE Ratings Limited, to function as a Category I Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Ratings Provider (ERP).
· CareEdge-ESG received the received the registration under the SEBI (Credit Rating Agencies) Regulations, 1999 on 2nd May 2024.
· The ratings will enable the issuers to discern steps for the betterment of their sustainability performance.
Who has been recently (in May ‘24) reappointed as the Prime Minister (PM) of Russia?
1) Gabriel Attal
2) Mikhail Mishustin
3) Ilham Aliyev
4) Luis Filipe Montenegro
5) Aleksandar Vučić
Answer-2) Mikhail Mishustin
Explanation:
On 10th May 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed the reappointment of Mikhail Vladimirovich Mishustin(58) as Prime Minister (PM) of Russia. He proposed his name for State Duma, lower house of the Federal Assembly of Russia.
· Mishustin who held the post of Russia’s PM for last 4 years, submitted his resignation to the Cabinet on 7th May 2024, when Vladimir Putin officially sworn-in as President of Russia for the 5th term during a ceremony held at Kremlin Palace, Moscow, Russia.
Who has been recently (in may ‘24) appointed as Chairperson of the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH)?
1) Jagjit Pavadia
2) Joyshree Das Verma
3) Shashi Kumar Singh
4) Pramod Kumar Tiwari
5) Rizwan Koita
Answer-5) Rizwan Koita
Explanation:
Rizwan Koita, an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and Director of the Koita Foundation (KF) has been appointed Chairperson of the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH).
· He replaced Padma Shri Dr. Mahesh Verma, Vice Chancellor of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (IPU) in Delhi, who assumed the role of Chairperson NABH in 2022.
Note: NABH, a constituent board of the Quality Council of India (QCI), sets benchmarks for quality and accredits healthcare organizations.
Which organisation has recently (in may ‘24) developed India’s 1st indigenous Loitering Aerial Munitions for Armed Forces?
1) Skyroot Aerospace Private Limited
2) Bellatrix Aerospace Pvt Ltd.
3) Munitions India Limited
4) Kadet Defence Systems
5) Adani Defence and Aerospace
Answer- 4) Kadet Defence Systems
Explanation:
Kadet Defence Systems(P) Limited (KDS) has introduced India’s 1st pioneering Loitering Aerial Munitions (LAM) for the Indian Armed Forces. It was developed under a unique Development cum Production Partner(DCPP) model with the Defence Research and Development Organisation(DRDO).
LAM system encompasses cutting-edge technologies such as: Canister Aerial Loitering Munition (CALM), Combat Unmanned Aerial Vehicles(UAVs) with stand-off capabilities and Tactical Vertical Takeoff & Landing (VTOL) UAVs.
Name the the rocky exoplanet with an atmosphere that has been recently (in may 24) detected by astronomers using the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)?
1) TOI-715 b
2) 55 Cancri e
3) Titan
4) 2005 EX296
5) Gaia BH1
Answer-2) 55 Cancri e
Explanation:
Astronomers using the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have detected atmospheric gases surrounding 55 Cancri e, also known as Janssen, a hot rocky exoplanet 41 light-years from Earth.
This is one of the 5 known planets orbiting the 55 Cancri, Sun-like star in the constellation Cancer.
This discovery marks the first time an atmosphere has been identified surrounding a terrestrial planet outside our Solar System.
The planet is classified as a super-Earth: larger than Earth, smaller than Neptune, and likely similar in composition to the rocky planets in our solar system.
Which Space startup has recently(in may’24) signed an MoU with IN-SPACe To Enhance Satellite Tech for Earth Observation?
1) GalaxEye
2) AeroSpace Services India
3) Tata Advanced Systems Limited
4) Skyroot Aerospace
5) Garuda Aerospace
Answer-1) GalaxEye
Explanation:
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GalaxEye Space, which grants GalaxEye access to world-class laboratories and testing facilities operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
· GalaxEye has become the first Indian company to benefit from IN-SPACe’s top-tier co-working and testing space as a partner in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
· GalaxEye is presently working on India’s first private constellation of Earth observation satellites ‘Drishti Mission’ (multi-sensor imaging satellite)
Name the institute from which researchers recently (in May ‘24) discovered two new species of needlefish ‘ Ablennes gracalii’ and ‘Ablennes joseberchmansis’.
1) Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture
2) National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources
3) Zoological Survey of India
4) Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute
5) North East Institute Of Science And Technology
Answer-4) Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute
Explanation:
Researchers at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) in Kochi (Kerala) have identified 2 new species of needlefish named “Ablennes joseberchmansis” and “Ablennes gracalii” from Indian waters.
The findings of the new species were published in the Journal of Regional Studies in Marine Science.
The research was carried out by Toji Thomas, a research scholar at CMFRI, under the guidance of Dr EM Abdussamad, principal scientist and Head-in-charge of the Pelagic Fisheries Division at CMFRI.
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)- National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR), the apex institute for fish genetic resources in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, discovered a new catfish species named Glyptothorax punyabratai from the Brahmaputra River drainage in Arunachal Pradesh.
· The species is named after Dr. Punyabarata Das, the founding director of ICAR-NBFGR, to commemorate his substantial contributions to fisheries research.
In which league/tournament did Mumbai City Football Club (MCFC) recently (in may ‘24) defeat Mohun Bagan SuperGiants (MBSG) to win the title?
1) Santosh Trophy
2) Women’s Premier League
3) Khelo India University Games
4) Khelo India Youth Games
5) Indian Super League
Answer-5) Indian Super League
Explanation:
Mumbai City Football Club (MCFC) beat Mohun Bagan SuperGiants (MBSG) 3-1 to win the 10th edition of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 final at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium) in Kolkata, West Bengal(WB).
· This is the second ISL title for Mumbai City Football Club, it previously won the 2020-21 season against Atlético de Kolkata Mohun Bagan.
Which company has recently (in May ‘24)signed an MoU with the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) for the manufacturing and supply of indigenous marine-grade aluminium?
1) Remine India
2) ReNew
3) Hindalco
4) JSW Group
5) Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited
Answer-3) Hindalco
Explanation:
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Hindalco Industries Limited for the manufacturing and supply of indigenous marine-grade aluminium to Indian public and private shipyards for ship construction.
• The MoU will provide benefits such as quarterly pricing, priority in supplies and turnover discount and also aims to facilitate better planning and cost management for shipbuilding projects by providing stable and predictable pricing over time.
Option Revision:
1. Covered on 9th April 2024,The Technology Development Board (TDB), under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST), Government of India (GoI) entered into an agreement with Remine India Private Limited to establish a commercial plant for recycling lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries (LIBs) and e-waste using indigenous technology in Sitarganj, Uttarakhand, with a total project cost of Rs 15 crore.
2. Covered on 21th & 22nd April 2024:ReNew Energy Global PLC (ReNew) and JERA Co. Inc., Japan’s largest power generation company, have signed an initial agreement to assess a green ammonia production project in Odisha.
4. Covered on 24th & 25th March 2024;The new Joint Venture (JV) company ‘JSW MG Motor India Pvt Ltd’ was launched in collaboration between JSW Group and M G Motor India Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Shanghai(China) based SAIC Motor.
Which organisation has recently (in may ‘24) published the 1st global guidelines to prevent bloodstream infections and other infections associated with the use of intravascular catheters?
1) United Nations Children’s Fund
2) World Health Organization
3) United Nations Environment Programme
4) Pan American Health Organization
5)United Nation Development Programme
Answer-2) World Health Organization
Explanation:
The World Health Organization (WHO) has published the 1st global guidelines titled “Guidelines for the prevention of bloodstream infections and other infections associated with the use of intravascular catheters: part I: peripheral catheters”, to combat bloodstream, and other infections stemming from catheter usage in minor blood vessels during medical procedures.
Option Revision:
1. Covered on 2nd December 2023: The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) published a report.As per the publication, nearly 98,000 adolescent girls aged 10-19 were infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in 2022 – or 1,900 new infections every week3. Covered on 29th March 2024: the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) released its ‘Food Waste Index Report 2024‘ which tracks the progress of countries to halve food waste by 2030. As per it, world wasted an estimated 19% of the food produced globally in 2022, or about 1.05 billion metric tons.
Which of the following Indian defence forces has recently (in May ‘24) signed an MoU with the Bank of India for “BOI Rakshak Package”?
1) Border Security Force
2) Indian Army
3) Indian Air Force
4) Indian Navy
5) Indian Coast Guard
Answer- 5) Indian Coast Guard
Explanation:
On 9th May 2024, Bank of India(BOI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Coast Guard (ICG), to offer a Defence service salary package through “BOI Rakshak Salary/ Pension Savings Scheme”.
• The minimum balance required is zero or nil for the account.
• The scheme also features BOI Mobile Omni Neo app which will enable the defence personnel at borders and at remote areas can easily access various financial solutions.
Option Revision:
2. Covered on 6th April 2024, The Indian Army has commenced the induction of the indigenous ‘Akashteer Control & Reporting Systems’ to enhance its air defence capabilities. This will enable the Indian Army’s defence units to operate in an integrated manner.3. Covered on 13 March 2024, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) headed by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, has approved fund worth Rs 15,000 crore for an indigenous fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) fighter jet project for the Indian Air Force (IAF).4. Covered on 7th March 2024: The Indian Navy (IN) commissioned the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Jatayu at Minicoy, the southernmost island in Lakshadweep. This is the 2nd naval base in Lakshadweep after INS Dweeprakshak in Kavaratti, the capital of Lakshadweep.
Which bank has recently (in May ‘24) in partnership with the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) under NITI Aayog supported social sector startups with grants worth Rs 19.6 crore in FY24 (FY 2023–24)?
1) Bank of India
2) Karnataka Bank
3) Yes Bank
4) HDFC Bank
5) State Bank of India
Answer-4) HDFC Bank
Explanation:
HDFC Bank, Indian’s largest Private Sector Bank (PSB), in partnership with Atal Innovation Mission(AIM), under National Institution for Transforming India(NITI Aayog), supports social sector startup with grants worth Rs 19.6 crore in FY24 (FY 2023-24).
• Under the 7th “HDFC Bank Parivartan Start-up Grants Programme”, 170 social start-ups received grants worth a total of Rs 19.6 crore, through 41 incubators.
Note: Over 50% of the 170 start-ups hail from over 60 tier-II/ tier-III cities in India.
Option Revision:
2. Covered on 12th January 2024: Karnataka Bank Limited (KBL) has partnered with Digivriddhi Technologies Private Limited (DGV) to offer financial services to support the requirements of dairy society
3. Covered on 13th February 2024: Yes Bank Limited has partnered with the Bengaluru-based fintech startup, LeRemitt, to create a cross-border platform to enable Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises to conduct International Transactions in Key Currencies
5. Covered on 15th March 2024: State Bank of India partnered with based One97 Communications Limited (OCL) to settle UPI transactions upon acquiring 3rd party app provider TPAP license.
Who has been recently (in May ‘24) re-elected as the Chairman of Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited( IFFCO)?
1) Balvir Singh
2) Dileep Sanghani
3) Anil Kumar Lahoti
4) Jay Shah
5) Shamalbhai B Patel
Answer-2) Dileep Sanghani
Explanation:
The Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) has re-elected Dileep Sanghani as its Chairman during the 15th Representative General Body (RGB) elections for its Board of Directors at IFFCO Sadan, New Delhi, Delhi.
• Balvir Singh has been retained as the Vice Chairman of IFFCO.
Note: IFFCO, a leading fertilizer company, is the world’s number one cooperative (as of February 22, 2024).
Option Revision:
3.Covered on 1st February 2024:The Appointment Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of former railway board chairman and chief executive officer(CEO) Anil Kumar Lahoti as the 9th Chairman of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) for 3 years or until the age of 65 years.
4. Covered on 3rd February 2024:Jay Shah, Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), was reappointed as the President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) for the 3rd consecutive term.
Name the 3D-printed rocket engine that was recently (in MAY ‘24) tested successfully by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) at ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu.
1) Klimov RD-33 Aero Engine
2) Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine
3) AM PS4 Engine
4) Carbon-Carbon(C-C) nozzle rocket engine
5) CE20 cryogenic engine
Answer-3) AM PS4 Engine
Explanation:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully tested a liquid rocket engine, ‘AM PS4 Engine’, produced using Additive Manufacturing (AM) technology, commonly known as 3D printing at ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu (TN).
• It is redesigned with Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) principles by the ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) in Bengaluru, Karnataka, and the engine is manufactured by M/s WIPRO 3D.
• The Laser Powder Bed Fusion technique utilized in AM PS4 Engine reducing part count from 14 to a single piece and eliminating 19 weld joints.
• AM also cut raw material use by 97% per engine (from 565 kg to 13.7 kg of metal powder) and slashed production time by 60%.
Option Revision:
1.Covered on 3rd & 4th March 2024: the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract worth Rs 5,249.72 crore with Bengaluru (Karnataka) headquartered HAL for the procurement of Klimov RD-33 Aero Engines for Mikoyan MiG-29 aircraft.
2.Covered on 10th January 2024:National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has successfully tested the 3-dimensionally (3-D) printed innovative propulsion system called “Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine (RDRE)” at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, the United States of America (USA).
4. Covered on 17th April 2024:Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) based in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala has developed a light weight Carbon-Carbon(C-C) nozzle for rocket engine.
In May 2024, ISRO Chairman Somnath launched the carbon reduction initiative of _____________(Company).
1) GalaxEye
2) NewSpace India Limited
3) AgniKul Cosmos
4) Tata Advanced Systems Limited
5) SFO Technologies
Answer-5) SFO Technologies
Explanation:
On 11th May 2024, Sreedhara Panicker Somanath, Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Secretary, Department of Space, Government of India (GoI) launched the carbon reduction initiative of Kochi-based SFO Technologies, the flagship company of the NeST Group.
• This initiative is in line with the objective of United Nation i.e. achieving 50% carbon reduction by 2035 and Zero emission by 2040.
• He also unveiled a replica of Chandrayaan which signifies the cooperation of SFO Technologies and ISRO.
Option Revision:
1. Covered on 13 May 2024:The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GalaxEye Space, which grants GalaxEye access to world-class laboratories and testing facilities operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
2.Covered on6th Jan 2024:NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is set to launch GSAT-20 (renamed GSAT-N2), a Ka-band high throughput satellite (HTS), onboard the Falcon-9 rocket of Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX) in the 2nd quarter of 2024.
In May 2024, the Defence Materials and Stores Research and Development Establishment (DMSRDE) developed _____________for an advanced air-breathing engine.
1) Liquid Ramjet fuel
2) High-velocity oxygen fuel
3) E100 Fuel
4) Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel
5) Green hydrogen Fuel
Answer-1) Liquid Ramjet fuel
Explanation:
On May 9 2024, The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) announced that one of its labs, Defence Materials and Stores Research and Development Establishment (DMSRDE) has made a ‘Landmark Achievement’ by developing liquid Ramjet fuel for an advanced air-breathing engine.
• Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Mineral Oil Company Private Limited are the industry partners in this development.
• The fuel will not freeze even in the very low temperature ranging from -50 to -55 degrees.
Option Revision:
2. Covered on 26th April 2024: SJVN Limited(formerly known as Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam) inaugurated India’s 1st multipurpose(combined Heat and Power) green hydrogen pilot project at the 1,500 megawatt (MW) Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Station (NJHPS) in Jhakri, Himachal Pradesh(HP).
• The state of the art green hydrogen pilot project has the capability to cater to the high-velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) coating facility of NJHPS to meet its combustion fuel requirements.
3. Covered on 20th March 2024:Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas(MoPNG), launched Ethanol 100 (E100 Fuel), a cleaner, greener automotive fuel alternative to gasoline.
4. Covered on 9th January 2024:Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has tested a 100-watt(W) class Polymer Electrolyte Membrane fuel-based Power System (FCPS) to assess its operation in space and to collect data to facilitate the design of systems for future missions.
• The test was carried out in ISRO’s orbital platform, PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM3) which was launched onboard Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)-C58.
In May 2024, the XRISM (X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and _________ discovered the presence of iron fingerprints in the active galaxy NGC 4151.
1) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
2) China National Space Administration ( CNSA)
3) Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos)
4) Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
5) Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA)
Answer-4) Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Explanation:
XRISM (X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission), an X-ray space telescope mission of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have discovered the presence of Iron fingerprints in the active galaxy NGC 4151.
• The resulting spectrum reveals the presence of iron in the peak around 6.5 kiloelectron volt (keV) and the dips around 7 keV, light thousands of times more energetic.
• About NGC 4151: NGC 4151 is a spiral galaxy, around 43 million light-years away in the northern constellation Canes Venatici. The supermassive black hole at its centre holds more than 20 million times the Sun’s mass.
Option Revision:
1. Covered on 6th January 2024: ISRO successfully performed the crucial manoeuvre(final manoeuvre) of injecting the Aditya-L1 spacecraft, India’s first space-based observatory-class solar probe to study the Sun, into the halo orbit around Lagrangian point 1 (L1).
2. Covered on 20th March 2024, China National Space Administration (CNSA) launched a Long March-8 rocket carrying Queqiao-2, a relay satellite designed to provide Earth-Moon communication services
3. Covered on 11th April 2024, Russian space agency Roscosmos State Corporation for Space Activities(ROSCOSMOS) successfully launched the 1st Angara-A5 space rocket from the launch pad in Vostochny Cosmodrome in the far eastern Amur region, Russia.
When was the National Technology Day 2024 observed across India?
1) 25th April
2) 23rd August
3) 4th October
4) 11th May
5) 25th March
Answer-4) 11th May
Explanation:
National Technology Day 2024 was observed across India on 11 May to honour the remarkable achievements of the nation’s scientists, engineers, innovators, and others involved in the field of Science and Technology, and celebrate and recognise the major technological advancements of India.
• This Day also commemorates the anniversary of the successful nuclear test (Pokhran II) in Pokhran, Rajasthan under the assigned code name Operation Shakti in 1998.
• 11 May 2024 marks the 26th year of National Technology Day.
• The 2024 event was celebrated under the theme, Promoting Clean and Green Technologies for a Sustainable Future‘.
Option Revision:
1. Covered on 25th April 2024:The International Girls in ICT (Information and Communications Technology) Day is annually observed across the globe on the 4th Thursday of April to inspire and encourage girls and women to pursue studies and careers in ICT and promote bridging the gender digital divide.The International Girls in ICT Day 2024 was observed on 25 April 2024.
2. Covered on 26th August 2023:Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi declared that 23rd August of every year will be observed as “National Space Day” in India to commemorate the soft landing of Chandrayaan 3 on the Moon.
3.Covered on 5th October 2023:The United Nations (UN) World Space Week (WSW) is annually observed across the globe from 4th to 10th October to celebrate the contributions of space science and technology to the betterment of the human condition.
