Current Affairs | May 2023

North Korea's military spy satellite launch ends in failure

• North Korea’s attempt to launch its first military spy satellite ended in failure after the rocket's
second stage malfunctioned.
• North Korea said that an accident occurred as it planned to send up its first space satellite,
causing it to crash into the sea.
• The new satellite transport rocket Chollima-1 launch failed as it lost propulsion due to an
abnormal startup of the engine.
Purana Qila excavations reveal pre-Mauryan era settlement
• A fresh round of excavations at the site of Delhi’s Purana Qila or Old Fort has uncovered evidence of the
continuous history of the city since the pre-Mauryan era.
• The Purana Qila, built by Sher Shah Suri and Mughal emperor Humayun, is believed by many to
be the site of Indraprastha, as mentioned in the Mahabharat.
Government to waive off ISTS charges for Off-Shore Wind Projects
• The Government has waived Inter-State Transmission Charges (ISTS) for Off-Shore Wind Projects,
Green Hydrogen, and Green Ammonia.
• This aims to promote offshore wind energy, expand Green Hydrogen and Green Ammonia
projects, and encourage renewable energy uptake from Energy Storage System Projects.
• The waiver applies to offshore wind projects commissioned by 31st December 2032 for 25 years.
Nvidia joins $1 trillion valuation club
• Nvidia Corp briefly joined an elite club of U.S. companies sporting a $1 trillion market value, as
investors piled into the chipmaker that has quickly become one of the biggest winners of the AI
boom.
• The highest price target values the company at about $1.6 trillion, on par with Google-parent
Alphabet.
• Nvidia's stock has surged 200% since October.
PM Modi will chair SCO Summit virtually on July 4
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair the 22nd Summit of the SCO Council of Heads of State
on 4th July. It will be held in a virtual format.
• India assumed the rotating Chairmanship of SCO at the Samarkand Summit on 16 September
last year.
• All the SCO Member States, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan and
Uzbekistan have been invited to attend the Summit.
Know About: SCO
• SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation):
o Formation date- 15 June,2001.
o It is a Eurasian political, economic, international security and defence organization.
o H.Q - Beijing,China.
o Members-China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan

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o Theme for SCO 2023 - FOR a SECURE SCO

India leads globally in regulating anti-tobacco warnings on OTT
• India has become a global leader in spreading awareness about the deadly effects of tobacco
consumption.
• The Union Health Ministry on notified new rules for anti-tobacco warnings on OTT platforms that
if the publisher of online content fails to comply with new rules then the ministry will take strict
action.
• This notification mandates OTT platforms to carry anti-tobacco warnings.
Jio Institute's Guruswami Ravichandran receives ASME Timoshenk Medal
• Jio Institutes Scientist Dr.Guruswami Ravichandran has been named the recipient of the
prestigious 2023 Timoshenko Medal by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
• The Timoshenko Medal was established in 1957 in recognition of distinguished contributions to
the field of applied mechanics.
• Guruswami Ravichandran is the founding Provost of Jio Institute.
Etihad Airways named Environmental Airline of 2023
• Etihad Airways has been named Environmental Airline of the Year 2023 for the second year running in the
Airline Ratings awards.
• The Airline Ratings awards acknowledge the best of the aviation industry and rank airlines on
their innovation, route networks, and safety score.
• The awards recognized Etihad's commitment to sustainable aviation through innovation and
collaboration
First IIT in Tanzania to open in October 2023
• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) will open its first-ever overseas campus in Tanzania's Zanzibar
in October 2023.
• The new IIT campus will be set up in Zanzibar under the name IIT Madras at Zanzibar.
• Zanzibar will be one of three campuses outside of India, with the others located in Abu Dhabi and
Kuala Lumpur.
• IITs are known for their research and innovation.
City Investments to Innovate, Integrate and Sustain 2.0 approved
• The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the City
Investments to Innovate, Integrate and Sustain 2.0 (CITIIS 2.0).
• The program will run for a period of four years, i.e., from 2023 to 2027.
• The program envisages supporting competitively selected projects promoting a circular economy.
Jude Bellingham named Bundesliga Player of the Season 2022-23
• 19-year-old Borussia Dortmund player Jude Bellingham has been named Bundesliga Player of the
Season for his incredible campaign in season 2022/23.
• The award is a well-deserved honor for the midfielder, who played a crucial role in BVB's title bid
this season.

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• At the age of 19, he became the youngest-ever captain of Borussia Dortmund.

PM condoles demise of noted Sanskrit scholar Ved Kumari Ghai
• The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the demise of noted
Sanskrit scholar Ved Kumari Ghai.
• Born on December 16, 1931 in Jammu, Ved Kumari Ghai was Sanskrit Scholar and Padma Shri
awardee, the fourth-highest civilian award in 2010.
• She was head of the Sanskrit Department at Jammu University until her retirement on December
31, 1991.
China to send men to moon by 2030
• China announced plans to send a manned mission to the moon by 2030 amid its deepening space
race with the West
• The announcement was made by Lin Xiqiang, Deputy Director of the China Manned Space
Agency, as China is preparing to send astronauts to its space station
• The goal is reportedly to achieve China’s first manned landing on the moon by 2030 and carry
out lunar scientific explorations.
Sivok-Rangpo Rail Project: Concrete lining of Tunnel 14 completed
• Tunnel number T-14 of the Sivok- Rangpo Rail Project (SRRP) in Sikkim has reached a major
milestone as its final concrete lining was completed.
• This 1977-meter-long tunnel is the gateway of the railway network to Sikkim.
• The Sivok to Rangpo New Rail Link Project spans approximately 45 kilometers connecting West
Bengal and Sikkim.
• It features 14 tunnels, 22 bridges, and five stations.
Rafale jets carry out long-range mission in Indian Ocean Region
• Four Rafale fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force carried out a "strategic" mission over the Indian
Ocean region demonstrating their long-range combat capabilities.
• The jets took off from the Hasimara Air Force station in the eastern sector.
• The Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out the mission at a time China has been ramping up its
presence in the Indian Ocean region.
Devi Lok Mahotsav started in Salkanpur, Madhya Pradesh
• The three-day-long Devi Lok Mahotsav (Devi Lok Mahotsav) started on May 29 in the famous
Devi Dham Salkanpur.
• Kartikeya Singh Chauhan, son of CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan and MP Ramakant Bhargava
participated in the inauguration of Devi Lok Mahotsav.
• Nine thousand talents showed their talent during the program.
Meghalaya inks MoU with NIOS to bring dropouts back to schools.
• Meghalya government signed an MoU with the National Institute of Open Schooling to facilitate
the return of dropouts to educational institutions.

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• Meghalaya with 27.9 percent drop out rate in the secondary level is ranked third followed closely
by Madhya Pradesh (26.1 percent) and Nagaland (24.4 percent)
• Assam recorded the highest dropout rate in the country at the secondary level.
Maharashtra Cabinet approves Gender Inclusive Tourism Policy
• In order to empower women in the tourism sector, the Maharashtra Cabinet approved the
implementation of the 'Gender Inclusive Tourism Policy called 'Aai' under the 'Ajadi Ka Amrit
Mahotsav'.
• The policy will be implemented through the Directorate of Tourism and Maharashtra Tourism
Development Corporation in coordination with various schemes of all concerned departments.
PM launches ‘Maha Jansampark’ campaign in Rajasthan
• PM Modi will launch "Maha Jansampark" by addressing a public meeting in Ajmer, Rajasthan.
• Under this Maha Jan Sampark, scheduled to be held from May 31 (today) to June 30, extensive
public programmes will be done across the country after the completion of 9 yrs at the Centrer.
Bihar Cabinet approves change in liquor prohibition law
• In Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has approved the amendment in the Bihar Prohibition and
Excise (Amendment) Act, 2022.
• Under this, the concerned authorities can now release the vehicles seized in violation of the
prohibition law in the state after recovering 10 percent of their insured value or Rs 5 lakh as fine
from the vehicle owner after due consultation with the judicial authority.
31 May 2023: Top 5 Morning Headlines
• Chaman Lal elected 1st-ever Indian-origin Lord Mayor of Birmingham
• India extends $1 billion credit line to Sri Lanka till March 2024
• UAE announces 13 year Space Mission to explore asteroid belt
• World No Tobacco Day: 31 May
• RINL presented with prestigious 'Greentech Safety Award 2023'
Today's History: 31 May 2023
• In 1774, The first postal service office was opened in India.
• In 1867, Praya Samaj was established in Bombay.
• In 1921, The flag of the Indian National Congress was adopted.
• In 1959, The Buddhist religious Dalai Lama was granted asylum in India after his exile from Tibet.
• In 1979, Zimbabwe proclaims its independence from British rule.
India, Austria held 7th round of Foreign office consultation in Delhi
• The 7th round of Foreign Office Consultations between India and Austria was held in New Delhi
on 30 May 2023.
• Both sides discussed furthering relations in sectors such as trade and investments, defense, and
education.

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• Both countries had signed the Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Agreement which aims to
facilitate the legal movement of people between India and Austria.
Sri Lanka's National Poson Week begins
• In Sri Lanka, the National Poson Week begins today.
• The Poson festival will be held till 6th of June and will center around Mihinthalaya,
Thanthirimalaya and the Anuradhapura Sacred City.
• The festival celebrates the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka by Emperor Ashoka’s son Arahat
Mahinda in 236 BC.
Chaman Lal elected 1st-ever Indian-origin Lord Mayor of Birmingham
• Councillor Chaman Lal, on 30 May 2023, become the first ever British-Indian Sikh to take oath as
Birmingham's Lord Mayor.
• Lal, who is from the Ravidassia community of British Sikhs, was born in the village of Pakhowal in
Hoshiarpur and later moved to the United Kingdom in 1964.
• He is a Labour Party leader who was first elected to Soho and Jewellery Quarter ward in 1994.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu sworn in as Nigeria's president
• Bola Tinubu has become Nigeria's president, succeeding President Muhammadu Buhari.
• Nigeria is forecast to become the world's third most populous nation by 2050.
• Tinubu was the former governor of Lagos.
• He has pledged to reunite the country amidst opposition parties contesting his election in court.
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the swearing-in ceremony of President Tinubu.
India extends $1 billion credit line to Sri Lanka till March 2024
• India, on 30 May 2023, extended by a year a $1-billion credit facility provided to the Sri Lankan
govt.
• An Amendment Agreement was signed to extend the tenure of a USD 1 billion Credit Facility in
Sri Lanka.
• The credit line has been extended until March 2024, providing further financial support to Sri
Lanka.
• India is assisting Sri Lanka with a comprehensive package of USD 4 billion.
UAE announces 13 year Space Mission to explore asteroid belt
• The United Arab Emirates (UAE), on 30 May 2023, announced plans for a groundbreaking space
mission called MBR Explorer.
• The mission will explore the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter and will be launched in
March 2028.
• The mission will cover a distance of 5 billion kilometers over a 13-year expedition.
• The MBR Explorer will conduct close flybys of seven asteroids in the belt.
Map in news: The United Arab Emirates (UAE)

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• It is located at the eastern end of the Arabian Peninsula and shares borders with Oman and Saudi
Arabia.
• It is an elective monarchy formed from a federation of seven emirates, consisting of Abu Dhabi,
Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm Al Quwain.
• Capital: Abu Dhabi
• Prime minister: Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
• Currency: Dirham
• Population: 93.7 lakhs (2021)
Telangana announces de-addiction centres in all districts
• The Telangana government announced that it has established at least one de-addiction center
in all 33 districts of the state to treat people addicted to alcohol or other drugs.
• Addicts are given free treatment, yoga therapy, and counseling.
• Social activists filed a Public Interest Litigation in the High Court in 2016, asking the state to open
de-addiction centers in all districts.
Know About: Telangana
• Telangana is a state located in southern India, formed on June 2, 2014, by bifurcating the state of
Andhra Pradesh.
• Telugu and Urdu are the official languages of Telangana.
• It is bordered by the states of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
• Capital: Hyderabad
• Chief minister: K. Chandrashekar Rao
• Governor: Tamilisai Soundararajan
• Official animal: Chital
Maha farmers to get Rs 6000/yr under a new scheme approved by Cabinet
• The Maharashtra govt rolled out a new financial scheme on 30 May 2023, under which more than
one crore farmers in the state will be paid 6,000 rupees annually.
• The scheme, Namo Shetkari Mahasanman Yojana, was approved at a Cabinet meeting chaired
by CM Eknath Shinde.
• It is an all-inclusive crop insurance scheme and will be implemented through a tender process for
a period of three years.
World No Tobacco Day: 31 May
• Anti-Tobacco Day or World No Tobacco Day is observed on 31 May every year across the globe
to make people aware and educate them about the harmful effects of tobacco on health.
• The Member States of the World Health Organization created World No Tobacco Day in 1987 to
draw global attention to the tobacco epidemic.
• The 2023 year's theme for World No Tobacco Day is 'We need food, not tobacco.'
World Health Organization (WHO)

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• The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for
international public health.
• Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, it has six regional offices and 150 field offices worldwide.
• The WHO was established on 7 April 1948.
• The current director-general is Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of Ethiopia.
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
RINL presented with prestigious 'Greentech Safety Award 2023'
• Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) has won the GreenTech Safety Award 2023 under the Safety
Excellence category for improving workplace safety in 2022-23.
• RINL was praised by the jury members for using drone technology to inspect high-rise structures
and chimneys.
• It was awarded for its commitment to corporate citizenship, transparent accountability, and
strategic sustainability.
Nirmala Sitharaman chairs 2nd meeting NICDIT
• The Apex Monitoring Authority, chaired by Nirmala Sitharaman, reviewed the activities of the
National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust (NICDIT).
• The authority comprises of Finance Minister as Chairperson, Ministry of Commerce, Min of
Railways, Min of Road Transport & Highways.
• The meeting was attended by Chief Ministers from four states and Ministers from nine states.
China wishes India on new Parliament building opening
• China has congratulated India on the inauguration of its new Parliament building, stating that its
wishes for India’s development are sincere.
• The Chinese state mouthpiece, The Global Times, published an op-ed titled ‘We morally,
emotionally support India's decolonization’.
• China has urged India to show more clarity and confidence when it comes to dealing with China
and the West.
30 May 2023: Top 5 Evening Headlines
• Naveen Patnaik govt announces new housing scheme in Odisha.
• UP Hockey wins 13th Hockey India Sub Junior Men National Championship.
• Jyothi Yarraji clinches gold medal at T-Meeting 2023.
• 8th International Convention of SPIC MACAY inaugurated in Nagpur.
• Zero-Emissions Public Transportation in Dubai 2050
Naveen Patnaik govt announces new housing scheme in Odisha
• On the fourth anniversary of his current five-year term, chief minister Naveen Patnaik-led cabinet
cleared a new rural housing scheme ‘Mo Ghara’ targeting those left out in Central and state
schemes.
• The government plans to spend Rs 2,150 crore over the next two years benefitting four lakh
families under the scheme.

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UP Hockey wins 13th Hockey India Sub Junior Men National Championship
• Uttar Pradesh Hockey won the 13th Hockey India Sub Junior Men National Championship 2023
after defeating the Hockey Association of Odisha in the Final at the iconic Birsa Munda Hockey
Stadium, Odisha.
• Uttar Pradesh Hockey won the tournament by defeating the Hockey Association of Odisha 7-1.
MS Dhoni becomes first Indian to record 300 dismissals
• MS Dhoni became the first Indian to record 300 dismissals in T20 cricket.
• The CSK captain also leads the wicketkeeping charts in the IPL with 180 dismissals in 243 innings,
with 138 catches and 42 stumping.
• Dhoni also became the first player to feature in 250 IPL matches during the match.
Goa statehood Day: 30 May
• Goa is the smallest state in India by area and is famous all over the world for its beautiful beaches
and famous architecture.
• Before 1961, Goa was a colony of Portugal that rule the region for about 450 years.
• In 1961, India launched Operation Vijay and annexed Goa and Daman and Diu with the Indian
mainland.
Know About: Goa
• On May 30, 1987, Goa was given full statehood and thus Goa became the 25th state of the
Republic of India.
o Goa Capital: Panaji
o Goa Chief minister: Pramod Sawant
o Goa Official sport: Football
o Goa Official animal: Gaur
o Goa Governor: P.S. Sreedharan Pillai
•
Jyothi Yarraji clinches gold medal at T-Meeting 2023
• Jyothi Yarraji bagged the gold medal in the women's 100m hurdles event in the T-Meeting 2023
athletics meet, in Tilburg, the Netherlands.
• Jyothi Yarraji topped the heats with a time of 13.08s as she made her way to the final.
• The Andhra runner clinched the first gold medal in the women's 100m hurdles event at the
Kurpfalz Gala 2023 athletics meet, in Weinheim, Germany
8th International Convention of SPIC MACAY inaugurated in Nagpur
• In Nagpur, the 8th International Convention of the Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical
Music among Youth -SPIC MACAY was inaugurated at Visvesvaraya National Institute of
Technology -VNIT in Nagpur.
• The main purpose of this convention is to make the new generation aware of Indian culture and
traditions and to impart to music learners a Gurukul ashram-like environment.

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India to train ASEAN women in United Nations Peacekeeping operations

• Following Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s proposal last year for an initiative on ‘women in United
Nations Peacekeeping (UNPK) operations’ as part of expanding India-ASEAN defence
cooperation.
• India is set to conduct two initiatives for women personnel from South East Asia later this year.
Razorpay launches “Turbo UPI”
• Fintech major Razorpay has launched Turbo UPI in partnership with Axis Bank and the National
Payments Council of India (NPCI).
• The new product will allow customers of online merchants to make UPI payments directly without
getting redirected to a third-party UPI app during checkout.
• The move comes after Paytm last week launched a similar product called "UPI SDK".
China launches 3 astronauts to Tiangong space station
• In China, three astronauts, including a civilian, were launched to the Tiangong space station
onboard Shenzhou-16.
• The civilian, Beihang University professor Gui Haichao, was put into orbit for the first time in space.
• Shenzhou-16 is the first mission to Tiangong since it entered the application and development
stage.
• Tiangong is the crown jewel of China's space programme.
Congress’ lone Lok Sabha MP from Maharashtra Balu Dhanorkar dies
• The Congress’ lone Lok Sabha member from Maharashtra, Suresh aka Balu Dhanorkar, passed
away at a private hospital in New Delhi.
• He was hospitalised for kidney stones in Nagpur but later shifted to Delhi after his condition turned
critical.
• He represented Chandrapur Lok Sabha constituency.
Justice Augustine George Masih as CJ of Rajasthan High Court
• The newly appointed Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court, Justice Augustine George Masih
will be administered oath by Governor Kalraj Mishra
• Justice Masih is the senior most puisne judge of the Punjab & Haryana High Court and was
appointed judge of that Court on July 10, 2008.
Zero-Emissions Public Transportation in Dubai 2050
• Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority Sets Ambitious Goal for Zero-Emissions Public
Transportation by 2050.
• This strategic move aligns with the United Arab Emirates' preparations for COP28 and the UAE
Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.
• It is in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33's objectives.
• The strategy, aptly named "Zero-Emissions Public Transportation in Dubai 2050.
Uganda's President Museveni approves tough new anti-gay law

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• Uganda has passed one of the world's toughest anti-gay laws that calls for life imprisonment for
anyone convicted of homosexuality.
• It calls for the death penalty for "aggravated homosexuality" which is defined as same-sex
relations involving HIV-positive people, children or other vulnerable people. Anyone convicted of
"attempted aggravated homosexuality" can be imprisoned for up to 14 year.
Reliance’s JioCinema breaks world record with free cricket streaming
• India’s JioCinema broke the global record for the most concurrent views to a live-streamed event.
• The Indian streaming platform, whose investor includes James Murdoch’s Bodhi Tree-backed
Viacom18, drew over 32 million simultaneous viewers for the finale of the 16th edition of the Indian
Premier League cricket tournament, featuring Chennai Super Kings versus Gujarat Titans.
30 May 2023: Top 5 Morning Headlines
• Chennai Super Kings beat Gujarat Titans, win 5th IPL title
• BPCL develops ethanol-diesel blend to reduce emissions
• Max Verstappen wins Monaco Grand Prix 2023
• Goan writer Damodar Mauzo gets 57th Jnanpith Award
• Karnataka Bank appoints Srikrishnan Harihara Sarma as new MD and CEO
Today's History: 30 May 2023
• In 1971, NASA launches Mariner 9, the first satellite to orbit Mars1987– Goa was declared as the
25th state of India.
• In 1999, India rejects the U.N. offer to send a special envoy to defuse Indo-Pak tensions.
• In 2011, Germany abandons nuclear energy after the powerful anti-nuclear movement.
• In 2012, Viswanathan Anand wins the World Chess Championship title for the fifth time.
Chennai Super Kings beat Gujarat Titans, win 5th IPL title
• Chennai Super Kings beat Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2023 final by five wickets at the Narendra
Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on 30 May 2023.
• Chennai Super Kings has equaled Mumbai Indians' record for most IPL titles.
• Shubman Gill won the Orange Cap and he also became the youngest batter to ever do so in IPL
history.
• Mohammed Shami won the Purple Cap with 28 wickets in 17 matches.
Cambodian King begins maiden state visit to India
• King Norodom Sihamoni of Cambodia began his first state visit to India on May 29, 2023, marking
the first visit from a Cambodian King to India since 1963.
• This visit marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Cambodia, which
were established in 1952.
• India has granted USD 1.5 million to support the acquisition of demining equipment in Cambodia.
Map in news: Cambodia
• Cambodia is a country in Southeast Asia.

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• Angkor Wat is a famous religious structure located in Cambodia.

• It became a protectorate of France in 1863.
• Cambodia gained independence from France in 1953.
• The Khmer Rouge ruled Cambodia from 1975 until 1979 and carried out the Cambodian genocide.
• Capital: Phnom Penh
• Currency: Cambodian riel
• Population: 1.66 crores
• Official language: Khmer
BPCL develops ethanol-diesel blend to reduce emissions
• BPCL has developed a diesel-ethanol blend to reduce emissions and achieve its net zero target
by 2040.
• BPCL is focusing on petrochemicals and sustainable aviation fuel among other products to
diversify its operations.
• It has also developed two new technologies, namely the ‘K Model’ for crude compatibility and
‘BPMARRK’ for quick and accurate real-time crude assay.
India gets approval to set up 2nd hydropower project in Nepal
• Nepal has approved India's Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVN) to develop a second
hydropower project in the country.
• The Lower Arun Hydropower project will have a capacity of 669 megawatts and be located in
eastern Nepal.
• The Arun-III hydroelectric project is also being developed by SJVN and is scheduled to be
completed in 2024.
Goan writer Damodar Mauzo gets 57th Jnanpith Award
• Damodar Mauzo has been awarded the 57th Jnanpith Award, India's highest literary honor on 29
May 2023.
• He is a short story writer, novelist, critic, and scriptwriter in Konkani.
• He is the 2nd Goan to receive the award, after Ravindra Kelekar in 2008.
• His 25 books have been published in Konkani and one in English.
• Mauzo's famous novel 'Karmelin' received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1983.
Know About: Jnanpith Award
• The Jnanpith Award is the oldest and the highest Indian literary award presented annually by the
Bharatiya Jnanpith to an author for their "outstanding contribution towards literature".
• The first recipient of the award was the Malayalam writer G. Sankara Kurup in 1965 for his
collection of poems, Odakkuzhal.
• Established: 1961
• First awarded: 1965
• Sponsored by: Bharatiya Jnanpith
Karnataka Bank appoints Srikrishnan Harihara Sarma as new MD and CEO
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• Karnataka Bank has appointed Srikrishnan Harihara Sarma as its new Managing Director & Chief
Executive Officer.
• He has nearly four decades of experience in commercial, retail, and transactional banking,
technology, and payments.
• His tenure as MD & CEO will last for three years, effective from the date of assuming charge.
• He was a part of the founding management team at HDFC Bank Limited.
MOIL achieves record manganese ore production in Q4 of FY2023
• Manganese Ore Mining Ltd. (MOIL) reported a record production of 4.02 lakh tonne of manganese
ore in Quarter-4 of the financial year 2022-23.
• The company's total sales increased 3% YoY to 3.91 lakh tonnes.
• MOIL Limited operates eleven mines across Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh under the Ministry
of Steel's supervision and has a lofty vision to almost double its production by 2030.
Scientists reconstructed mathematical structure of Quantum Theory
• Researchers from S. N. Bose National Centre for Basics Sciences restructured the mathematical
structure of the quantum theory.
• Information Causality is crucial in selecting the quantum composition rule among different
mathematical possibilities.
• Scientists have been trying to re-derive the mathematical structure of quantum theory starting
with physically motivated postulates.
Kheer Bhawani Mela 2023 organised in Kashmir Valley
• Kheer Bhawani Mela 2023 was celebrated in Jammu and Kashmir on 29 May 2023.
• The Kheer Bhawani Mela is an annual festival celebrated by both Kashmiri Pandits and locals of
the Kashmir valley.
• The festival is held on Jyeshtha Ashtami and is considered sacred by the Kashmiri Pandits
community.
• The Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah attended the event.
India & Singapore agree to create opportunities for lifelong learning
• Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is on a three-day visit to Singapore.
• Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan met with Deputy-PM & Minister for Finance, Singapore,
Lawrence Wong on 29 May 2023.
• During the meeting, both countries agreed to create opportunities for lifelong learning, and
making knowledge & skill development a key pillar of strategic partnership.
DGCA approves for night landing facility at Kalaburagi Airport
• Directorate-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has approved the night landing facility at
Kalaburagi Airport, Karnataka on 17th May 2023.
• The airport was inaugurated on in Nov 2019, by the then Chief Minister of Karnataka B S
Yediyurappa.

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• The airport has been amended from VFR (Visual flight rules) to IFR (Instrumental flight rules) for
All Weather Operations.
Directorate-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
• It is a statutory body of the Government of India to regulate civil aviation in India.
• It became a statutory body under the Aircraft (Amendment) Act, 2020.
• DGCA has fourteen Regional Offices across the country.
• It has also five Regional Air Safety offices located in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and
Hyderabad.
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Director General: Vikram Dev Dutt
NVIDIA announces DGX GH200 AI Supercomputer
• NVIDIA has announced a new class of large-memory AI supercomputers, the NVIDIA DGX GH200.
• It is powered by the NVIDIA GH200 Grace Hopper Superchips and the NVIDIA NVLink Switch
System.
• The DGX GH200 is specifically designed to enable the development of giant, next-generation
models for generative AI language applications, recommender systems, and data analytics
workloads.
29 May 2023: Top 5 Evening Headlines
• Praveen Kumar Srivastava sworn in as Central Vigilance Commissioner.
• Bandra-Versova sea bridge will be named after Veer Savarkar.
• CAG re-elected WHO external auditor with a thumping majority.
• Max Verstappen wins Monaco GP.
• 29 May: 75th UN Peacekeepers Day
29 May: 75th UN Peacekeepers Day
• The Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande laid wreath at National War Memorial in Delhi.
• “Peace begins with me” is the theme of the 75th anniversary of Peacekeepers Day.
• From Congo to Liberia to South Sudan, India has deployed more than 3 lakh troops as
peacekeepers in over 51 UN peacekeeping missions.
Praveen Kumar Srivastava sworn in as Central Vigilance Commissioner
• Praveen Kumar Srivastava sworn in as the Central Vigilance Commissioner.
• President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to him at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
• Mr. Srivastava is a 1988-batch retired Indian Administrative Service officer of the Assam-
Meghalaya cadre.
Bandra-Versova sea bridge will be named after Veer Savarkar
• Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced that Bandra -Versova sea route in Mumbai
will be named as Swatantra Veer Savarkar Bandra- Versova Sagari Setu.

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• He was speaking at an event on the 140th birth anniversary of SwatantraVeer Vinayak Damodar
Savarkar in Mumbai.
• A new award "The SwatantraVeer Savarkar Shaurya Puraskar" will be given for incredible bravery
deeds in the state.
J&K: Jambu Zoo to be thrown open to public
• In Jammu and Kashmir, in a major boost to Jammu Tourism potential, ambitious Jambu Zoo near
Nagrota in the outskirts of Jammu city will be thrown open to the public.
• Named after the founder of Jammu city, King Jambu Lochan.
• This Zoo is considered as North India’s largest Zoo.
Cordelia Cruises of India set for first international voyage
• Cordelia Cruises of India set for first international voyage to Sri Lanka in June.
• The cruise will set sail on 5th of June from Chennai and reach Hambantota on the 7th before
proceeding to Trincomalee.
• CEO of Cordelia Cruises Jurgen Bailom told that the connectivity enhancement and the ties with
Sri Lanka will be successful and bring great opportunities for both nations and businesses.
China's 1st domestically developed large passenger jet C919 1st flight
• China's 1st domestically developed large passenger jet C919 made its first commercial flight from
Shanghai to Beijing.
• Single-aisle, twin-engined aircraft has 164 seats and it carried more than 130 passengers on
board.
• China has made significant investments in domestic jet manufacture in an effort to become self-
sufficient in critical technology.
WHO re-elects CAG of India as the External Auditor of WHO
• World Health Assembly re-elects Comptroller and Auditor General of India Shri Girish Chandra
Murmu as the External Auditor of WHO for 2024-27.
• 114 Member States out of 156 States present and voting reposed their trust in CAG, India.
Max Verstappen wins Monaco GP
• Two-time Drivers' championship winner Max Verstappen overcame rain to win the historic
Monaco GP and defended his lead in the 2023 driver's rankings.
• While Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso came at second place, Alpine's Esteban Ocon finished
third.
• Verstappen is chasing his third successive Drivers' championship win this year after winning the
championship in 2021 as well as 2022.
Narottam Mishra to inaugurate first vision zero summit on road safety
• The three-day first Vision Zero Summit is going to be held in Bhopal from May 29, to overcome
the deaths and serious injuries caused by road accidents.

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• Home Minister Narottam Mishra will be chief guest and the transport Minister Govind Singh
Rajput will be the special guest of the inaugural session.
Premier League 2022/23 season
• Manchester City won the Premier League for the third time in a row.
• David de Gea wins Golden Glove Award for Premier League 2022/23 season.
• Kevin De Bruyne wins Player Maker of Year Award for Premier League season.
• Haaland wins the Premier League Golden Boot.
PM Modi congratulates Erdogan on re-election as Turkey president
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on his re-
election, and expressed confidence that bilateral ties between the two countries on global issues
will continue to grow.
• Erdogan won re-election, extending his rule into a third decade as the country reels from high
inflation and the aftermath of an earthquake.
‘Chandrayaan-3 to be launched in July’: ISRO chief
• ISRO chairman S Somanath said that Chandrayaan-3 will be launched in July this year. He made
these remarks after the successful launch of the second generation navigation satellite NSV-01
from Satish Dhawan's Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
• Chandrayaan-3 is a follow-on mission to Chandrayaan-2 to demonstrate end-to-end capability
in safe landing and roving on the moon.
29 May 2023: Top 5 Morning Headlines
• PM Narendra Modi inaugurates new Parliament building
• Veer Savarkar's 140th Birth Anniversary: 28 May 2023
• Justice Ramesh D Dhanuka sworn in as Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court
• HS Prannoy clinches Malaysia Masters title 2023
• India clinches title of CAVA Women's Challenge Cup 2023
Today's History: 29 May 2023
• In 1727, Peter II became Tsar of Russia at the age of 11.
• In 1953, Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay became the 1st climbers to summit Mount
Everest
• In 1968, Famous Wrestler Dara Singh set a record as a world wrestling champion.
• In 1972, Prithviraj Kapoor, a renowned Indian actor, and producer, passed away.
• In 1987, Former Prime Minister of India Chaudhary Charan Singh passed away.
PM Narendra Modi inaugurates new Parliament building
• On May 28, 2023, the new Parliament building was officially opened by Prime Minister Narendra
Modi.
• The Prime Minister was accompanied by priests from Karnataka’s Shringeri Math during the
ceremony.

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• It is located in the Central Vista area of New Delhi and covers an area of approximately 65,000
square meters.
• It has seating for 888 members in the Lok Sabha and 384 members in the Rajya Sabha.
PM Modi to flag off Assam’s first Vande Bharat Express on 29 May
• PM Modi will inaugurate Assam's first Vande Bharat Express on May 29, 2023.
• The train will connect Guwahati with New Jalpaiguri and will cover the journey in 5 hours and 30
minutes.
• The Prime Minister will also dedicate 182 Route km of newly electrified sections, which will provide
pollution-free transportation and reduce the running time of trains.
IIFA Awards 2023 announced: I
• Hrithik Roshan and Alia Bhatt won the Best Actor and Best Actress awards at the International
Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA) 2023 held in Abu Dhabi.
• Kamal Haasan was awarded the Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema award at the IIFA
2023.
• Brahmastra: Part One - Shiva won many awards at the IIFA 2023 including Best Film, Best
Playback Singer (Female), and Best Playback Singer (Male).
IIFA Awards 2023 announced: II
• R. Madhavan won the award for Best Director at the IIFA 2023 for his film Rocketry: The Nambi
Effect.
• Babil Khan won the award for Best Debut (male) for his performance in the movie Qala.
• The award for Best Debut (Female) was presented to Khushali Kumar for her performance in
Dhoka Around the Corner.
• Anil Kapoor won the award for Best Supporting Actor (male) for the movie Jug Jugg Jeeyo.
Lionel Messi breaks Cristiano Ronaldo's European record for most goals
• Lionel Messi has broken the record for most goals scored in Europe's top five leagues.
• He scored his 496th league goal in PSG's Ligue 1 match against Strasbourg.
• This goal surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo's record of 495 goals.
• Messi is now the greatest scorer in Europe's top five leagues with 496 goals.
• He also has 247 assists to his name, compared to Ronaldo's 151.
Atal Bhujal Yojana water scheme extended by two years
• Union govt has extended the Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Jal) for two more years until December
2025.
• The scheme is active across 8,220 water-stressed Gram Panchayats within 80 districts of seven
Indian states.
• Atal Jal plans to bring 450,000 hectares of irrigated area under efficient water techniques like
drip irrigation and crop diversification.
G-20 Anti-Corruption Working Group meeting concluded at Tehri

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• The 3 day Anti-Corruption Working Group meeting under the G20 concluded at Tehri,
Uttarakhand.
• The delegates agreed on 3 high-level principles to prevent and combat corruption.
• The principles were to Promote the integrity and effectiveness of responsible public bodies and
authorities, strengthen international law enforcement cooperation and information sharing to
combat corruption.
Veer Savarkar's 140th Birth Anniversary: 28 May 2023
• Vinayak Damodar Savarkar's 140th birth anniversary celebrated on 28 May 2023.
• He was born on May 28, 1883, and would have turned 140 years old in 2023
• Veer Savarkar was an activist, writer, and politician who contributed to the Indian independence
movement.
• The Maharashtra govt decided to commemorate May 28 as Swatantrya Veer Gaurav Din.
• He passed away in Mumbai in 1966.
Justice Ramesh D Dhanuka sworn as Chief Justice of Bombay High Court
• Justice Ramesh Devkinandan Dhanuka was sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Bombay High
Court on 28 May 2023.
• Maharashtra Governor Ramesh Bais administered the oath of office to Justice Dhanuka.
• He will retire on May 30, upon attaining the age of 62, and will have a tenure as chief justice of 3
days.
• Justice SV Gangapurwala was also sworn-in as the Chief Justice of Madras High Court.
HS Prannoy clinches Malaysia Masters title 2023
• Indian shuttler H.S. Prannoy defeated China's Weng Hong Yang to claim his first BWF World Tour
title in the Malaysia Masters 2023 final.
• He defeated China's Weng Hong Yang in a close battle, winning the match 21-19, 13-21, 21-18.
• Prannoy is currently ranked World No. 9.
• He also has won several national and international tournaments, including the Swiss Open and
the US Open.
Know About: Badminton World Federation
• The Badminton World Federation (BWF) is the international governing body for the sport of
badminton.
• It was founded in 1934 as the International Badminton Federation (IBF) with 9 members (Canada,
Denmark, England, France, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Scotland, and Wales).
• The head office was relocated to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on October 1, 2005.
• President: Poul-Erik Høyer Larsen
India clinches title of CAVA Women's Challenge Cup 2023
• India has won the title of the Central Asian Volleyball Association (CAVA) Women’s Volleyball
Challenge Cup held in Kathmandu.
• India defeated Kazakhstan in a shared set of 3-0.

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• In the competition, Kazakhstan became the runner-up, Nepal third, Uzbekistan fourth, Sri Lanka
fifth, Kyrgyzstan sixth, Maldives seventh, and Bangladesh eighth.
Elon Musk's Neuralink get FDA approval for human trials brain implants
• Neuralink, Elon Musk's brain-implant start-up, has received approval from the US Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) for its first human clinical trial.
• The company is developing a brain-computer interface (BCI) that could help in the treatment of
neurological disorders and improve cognition in humans.
• The technology can help people with Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injuries.
Weekly Notes (23 May - 27 May): Government Policies and Schemes
• CSS for Development of Infrastructure Facilities for The Judiciary
• Govt cuts FAME-II subsidy on electric 2-wheelers from June
• MoU signing for PM MITRA Park, Dhar on 21st May 2023
• Education Ministry calls first meeting aimed at unifying 60 school boards
Weekly Notes (23 May - 27 May): Science & Technology
• 'Daam’ virus steals call records, reads history from Android phones
• ISRO to launch new navigation satellite
• Microsoft unveils multilingual Jugalbandi AI chatbot
• Indian scientists mimic interstellar comets using cosmic dust
Weekly Notes (23 May - 27 May): Summits and Conferences Part 1
• CMAI Announces North India's Largest Garment Fair - NIGF 2023
• NITI Aayog to hold 8th Governing Council Meeting
• Qatar Economic Forum to Convene Global Business Leaders in Doha
Weekly Notes (23 May - 27 May): Summits and Conferences Part 2
• Ministry of Mines organizing first-ever Mining Start-up Summit
• Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurates the International conference on India pharma
• Indian delegation attends LIMA 23 in Malaysia
• G7 officials to convene and address challenges of AI Tool
Weekly Notes (23 May - 27 May): Appointments & Resignations Part 1
• Indian-origin man becomes first turban-wearing ‘Lord Mayor’ of UK city
• Mukesh Ambani joins advisory committee to COP28 President
• Jayaprakash re-elected as President of the Swimming Federation
• Tata Chemicals re-appoints R. Mukundan as its MD & CEO
Weekly Notes (23 May - 27May): Appointments & Resignations Part 2
• K. Govindaraj elected as president of FIBA Asia
• Ex-Karnataka DGP Praveen Sood takes charge as new CBI Director
• Lt Gen Amardeep Singh Aujla appointed as Indian Army's new MGS
• Sourav Ganguly was named the brand ambassador of Tripura Tourism

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Weekly Notes (23 May - 27 May): Sports News Part 1

• Sameer Verma wins gold; Rohan Kapoor-Sikki Reddy bag silver
• Shirgaonkar was elected unopposed as India Taekwondo Chief
• Darshna lying third at Almaty Shotgun World Cup
Weekly Notes (23 May - 27 May): Sports News Part 2
• Indian Long jumper Murali Sreeshankar wins gold
• Neeraj Chopra becomes World No 1 in javelin rankings
• Indian shooters Ganemat Sekhon, and Darshna Rathore create history
• Sania Mirza appointed as the Tennis Ambassador for Sony Sports Network
Weekly Notes (23 May - 27 May): Defence News
• Iran successfully tested a 2,000 km-range ballistic missile
• Turkey has tested its own Tayfun short-range ballistic missile
• Indian Navy's newest warship tracks, destroy supersonic target
Weekly Notes (23 May - 27 May): National Affairs Part 1
• Giriraj Singh launches SAMARTH campaign to promote digital transaction
• Minor. Affairs Ministry supports the Development of the Unani Medicine System
• PSU's start-up challenge to employ AI, and renewables in ship design
• Union Min Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated PCIM & H ‘e-office
Weekly Notes (23 May - 27 May): National Affairs Part 2
• "Sengol', The Golden Sceptre To Be Placed In New Parliament
• India to eliminate TB by 2025, five years ahead of global SDG
• Bharat Gaurav Train for Sri Rameshwaram-Tirupati Yatra flagged off
• India announces plan to end tuberculosis by 2025
Weekly Notes (23 May - 27 May): International Affairs Part 1
• Arab League Summit in Jeddah Adopts Jeddah Declaration
• Nepal: PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal inaugurates Women's Volleyball tournament
• INDEX Dubai 2023, the prestigious international exhibition celebrating its 30th year, commenced
at the Dubai World Trade Center
Weekly Notes (23 May - 27 May): International Affairs Part 2
• Bangladesh-US joint naval exercise begins in Chattogram
• Rayyanah Barnawi, the first Arab woman astronaut to go to space
• Sydney's Harris Park was renamed as ‘Little India’
• Komagata Maru incident to be commemorated in name of Vancouver street
• Nepal designates 2025 as a ‘Special tourism year
27 May 2023: Top 5 Evening Headlines
• PM Modi chairs 8th meeting of NITI Ayog Governing Council
• WMO approves a global tracker for greenhouse gas emissions

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• RBI sanctions the merger of Maratha Co-op Bank with Cosmos Co-op Bank
• CML Biotech installs the world's first integrated blood collection tube
• R. Dinesh takes over as CII President for 2023-24
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to visit Nigeria from 28-30 May
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Nigeria from May 28th to May 30th.
• He will attend the swearing-in ceremony of the President-elect of Nigeria, Mr Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
• This visit marks the first-ever visit of any Indian Defence Minister to Nigeria.
• The delegation will hold meetings with representatives from the Nigerian industry and Armed
Forces to identify areas of cooperation.
Map in news: Nigeria
• Nigeria is a country in West Africa, situated between the Sahel to the north and the Gulf of Guinea
to the south.
• Nigeria is a founding member of the African Union.
• Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and the world's sixth-most populous country.
• Population: 21.34 crores
• Capital: Abuja
• Currency: Nigerian Naira
• Official language: English
WMO approves a global tracker for greenhouse gas emissions
• The World Meteorological Congress has approved a new greenhouse gas monitoring initiative to
support urgent action in reducing heat-trapping gases.
• It aims to address critical information gaps and data assimilation under one comprehensive
framework.
• The comprehensive observations will include surface-based and satellite-based monitoring of
CO2, CH4, and N2O gases.
Know About: World Meteorological Organization
• The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that
is responsible for promoting international cooperation in the field of meteorology.
• The WMO works to improve weather forecasting, climate prediction, and environmental
monitoring.
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
• President: Gerhard Adrian
• Founded: 1950
• Secretary General: Petteri Taalas
RBI sanctions merger of Maratha Co-op Bank with Cosmos Co-op Bank
• The Reserve Bank of India has approved the voluntary Scheme of Amalgamation of Maratha
Sahakari Bank with The Cosmos Co-operative Bank.

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• The merger will take effect from May 29, 2023, and has been sanctioned under the authority of
the Banking Regulation Act, of 1949.
• Maratha Sahakari Bank was placed under regulatory directions by the central bank on August 31,
2016.
Know About: RBI
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the central banking institution of India and is responsible for
the monetary policy, regulation of the banking sector, and the issuance and management of the
Indian rupee currency.
• It was established on April 1, 1935, in accordance with the Reserve Bank of India Act, of 1934.
• Governor: Shaktikanta Das
• Headquarters: Mumbai
HarperCollins India to publish Manjamma Jogathi's memoir
• HarperCollins India to publish Manjamma Jogathi's compelling memoir, "From Manjunath to
Manjamma: The Inspiring Life of a Transgender Folk Artist."
• Manjamma Jogathi is a transgender folk artist who became the first transwoman to be the
president of a government academy in India.
• She popularized the Jogathi Nritya dance form on a national level and won Karnataka's
Rajyotsava Award in 2010.
CML Biotech installs world's first integrated blood collection tube
• CML Biotech Ltd. has installed the world's first integrated machine 'HUSKY-ICHOR' for
manufacturing blood collection tubes.
• The machine is manufactured by Canada-based Husky Technologies, a global leader in injection
molds and molding machines.
• The integrated machine is capable of manufacturing 8 lakh blood collection tubes per day.
Suman Sharma sworn in as UPSC member
• Suman Sharma, a 1990 batch officer of the Indian Revenue Service, has been appointed as a
Member of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
• She has had a distinguished career of over 30 years and has held several important positions in
the Indian government.
• She was awarded the Best Search while working in the Investigation Wing of the Income Tax
Department.
R. Dinesh takes over as CII President for 2023-24
• R. Dinesh, the Executive Vice Chairman of TVS Supply Chain Solutions, has been appointed as
the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) President for 2023-24.
• Sanjiv Puri, the Managing Director of ITC, has been named as President-designate by the CII
National Council.
• Rajiv Memani, the Chairman of EY India Region, has been appointed as Vice-President of CII.

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Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)

• CII is a non-governmental trade association and advocacy group headquartered in New Delhi,
India.
• Founded in 1895, CII engages business, political, academic, and other leaders of society to shape
global, regional, and industry agendas.
• It is a membership-based organization.
• President: R Dinesh
• Director General: Chandrajit Banerjee
• Founded: 1895
• Headquarters: New Delhi
SpaceX launches Arabsat BADR-8 satellite into orbit
• Arabsat launched its Badr-8 satellite from Cape Canaveral on 27 May 2023, after a four-day delay
due to weather.
• The Badr-8 satellite will provide TV broadcast services and data services.
• The satellite will cover the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, and Central Asia.
• The launch was conducted using SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket.
• Arabsat is a major satellite service provider in the Arab world.
US lawmaker introduces bill to declare Diwali a federal holiday
• Lawmaker Grace Meng has introduced a bill in the US Congress to make Diwali a federal holiday.
• When passed, Diwali will become the 12th federally recognized holiday in the US.
• Establishing a federal holiday for Diwali would allow families and friends to celebrate together.
• The move would demonstrate that the government values the diverse cultural makeup of the
nation.
27 May 2023: Top 5 Morning Headlines
• Goldman Sachs hikes India's 2023 GDP forecast to 6.3%
• Union Minister Jitendra Singh addresses India Defence Conclave 2023
• Axis Bank unveils Sarathi platform for easy PoS onboarding of merchant
• Jayakumar S. Pillai was appointed as Deputy Managing Director of IDBI Bank
• India to host 14th Clean Energy Ministerial meeting in July 2023
Today's History: 27 May 2023
• In 1703, Saint Petersburg in Russia was founded by the ruler of the Russian Empire, Tsar Peter the
Great.
• In 1921, Afghanistan gained independence from British control.
• In 1948, the Trial of the murder of Mahatma Gandhi begins.
• In 1964, Jawaharlal Nehru, the first PM of India, passed away.
• In 2010, India successfully test-fired Dhanush & Prithvi 2 missiles equipped with nuclear
technology.

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Govt to amend rules to auction lithium, rare earth minerals

• The Indian government has announced to the auction of newly discovered lithium and other rare
earth minerals.
• The mines ministry is proposing an amendment to mineral concession rules 2016 to determine the
methodology for fixing the value of the estimated resources.
• The Geological Survey of India has found significant lithium reserves totaling 5.9 million tonnes in
Jammu and Kashmir.
Rare Earth Minerals
• Rare earth minerals are a group of 17 elements such as Scandium (Sc), Yttrium (Y), Lanthanum
(La), Cerium (Ce), etc.
• These are essential for many high-tech products, including smartphones, electric cars, wind
turbines, and defense systems.
• China is currently the largest producer of rare earth minerals, accounting for about 80% of the
global supply.
Goldman Sachs hikes India's 2023 GDP forecast to 6.3%
• Goldman Sachs has revised India's GDP growth forecast for 2023 to 6.3%, citing a rise in exports.
• Goldman Sachs also lowered the country’s investment growth forecast to 7.9% year-on-year in
the calendar year 2023.
• The Reserve Bank of India has projected GDP growth at 7.8% in April-June, 6.2% in July-
September, 6.1% in October-December, and 5.9% in Jan-March of 2024.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh addresses India Defence Conclave 2023
• Union minister Dr. Jitendra Singh addressed India Defence Conclave 2023.
• The Conclave 2023 features interactive panel discussions on the strategies that can be adopted
for ensuring that the Indian defense forces are equipped with the latest technologies.
• The Union Cabinet also approved the National Quantum Mission (NQM) at a total cost of over
6000 crore rupees from 2023-24 to 2030-31.
Axis Bank unveils Sarathi platform for easy PoS onboarding of merchant
• Axis Bank has launched 'Sarathi', a digital onboarding platform aimed at simplifying the process
for merchants to adopt Electronic Data Capture (EDC) or Point of Sale (PoS) terminals.
• With Sarathi, merchants can complete the onboarding process in just four simple steps, ensuring
a seamless experience.
• Sarathi enables live video verification, thus, eliminating the need for field verification.
Jayakumar S. Pillai appointed as Deputy Managing Director of IDBI Bank
• IDBI Bank has appointed Jayakumar S. Pillai as Deputy Managing Director on the bank's Board.
• The appointment has been approved by the bank's board of directors and is valid for three years.
• Pillai has 32 years and 7 months of experience working at Canara Bank.

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• He presently holds the position of Chief General Manager and Circle Head at Canara Bank,
Mumbai.
Know About: IDBI Bank
• IDBI Bank Limited is a development finance institution under the ownership of the Life Insurance
Corporation of India and the Government of India.
• It was established in 1964 as the Industrial Development Bank of India.
• As of September 2021, Life Insurance Corporation holds 49.24% shareholding in the bank.
• Headquarters: Mumbai
• Chairman: M. R. Kumar
• MD & CEO: Rakesh Sharma
First-ever Urban Climate Film Festival to take place in Kolkata
• The Urban Climate Film Festival is taking place in New Town, Kolkata from 3rd to 5th June 2023.
• The festival aims to educate people about the impact of climate change on urban areas through
films.
• 16 films from 12 countries are scheduled to be screened during the festival.
• The festival will celebrate World Environment Day on 5th June with a special closing ceremony.
Ireland becomes the first country to label alcoholic drinks for health
• Ireland becomes the first country to enforce mandatory health advisories on alcohol products.
• The policy was approved by the Irish Minister for Health and will be implemented from May 22,
2026.
• The health warnings will include information about risks like cancer and have received support
from the World Health Organization.
• The warnings have been approved by both the European Union.
NHIDCL Ltd, IIT Guwahati sign MoU to facilitate research & development
• The National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) signed an MoU
with IIT Guwahati to facilitate research and development in civil engineering, road construction,
planning, and design.
• The collaboration will address the challenges and promote technological innovations in the field
of the construction of highways under extreme climatic and geographical conditions.
India to host 14th Clean Energy Ministerial meeting in July 2023
• The 14th Clean Energy Ministerial and 8th Mission Innovation meeting will be held in Goa from
July 19th to 22nd, 2023.
• The theme for the meeting is "Advancing Clean Energy Together".
• The program will feature high-level ministerial dialogues, global initiative launches, award
announcements, minister-CEO roundtables and a wide array of side-events.
Oil India registers highest ever Net Profit of Rs. 6810.40 cr

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• Oil India Limited (OIL) has reported its highest-ever net profit since the company's inception at
₹6,810.40 crore in FY 2022-23.
• The company also reported the highest-ever pipeline throughput of 8.19 million metric tonne
(MMT) and the highest-ever turnover of Rs 23,272.57 crore.
• Crude Oil and Natural Gas production has also shown growth of 6.95% and 6.27% respectively
in 2023.
Know About: Oil India Limited
• Oil India Limited is a central public sector undertaking under the ownership of the Ministry of
Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India.
• In 1981, the Government of India acquired 100% of the equity interest in the company.
• The Ministry of Petroleum oversees its operations, with its headquarters in Duliajan, Assam.
• Headquarters: Noida
• Founded: 1959
• Chairman & MD: Dr. Ranjit Rath
Indian Government to Pay 30% Subsidy to Build Green Shipping
• The Indian government, in May 2023, announced offering 30% financial support to promote green
shipping.
• Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal unveiled five initiatives that concentrate on green
shipping and the digitization of ports.
• These initiatives aim to foster sustainable development within the maritime sector and contribute
to reducing emissions in ports.
US FDA approves Pfizer's Covid antiviral pill Paxlovid
• The US (Food and Drug Administration) FDA has granted full approval to Pfizer's oral antiviral
COVID-19 treatment, Paxlovid, for adults at high risk of severe COVID-19.
• Paxlovid is the first oral antiviral pill approved by the FDA to treat COVID-19 in adults.
• The approval for the pill will provide doctors with more flexibility in prescribing it to adults with
severe COVID-19 symptoms.
26 May 2023: Top 5 Evening Headlines
• Centre forms committee to review, monitor Cheetah translocation.
• India’s longest sea bridge Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL).
• G7 officials to convene and address challenges of AI Tools.
• Mukesh Ambani joins advisory committee to COP28 President.
• Haleon's "Know Your MiND" campaign sets Guinness World Record.
Centre forms committee to review, monitor Cheetah translocation
• The National Tiger Conservation Authority has constituted a Cheetah Project Steering Committee
to review, progress, monitor and advice on the Cheetah introduction to the Madhya Pradesh
Forest Department and NTCA.

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• The 11-member committee will be headed by Global Tiger Forum Secretary General Dr. Rajesh
Gopal. It will also have a four-member consulting panel of international Cheetah experts.
Ministry of Mines organizing first ever Mining Start-up Summit
• Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Coal and Mines Pralhad Joshi will inaugurate the first
Mining Start-up Summit to be organized by the Ministry of Mines in collaboration with IIT, Bombay
in Mumbai.
• The Summit will be mainly focus on innovation and techniques that will support and improve
performance, safety and help in building autonomy in the field of mining and metallurgy.
Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurates International conference on India pharma
• Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurates International conference on India pharma, India
medical device in New Delhi.
• Mansukh Mandviya has asked the pharma and medical device industries to focus on the
manufacturing of affordable and quality products.
• He informed that the government is going to bring the production-linked incentives scheme for
basic chemicals to boost the industry.
India’s longest sea bridge Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL)
• Sewri to Nhava: 22 km long 6-lane sea bridge.
• Seamless, direct connectivity between South Mumbai and Raigad.
• Distance between Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Raigad, Mumbai-Pune Expressway and Mumbai-Goa
Highway reduced
• MTHL is India's longest and World's 10th longest sea bridge.
• 1st project in India with open road tolling system.
‘Daam’ virus steals call records, reads history from Android phones
• ‘Daam’ virus steals call records, reads history from Android phones; central agency issues advisory.
• An Android malware called ‘Daam’ that infects mobile phones and hacks into sensitive data like
call records, contacts, history and camera has been found to be spreading.
• The virus is also capable of “bypassing anti-virus programs and deploying ransomware on the
targeted devices”.
CSS for Development of Infrastructure Facilities for The Judiciary
• The Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) of the Department of Justice (Ministry of Law & Justice )
for Development of Infrastructure Facilities for the Judiciary is revamping judicial infrastructure
of District and Subordinate Courts.
• The fund-sharing pattern under the scheme is 60:40 (Centre: State), 90:10 for 8 North-Eastern and
2 Himalayan States & 100% central funding for the UT.
Microsoft unveils multilingual Jugalbandi AI chatbot
• Microsoft unveils multilingual Jugalbandi AI chatbot to help users easily access govt schemes.

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• Jugalbandi was introduced to villagers in Biwan in early April 2022 and so far, the chatbot covers
ten of India's 22 official languages.
• The bot supports both text and voice inputs in Indian languages.
• The chatbot uses GPT models via Azure OpenAI service.
G7 officials to convene and address challenges of AI Tools
• G7 nations will convene to address challenges posed by generative AI tools like ChatGPT.
• In a recent development, leaders of the G7, including the United States, European Union, and
Japan, reached a consensus to establish an intergovernmental forum known as the "Hiroshima AI
process," which aims to foster discussions and deliberations on the rapid expansion of AI.
Telangana achieves 100% coverage of PMJDY
• Since the launch of Prime Minister Jan Dhan Yojana, Telangana State has achieved 100 per cent
household coverage of banking services extending them to all sections of people.
• As per the Social Security Administration survey, the state has achieved 100 per cent coverage
and the benefits of 135 welfare schemes and programmes.
Mukesh Ambani joins advisory committee to COP28 President
• Reliance Industries Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani has been appointed as a
member of the Advisory Committee to the President of the 28th Session of the Conference of the
Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
• Mukesh Ambani is the only Indian, other than Sunita Narain, Director General, Centre for Science
and Environment.
Odisha Guv Releases Odia Version of Gita Acharan
• Odisha Governor Prof. Ganeshi Lal today released the Odia version of the book - "Gita Acharan
- a practitioner's perspective" - at the Raj Bhawan in Bhubaneswar.
• The book has been written by senior Punjab IAS officer K Siva Prasad who is presently posted as
the Additional Chief Secretary to Punjab Governor.
Haleon's "Know Your MiND" campaign sets Guinness World Record
• Haleon, home to World's number 1 Multivitamin Brand1 Centrum, created a Guinness World
Record for 'The Largest Online Video Album of People Saying the Same Sentence' under the
'Know Your MiND' Campaign led by team Centrum.
• It focuses on raising awareness about the daily nutritional requirements of women and the related
long-term health implications.
PM Modi to launch special ₹75 coin
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be launching a ₹75 denomination coin to mark the inauguration
of the new Parliament building.
• One side of the coin will feature the Lion Capital of the Ashoka Pillar, with the words "Satyamev
Jayate" below it.

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• The words "Sansad Sankul" will be written in Devanagari script on the upper periphery and
"Parliament Complex" in English on the lower periphery.
BJP led NDA Government completes Nine years in Centre
• The BJP-led NDA government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi completes
nine years.
• The BJP has launched a month-long mass outreach campaign from the 30th of this month to
mark the completion of nine years of government at the Centre.
• Under the campaign, the party will be holding several events and rallies across the country
between 30th of May to 30th of next month.
26 May 2023: Top 5 Morning Headlines
• Ex-Karnataka DGP Praveen Sood takes charge as new CBI Director
• CM Pinarayi Vijayan declares Kerala as a total e-governance state
• Giriraj Singh launches SAMARTH campaign to promote digital transaction
• ADB, India signs $141 million loan for industrial corridor development
• NITI Aayog to hold 8th Governing Council Meeting on 27 May
Today's History: 26 May 2023
• In 1739, Mughal Emperor Mohammad Shah signed an agreement with Nadir Shah of Iran to
separate Afghanistan from the Indian Empire.
• 1957 Janta Insurance Policy started in Mumbai.
• In 1999, ISRO successfully orbited three satellites.
• In 1999, Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid set a world record of 318 runs in ODI cricket.
• In 2014, PM Narendra Modi was sworn in as the 15th PM of India.
India announces plan to end tuberculosis by 2025
• Prime Minister Modi launched the Tuberculosis (TB) Free India campaign, an ambitious plan to
eliminate tuberculosis by 2025.
• India has the highest burden of TB in the world, with nearly 423,000 TB patients dying in 2016.
• The UN's sustainable development goals had set a target to eliminate TB by 2030.
• Tobacco use is an important factor in TB-related deaths in India, with 7.9% of deaths.
Ex-Karnataka DGP Praveen Sood takes charge as new CBI Director
• Praveen Sood, on 25 May 2023, was appointed as the new Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
Director.
• Sood is a 1986-batch Karnataka cadre officer who has been appointed for two years from the
date of assuming office.
• The three-member panel that included Sood's name comprised PM Narendra Modi, Chief Justice
of India DY Chandrachud, and Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury.
Nepal celebrates Bhoto Jatra
• It is part of a month-long chariot procession known as Rato Machhindranath Jatra.

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• It originates at Pulchok where chariot made of wood without use of iron nail is created and the
procession ends at Jwalakhel.
• In thei a lost & found bejeweled Nepali vest bhoto of Rato Machchindranath is displayed to the public to
find its "rightful owner" in accordance with the legend and as per tradition.
CM Pinarayi Vijayan declares Kerala as total e-governance state
• Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, on 25 May 2023, declared the state a complete e-
governance state.
• The government aims to eliminate the digital divide in society by strengthening e-governance in
the state.
• The government has created a single window service delivery mechanism called e-Sevanam,
which integrates over 800 government services online.
Department of Animal Husbandry, Chandigarh bags Skoch Silver Award
• The Department of Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, Chandigarh got Skoch SILVER Award 2023
for e-Governance for the computerization of medical records of livestock being treated by the
department.
• This is the first of its kind project in the country.
• The main objective of the application is to facilitate animal owners' online registration of their
animals for treatment.
Researchers discover new species of tree in Arunachal Pradesh
• Researchers have discovered a new tree species, Meiogyne arunachalensis, in Arunachal Pradesh
during a biodiversity expedition to the Adi hills.
• The discovery of the new tree species was published in the May 19 edition of the Edinburgh Journal
of Botany.
• Meiogyne arunachalensis is the largest species of the genus described so far in terms of tree
height and girth of the tree trunk.
Gravita started commercial production of Rubber Recycling in Tanzania
• Gravita India Limited has announced that its subsidiary in Tanzania, Gravita Tanzania Limited,
has begun commercial production and recycling of waste rubber.
• Pyrolysis oil generated during the rubber recycling process will be used by the company for in-
house consumption as an alternative source of energy for recycling Battery and Aluminum scrap.
Map in news: Tanzania
• Tanzania is a country located in East Africa.
• It is bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic
of the Congo to the west, and Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique to the south.
• The President of Tanzania serves as both the head of state and the head of government.
• Capital: Dodoma
• Currency: Tanzanian Shilling
• Official languages: Swahili, English

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Minor. Affairs Ministry supports Development of Unani Medicine System

• The Ministry of Minority Affairs has approved a grant of Rs. 45.34 Crores under Pradhan Mantri
Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) to promote the Unani Medicine facilities in India.
• The grant will support the upgradation of Unani Medicine facilities at Hyderabad, Chennai,
Lucknow, Silchar, and Bengaluru.
• Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM) has also sanctioned Rs. 35.52 crores.
Tina Turner, 'Queen of Rock 'n' Roll', passes away in Switzerland
• Tina Turner, also known as the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll, passed away on 25 May 2023.
• Turner was known for her electric stage presence and hits including The Best, Proud Mary, Private
Dancer and What's Love Got to Do With It.
• Turner's life story was immortalized in a popular West End show that is still running.
• Turner's most well-known song is "The Best", released in 1989.
NITI Aayog to hold 8th Governing Council Meeting on 27 May
• NITI Aayog will hold its 8th Governing Council Meeting on May 27, 2023, in New Delhi to discuss
the theme of 'Viksit Bharat @ 2047: Role of Team India'.
• The meeting will focus on eight prominent themes, including infrastructure, skill development,
women empowerment, and health and nutrition.
• The Prime Minister, as Chairman of NITI Aayog, will preside over the meeting.
Know About: NITI Aayog
• NITI Aayog or (National Institution for Transforming India), is a policy think tank established by
the Government of India in 2015.
• It serves as the premier policy-making body in the country and is responsible for formulating
strategies and implementing initiatives to promote sustainable development and economic
growth.
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Chairperson: PM Narendra Modi
Indian scientists mimic interstellar comet using cosmic dust
• Indian scientists from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics have developed a visually realistic
cosmic dust model to replicate the unusual polarisation of interstellar comet 2I/Borisov.
• The model uses a set of numerical algorithmscalled Rough Ellipsoid Structure Tools (REST) to
create agglomerated debris and Rough Fractal Aggregates (RFA) from spheres.
Giriraj Singh launches SAMARTH campaign to promote digital transaction
• The Ministry of Rural Development launched the "Samarth Campaign on Promoting Digital
Transactions in 50,000 Gram Panchayats" to promote digital transactions in rural areas.
• Union Minister Giriraj Singh, on 25 May 2023, launched the campaign in Lucknow.
• The digital Gram Sachivalays being created by the govt of UP in villages will have a provision of
offering services of Bank Sakhis too.

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ADB, India sign $141 million loan for industrial corridor developmeent
• The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Govt of India have signed a $141.12 million loan to
support infrastructure development in Andhra Pradesh.
• This financing is the 2nd tranche of a $500 million multi-tranche financing facility (MFF) for the
program approved by ADB in 2016.
• The project aims to build infrastructure in three industrial clusters in Andhra Pradesh.
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
• The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a regional development bank.
• It was established on December 19, 1966, with the aim of fostering economic growth and reducing
poverty in Asia and the Pacific.
• It is headquartered in Manila, Philippines, and currently has 68 member countries.
• ADB is an official United Nations Observer.
• President: Masatsugu Asakawa
Russia, Belarus ink document on tactical nuclear weapon deployment
• Russia and Belarus signed a document on the deployment of Russian tactical nuclear weapons in
Belarus.
• Moscow will retain control over the weapons and any decisions on their use.
• Belarus became independent in 1991 after the collapse of the USSR and has maintained close
economic and political ties with Russia.
• The Belarusian regime backed the invasion of Ukraine.
MiG-29K makes maiden night landing on INS Vikrant
• The Indian Navy has achieved a significant milestone with the successful night landing of a MiG-
29K fighter jet on INS Vikrant.
• The MiG-29K and a prototype of the indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas
jets had conducted day landings on the aircraft carrier in February.
• In September 2022, PM Modi commissioned India's first indigenously-built aircraft carrier, INS
Vikrant.
25 May 2023: Top 5 Evening Headlines
• Bulgarian Writer Georgi Gospodinov Wins International Booker Prize
• CMAI Announces North India's Largest Garment Fair - NIGF 2023
• 3 Indian peacekeepers to be honoured with UN's Dag Hammarskjold medal
• Iran successfully tested a 2,000 km-range ballistic missile
• Indian Long jumper Murali Sreeshankar wins gold
India to eliminate TB by 2025, five years ahead of global SDG
• India is striving to eliminate Tuberculosis from the country by 2025, five years ahead of the global
Sustainable Development Goal.

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• India is the only country in the world to have developed its own mechanism for estimating its TB
burden.
• The country has witnessed a 13 percent reduction in TB incidents from 2015 to 2022, surpassing
the global reduction rate of 10 percent.
Ladishah, a musical storytelling genre from Jammu & Kashmir
• Few youngsters are reinventing the old musical storytelling technique to preserve Kashmir's age-
old fading culture.
• Since the 18th Century, Ladishah is a storytelling musical genre of Jammu and Kashmir that
mostly used to focus on copying the songs or the folklores originally sung by minstrels--medieval
European entertainers.
Narendra Modi releases of the Tamil classic 'Thirukkural' in Tok Pisin
• PM Narendra Modi during his visit to Papua New Guinea released Tamil Classic 'Thirukkural' in
Tok Pisin.
• Tok Pisin is the lingua franca of the entire country of Papua New Guinea, known by an estimated
three quarters of the country's inhabitants.
• It is, in fact, the most widely used language of the urban areas.
• Tok Pisin, originally a pidgin language, evolved into a Creole language.
Indian Long jumper Murali Sreeshankar wins gold
• Indian Long jumper Murali Sreeshankar won gold while compatriot Jeswin Aldrin finished bagged
silver at the International Jumping Meeting at Kallithea in Greece.
• Successfully defending his title in the Men’s long jump event, Commonwealth Games silver
medallist Sreeshankar registered his season-best jump of 8.18 meter. He beat his compatriot and
national record holder Jeswin Aldrin.
Bulgarian Writer Georgi Gospodinov Wins International Booker Prize
• Bulgarian writer Georgi Gospodinov and translator Angela Rodel were named winners of the
International Booker Prize with the novel "Time Shelter" -- a first for a book in Bulgarian.
• The prestigious award recognises works of fiction from around the world that have been
translated into English and the £50,000 ($62,000) prize is split equally between the author and
the translator.
Turkey has tested its own Tayfun short-range ballistic missile
• The Tayfun [Typhoon] ballistic missile – the missile with the longest range in Turkey’s arsenal –
was successfully test-fired over the Black Sea.
• The short-range ballistic missile was tested for the second time.
• The first test took place in October 2022; the missile then hit a target 560 km away.
• After TAYFUN will come the CENK rocket.
Iran successfully tested a 2,000 km-range ballistic missile

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• A new surface-to-surface 4th generation Khorramshahr ballistic missile called Khaibar with a
range of 2,000 km (1,243 miles) and able to carry a 1,500-kg (3,300-pound) warhead is launched
at an undisclosed location in Iran.
• It is capable of reaching the bases of arch-foes Israel and the United States in the region.
• Iran has one of the biggest missile programmes in the Middle East.
CMAI Announces North India's Largest Garment Fair - NIGF 2023
• The North India Garment Fair 2023 (NIGF 2023) by CMAI will be held on May 30 to 31, and June 1,
2023 at the India Exposition Mart Limited, Noida.
• To boost MSME trade of the garments manufacturers ahead of festive season, CMAI is organising
NIGF, in response to the demand of garment manufacturers and retailers of North India and to
give a boost to the garment trade in this region.
Komagata Maru incident to be commemorated in name of Vancouver street
• A prominent street in downtown Vancouver is likely to be accord the honorary name of Komagata
Maru Way to commemorate the incident in 1914 when the Japanese steamship of that name
carrying 376 passengers from India was escorted away from city in British Columbia due to
discriminatory laws that were then in place in Canada.
• Vancouver’s city council is expected to give it a secondary name.
3 Indian peacekeepers to be honoured with UN's Dag Hammarskjold medal
• Three Indian UN peacekeepers will be honoured posthumously with the Dag Hammarskjold Medal
for their supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
• BSF personnel head Constables Shishupal Singh and Samwali Ram Vishnoi, who served with the
Organization Stabilization Mission in the Congo and Shaber Taher Ali, who was employed in a
civilian capacity with the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq.
NITI Aayog to hold 8th Governing Council Meeting
• NITI Aayog will be organising its 8th Governing Council Meeting on the theme of ‘Viksit Bharat @
2047: Role of Team India’ on May 27, 2023, at the new Convention Centre in Pragati Maidan, New
Delhi.
• The Chairman of NITI Aayog, the Prime Minister will preside over the meeting.
Germany enters recession after GDP falls for second successive quarter
• Germany's GDP fell by 0.3% in the first quarter of 2022, marking the country's second successive
quarter of contraction and slide into recession.
• This was due to the energy crisis unleashed by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which led to dwindling
energy supplies and stoked inflation.
• Household consumption also dropped, but there were positive contributions from trade and rising
investments.
25 May 2023: Top 5 Morning Headlines
• AIC to launch insurance products for livestock, aquaculture

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• Sourav Ganguly named as the brand ambassador of Tripura Tourism

• K. Govindaraj elected as president of FIBA Asia
• Industrialist and philanthropist Karumuttu T Kannan passes away
• Civil Aviation Ministry launches UDAN 5.1 for helicopter routes
Today's History: 25 May 2023
• In 1886, Rash Behari Bose, the key organizer of the Ghadar Movement & Indian National Army
was born.
• In 1915, Mahatma Gandhi established Sabarmati Ashram in Kochrab near Ahmedabad.
• In 1963, 32 African countries came together to form African Union.
• In 2008, NASA’s Phoenix Mars Lander arrived on the Mars.
• In 2013, Yuishiro Miura of Japan became the world’s oldest person to climb Mt Everest.
Goa, Uttarakhand sign MoU to boost tourism
• The Government of Goa and the Government of Uttarakhand have signed an MoU to enhance
tourism in both states.
• The MoU aims to promote bilateral cooperation in the travel and tourism sector.
• The MoU includes a provision for human resource development in the field of tourism.
• This MoU is a first of its kind in India, where two states are collaborating to promote tourism.
Maharashtra govt school students to have standardised uniform
• Students from government schools across Maharashtra will have a common standardized
uniform.
• The school management will be provided with cloth by the government for the purpose.
• As per the state education department, self-help groups managed by women will be assigned to
stitch the uniforms.
• The state government will bear all the expenses for the uniform.
AIC to launch insurance products for livestock, aquaculture
• Agriculture Insurance Company of India (AIC) will launch products for the livestock, aquaculture,
and sericulture sectors.
• AIC already has a 50 percent market share in the crop insurance market under Pradhan Mantri
Fasal Bimal Yojana (PMFBY) scheme.
• AIC got the license for introducing insurance products from the regulator Insurance Regulatory
and Development Authority (IRDAI) in May 2023.
PSU's start-up challenge to employ AI, renewables in ship design
• The Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd is planning to rope in start-ups for
employing artificial intelligence (AI) and renewable energy in ship design and construction.
• To encourage the development of innovative solutions, GRSE launched Accelerated Innovation
Nurturing Scheme (GAINS).
• The scheme will address present challenges in the ship design and construction industry.

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Sourav Ganguly named as brand ambassador of Tripura Tourism

• Former India cricket captain and former BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly has been named as the brand
ambassador for Tripura Tourism.
• As an Ambassador, he will promote and try to attract more visitors to Tripura and give a boost to
the tourism industry.
• It is a state in northeastern India and is bounded by Assam and Mizoram in the east and
Bangladesh in the north, south, and west.
Know About: Tripura
• It is a hilly state in northeast India, bordered on 3 sides by Bangladesh.
• It became a full-fledged Indian state in 1972 and only one major highway, National Highway 8,
connects it to the rest of the country.
• Capital: Agartala
• Official flower: Ceylon ironwood
• Languages: Bengali, English Language, Kokborok
• Chief Minister: Dr. Manik Saha
• Governor: Satyadev Narayan Arya
K. Govindaraj elected as president of FIBA Asia
• Dr K. Govindaraj has been elected as the President of the International Basketball Federation
(FIBA) Asia.
• He has become the first Indian to lead the International Basketball Federation in Asia.
• Currently, He is the President of the Basketball Federation of India and the Karnataka Olympic
Association.
• He replaced Qatar’s Sheikh Saud Ali Al Thani, who served as head of FIBA Asia since 2002.
Know About: FIBA
• The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) is an association of national organizations that
governs the sport of basketball worldwide.
• FIBA ALSO sets the rules and regulations of the game and promotes the development of
basketball globally.
• Founded: 18 June 1932
• President: Hamane Niang
• Secretary General: Andreas Zagklis
• Headquarters: Mies, Switzerland
Industrialist and philanthropist Karumuttu T Kannan passes away
• Karumuttu T Kannan, a prominent industrialist, and philanthropist, passed away on 24 May 2023.
• He was the Chairman & Managing Director of Thiagarajar Mills Ltd.
• Kannan held significant positions such as Chairman of the Textiles Committee in Mumbai, and
The South India Mills’ Association.

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• Kannan held the distinguished role of Thakkar of Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareswarar Thirukoil in
Madurai.
Civil Aviation Ministry launches UDAN 5.1 for helicopter routes
• The Ministry of Civil Aviation, on 24 May 2023, launched UDAN 5.1 (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik),
which is designed specifically for helicopter routes.
• UDAN 5.1 aims to enhance connectivity to remote areas of India and achieve last-mile
connectivity through helicopters.
• Airfare caps have been reduced by 25% to make flying in helicopters more affordable for
passengers.
UDAN Scheme
• UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) is a regional airport development program aimed at upgrading
under-serviced air routes in India.
• It has been implemented in 5 phases so far, with UDAN 1.0 commissioning 36 new airports and
128 flight routes.
• UDAN 4.0 approved 78 new routes in 2020, with the Kavaratti and Minicoy islands of
Lakshadweep being connected by new routes.
• Launched: 21 Oct 2016
Union Min Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated PCIM & H ‘e-office’
• Union Minister of Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated an e-Office portal and an online
portal at the Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H),
Ghaziabad.
• The online portal will promote hassle-free access to pharmacopoeial monographs among
stakeholders across the world.
• The new e-Office portal of PCIM&H streamlines office operations and improve efficiency.
President Murmu inaugurates new Jharkhand High Court building
• President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the new building of the High Court of Jharkhand at
Ranchi on May 24, 2023.
• The new building boasts modern amenities and state-of-the-art physical infrastructure, and the
entire campus is designed with energy conservation in mind.
• The High Court of Jharkhand was established in 2000 and has jurisdiction over Jharkhand state.
India's 'only' Chinese newspaper bids adieu
• The Overseas Chinese Commerce of India, also known as Seong Pow has announced to
permanently close printing newspapers.
• Established in 1969, Seong Pow was the only Mandarin newspaper in India.
• The last edition of Seong Pow was printed shortly before the pandemic-induced lockdown in
March 2020.
• Seong Pow was a four-page daily newspaper due to a paucity of reporters.

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24 May 2023: Top 5 Evening Headlines

• Zimbabwe has topped the list of world's most miserable country in the Hanke’s Annual Misery
Index (HAMI) 2022
• Sania Mirza appointed as the Tennis Ambassador for Sony Sports Network
• IIHS opens largest training centre in Siliguri
• Sydney's Harris Park renamed as ‘Little India’
• PM Modi to flag off Uttarakhand's first Vande Bharat Express
The Hanke’s Annual Misery Index (HAMI) 2022 Published
• The Hanke’s Annual Misery Index (HAMI) 2022 list of the world's most miserable countries is out.
• As per the index, Zimbabwe has topped the list of world's most miserable country.
• India ranked at number 103 with unemployment as the major contributing factor.
• The index was formed after analyzing 157 countries.
Know About: Hanke's Annual Misery Index (HAMI) 2022
• The Annual Misery Index is compiled by Steve Hanke, professor of Applied Economics at John
Hopkins University.
• The indexes are the sum of unemployment (multiplied by two), inflation, and bank-lending rates,
minus the annual percentage change in real GDP per capita.
• For the first time, Hanke’s 2022 Annual Misery Index doubled the unemployment-rate component.
AIM Rajasthan Network to host "Startup20x and Startup20 Sabha"
• AIM Rajasthan Network to host "Startup20x and Rajasthan Startup20 Sabha" under G20 Jan
Bhagidari Movement on May 26, 2023
• AIM Rajasthan Network is a consortium of five incubators and accelerators located in Rajasthan,
India.
• It is supported by the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), a flagship initiative of the Government of
India to promote entrepreneurship and innovation.
Indian shooters Ganemat Sekhon, Darshna Rathore create history
• India for the first time won two senior individual medals in women's skeet at International
Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup stage in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
• Ganemat Sekhon won silver which was her second-ever individual world cup medal.
• In her first appearance at the senior level, Darshna Rathore won bronze making it her a first-ever.
Sania Mirza appointed as the Tennis Ambassador for Sony Sports Network
• Leading sports broadcaster Sony Sports Network has announced the exclusive onboarding Sania
Mirza as the Tennis Ambassador for Sony Sports Network.
• Having won six Grand Slam titles across Australian Open (2), US Open (2), Roland Garros (1) &
Wimbledon (1), including three women's doubles titles and three mixed doubles titles, she is one
of the most successful tennis players in Indian history.
IIHS opens largest training centre in Siliguri

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• IIHM Institute of Hospitality Skills (IIHS), India's largest training centre affiliated with the
hospitality-skill-council">Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), proudly announces the
grand opening of its state-of-the-art facility in Siliguri.
• IIHS aims to bridge the skill gap and empower individuals in the thriving hospitality industry.
'Sengol', The Golden Sceptre To Be Placed In New Parliament
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will place the 'sengol' next to the Lok Sabha Speaker's seat when
he inaugurates the newly constructed Parliament building.
• This sceptre was handed over to India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to mark the transfer
of power from the British to Indians.
• The one accorded the 'sengol' is expected to impart a just and impartial rule.
Indian Navy's newest warship tracks, destroys supersonic target
• The Indian Navy successfully carried out an engagement of a sea-skimming supersonic target
using its latest indigenous guided missile destroyer INS Mormugao.
• Named after the historic port city of Goa on the West coast, Mormugao coincidentally undertook
her first sea sortie on December 19, 2021, when Goa celebrated 60 years of liberation from
Portuguese rule.
Bihar: Jamui tops in the ranking of MNREGA
• The ranking has been issued by the Bihar Development Department Society, which is run under
the Bihar Rural Development Department, regarding the performance of the month of March in
MNREGA.
• Jamui has won the ranking of Rural Development Department Society.
• This ranking has been determined on the basis of 13 parts of MNREGA.
PM Modi to flag off Uttarakhand's first Vande Bharat Express
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off Uttarakhand's first Vande Bharat Express train via video
conferencing.
• Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami will also be present at the Dehradun railway
station during the inaugural event of the state's first Vande Bharat Express train.
• Earlier on May 18, PM Modi flagged off the Vande Bharat Express between Puri and Howrah.
Sydney's Harris Park renamed as ‘Little India’
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese officially named
Sydney's Harris Park area in Parramatta as ‘Little India’ during a special community event for the
Indian diaspora.
• Harris Park is home to a large Indian community and is well-established as a unique destination
for Indian cuisine, and Indian-owned businesses.
Rayyanah Barnawi, the first Arab woman astronaut to go to space
• Part of Axiom Space’s private mission to the International Space Station (ISS), Rayyanah Barnawi
became the first Arab woman astronaut to go into space.

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• Born in September 1988 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Barnawi is a biomedical researcher.

• She is part of a team which recently went to the International Space Station (ISS) in a SpaceX
Falcon 9 rocket from the Kennedy Space Center, Florida.
Actor Sonu Sood Receives Honoris Causa at Apex University's Jaipur
• Sonu Sood, the acclaimed actor and philanthropist, was the centre of attention at the 1st
Convocation Ceremony of Apex University Jaipur, where he received the esteemed Honoris Causa
for his noble work.
• The Honoris Causa, a prestigious award, was bestowed upon Sonu Sood by Apex University Jaipur
in recognition of his exceptional contributions to society.
U T Khader elected as first Muslim Speaker of Karnataka Assembly
• Former Minister and five-time Congress MLA U T Khader was unanimously elected as the new
Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly.
• Khader (53) will be the first Muslim leader to serve as Speaker of Karnataka Assembly.
• Khader had served as Deputy Leader of Opposition in the previous Assembly and also as a
minister in the past.
24 May 2023: Top 5 Morning Headlines
• Bharat Gaurav Train for Sri Rameshwaram-Tirupati Yatra flagged off
• India unveils 12-point plan to deepen ties with Pacific nations
• Google Pay launches RuPay credit cards support on UPI in India
• Tata Chemicals re-appoints R. Mukundan as its MD & CEO
• India's GDP crossed $3.5 trillion in 2022: Moody's report
Today's History: 24 May 2023
• In 1896, Indian freedom fighter Kartar Singh Sarabha was born.
• In 1954, Bachendri Pal, the 1st Indian woman to successfully climb Mount Everest, was born.
• In 1962, Astronaut Scott Carpenter became 2nd American to orbit the Earth.
• In 1976, Britain and France opened a trans-Atlantic transport service to Washington.
• In 2000, Renowned Indian poet and lyricist, Majrooh Sultanpuri passed away.
UP govt approves Rs 2,046 lakh to strengthen Special Task Force
• The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister has approved the construction of UP Special Task Force (STF)
units in Agra, Gorakhpur, Prayagraj, and Bareilly.
• The government has approved a total amount of Rs 2046.29 lakhs for all the units.
• The UP government has also released funds for the transit hostel while expanding the Noida unit.
• The special Task Force of UP Police was first created in 1998.
Bharat Gaurav Train for Sri Rameshwaram-Tirupati Yatra flagged off
• The Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train for "Sri Rameshwaram-Tirupati: Dakshin Yatra" was flagged off
from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Mumbai on 23 May 2023.

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• The tour package through this train will cover places like Mysuru, Bengaluru, Kanyakumari, and
Tirupati.
• The tour is being conducted under the "Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat" & "Dekho Apna Desh"
programs to promote domestic tourism.
India to open new consulate in Brisbane, announces PM Modi
• India has announced plans to open its fourth consulate in Australia in Brisbane, the capital of
Queensland state.
• The announcement was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a diaspora event in
Sydney on 23 May 2023.
• Indian-origin residents make up 2.8% of the Australian population.
• India currently has a high commission in Canberra and consulates in Sydney, Melbourne, and
Perth.
India unveils 12-point plan to deepen ties with Pacific nations
• India has unveiled an action plan to strengthen its cooperation with Pacific island states.
• The plan was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the third summit of the Forum for
India-Pacific Islands Cooperation in Papua New Guinea.
• The 12-point action plan aims to drive India's partnership with Pacific island states while fulfilling
their developmental aspirations.
India and Australia signs various agreements
• India and Australia sign agreements in the field of migration, mobility partnership and Green
Hydrogen
• The Memorandum of Understandings were exchanged after a bilateral meeting between Prime
Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese in Sydney.
Google Pay launches RuPay credit cards support on UPI in India
• Google Pay, on 23 May 2023 launched RuPay credit cards support on UPI in India.
• The company has partnered with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to bring the
feature to its customers.
• Users can link their RuPay credit cards with the Google Pay app.
• Launched in June 2017, the RuPay credit cards enable secured payments for purchasing goods
and services.
India's GDP crossed $3.5 trillion in 2022: Moody's report
• According to Moody's Report 2023, India's GDP has crossed USD 3.5 trillion in 2022 and is
predicted to continue to be the fastest-growing G20 economy over the next few years.
• Moody's has warned that reform and policy barriers could hamper investment in India.
• India's higher bureaucracy in decision-making will reduce its attractiveness as a destination for
foreign direct investment (FDI).
Qatar Economic Forum to Convene Global Business Leaders in Doha

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• The third edition of the 'Qatar Economic Forum, Powered by Bloomberg,' will be held in Doha.
• It will take under the esteemed patronage of the Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the
Emir of Qatar.
• The 2023 Forum aims to delve into the latest advancements in finance, energy, healthcare, and
technology through keynote interviews, panel discussions, and interactive workshops.
Kotak Mutual Fund launches Nifty 200 Momentum 30 Index Fund
• Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company, on 23 May 2023, launched an open-ended scheme
called Kotak Nifty 200 Momentum 30 Index Fund.
• The new fund aims to track the performance of the top 30 companies within the Nifty 200,
selected based on their Normalized Momentum Score.
• The NFO for this scheme will open on May 25 and will close on June 8, 2023.
Know About: NPCI
• The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is an organization established in 2008 by the
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Indian Banks' Association (IBA).
• It is responsible for managing and operating retail payment systems in India.
• It is a not-for-profit organization registered under Section 8 of the Companies Act 2013.
• Founded: 2008
• Headquarters: Mumbai
• MD & CEO: Dilip Asbe
Tata Chemicals re-appoints R. Mukundan as its MD & CEO
• Tata Chemicals' Board of Directors re-appointed Mr. R. Mukundan as Managing Director & CEO
for another 5-year term, effective from November 26, 2023.
• The re-appointment of Mr. R. Mukundan was based on the recommendation of the Nomination
and Remuneration Committee.
• It is one of the largest chemical companies in India with operations in India.
• Headquarters: Mumbai
• Founded: 23 January 1939
INDEX 2023, Dubai
• INDEX Dubai 2023, the prestigious international exhibition celebrating its 30th year, commenced
at the Dubai World Trade Center
• The event showcases the latest trends and innovations in the interior furnishings world.
• K Kalimuthu, Consul, CGI Dubai, inaugurated the India Pavilion.
Indian Railways hands over 20 Broad Gauge Locomotives to Bangladesh
• The Indian Railways handed over 20 Broad Gauge locomotives to Bangladesh as part of a grant
assistance program.
• The handing over of these locomotives fulfills an important commitment made during the visit of
Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India in October 2019.
• Currently, five Broad Gauge connectivity routes are operational between India and Bangladesh.

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MoS Rajeev Chandrasekhar holds Digital India Dialogues in Mumbai

• Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar held Digital India Dialogues on the Principles of the Digital
India Act (DIA) in Mumbai, Mahrarashtra on 23 May 2023.
• The Act provide a strong legal framework for protecting the rights of Digital Citizens.
• It will also allow sectoral regulators such as RBI & SEBI to create additional safeguards, resulting
in harmonization of different laws.
Apple inks multi-billion-dollar deal with Broadcom for U.S. made chips
• Apple has entered a multi-billion-dollar deal with Broadcom to use chips made in the United
States.
• Broadcom will develop 5G radio frequency components with Apple that will be designed and built
in the USA.
• Apple has been diversifying its supply chains, building more products in India and Vietnam.
• Apple plans to source chips from a new Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co plant in
Arizona.
23 May 2023: Top 5 Evening Headlines
• Nepal: PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal inaugurates Women's Volleyball tournament
• Bangladesh-US joint naval exercise begins in Chattogram
• Shirgaonkar elected unopposed as India Taekwondo Chief
• Indian delegation, attends LIMA 23 in Malaysia
• Indian-origin man becomes first turban-wearing ‘Lord Mayor’ of UK city
Maha govt launches new portal to take schemes to doorsteps
• Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde launched the ‘Shasan Aplya Dari’ (government at your
doorstep) initiative with an aim to provide benefits of government schemes at one place.
• With an aim to make government schemes available at the doorstep of the common man, the
state government will now use a new portal called ‘Mahalabharthi’, where all the state schemes
will be enlisted.
Nepal: PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal inaugurates Women's Volleyball tournament
• Prime Minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' inaugurated the Central Asian
Volleyball Association (CAVA) Women's Volleyball Challenge Cup in Kathmandu.
• A total of eight countries—India, Bangladesh, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and
Kazakhstan, including host Nepal -- are participating in the tournament.
Bangladesh-US joint naval exercise begins in Chattogram
• The Joint Bangladesh-US Naval drill Exercise ‘Tiger Shark 40’ started at BNS Nirvik in Chattogram.
• The objective of the exercise is to increase the strategic capabilities of both countries and to
acquire mutual technical and procedural knowledge.
• Chattogram Naval Area Commander Rear Admiral Abdullah AL Mamun Chowdhury attended
the event as the Chief Guest.

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Shirgaonkar elected unopposed as India Taekwondo Chief

• Namdev Shirgaonkar was elected unopposed as the President of the executive committee of
India Taekwondo.
• He holds a Black Belt in Taekwondo.
• India will be featured in the upcoming Senior World Taekwondo Championship 2023 to be held
in Baku, Azerbaijan from May 25 to June 5.
ISRO to launch new navigation satellite
• NVS-01 is the first of the second-generation satellites envisaged for the Navic constellation that
will be launched by Isro at the end of May.
• It will be deployed in the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit.
• The system was developed looking at the growing requirements of the Civil Aviation.
• The system is used in terrestrial, aerial, and marine transportation.
RRR movie actor Ray Stevenson dies at age 58
• The actor Ray Stevenson, who played British Governor Scott Buxton in SS Rajamouli's RRR died
at age 58.
• His death was announced four days before his 59th birthday.
• Ray also appeared in major TV shows such as Rome, Vikings and Dexter. He was known for roles
in the Thor films and the Divergent series, as well as several UK TV shows like Band of Gold, Peak
Practice and Murphy's Law.
Indian delegation, attends LIMA 23 in Malaysia
• An Indian delegation, led by Additional Secretary (Defence Production) Shri T Natarajan, attended
the 16th Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA 23), being held at
Langkawi, Malaysia between May 22-25, 2023.
• Established in 1991 and held biennially, LIMA is one of the largest maritime & aerospace
exhibitions in the Asia-Pacific.
Govt cuts FAME-II subsidy on electric 2-wheelers from June
• The government has reduced the subsidy provided under the FAME-II (Faster Adoption of
Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India) scheme applicable on electric two-wheelers registered
on or after June 1, 2023.
• The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles (FAME) India scheme
commenced on April 1, 2019.
Sameer Verma wins gold; Rohan Kapoor-Sikki Reddy bag silver
• Indian shuttler Sameer Verma emerged victorious in men's singles competition at the 2023
Slovenia Open beating Su Li Yang while the duo of Rohan Kapoor and Sikki Reddy bagged silver
in the mixed doubles event in Maribor, Slovenia.
• Verma won 21-18 21-14 against his Taiwanese opponent.
Darshna lying third at Almaty Shotgun World Cup

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• Former national champion and Khelo India Youth Games winner Darshna Rathore shot a 71 on
day one of the women's skeet qualifications to lie third at the ISSF Shotgun World Cup.
• Darshna was the best Indian on the show as teammate Ganemat Sekhon shot 69 to be placed
ninth among contenders and Maheshwari Chauhan was lying further back, having shot 67.
Indian-origin man becomes first turban-wearing ‘Lord Mayor’ of UK city
• Punjab born Jaswant Singh Birdi has become UK's Coventry city's first turban-wearing Lord
Mayor.
• Jaswant Singh Birdi, who was born in Punjab and spent some time as a child in Calcutta in West
Bengal, moved to Coventry 60 years ago and has served as a local councillor in the city for 16
years.
MoU signing for PM MITRA Park, Dhar on 21st May 2023
• The program for MoU signing between the Government of India (Ministry of Textiles) and the
Government of Madhya Pradesh took place in the Dhar district of MP on 21.05.2023
• The proposal to set up PM MITRA Park in village Bhensola, Badnawar Tehsil, Dhar district of
Madhya Pradesh received formal approval from the Government of India in March 2023.
Agri drone maker IoTechWorld Avigation to set up pilot training center
• Indian agricultural drone manufacturer, IoTechWorld Avigation, announced that it is in the
process of setting up seven remote pilot training organisations (RPTOs) in five states by July.
• During the month of June, three of them will come up in Gurugram (Haryana), Chikballapur
(Karnataka), and Samastipur (Bihar) and the remaining two in Rajamundary and Vijayawada,
Andhra Pradesh.
Education Ministry calls first meet aimed at unifying 60 school boards
• The Ministry of Education organised a workshop in New Delhi with the aim of unifying the 60
school examination boards operating in different States and union territories under one umbrella.
• The main component of this plan is PARAKH or the National Assessment Centre which has been
set up as an organisation under National Council of Educational Research and Training.
23 May 2023: Top 5 Morning Headlines
• Neeraj Chopra becomes World No 1 in javelin rankings
• Akashvani launches weekly bulletin in Gondi dialect in Chhattisgarh
• Jayaprakash re-elected as President of the Swimming Federation
• Nepal designates 2025 as a ‘Special tourism year’
• World Turtle Day: 23 May
Today's History: 23 May 2023
• In 1951, China annexed the autonomous region of Tibet.
• In 1984, Bachendri Pal became the first Indian woman to conquer Mount Everest.
• In 1995, the computer programming language Java was formally launched by Sun.
• In 2001, Pakistan refused to give India the status of Most Favored Nation.

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• In 2008, India successfully tested the surface-to-surface missile Prithvi-2.

World Turtle Day: 23 May
• It is observed annually on May 23 to spread awareness regarding protecting turtles and tortoises
and also their disappearing habitats across the world.
• The day promises a better future where humans and turtles can coexist peacefully.
• It began in 2000 and is sponsored by American Tortoise Rescue.
Paytm launches bond investing on its platform for retail investors
• Paytm Money has launched an advanced bonds platform for retail investors in India on 22 May
2023.
• The platform allows retail investors to buy three types of bonds - government, corporate, and tax-
free.
• Government of India bonds have a maturity ranging from 16 days to 39 years.
• The yield on these bonds is currently between 7-7.3% per annum.
Neeraj Chopra becomes World No 1 in javelin rankings
• Neeraj Chopra has become the world number one in men's javelin throw rankings issued by World
Athletics.
• He topped the charts with 1455 points, 22 ahead of reigning world champion Anderson Peters
from Grenada.
• Jakub Vadlejch of the Czech Republic was third with 1416 points.
• Chopra won the Diamond League 2022 finals in Zurich, becoming the first Indian to win the
prestigious trophy.
JSW Steel to acquire National Steel and Agro Industries for ₹621 cr
• JSW Steel's subsidiary JSW Steel Coated Products acquired National Steel and Agro Industries
(NSAIL) for a total consideration of ₹ 621 crore on 22 May 2023.
• The acquisition was approved with respect to the corporate insolvency resolution process of
NSAIL.
• The Committee of Creditors of NSAIL and the Hon’ble National Company Law Tribunal, Mumbai
Bench have approved the Resolution Plan.
Akashvani launches weekly bulletin in Gondi dialect in Chhattisgarh
• Akashvani News, on 22 May 2023, launched a news bulletin in Gondi, a primary dialect of a tribal
community in Chhattisgarh.
• The weekly news bulletin in Gondi will be broadcast every Sunday from 6.30 pm.
• Akashvani News had already started a weekly news bulletin in Halbi.
• Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Halbi news bulletin on March 25th, 2023.
Arab League Summit in Jeddah Adopts Jeddah Declaration
• The 32nd Arab League Summit recently concluded in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with the adoption of
the Jeddah Declaration.

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• This declaration, focuses on fostering Arab unity and addressing various regional challenges.
• The declaration emphasizes the need for increased pan-Arab efforts to assist Syria in resolving
its ongoing crisis, demonstrating a collective commitment to supporting stability.
Lt Gen Amardeep Singh Aujla appointed as Indian Army's new MGS
• Lt Gen Amardeep Singh Aujla has been appointed as the new Master General Sustenance (MGS)
of the Indian Army.
• The MGS is responsible for maintaining the high state readiness of the force in both peace and
war.
• Lt Gen Aujla will be one of the eight principal staff officers of the Chief of Army Staff.
• Commissioned into the Rajputana Rifles regiment, Aujla joined the forces in December 1987.
Jayaprakash re-elected as President of Swimming Federation
• N. Jayaprakash and Monal D Chokshi were re-elected as President and Secretary of the
Swimming Federation of India (SFI) on 22 May 2023.
• The SFI will focus on developing grassroots participation in swimming by holding camps and
coaches' clinics at the State-level.
• SFI plans to propose to four states to set up an academy for a year-long camp where foreign
coaches will be brought in.
Nepal designates 2025 as a ‘Special tourism year’
• Nepal has designated the year 2025 as a "Special tourism year" to support the recovery of the
country's tourism industry.
• The President announced that the decade of the 2080s in the Bikram Samvat calendar would be
recognized as 'the Visit Nepal decade'.
• A special honor the 'Samarmatha Special Honour' will be conferred on foreign nationals who
contribute to promoting Nepal's cultural values.
Assam aims to completely withdraw AFSPA by December 2023
• Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on 22 May 2023 that the state aims to
withdraw the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) completely by the end of 2023.
• The state was declared a 'disturbed area' under AFSPA during the intervening night of November
27-28, 1990, and this was extended every six months since then.
Know About: Assam
• Assam is a state located in the northeastern part of India.
• It is home to several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, including Kaziranga National Park
which is famous for its one-horned rhinoceros.
• Capital: Dispur
• Chief minister: Himanta Biswa Sarma
• Official flower: Rhynchostylis retusa
• Region: Northeast India
• Language: Assamese

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• Formation (as a state): 26 January 1950

Aadhaar holders execute 1.96 billion transactions in April 2023
• In April 2023, Aadhaar holders executed 1.96 billion authentication transactions, indicating the
growth of digital economy and usage of Aadhaar in India.
• Fingerprint-based authentication was the most popular method used by Aadhaar holders,
followed by demographic and OTP-based authentications.
• More than 250.5 million eKYC transactions were carried out in April 2023 alone.
India-US launch working group on education, skill development
• Ministry of Education and the US Department of State on 22 May 2023 launched the India-US
Working Group on Education and Skill Development.
• It aims to enhance cooperation and collaboration between the two countries in the field of
education and skill development.
• Both sides agreed to foster partnerships between educational institutions, and relevant
government agencies.
Veteran actor Sarath Babu passes away at the age of 71
• Veteran Tamil and Telugu actor Sarath Babu passed away on 22 May 2023 in Hyderabad.
• Born in 1951, he made his acting debut in the 1973 Telugu film Rama Rajyam.
• He made his debut in Tamil cinema with director K Balachander’s Nizhal Nijamagiradhu in 1978.
• He acted in more than 200 films in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam with actors like Kamal Haasan,
Rajinikanth, and NT Rama Rao.
Zimbabwe shuts down Chinese-owned Bikita Minerals
• Bikita Minerals, Zimbabwe's largest lithium mine, has been ordered to suspend operations after
claims of Lithium looting by a local watchdog in May 2023.
• Bikita Minerals holds 11 million tonnes of lithium, the world's largest-known deposit of the mineral.
• China's Sinomine Resource Group took over Bikita Minerals in a USD 180 million deal last year.
Map in news: Zimbabwe
• Zimbabwe is a landlocked country located in southern Africa.
• It gained independence from Britain in 1980 and became the Republic of Zimbabwe.
• Robert Mugabe became the country's first prime minister and later its president. He ruled for
nearly four decades, from 1980 until his resignation in 2017.
• Capital: Harare
• President: Emmerson Mnangagwa
• Currency: Zimbabwean dollar
SpaceX's Axiom mission-2 launches 1st Saudi woman to space
• SpaceX, on 22 May 2023, launched Saudi astronauts, including the nation's 1st woman, to the
space station.

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• Sponsored by the Saudi Arabian govt, Rayyanah Barnawi, a stem cell researcher, became the first
woman from the kingdom to go to space.
• She was joined by Ali al-Qarni, a fighter pilot with the Royal Saudi Air Force.
• The Axiom Mission 2 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 carried the astronauts.
22 May 2023: Top 5 Evening Headlines
• Manchester City wins Premier League title for third consecutive time
• PM Modi conferred with the highest honour of Fiji and Papua New Guinea
• India to host 44th edition of annual ISO COPOLCO Plenary
• China claims record 13th Sudirman Cup title
• BCCI announces Adidas as Team India's kit sponsor
Manchester City wins Premier League title for third consecutive time
• Manchester City was crowned the English Premier League champion for the third consecutive
time following second-placed Arsenal’s 0-1 loss at the hands of Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
• This is City’s ninth League title overall and the fifth under Pep Guardiola.
• Guardiola’s side is now four points clear atop of the league standings with 85 points in 35 games.
Govt sets target to increase highways network to 2 lakh kms by 2025
• The construction of National Highways has witnessed around 48 per cent growth in the last nine
years and its total length in the country has gone up to nearly 1.47 lakh kilometres against 98,000
kilometres in 2014-15.
• Earlier the pace of National Highways' construction was about 12 kilometers per day which has
increased to 38 kilometers per day at present.
Uttarakhand Forest dept release report "conservation of plant species"
• The Uttarakhand Forest Department has released a 4th annual report on the conservation of
2035 plant species.
• The report, which was released on the occasion of International Day for Biological Diversity.
• Out of the total species conserved, 107 species are currently listed under threatened/endangered
categories, of which 63 species are in the red list of IUCN.
BCCI announces Adidas as Team India's kit sponsor
• Adidas has been revealed as Tem India's kit sponsor, in partnership with BCCI.
• India will be hosting the ICC Cricket World Cup this year from October-November.
China claims record 13th Sudirman Cup title
• China claimed a record 13th Sudirman Cup title defeating South Korea 3-0 at Suzhou.
• Chen Yufei defeated World No.2 An Se Young 21-16,22-20, in the women's singles to seal victory.
• In the men's singles, Korea's Lee Yun Gyu was easily outmatched by Shi Yuqi.
• The tournament is one of badminton's most important, because performances will count towards
qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Motorcycle rally held in Ramanathapuram as part of Sea Cow Day.

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• A motorcycle rally was held in Ramanahaputam as part of the Sea Cow Day celebrations.
• The rally was conducted to spread awareness about the importance of conserving the species.
• Ramanathapuram Wildlife Conservator Jagatheespakhansudakar flagged off the rally which has
been started from the "APJ Abdul Kalam National Memorial" to the Ramanathapuram Wildlife
Warden office.
Know About: Sea cows (Dugong)
• Sea cows (Dugong) are the most diverse of marine mammal species. The most giant herbivore of
marine life, the sea cow is one of the most docile and peaceful marine animals that feed on
seaweed.
• They are more common in the Indian seas, especially in the Mandapam sea area of
Ramanathapuram district, Gulf of Mannar.
22 May 2023: Top 5 Morning Headlines
• Daniil Medvedev wins maiden clay court title at Italian Open 2023
• Shaili Singh clinched bronze medal at the Golden Grand Prix 2023
• Maharana Pratap Jayanti: 22 May
• Govt to organize international conference on Indian pharma
• India to host Quad leaders summit in 2024
Today's History: 22 May 2023
• In 1772, Ram Mohan Roy was born in Radhanagar, Hooghly District, Bengal Presidency.
• In 1933, World Trade Day/National Maritime Day 1st celebrated.
• In 1936, India’s first cricket stadium was laid on this day in Bombay.
• In 1992, India launches India's first Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM), the Agni rocket.
• In 2004, Manmohan Singh becomes the 13th Prime Minister of India.
Daniil Medvedev wins maiden clay court title at Italian Open 2023
• Daniil Medvedev beats Holger Rune 7-5 7-5 in the final of the Italian Open to win his first ATP
clay-court title.
• This is his first clay-court trophy and 20th career title.
• Medvedev's career includes the 2021 U.S. Open title and a period at No. 1 in the rankings.
• In the women's category, Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan won the title defeating Ukraine's
Anhelina Kalinina 6-4, 1-0.
Shaili Singh clinched bronze medal at the Golden Grand Prix 2023
• Indian athlete Shaili Singh won a bronze medal in the women's long jump event with a jump of
6.65m at the Golden Grand Prix 2023 athletics meet in Yokohama, Japan.
• The Yokohama meet was a World Athletics Continental Tour gold-label event.
• German athlete Maryse Luzolo won the gold medal with an effort of 6.79m.
• Australian athlete Brooke Buschkuehl won the silver medal with a 6.77m leap.
Rohit Sharma becomes 2nd Indian player to complete 11000 runs in T20

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• Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma on 21 May 2023, became the second Indian batter after
Virat Kohli (11, 864 runs) to surpass 11,000 runs in Twenty-20 cricket.
• He also becomes the seventh batter overall to score 11000 runs after Chris Gayle, Shoaib Malik,
Kieron Pollard, David Warner, and Aaron Finch, and Virat Kohli.
• Chris Gayle has the highest number of T20 runs - 14,562.
Maharana Pratap Jayanti: 22 May
• Maharana Pratap Jayanti 2023 will be celebrated on May 22 to mark the birth anniversary of
Maharana Pratap.
• He was a Rajput king who ruled the kingdom of Mewar in Rajasthan, India from 1572 to 1597.
• He was born on May 9, 1540, in Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan.
• The Battle of Haldighati was fought between Maharana Pratap and Akbar's forces in 1576.
International Day for Biological Diversity: 22 May
• International Day for Biological Diversity is observed on 22 May every year to increase awareness
and understanding of the issues of biodiversity.
• The day falls within the scope of the UN Post-2015 Development Agenda's Sustainable
Development Goals.
• The theme for the International Day for Biological Diversity 2023 is “From Agreement to Action:
Build Back Biodiversity".
Govt to organize international conference on Indian pharma
• The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers will organize the eighth edition of the international
conference on ‘India Pharma & India Medical Device 2023’ from 26-27 May.
• The conference will be inaugurated by Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
• The National Medical Devices Policy 2023 and the Export Promotion Council for Medical Devices
will also be launched as part of the conference.
AL MOHED AL HINDI 2023 Naval Exercise of India & Saudi Arabia
• INS TARKASH and INS SUBHADRA have arrived in Saudi Arabia to participate in the AL MOHED
AL HINDI 2023 naval exercise.
• The exercise will involve the participation of naval forces from both countries and focus on joint
operations and training.
• The exercise encompasses a series of exercises conducted on land and at sea by the two friendly
navies.
India to host Quad leaders summit in 2024
• India will host the Quad Summit in 2024, as announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the
Quad Summit 2023.
• The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QSD), commonly known as the Quad, is a strategic security
dialogue between Australia, India, Japan, and the United States of America.
• It aims to help countries mitigate the effects of climate change and strengthen their climate
resilience.

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IAF grounds entire fleet of MiG-21 fighter jets following May 8 crash
• The Indian Air Force (IAF) has grounded its MiG-21 fighter fleet following the crash on May 8 in
Rajasthan.
• The fighters will resume flying in a phased manner after these checks.
• More than 400 MiG-21s have been involved in accidents that have claimed the lives of 200 pilots
during the last six decades.
• The IAF is set to retire its three remaining squadrons of the MiG-21 Bisons by 2025.
Indian Air Force (IAF)
• The Indian Air Force is the air arm of the Indian Armed Forces.
• Its primary mission is to secure Indian airspace and to conduct aerial warfare during armed
conflicts.
• Founded: 8 October 1932, India
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Commander-in-Chief: President Draupadi Murmu
• Motto: "Touch the sky with Glory"
• Chief of the Air Staff: Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari
SECL’s Gevra coal mine in Chhattisgarh to be largest in Asia
• Gevra project of South Eastern Coalfields Ltd (SECL) in Chhattisgarh in May 2023 became the
first mine in the country to achieve 50 Metric Tons of coal production.
• The expansion of Gevra coal mine will help SECL achieve its goal of increasing coal production to 250
million tonnes per annum by 2025.
• The expansion of the Gevra coal mine will make it the largest coal-producing mine in Asia.
National Anti-Terrorism Day: 21 May
• National Anti-Terrorism Day is observed in India on May 21 each year to commemorate the death
of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
• Rajiv Gandhi was the youngest Prime Minister of India.
• The day highlights the significance of eradicating terrorism and promoting peace and harmony.
• India is among the 25-worst terror-hit countries, according to the 10th edition of the Global
Terrorism Index.
Union Health Ministry launches '75/25′ initiative
• The Union Health Ministry has launched an initiative to provide standard care to 75 million
individuals suffering from hypertension and diabetes by 2025.
• The initiative will be the world’s largest expansion of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in
primary healthcare.
• India has established over 150,000 Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs) at the primary
healthcare level to battle against NCDs.
MP becomes 1st state in country to provide free air travel to pilgrims

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• Madhya Pradesh becomes the first state to provide government-funded air travel for pilgrimage
under the Mukhya Mantri Teerth-Darshan Yojana.
• 32 senior citizens were flagged off by CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan on a pilgrimage to Prayagraj
from Bhopal on 21 May 2023.
• The scheme aims to make the benefits of Mukhya Mantri Tirth-Darshan Yojana by air easily
available to elders of the state.
PM Modi addresses 76th Session of the World Health Assembly in Geneva
• The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressed the 76th Session of the World Health Assembly
in Geneva, Switzerland on 21 May 2023.
• India shipped almost 300 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to over 100 countries including
many countries from the Global South.
• India's vision for good health is 'One Earth One Health', which extends to the entire ecosystem
including animals and plants.
Italy's Mount Etna volcano erupts again
• Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, erupted again on 21 May 2023.
• It is an active stratovolcano on the east coast of Sicily, Italy, between the cities of Messina and
Catania.
• It lies above the convergent plate margin between the African Plate and the Eurasian Plate.
• It is one of the tallest active volcanoes in Europe with a current height of 3,357 m.
Blackstone buys International Gemological Institute for $535 million
• Blackstone India acquired International Gemological Institute (IGI) from Shanghai Yuyuan Tourist
Mart for $535 million on 22 May 2023.
• IGI operates 18 gemology labs in India out of 20 worldwide and certifies lab-grown diamonds
made in India for sale to the US retail market.
• The global lab-grown diamonds retail market is worth $7 billion.
• Blackstone manages assets worth $50 billion in India.
20 May 2023: Top 5 Evening Headlines
• 4th National Water Awards: MP tops in 'Best State category'
• PM Modi unveils bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Japan's Hiroshima
• Maha CM approves first Good Governance Regulations of the country
• Japan shows willingness to join India's UPI payment system
• India, South Korea agree to deepen cooperation in trade and defence
Bezos firm wins Nasa bid to build astronaut lunar lander
• NASA has awarded Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos's company, a contract worth $3.4 billion to build a
spacecraft that will send astronauts to and from the moon's surface.
• Blue Origin will develop its Blue Moon lander to meet NASA's human landing system requirements.
• The contract includes one uncrewed demonstration mission to the lunar surface before a crewed
demo on the Artemis V mission in 2029.

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4th National Water Awards: MP tops in 'Best State category'

• Madhya Pradesh secured first place in the 'Best State' category in the 4th National Water Awards-
2022, followed by Odisha in second place and Andhra Pradesh and Bihar in joint third place.
• Ganjam, Odisha, won the first prize in the 'Best District' category, followed by Namakkal, Tamil
Nadu, and Adilabad, Telangana.
• The National Water Awards were launched by the Jal Shakti Ministry in 2018.
UP CM Yogi holds 'Janata Darshan' in Gorakhpur
• Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath directed officials to ensure timely assistance to beneficiaries
of public welfare schemes during 'Janata Darshan' in Gorakhpur on 20 May 2023.
• CM Yogi instructed officials to take strict action against any deliberate delay in resolving public
grievances.
• He also emphasized accountability in ensuring the effective implementation of public welfare
schemes.
PM Modi unveils bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Japan's Hiroshima
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on 20 May 2023, unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Hiroshima
during his visit to Japan for the G7 Summit.
• The G7 Summit is being held in Hiroshima from May 19-21, 2023, with Japan assuming the G7
Presidency.
• India has been invited as a guest country for the G7 summit, with a focus on nuclear disarmament
climate and energy, and food and health development.
Japan shows willingness to join India's UPI payment system
• Japan is considering adopting India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payment system to
enhance cross-border transactions and payment mechanisms.
• The UPI could be used for cross-border payments once it is also adopted by countries like the
UAE and Singapore.
• Japan will be sending a team to India to study the UPI platform and will eventually consider
linking the network if Japan adopts UPI.
Unified Payments Interface (UPI)
• It is a real-time payment system developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
• UPI allows users to link multiple bank accounts to a single mobile application, enabling seamless
fund transfers between different banks.
• To use UPI, individuals need to create a virtual payment address (VPA).
• Launched in April 2016, it has more than 100 million active users of UPI platform.
Centre issues ordinance on transfer, posting of officials in Delhi
• The Centre has promulgated an ordinance to create a National Capital Civil Service Authority for
the transfer of and disciplinary proceedings against Group-A officers in Delhi.

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• The Supreme Court handed over the control of services in the national capital to the Delhi govt
on May 11.
• The Authority comprises the CM of Delhi as its chairperson, along with the chief secretary and
home secretary.
India, South Korea agree to deepen cooperation in trade and defence
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 20 May 2023, held a bilateral meeting with South Korean
President, Yoon Suk Yeol in Japan's Hiroshima.
• India-South Korea is celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2023.
• Both countries agreed to deepen cooperation in trade and investment, IT hardware
manufacturing and defence and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen bilateral ties.
Map in news: South Korea
• South Korea, officially known as the Republic of Korea, is a country located in East Asia.
• It constitutes the southern part of the Korean Peninsula and borders North Korea along the
Korean Demilitarized Zone.
• The three Kingdoms of Korea refer to the three kingdoms of Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla.
• Capital: Seoul
• President: Yoon Suk Yeol
• Prime Minister: Han Duck-soo
Chinese scientists develop clawed microrobot for precision medicine
• Chinese scientists have developed a swimming microrobot complete with claws and a coat that
mimics the red blood cell membrane.
• The robot is 20 microns in diameter and has claws inspired by tardigrades, a kind of tiny
invertebrate.
• The claws allow for better navigation through the veins and show promise for precision medicine.
• The researchers monitored the robot's activity in a rabbit vein.
Maha CM approves first Good Governance Regulations of the country
• Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on 19 May 2023, approved the first Good Governance
Regulations of the country.
• It aims to make the State administration more accountable, accessible, dynamic, and transparent.
• These regulations will also include the formation of a separate cell to take action on the effects
of climate change.
MH-60R helicopter undertakes maiden landing at sea
• The Indian Navy's MH60R helicopter has achieved a significant milestone by landing on the INS
Kolkata.
• It is known for its exceptional surveillance, anti-shipping, and Search and Rescue capabilities.
• The integration of the MH60R helicopter with Indian Navy warships will further strengthen the
Navy's capability to counter underwater threats and conduct surveillance operations.

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Apple bans ChatGPT for employees, OpenAI brings chatbot to iPhones

• Apple has banned the use of ChatGPT and other generative AI chatbots by its employees due to
concerns over privacy and data security.
• OpenAI in May 2023 announced the launch of the ChatGPT app for iOS.
• Companies like Amazon, Accenture, JPMorgan, Verizon, and several more have also barred their
employees from using ChatGPT over similar data-related concerns.
MP Cabinet approves 'Mukhya Mantri Sikho-Kamao Yojana' for the Youth
• The Madhya Pradesh state cabinet has approved a new scheme called 'Mukhyamantri Sikho
Kamao Yojana' (Chief Minister Learn and Earn Scheme) for unemployed youths in the state.
• The scheme is available for youths who have passed 12th grade, ITI, graduation, or post-
graduation.
• The youths will be paid a stipend for learning the skills, ranging from Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000 per
month.
Know About: Madhya Pradesh
• It is the second-largest Indian state by area and the fifth-largest state by population.
• In 1956, the state was reorganized and combined with other states to form the new Madhya
Pradesh state.
• It has a significant forest cover, with 25.14% of its area under the forest.
• Capital: Bhopal
• Districts: 52
• Governor: Mangubhai C. Patel
• Chief minister: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
India achieves 47% growth in coal production in the past 9 years
• In the last nine years, India's overall coal production has gone up by 47 percent to 893.08 million
tonnes (MT).
• This is the highest coal production in the country's history.
• Coal supply has also gone up by 45.37% to reach 877.74 million tonnes.
• The government launched 'Mission Coking Coal' in August 2021 to suggest ways to increase
domestic coking coal production and utilization by 2030.
China to skip G20 tourism working group meeting in J&K
• China has decided not to attend the third G20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Srinagar from
May 22 to May 24.
• India has countered China's objection by saying it is free to hold meetings on its own territory.
• Pakistan has also opposed India's decision to hold a G20 meeting in Jammu and Kashmir.
• Three countries, China, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia are likely to skip the meeting.
A book “Guts Amidst Bloodbath : The Aunshuman Gaekwad Narrative” by Ad

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• Anshuman Gaekwad launched his semi-autobiographical book "Guts Amidst Bloodbath"

authored by Aditya Bhushan on 19 May 2023.
• The book launch was attended by former Indian cricket captains, including Sachin Tendulkar,
Sunil Gavaskar, and Kapil Dev.
• Gaekwad began his First-Class career as an off-spinner and lower-order batsman but went on to
become a successful Test opener for India.
RBI to pay Rs 87416-crore dividend to govt for FY23
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved a surplus transfer of Rs 87,416 crore to the
government for the fiscal year 2022-23.
• This amount is almost three times higher than the previous year's transfer of Rs 30,307 crore.
• The RBI's sales of foreign exchange reserves, estimated to be around $206 million until February
2023, significantly contributed to the increased surplus.
Weekly Notes (15 May - 19 May): International Affairs
• Montana to become first U.S. state to ban TikTok
• Japanese PM Fumio Kishida welcome G7 leaders in Hiroshima
• Assad to attend first Arab League summit since start of Syria war
• Afghanistan reports first polio death of 2023
Weekly Notes (15 May - 19 May): National Affairs - I
• MoS S.P. Singh Baghel moved from Law Ministry to Health Ministry
• MoS for Communications Devusinh Chauhan launches ORAN test bed project
• 2nd Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group meet to be held in Mumbai
• 1st Inter-Ministerial Committee Meeting held on World Food India 2023
• Country's first elevated 8-lane access control Dwarka Expressway
Weekly Notes (15 May - 19 May): National Affairs - II
• Third G20 tourism meet to be held in Srinagar on May 22-24
• Ayush Min to inaugurate National Mission Conclave in Delhi on 18 May
• PM Modi to inaugurate International Museum Expo 2023 in New Delhi
• Dr Jitendra Singh to inaugurate 8th All India Pension Adalat on 17 May
• Phase V of Sagar Parikrama to be held from 17th-19th May
Weekly Notes (15 May - 19 May): National Affairs - III
• Jal Jeevan Mission achieves milestone of 12 crore Tap Water connection
• Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launches Sanchar Saathi portal
• DNA profiling of elephants as part census begins in Jharkhand.
• Hardeep S Puri launches mega campaign ‘Meri LiFE, Mera Swachh Shehar’
• Union Agriculture Min launches Biological Control Lab in Hyderabad
Weekly Notes (15 May - 19 May): Defence News
• The Defence Ministry has approved the 4th Positive Indigenisation list

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• India-made missile destroyer Mormugao test fires Brahmos missile

• India-Indonesia Bilateral Exercise Samudra Shakti - 23
• Defence production crosses one lakh crore rupees mark
• Kalvari Class Submarine Vaghsheer commences sea trials
Weekly Notes (15 May - 19 May): Sports News - I
• PM Modi to inaugurate 3rd Khelo India University Games in UP
• South Asian Youth Table Tennis Championship 2023 concludes in Itanagar
• Jyothi Yarraji clinches gold in women's 100 m hurdles
• ICC ODI Rankings 2023: Ireland's Tector displaces Virat Kohli
• Annu Rani clinched gold medal on the second day of the Federation Cup
• Gatka included in 37th National Games
Weekly Notes (15 May - 19 May): Sports News - II
• Barcelona wins La Liga for 1st time since 2019
• Prraneeth becomes India’s 82nd Grandmaster
• Pramod Bhagat wins two gold at Thailand para badminton international
• Hriday Hazarika and Nancy Mandhotra bag silver medals
• Rhythm Sangwan registers highest score in women’s 25m pistol event
• Indian boxers settles for bronze at IBA Men’s World Boxing C’ship
Weekly Notes (15 May - 19 May): India & World
• India launches 'Operation Karuna' to assist cyclone-hit Myanmar
• India & EU Agree to Coordinate on Strategic Semi-conductor sector
• India Pavillion to be inaugurated at the Cannes Film Festival
• India & Bangladesh launch '50 Start-ups Exchange Programme'
• First India-EU trade council meeting to begin on May 16 in Brussels
• MoS Dr L Murugan to lead delegation to Cannes Film Festival
Weekly Notes (15 May - 19 May): Science & Technology
• Chinese scientists develop clawed microrobot for precision medicine
• 1st commercial passenger flight using Sustainable Aviation Fuel
• Scientists develop high-performance, cost-effective Na-ion batteries
• Google invests $1 million to IIT-Madras AI research centre
• Portal to track, recover lost mobile phones to be unveiled
Weekly Notes (15 May - 19 May): Banking Affairs
• RBI to pay Rs 87416-crore dividend to govt for FY23
• SBI records highest-ever quarterly profit in Q4 2022-23
• Paytm launches Paytm SBI Card on RuPay Network with NPCI
• RBI announces withdrawal of ₹2000 banknotes from circulation
• Bank of Baroda launches electronic Bank Guarantee on its platform
Weekly Notes (15 May - 19 May): Summits and Conferences
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• Aviation Minister emphasizes capacity growth for Wing India 2024

• Indian companies Shines at Paper Arabia 2023, Dubai
• 29th edition of CABSAT 2023 successfully concludes in Dubai
• India to host Asia Petrochemical Industry Conference 2023
• Amitabh Kant speaks on Small Modular Reactors for Clean Energy Trans
• Rajeev Chandrasekhar to attend 1st Ministerial Meet of Indo-EU trade
Weekly Notes (15 May - 19 May): Appointments & Resignations
• Govt appoints AK Jain as new PNGRB chairman
• Arjun Ram Meghwal replaces Kiren Rijiju as Union Law Minister
• Paytm appoints Bhavesh Gupta as COO, President
• Justice PK Mishra, advocate KV Viswanathan to be elevated as SC judges
• Manoj Soni sworn in as Chairman of UPSC.
• Ravneet Kaur appointed chairperson of Competition Commission of India
Weekly Notes (15 May - 19 May): Appointments & Resignations - II
• Vedanta appoints Sonal Shrivastava as its new Chief Financial Officer
• Duroflex announces Virat Kohli as new brand ambassador
• Air Marshal Dixit takes over as Deputy Chief of Air Staff
• IPS Officer Praveen Sood appointed as next Director of CBI
• Elon Musk announces Linda Yaccarino as new Twitter CEO
20 May 2023: Top 5 Morning Headlines
• SBI records highest-ever quarterly profit in Q4 2022-23
• Ruskin Bond releases his new book titled "The Golden Years"
• Paytm launches Paytm SBI Card on RuPay Network with NPCI
• World Bee Day: 20 May
• RBI announces withdrawal of ₹2000 banknotes from circulation
Today's History: 20 May 2023
• In 1862, U.S. President Abraham Lincoln signed the Homestead Act.
• In 1902, Cuba gains independence from the United States.
• In 1941, World War II: Battle of Crete: German paratroops invade Crete.
• In 1948, Chiang Kai-shek was inaugurated as the first president of Taiwan.
• In 1956, the United States exploded the first airborne hydrogen bomb over Bikini Atoll in the
Pacific
SBI records highest-ever quarterly profit in Q4 2022-23
• The State Bank of India (SBI) reported Rs 16694 crore profit for Quarter-4 of 2022-23, with a net
profit surge of 83%.
• SBI achieved a profit of Rs 50,232 crore for the entire financial year 2022-23, marking its highest-
ever quarterly and yearly profit.

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• The bank witnessed significant growth in net interest income, which rose by 29.5% to Rs 40,392
crore in Q4 compared to the 2022 fiscal year.
Ruskin Bond releases his new book titled "The Golden Years"
• Ruskin Bond authored a new book titled “The Golden Years: The Many Joys of Living a Good Long
Life”.
• The book is published by HarperCollins India and was released on 19th May 2023 on his 89th
Birthday.
• He was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1992 for “Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra”.
• He was also awarded the Padma Shri in 1999 and Padma Bhushan in 2014 for Literature and
Education.
World Metrology Day: 20 May
• World Metrology Day is observed every year on 20 May celebrating the International System of
Units.
• The date is the anniversary of the signing of the Metre Convention on 20 May 1875 by
representatives of seventeen nations.
• Metrology is the study of measurement.
• The theme for Wo
• World Metrology Day 2023 is Measurements supporting the global food system.
Union cabinet approves MoU between ICAI and CA Maldives
• The Union Cabinet, on 18 May 2023, approved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) between the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and the Chartered
Accountants of the Maldives (CA Maldives).
• The MoU aims to foster cooperation in accounting between India and the Maldives.
• The MoU will also facilitate the export of accounting services to the Maldives.
MP’s Bhopal becomes first city in India to measure SDG progress
• Madhya Pradesh capital Bhopal has become the first city in India to accept the localization of
the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• The govt will conduct Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) to show the government's abilities and
commitments.
• The VLRs are a potent instrument that promotes neighborhood activity and helps cities and
regions accomplish the Agenda 2030.
TN CM Stalin inaugurates India's longest Skywalk Bridge
• Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has inaugurated one of India's longest Skywalk bridges,
which spans 570 meters in length and 4.2 meters in width.
• The skywalk bridge connects the Mambalam railway station and T Nagar bus terminus, providing
a crucial connection for commuters.
• The bridge was constructed by the Greater Chennai Corporation at a cost of Rs 28.45 crore from
Smart City funds.

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Know About: Tamil Nadu

• It is the seventh-largest state by area and the second-largest by population.
• After the Indian Independence in 1947, the region became the Madras State under the States
Reorganisation Act (1956).
• Formation: 1 November 1956
• Capital: Chennai
• Districts: 38
• Governor: R. N. Ravi.
• Chief minister: M. K. Stalin
• Sex ratio (2021): 1088/1000
Paytm launches Paytm SBI Card on RuPay Network with NPCI
• Paytm's parent company, One97 Communications Ltd, partnered with SBI Card and the National
Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to launch the Paytm SBI Card on the RuPay network on 19
May 2023.
• The Paytm SBI Card offers cashback and discounts on transactions made through the Paytm
mobile app.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) enabled users to link RuPay credit cards to UPI in 2023.
National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)
• The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is an organization established in 2008 by the
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Indian Banks' Association (IBA).
• It is responsible for managing and operating retail payment systems in India.
• It is a not-for-profit organisation registered under Section 8 of the Companies Act 2013.
• Founded: 2008
• Headquarters: Mumbai
• MD & CEO: Dilip Asbe
World Bee Day: 20 May
• World Bee Day is observed every year on May 20th to raise awareness about the importance of
bees and other pollinators for our ecosystems
• The UN Member States approved Slovenia’s proposal to proclaim 20 May as World Bee Day in
Dec 2017.
• On this day Anton Janša, the pioneer of beekeeping, was born in 1734.
• The theme for 2023 is “Bee engaged in pollinator-friendly agricultural production”
RBI announces withdrawal of ₹2000 banknotes from circulation
• The Reserve Bank of India, on 19 May 2023, announced to withdraw the ₹2000 denomination
banknotes from circulation while retaining their status as legal tender.
• The withdrawal of ₹2000 banknotes aligns with the RBI's "Clean Note Policy".
• Individuals can exchange their ₹2000 banknotes up to a limit of ₹20,000 until September 30,
2023, to exchange or deposit their ₹2000 banknotes.

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Know About: RBI

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the central banking institution of India and is responsible for
the monetary policy, regulation of the banking sector, and the issuance and management of the
Indian rupee currency.
• It was established on April 1, 1935, in accordance with the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
• Governor: Shaktikanta Das
• Headquarters: Mumbai
NTPC Green Energy ties up with HPCL Mittal Energy for green hydrogen
• NTPC Green Energy and HPCL Mittal Energy have signed an MoU to collaborate in renewable
energy and green hydrogen.
• The two companies will work together to source 250 MW of renewable energy power for HPCL
Mittal Energy.
• The company operates the Guru Gobind Singh Refinery at Bathinda, Punjab.
• The MoU between the companies is aimed at realizing green energy and green hydrogen
objectives.
India launches 1st commercial plane using sustainable aviation fuel
• AirAsia India successfully flew India's first commercial passenger flight using the indigenous
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blend on 18 May 2023.
• The flight departed from Pune to New Delhi and the SAF blend was supplied by Indian Oil
Corporation Ltd. (IOCL)
• By 2025, India aims to blend 1% SAF in Jet fuel, requiring around 14 crore liters of SAF per annum.
Chile's 5000 year old 'Great Grandfather' tree declared world's oldest
• A 5,000-year-old tree in Chile has been officially recognized as the world’s oldest. The tree, a
Patagonian cypress, is located in the Alerce Costero National Park and is nicknamed “Great
Grandfather.”
• It is estimated to be between 5,000 and 6,500 years old, making it the oldest living organism on
Earth.
• The tree is a massive specimen, measuring 28 meters tall and 4 meters in diameter.
19 May 2023: Top 5 Evening Headlines
• S&P affirms India's sovereign rating at 'BBB-', keeps outlook stable.
• Montana to become first U.S. state to ban TikTok
• Defence production crosses one lakh crore rupees mark
• PM Modi to inaugurate 3rd Khelo India University Games in UP
• Narendra Singh Tomar launched Queen Pineapple
S&P affirms India's sovereign rating at 'BBB-', keeps outlook stable
• Global rating agency Standard and Poor’s has affirmed India’s sovereign rating at “BBB-” and
maintained a stable outlook on gradual recovery in the economy.

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• India’s recovery will gather pace through the second half of FY22, S&P said in a statement.
• India’s strong external settings help to buffer the risks associated with the government’s high
deficits and debt stock.
Montana to become first U.S. state to ban TikTok
• Montana Governor Greg Gianforte on Wednesday signed legislation to ban Chinese-owned
TikTok.
• Montana will make it unlawful for Google and Apple’s app stores to offer TikTok within the state,
but will not impose any penalties on individuals using the app.
• The ban is to take effect Jan. 1, 2024, and is almost certain to face legal challenges.
• TikTok is owned by Chinese tech company ByteDance
Kalvari Class Submarine Vaghsheer commences sea trials
• The Indian Navy's sixth and final Kalvari class submarine, Vaghsheer, has begun its sea trials.
Vaghsheer is scheduled for delivery to the Indian Navy in early 2024.
• The submarine was launched on 20th April 2022 from the Kanhoji Angre Wet Basin of Mazagon
Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).
• "Submarine commissioning strengthens Indian Navy amid rising Chinese presence in Indian
Ocean."
1st commercial passenger flight using Sustainable Aviation Fuel
• Country's first commercial passenger flight using an indigenously produced Sustainable Aviation
Fuel (SAF) blend was successfully flown from Pune to Delhi.
• Air Asia flight flew from Pune to Delhi powered by SAF blended aviation turbine fuel supplied by
Indian Oil Corporation Limited
• it a significant milestone in the country's efforts towards Net Zero emissions by 2070.
Defence production crosses one lakh crore rupees mark
• The Defence Ministry has said that the value of defence production in the Financial Year (FY)
2022-23 has crossed the figure of one lakh crore rupees for the first time ever.
• The current value of defence production in the year 2022-23 is a rise of more than 12 per cent as
compared to last financial year.
• Defence licenses surge 200% increase in 7-8 years.
Dress code for devotees in Tuljabhavani temple, Maharashtra
• Wearing indecent clothes is now prohibited in the Tuljabhavani temple area while going for
darshan inside the temple starting
• Devotees wearing Bermuda shorts, half pants, provocative clothes and body-revealing clothes
will not be allowed to enter the temple.
• Women wearing a one-piece, short skirts, and short pants will not be allowed to enter the temple
premises.
Two-day sports conclave of BSSA to begin in Patna

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• The Bihar State Sports Authority (BSSA), an autonomous body under the Department of art,
culture, and youth affairs, is set to organize the 'Sports Conclave 2.0' at Gyan Bhawan.
• The two-day event aims to revolutionize Bihar's sports landscape and pave the way for the state
to become a thriving sports hub.
• The sports conclave will be inaugurated by deputy chief minister Tejashwi Prasad Yadav.
PM Modi to inaugurate 3rd Khelo India University Games in UP
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of the Khelo
India University Games to be hosted by Uttar Pradesh on May 25.
• Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Aditya Nath, Union Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Anurag
Thakur, and Nisith Pramanik will also be present on this occasion.
• Apart from this, various cultural programs will also be organized
Aviation Minister emphasizes capacity growth for Wing India 2024
• Wings India 2024 will be held from 18th to 21st January 2024 at Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad.
It is Asia's largest event on Civil Aviation.
• Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia today said that Government is giving special focus on
creating capacity for the country's fast-growing aviation market.
• The domestic passenger number was 60 million in 2014 and it rose to 144 million in 2019
MoS S.P. Singh Baghel moved from Law Ministry to Health Ministry
• Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel has been assigned as Minister of State in the Health and Family Welfare
Ministry.
• Prof. Baghel was serving as Minister of State in the Law and Justice Ministry.
• Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Culture Arjun Ram Meghwal was assigned the
independent charge as Minister of State in the Ministry of Law and Justice.
Narendra Singh Tomar launched Queen Pineapple
• The famous organic Queen Pineapple produced in Tripura was launched by Union Agriculture
Minister Narendra Singh Tomar in a program held in Delhi.
• Tripura’s Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratanlal Nath was also present in this
program.
• Mr. Tomar said in the last nine years, Prime Minister Modi has visited the north-eastern region 52
times.
Japanese PM Fumio Kishida welcome G7 leaders in Hiroshima
• Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida welcomed the G7 leaders in Hiroshima where G7 leaders
laid wreaths at the Peace Memorial Park.
• They also planted saplings at Memorial Park.
• The G7 leaders are currently in Japan to attend the G7 Summit scheduled to be held in Hiroshima
from May 19-21.
• Japan assumed the G7 Presidency in 2023.

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Know About: Group of Seven(G7)

• Group of Seven (G7)
o It is an intergovernmental organization that was formed in 1975.
o The G7 countries are the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the US.
o All the G7 countries and India are a part of the G20.
o The G7 does not have a formal constitution or a fixed headquarters.
Assad to attend first Arab League summit since start of Syria war
• Syria's President Bashar al-Assad is to attend an Arab League summit for the first time since it
was suspended from the regional body 12 years ago.
• Syria was readmitted this month after states which had backed the opposition accepted his grip
on power was secure.
• They include summit hosts in Saudi Arabia.
Indian companies Shines at Paper Arabia 2023, Dubai
• Indian companies are reaping significant benefits at the ongoing Paper Arabia 2023 exhibition in
Dubai
• The exhibition is supported by the Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme of the Ministry of
Commerce, Government of India, with the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry(PHDCCI).
• The India Pavilion at Paper Arabia 2023 was inaugurated on May 16, 2023, featuring 30 Indian
companies.
29th edition of CABSAT 2023 successfully concludes in Dubai
• The 29th edition of CABSAT 2023, the award-winning event for the broadcast, satellite, content
creation, production, distribution, digital media, and entertainment industries, drew to a successful
conclusion on May 18th, 2023
• The three-day exhibition, which kicked off on May 16th, 2023, at the Dubai World Trade Centre
(DWTC) served as a significant platform for numerous exhibitors.
Gyanvapi mosque: SC defers HC's order of "scientific survey"
• The Supreme Court on Friday deferred the "scientific survey", including carbon dating, of the
"Shivling" said to have been found at the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi
• The High Court on May 12 set aside the Varanasi District judge's order which had rejected the
application for a scientific survey and carbon dating of the "Shivling" on October 14, 2022.
Pakistan, Iran inaugurate border market in their first meeting in 10yr
• Officials say the top leaders of Pakistan and Iran have inaugurated the first border market as
relations warm between the two countries
• The marketplace is the first of six to be constructed along the Pakistan-Iran border under a 2012
agreement signed by the two sides
• Iran-Pakistani relations have been contentious because of cross-border attacks.
19 May 2023: Top 5 Morning Headlines

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• Govt appoints AK Jain as new PNGRB chairman

• Mumbai climbs to 6th rank from 38th in the annual housing growth report
• N. Chandrasekaran Receives France's Highest Civilian Award on
• India launches 'Operation Karuna' to assist cyclone-hit Myanmar
• India's GDP likely to grow at 6.2% in 2023-24: Morgan Stanley
Today's History
• In 1780, a mysterious darkness enveloped much of New England and part of Canada in the early
afternoon.
• In 1743, Jean-Pierre Christin invents the Celsius thermometer.
• In 1913, the Former President of India, Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy was born.
• In 1919, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk sets off the Turkish War of Independence.
• In 1959, The North Vietnamese Army begins organizing the Ho Chi Minh trail
Govt appoints AK Jain as new PNGRB chairman
• A K Jain has been appointed as the new chairman of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory
Board (PNGRB).
• He is a retired Indian Administrative Service officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre.
• He previously served as the Coal Secretary until Oct 2022.
• The PNGRB is responsible for regulating the oil and gas sector in India.
• The last PNGRB chairman was D K Saraf, who retired in Dec 2020.
Know About: PNGRB
• The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) is the regulatory body responsible for
overseeing the downstream petroleum and natural gas sector in India.
• It was established under the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Act, of 2006, which aims to
promote competitive markets and a reliable supply of petroleum and natural gas.
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Chairman: A K Jain
Mumbai climbs to 6th rank from 38th in annual housing growth report
• According to a report by real estate consultant Knight Frank India, Mumbai moved up to the sixth
rank among 46 global cities in terms of annual price growth of high-end residential properties,
with an appreciation of 5.5%.
• The report, titled ‘Prime Global Cities Index Q1 2023‘, notes that Bengaluru and New Delhi have
also registered a price increase in the first quarter of 2023.
N. Chandrasekaran Receives France's Highest Civilian Award
• Tata Group Chairman N. Chandrasekaran has been given France's highest civilian award
Chevalier de la Legion d'honneur for his contributions to strengthening the trade relationship
between India and France.
• In 2023, Tata Group-owned Air India had inked a multi-billion dollar deal with Airbus to buy 250
aircraft from Airbus.

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• The award was established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802.

India launches 'Operation Karuna' to assist cyclone-hit Myanmar
• India launched ‘Operation Karuna’ to assist Myanmar which has been devastated by Cyclone
Mocha.
• Three Indian Navy ships carrying relief material reached Yangon on 18 May 2023.
• The first batch of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) materials brought by INS
Shivalik, INS Kamorta, and INS Savitri included emergency food items, tents, etc.
Map in News: Myanmar
• Myanmar, officially the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, also known as Burma (the official name
until 1989), is a country located in Southeast Asia.
• On 4 January 1948, Myanmar declared independence under the terms of the Burma
Independence Act 1947.
• Capital: Naypyidaw
• Currency: Myanmar Kyat
• Population: 5.38 crores
• Official language: Burmese
• President: Myint Swe (acting)
India's GDP likely to grow at 6.2% in 2023-24: Morgan Stanley
• According to a Morgan Stanley report released on 18 May 2023, India is expected to grow at 6.2
percent in the current financial year 2023-24.
• The Morgan Stanley report is titled as “Asia Economics: The Viewpoint: Addressing the Pushback to Our
Constructive View”.
• Morgan Stanley is an American multinational investment bank and financial services company
headquartered in New York.
Govt to set up 1,100 new Farmer Producer Organizations in co-op sector
• The Cooperation Ministry, on 18 May 2023, announced to set up of 1,100 new farmer-producer
organizations (FPOs) in the cooperative sector.
• Under the FPO Scheme, financial assistance of 33 lakh rupees is provided to each FPO.
• Further, financial assistance of 25 lakh rupees per FPO is provided to the Cluster-Based Business
Organizations.
MoS for Communications Devusinh Chauhan launches ORAN test bed project
• On the occasion of World Telecom Day, Minister of State for Communications Devusinh Chauhan
today launched Open Radio Access Network (ORAN) test bed project for conformance,
certification and interoperability testing of O-RAN based solutions at a function in New Delhi.
• It will facilitate testing of ORAN elements and will facilitate development of fully indigenous 5G
radio network in India.
National Endangered Species Day: 19 May
• Every year on the third Friday in May National Endangered Species Day is celebrated annually.

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• In 2023 it is being observed on 19 May to raise awareness about the importance of wildlife
conservation.
• Endangered Species Act 1973, focuses on the protection of wildlife and threatened species in
India.
• The 2023 year's theme is, “Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the endangered species act!”
Ex-Union min & BJP's Ambala MP Rattan Lal Kataria passes away
• Rattan Lal Kataria, former Union Minister and BJP MP from Ambala passed away on May 18.
• He served as the Minister of State in the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Ministry of Social Justice
and Empowerment till 7 July 2021.
• He was elected to the 16th Lok Sabha from Ambala.
• Previously, he was elected to the 13th Lok Sabha from Ambala as a candidate of the Bharatiya
Janata Party.
CCI approves proposed merger of Credit Suisse Group AG with UBS Group
• The Competition Commission of India (CCI), on 18 May 2023, approved the proposed merger of
Credit Suisse Group AG with UBS Group AG.
• The UBS Group is a multinational investment bank and financial services company founded and
based in Switzerland.
• Credit Suisse Group is a multinational investment bank and financial services company that
provides wealth management services.
Competition Commission of India (CCI)
• It is a statutory body established under the Competition Act, of 2002.
• It is responsible for promoting and maintaining fair competition in the Indian market.
• The CCI has the authority to investigate and penalize anti-competitive practices.
• Founded: 14 October 2003
• First executive: Dhanendra Kumar
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Chairperson: Ashok Kumar Gupta
2nd Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group meet to be held in Mumbai
• The second meeting of the G-20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group (DRRWG) will be held in
Mumbai, Maharashtra from May 23 to 25.
• The first DRRWG meeting was held in Gandhinagar in March-April 2023.
• The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015 to 2030 provides a concrete action plan
to protect development gains from the Risk of Disaster.
1st Inter-Ministerial Committee Meeting held on World Food India 2023
• The First Inter-Ministerial Committee Meeting for World Food India 2023 was held on May 16,
2023 in New Delhi.
• The committee meeting was chaired by Smt. Anita Praveen, Secretary of Food Processing
Industries (FPI).

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• The meeting aimed to discuss the preparation and participation of

Ministries/Departments/Organizations for the upcoming event.
Indian Navy deploys P8I aircraft to rescue capsized Chinese vessel
• The Indian Navy deployed its P8I aircraft to assist in the search for a capsized Chinese fishing
vessel in the Indian Ocean.
• The vessel, Lu Peng Yuan Yu 028, sank on May 17 with 39 crew members on board, including
Chinese, Indonesian, and Philippine nationals.
• The Indian Navy's Search and Rescue Operations (SAR) equipment was deployed upon a request
from the Chinese Navy.
Government announces 20% TCS on international credit cards
• The central govt, on 18 May 2023, amended a rule that will attract 20% tax collection at source
(TCS) on credit card usage outside India.
• As per the new rule, credit card spending in a foreign currency will now be part of the liberalized
remittance scheme (LRS) and subject to Tax Collection at Source (TCS).
• It will also include international credit card payments under the LRS from July 1.
18 May 2023: Top 5 Evening Headlines
• Arjun Ram Meghwal replaces Kiren Rijiju as Union Law Minister
• Siddaramaiah appointed Karnataka CM, DK Shivakumar to be Deputy CM
• Jyothi Yarraji clinches gold in women's 100 m hurdles
• South Asian Youth Table Tennis Championship 2023 concludes in Itanagar
• India & EU Agree to Coordinate on Strategic Semi-conductor sector
Arjun Ram Meghwal replaces Kiren Rijiju as Union Law Minister
• Arjun Ram Meghwal has been appointed the new Law Minister, while Kiren Rijiju has been handed the
Ministry of Earth Sciences.
• Meghwal has been assigned the Law Ministry in addition to his existing portfolios.
• Kiren Rijiju has been assigned the portfolio of Ministry of Earth Sciences.
• Meghwal is the current Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs & Culture.
Siddaramaiah appointed Karnataka CM, DK Shivakumar to be Deputy CM
• Siddaramaiah has been appointed the CM of Karnataka, days after Congress won the state polls
with 135 seats.
• Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar has been appointed the Deputy Chief Minister.
• The oath taking ceremony will take place in Bengaluru Kanteerava stadium on Saturday in the
presence of Congress leadership.
PM Modi Launches Railway Projects & Flags off Vande Bharat Express.
• PM Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and dedicate several railway projects worth over
8,000 cr Rs in Odisha.
• During the event, he flagged off the Vande Bharat Express between Puri and Howrah.
• He also dedicated 100% electrification of the rail network in Odisha.

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International Aroma Park at Kannauj completes phase-1 completed.

• The 31-acre first phase of the international perfume park project in Kannauj, which is known for
manufacture of the essence (attar) used in perfumes is completed.
• This park was proposed by Samajwadi Party president and former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav.
• In 2014, he had announced a common facility fragrance park to boost the fragrance industry of
Kannauj.
India & EU Agree to Coordinate on Strategic Semi-conductor sector
• India and the European Union will coordinate their policies with regards to the strategic
semiconductor sector, with the aim of concluding a Memorandum of Understanding by
September 2023.
• The two sides will work towards bridging the digital skills gap, explore Mutual Recognition of
certifications and make progress on the promotion of skilled professionals and exchange of talent.
Country's first elevated 8-lane access control Dwarka Expressway
• Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari said the country's first
elevated 8-lane access control Dwarka expressway of 29.6 km length is being built at a cost of Rs
9000 crore will be almost completed in April 2024.
• The road network of this expressway is of four levels.
• A 3-lane service road is being constructed on both sides of the expressway.
Seven religious sites to be connected by Waterways in Guwahati
• Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) is committed towards developing Inland
Waterways.
• The project is being developed under the Sagarmala Programme at an initial cost of Rs.40-45
crores.
• It will be known as 'Riverine based tourism Circuit’.
AWS to invest 12.7 Bn dollars in cloud infrastructure in India by 2030
• Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced plans to invest 12.7 billion dollars in cloud
infrastructure in India by 2030.
• The cloud platform offers more than 200 services, including storage, robotics, and artificial
intelligence
• It will support an estimated average of 1 lakh 31 thousand 700 full-time equivalent jobs in Indian
businesses each year.
TiE Rajasthan signs MoU with Rajasthan Police
• TiE Rajasthan has signed an MoU with the state Police.
• With a purpose of strengthening the 'Technical Core Croup (TCC)' of Rajasthan Police and
simultaneously creating fresh opportunities for startups in the cyber-security and cyber-crime
redressal space the MoU was signed.
• This MoU brings great opportunities for startups working in cyber-security & cybercrime space.

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Eternal Hospital Successfully Performs Angioplasty.

• Eternal Hospital performs successful Angioplasty with Orbital Atherectomy Technique for
Calcified Blockage in Heart
• It was country's first orbital atherectomy case.
• In which the life of a patient suffering from severe calcified blockage in both heart arteries was
saved.
Lucknow to Get New Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation Institute
• CM Yogi Adityanath announced to set up a pharmaceutical research and innovation institute in
Lucknow.
• It will promote research and manufacturing in the pharma sector.
• UP is the sixth-largest state in the nation in terms of the number of pharmaceutical manufacturing
facilities.
South Asian Youth Table Tennis Championship 2023 concludes in Itanagar
• South Asian Youth Table Tennis Championship 2023 concluded in Itanagar.
• It was a three-day international event in which more than 100 athletes and officials from six
countries Bhutan, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Nepal participated.
Nath corridor to be developed in UPs Bareilly
• The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh is planning to develop the Nath Corridor in
Bareilly.
• The corridor will be built by connecting Alakhnath Temple, Madhinath, Tapeshwar Nath,
Dhopeshwar Nath, Pashupatinath, Vankhandi Nath Temple the seven mythological Nath temples
in Bareilly city.
• This will be the first religious destination dedicated to the Nath sect in the state.
Jyothi Yarraji clinches gold in women's 100 m hurdles
• Athlete Jyothi Yarraji won a gold medal in the women's 100 m hurdles at the Federation Cup
athletics event at the Birsa Munda Stadium in Ranchi.
• Jyothi topped the podium with a meet-record time of 12.89 seconds. She also crossed the Asian
Championships qualifying standard of 13.63 seconds set by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI),
as per Olympics.com.
• She hails from Andhra Pradesh.
Australia Cancels Quad Meeting in Sydney After Biden Postponement
• A summit of the Quad countries scheduled to be held in Sydney next week will be postponed after
US President Joe Biden pulled out because of debt ceiling negotiations in Washington
• The Quad meeting, which includes leaders from Australia, India, Japan, and the United States,
was scheduled to take place in Sydney.
SC upholds law allowing bull-taming sport Jallikattu

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• The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the Tamil Nadu law allowing the 2,000-year-old
traditional bull-taming sport Jallikattu in the state.
• The apex court's decision came on a batch of pleas challenging state laws of Tamil Nadu and
Maharashtra on Jallikattu.
• It said the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Tamil Nadu Amendment) Act, 201, substantially
minimises pain and suffering to animals.
18 May 2023: Top 5 Morning Headlines
• Union Cabinet approves Production Linked Incentive Scheme 2.0 for IT
• ICC ODI Rankings 2023: Ireland's Tector displaces Virat Kohli
• Indian Economy to Grow 5.8% in 2023, 6.7% in 2024: UN Report
• World AIDS Vaccine Day: 18 May
• SP Hinduja, chairman of Hinduja Group, passes away
Today's History
• In 1792, Russian troops invaded Poland.
• In 1974, India detonated its first atomic bomb named the Smiling Buddha.
• In 1802, Great Britain declared war on Napoleon's France.
• In 1652, Rhode Island became the first American colony to pass a law abolishing African slavery
• 1828 - Battle of Las Piedras ended the conflict between Uruguay and Brazil.
Union Cabinet approves Production Linked Incentive Scheme 2.0 for IT
• The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, on 17 May 2023, approved the Production
Linked Incentive Scheme 2.0 for IT Hardware with a budgetary outlay of Rs. 17,000 crores.
• The scheme covers laptops, tablets, all-in-one PCs, servers, and ultra-small form factor devices.
• The tenure of the scheme is 6 years.
• The expected incremental production is Rs. 3.35 Lakh crore.
ICC ODI Rankings 2023: Ireland's Tector displaces Virat Kohli
• Ireland's Harry Tector jumped to 7th rank on the latest MRF Tyres ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings
released on 17 May 2023.
• He achieved a new rating of 722 points in ODI cricket which is the highest ever achieved by an
Ireland player.
• South Africa's Rassie van der Dussen ranked second position with 777 points while Pakistan's
Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq have taken third and fourth places.
Indian Economy to Grow 5.8% in 2023, 6.7% in 2024: UN Report
• The World Economic Situation and Prospects report released by the United Nations has
announced that India is expected to grow by 5.8 percent in 2023 and 6.7 percent in 2024.
• The report said the world economy is projected to grow by 2.3 percent in 2023 and 2.5 percent in
2024.
• The report also states that inflation in India is expected to decelerate to 5.5 percent in 2023.
World AIDS Vaccine Day: 18 May
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• Worlds AIDS Vaccine Day or HIV Vaccine Awareness Day is observed every year on 18 May.
• The day raises awareness about the ongoing global efforts to develop an effective vaccine
against HIV/AIDS.
• It was 1st observed on 18 May 1998, to commemorate the anniversary of the first international
AIDS vaccine trial, which took place in 1997.
• The trial, known as RV144, was conducted in Thailand.
Know About: HIV/AIDS
• Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition
caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
• By damaging your immune system, HIV interferes with your body's ability to fight infection and
disease.
• The first international AIDS vaccine trial took place in 1997.
• The trial known as RV144, was conducted in Thailand.
Third G20 tourism meet to be held in Srinagar on May 22-24
• The 3rd G20 Tourism Working Group meeting will be held in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir from
May 22 to 24.
• During the working sessions, G20 delegates will discuss a potential roadmap that would link
Tourism-sector with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
• The event will be based on 5 areas eg. Green Tourism, Digitalisation, Skills, Tourism MSMEs, and
Destination Management.
World Hypertension Day: 17 May
• Every year, May 17 is observed as World Hypertension Day.
• It aims to raise awareness about hypertension, also known as high blood pressure and its impact
on public health worldwide.
• The day is organized by the World Hypertension League (WHL).
• The theme of World Hypertension Day, 2023 is 'Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control
It, Live Longer'.
SP Hinduja, chairman of Hinduja Group, passes away
• Srichand Parmanand Hinduja, the eldest of the four Hinduja brothers and chairman of the Hinduja
Group passed away on 17 May 2023.
• From the 1990s, he was consistently ranked among the United Kingdom and Asia's wealthiest
people.
• In 2022, Hinduja topped the Sunday Times Rich List with an estimated wealth of £28.472 billion
sterling.
Ayush Min to inaugurate National Mission Conclave in Delhi on 18 May
• Ayush Minister Sarbananda Sonowal will inaugurate the National Ayush Mission (NAM) Conclave
in New Delhi on 18 May 2023.

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• The conclave aims to enhance coordination among stakeholders and strengthen the functioning
of Ayush Health Wellness centers.
• The National Ayush Mission was launched in 2014 with the objective to preserve and promote
India's traditional systems of medicine.
National AYUSH Mission (NAM)
• The National AYUSH Mission (NAM) aims to promote and develop the traditional systems of
medicine and healthcare, collectively known as AYUSH.
• The NAM was launched in September 2014 under the Ministry of AYUSH.
• AYUSH stands for Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy.
• The government has decided to continue the NAM as a centrally sponsored scheme till 2026.
Union Govt approves Project Collaboration Agreement between DHR & WHO
• The Union Government has approved the signing of the Project Collaboration Agreement
between the Department of Health Research (DHR) and the World Health Organization (WHO)
on Assistive Technology on 17 May 2023.
• The collaboration aims at providing access to assistive technology, fostering research and
innovation, and developing and disseminating appropriate training programs.
Cabinet approves Rs 1.08 lakh cr fertiliser subsidy for Kharif season
• The Union Cabinet has approved Rs 1.08 lakh crore fertiliser subsidy for the 2023-24 Kharif season.
• The subsidy includes Rs 38,000 crore for Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilisers.
• This also includes Rs 70,000 crore of urea subsidy earmarked in the Budget for the Kharif season
2023-24.
• The MRP (Maximum Retail Price) of fertilisers will remain unchanged at Rs 276 per bag.
Benin, Mali in Africa eliminates eye infection trachoma
• Trachoma has been eliminated as a public health problem in Benin and Mali, as validated by the
World Health Organization.
• They join a growing list of countries to have banished the disease, following Ghana in 2018, The
Gambia in 2021, and Malawi in 2022.
• Trachoma spreads through the direct or indirect transfer of eye and nose discharges, primarily
from infected individuals.
Map in News: Mali
• Mali, officially the Republic of Mali, is a landlocked country in West Africa.
• Mali is the eighth-largest country in Africa, with an area of over 1,241,238 square kilometers.
• 67% of its population was estimated to be under the age of 25 in 2017.
• Capital: Bamako
• Currency: West African CFA franc
• Population: 2.19 crores
• Official language: French
• President: Assimi Goïta

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17 May 2023: Top 5 Evening Headlines

• Paytm appoints Bhavesh Gupta as COO, President
• India Pavillion to be inaugurated at the Cannes Film Festival
• India & Bangladesh Launch '50 Start-ups Exchange Programme
• Nepali Sherpa climbs Mt Everest for record 27th time sets new record
• Akashvani Guwahati jointly bags 2nd rank in National Water Awards 2023
Paytm appoints Bhavesh Gupta as COO, President
• One97 Communications Limited (OCL), the parent company of fintech giant Paytm, on Tuesday
announced that it has appointed Bhavesh Gupta as the company’s Chief Operating Officer (COO)
and President.
• Prior to joining Paytm in 2020, Gupta held multiple leadership roles including CEO of Clix Capital
(formerly known as GE Capital), and Head of SME and Business Banking at IDFC Bank.
Know About: One97 Communications Limited
• One97 Communications:
o It is an Indian digital payment and financial services company.
o Founded in: 2000
o Headquarters: Noida, Uttar Pradesh
o Founder: Vijay Shekhar Sharma
o It has various Subsidiaries which are Paytm Payments Bank, Paytm Payments Gateway,
Paytm Payout, and Paytm Money.
New Flying Gecko Species Found in Mizoram
• Researchers at Mizoram University and the Max Planck Institute for Biology in Tubingen, Germany, have
discovered a new species of flying gecko along the Indo-Myanmar border.
• The creature has been named after the Northeastern state of Mizoram
• Dubbed the Gekko mizoramensis, it is the name given to the new species after the state of
Mizoram.
• Professor Hmar Tlawmte Lalremsanga led the team.
India Pavillion to be inaugurated at the Cannes Film Festival
• Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr L Murugan will inaugurate the India Pavilion
in Cannes International Film Festival, France today.
• Anurag Singh Thakur will address the inaugural session through a video message.
• Four Indian films have made it to the official selection in Cannes Film Festival including Kanu
Behl’s Agra and Anurag Kashyap’s Kennedy.
PM Modi to inaugurate International Museum Expo 2023 in New Delhi
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the International Museum Expo 2023 at Pragati
Maidan in New Delhi tomorrow.
• The International Museum Expo is being organized as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav to
celebrate the 47th International Museum Day.

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• The theme for this year is ‘Museums, Sustainability, and Well Being’.
India & Bangladesh launch '50 Start-ups Exchange Programme'
• 10 start-ups from Bangladesh completed a successful visit to India under the 50 start-ups
exchange program.
• Sectors represented by these start-ups include e-commerce, health, transport, logistics, energy,
education, and skill development.
• The program aims to foster partnerships, expand business relations, and promote youth and
entrepreneurial cooperation between India and Bangladesh.
Akashvani Guwahati jointly bags 2nd rank in National Water Awards 2022
• Regional News Unit of Akashvani Guwahati secures second place in the Best Media category at
the National Water Awards 2022.
• The award recognizes their efforts in promoting water resources conservation and management
through awareness programs and interactive discussions.
• Their efforts in water conservation include awareness programs. This marks their first win in this
prestigious category.
Manik Saha inaugrates indigenous spices distribution programme
• The Chief minister Manik Saha informed that the government has decided to distribute packaged
spices through Fair Price Shops at a subsidized price to strengthen the Public Distribution System.
• CM Manik Saha further said that the state government is committed to ensuring various essential
items to all the people of the society through PDS at a subsidized price.
Nepali Sherpa climbs Mt Everest for record 27th time sets new record
• The Seven Summit Treks, an expedition organizing company of Nepal on Wednesday announced
the new record set earlier this morning on Twitter
• Sherpa, a native of Thame village in Solukhumbu, Nepal has been working as Senior Guide at
Seven Summit Treks.
• Experienced Sherpa climber, aged 53, with over two decades of mountain scaling. Started as
support staff in the 1992 Everest expedition.
Quick Facts: Mount Everest
• About Mount Everest:
o The World's Highest Peak Mount Everest.
o It is situated in Nepal.
o The height of Mount Everest is 8848 m (8900 m approx).
o It is always covered with snow.
o Nepali name: Sagarmatha.
o Tibetan name: Chomolungma.
o It is named after a Surveyor General of India George Everest.
o The peak is located in the Mahalangur sub-range of the Himalayas.

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Annu Rani clinched gold medal on the second day of the Federation Cup
• Annu Rani clinches gold and crosses the Asian Games qualification mark at Federation Cup 2023.
• The event held at the Birsa Munda Stadium, Annu breached the all-important qualifying
standards with a throw of 59.24 m, way above the standard of 56.46 m set by AFI
• She also qualified for the Asian Athletics Championships, scheduled for July in Bangkok, Thailand.
Akhil Bharatiya Natya Parishad elects president
• Prashant Damle Win Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Natya Parishad- Prashant Damle has been elected
as the President of Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Natya Parishad.
• Prasad Kambli was fighting against him.
• He got 50 out of 60 votes.
Bihar State Archives to preserve one crore plus historical documents.
• These files and folio contain Mughal-age Firmaans and land records, including that of Raja
Todarmal, one among the Navaratnas of Emperor Akbar.
• The Bihar government has planned conservation measures for important and confidential
historical paper documents for a better and long-lasting life.
• it also has documents related to Babu Kunwar Singh, Mahatma Gandhi, and his Champaran
Satyagraha.
US to provide additional security assistance to Taiwan
• US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced additional security assistance to Taiwan through
presidential drawdown authority.
• This expedites aid delivery, similar to Ukraine.
• President Biden's administration plans to send $500 million worth of weapons aid to Taiwan.
• This highlights US commitment, influences US-China relations, and regional stability.
17 May 2023: Top 5 Morning Headlines
• Jal Jeevan Mission achieves milestone of 12 crore Tap Water connection
• Dr Jitendra Singh to inaugurate 8th All India Pension Adalat on 17 May
• Gauri bags Best Long Documentary Award at SA Film Festival of Montreal
• Justice PK Mishra, advocate KV Viswanathan to be elevated as SC judges
• World Telecommunication Day: 17 May
Scientists develop high-performance, cost-effective Na-ion batteries
• IIT Bombay Scientists develop high-performance, cost-effective Na-ion batteries.
• Na-ion batteries are a next-generation energy storage system due to their cost-effectiveness.
• The new cathode material has the potential to replace traditional lithium-ion batteries.
• The use of sodium in Na-ion batteries reduces the risk of thermal runaway, making them safer
than lithium-ion batteries.
Know About: Sodium-ion battery

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• Na-ion batteries, also known as sodium-ion batteries, are a type of rechargeable battery that
utilizes sodium ions (Na+) as the charge carrier.
• They are similar in concept to lithium-ion batteries but use sodium ions instead of lithium ions for
energy storage and release.
• The Na-ion cell has a specific energy of 90 Wh/kg and can be cycled more than a thousand times.
World Telecommunication Day: 17 May
• World Telecommunication Day is observed every year on 17 May.
• It marks the founding of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) when the first
International Telegraph Convention was signed in Paris in 1865.
• It has been celebrated annually on 17 May since 1969.
• The theme of ITU Day 2023 is “Empowering the least developed countries through information and
communication technologies.”
Know About: ITU
• ITU stands for the 'International Telecommunication Union.'
• It is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) that is responsible for issues related to
information and communication technologies.
• The ITU was established in 1865 and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
• The ITU also works to promote universal access to telecommunications.
• Secretary-General: Doreen Bogdan-Martin
India to host Asia Petrochemical Industry Conference 2023
• The Chemicals and Petrochemicals Manufacturers‘ Association (CPMA) of India will host the 41st
edition of the Asia Petrochemical Industry Conference 2023 (APIC 2023) in New Delhi on 18-19
May.
• It aims to gain insights into regional market trends and sustainable solutions.
• It rotates among seven member countries, including Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand,
Taiwan, and India.
Justice PK Mishra, advocate KV Viswanathan to be elevated as SC judges
• The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the appointment of Andhra Pradesh High Court
Chief Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra as judge of the Supreme Court.
• The Collegium has also cleared the name of senior advocate KV Viswanathan as a Supreme Court Judge.
• The Supreme Court currently operates with 32 judges, while its approved capacity stands at 34
judges.
SGX Nifty to be delisted; will be known as GIFT Nifty from July 3
• The National Stock Exchange (NSE) on May 16, 2023, received regulatory approvals to delist Nifty
50 futures from the Singapore Exchange (SGX) on July 3.
• The SGX Nifty will be known as GIFT Nifty and all SGX orders will be completely transferred to
Gift City.

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• The SGX Nifty is currently traded in Singapore but tracks the performance of India's Nifty 50
index.
A book ‘Supreme Court On Commercial Arbitration’ released
• The book titled ‘Supreme Court on Commercial Arbitration’ by Dr.Manoj Kumar and fore worded
by Shri.R.Venkataramani was released in May 2023.
• The book covers judgments spanning from the year 1988 to 2022 covering Arbitration Act, 1940,
and Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 and aims to provide a better understanding of the
evolution of arbitration law in India.
Gauri bags Best Long Documentary Award at SA Film Festival of Montreal
• The documentary “Gauri”, directed by Kavitha Lankesh, has received the “Best Long Documentary
Award” at the South Asian Film Festival of Montreal 2023.
• The film is about journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh, who was assassinated in 2017, and the
current political crisis in India.
• The Kabir Centre for Arts and Culture in Montreal organized the 13th South Asian Film Festival of
Montreal.
Dr Jitendra Singh to inaugurate 8th All India Pension Adalat on 17 May
• Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh will inaugurate the 8th All India Pension Adalat in Delhi on 17
May 2023.
• The Pension Adalat initiative was started on an experimental basis in 2017 by the Department of
Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare.
• The Pension Adalat will be linked through video conferences where Pension Adalats are being
organized by Min/Depts across India to take up complicated cases.
Phase V of Sagar Parikrama to be held from 17th-19th May
• The Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying has announced the
commencement of Phase-V of the Sagar Parikrama initiative.
• The journey will start from Raigad, Maharashtra on 17 May and end in Canacona, Goa on 19 May
2023.
• Sagar Parikrama symbolizes solidarity with fisherfolk and fish farmers.
• Union Minister for Fisheries Parshottam Rupala will participate in the event
Jal Jeevan Mission achieves milestone of 12 crore Tap Water connection
• The Jal Jeevan Mission has achieved a milestone of providing 12 crore tap water connections to
rural households in India on 16 May 2023.
• The mission has been successful in providing tap water connections to over 50% of rural
households in the country.
• The mission was launched in 2019 to provide tap water connections to all rural households by 2024.
Jal Jeevan Mission
• It is an initiative launched by the Government to provide safe and adequate drinking water to all
rural households in the country.

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• It was launched on August 15, 2019, and aims to ensure piped water supply to every rural
household by 2024.
• It focuses on the decentralized approach to water management and aims to empower local
communities to participate in the planning of water supply schemes.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launches Sanchar Saathi portal
• Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched the Sanchar Saathi portal on May 16, 2023.
• The Sanchar Saathi portal is a digital platform designed to provide training and support to people
in rural areas to operate digital devices and access digital services.
• The portal aims to bridge the digital divide and empower people in rural areas to participate in the digital
economy.
Apple introduces new features to allow accessibility disables
• Apple has introduced new features for enhanced accessibility for people with cognitive, vision, or
speaking disabilities.
• It has introduced a background sound feature that aims to minimize distractions and improve
focus for individuals with cognitive disabilities.
• The assistive touch feature of Apple enables users with motor impairments to control devices
using simple gestures.
Libya Parliament removes PM Fathi Bashagha
• Libya’s parliament voted to remove prime minister Fathi Bashagha on 16 May 2023.
• The chamber, backed by military leader Khalifa Haftar, had picked Bashagha in February 2022
to lead a government to replace that of Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah.
• Libya's military chief Khalifa Haftar, fought a 2019-2020 campaign to seize the capital from a
government and tried to run for president in 2021.
16 May 2023: Top 5 Evening Headlines
• Manoj Soni was sworn in as Chairman of UPSC.
• Hardeep S Puri launches mega campaign ‘Meri LiFE, Mera Swachh Shehar’
• Ravneet Kaur was appointed chairperson of the Competition Commission of India
• Gatka included in the 37th National Games
• Defence Ministry’s iDEX achieves the 250th contract milestone.
DNA profiling of elephants as part census begins in Jharkhand.
• DNA profiling of elephants in Jharkhand's Palamau Tiger Reserve is underway, led by a team from
the Wildlife Institute of India.
• Elephant dung is being collected for DNA analysis
• Cameras will be installed in the forest for cross-referencing.
• The census is set to finish this month.
Quik Facts: Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)
• The iDEX initiative was launched by the Hon’ble PM in April 2018.

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• iDEX aims to achieve self-reliance and foster innovation and technology development in Defence
and Aerospace by engaging Industries including MSMEs, start-ups, individual innovators, R&D
institutes, and academia.
Manoj Soni sworn in as Chairman of UPSC.
• The oath was administered by Smt. Smita Nagaraj, the senior most Member of the Commission.
• Dr Soni joined UPSC as a Member in 2017 and later assumed the duties of Chairman in April 2022.
• He has a background in Political Science and specialized in International Relation Studies.
• Dr Soni has served as Vice-Chancellor of M.S. University of Baroda and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar
Open University.
Amitabh Kant speaks on Small Modular Reactors for Clean Energy Trans
• The 3rd Energy Transitions Working Group Meeting (ETWG) under India’s G20 Presidency took
place in Mumbai.
• Addressing the session virtually, Mr. Kant said that nuclear energy can help in mitigating the
Climate change challenges.
• Wind is emerging as a significant sector and the world is acknowledging it as a robust solution
for delivering clean and affordable power.
Hardeep S Puri launches mega campaign ‘Meri LiFE, Mera Swachh Shehar’
• Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep S Puri launched his Ministry's mega campaign
‘Meri LiFE, Mera Swachh Shehar’.
• This campaign aims to champion, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (RRR) concept of waste
management.
• Under this nationwide campaign, RRR Centres or one-stop collection centers will be set up.
• The RRR Centres are scheduled to be launched nationwide on the 20th of this month.
Karnavat Classes launches 'No Mobile, Go Mobile' campaign
• Karnavat Classes, a 46-year-old commerce career coaching institute based in Thane, has
launched a unique campaign called "NO MOBILE, GO MOBILE".
• It aims to raise awareness of mobile addiction among Indian adolescents.
• Through this campaign, they intend to reach out to at least 50,000 people through a series of 25
performances in the Thane-Badlapur region of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Sanika Lahane wins The International Glamour Project Mrs. India 2023
• Sanika Lahane from Mumbai, India, has been crowned the 1st Place Winner of The International
Glamour Project Mrs India 2023.
• She was sashed by Ms. International World, India - Shilpa Adam and crowned by the talented
actress Minissha Lamba.
• The event was organized by The International Glamour Project Founder and Managing Director
Dr. Swaroop Puranik and was hosted by Dr. Akshata Prabhu.
Ravneet Kaur appointed chairperson of Competition Commission of India

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• The Central government appointed Ravneet Kaur, a 1988 Punjab cadre IAS officer, as the new
chairperson of the Competition Commission of India
• Sangeeta Verma has been serving as the acting Chairperson.
• As per the May 15 order, her appointment will be for five years from the date she assumes charge
or till the date of attaining the age of 65 years or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Gatka included in 37th National Games
• The traditional game of 'Gatka' is poised to get a significant boost nationwide as the Indian
Olympic Association (IOA) has officially included this sport in the 37th National Games-2023
• It will be held in Goa in October this year.
• During this national event, the IOA, in collaboration with the Government of Goa, would organize
competitions for a total of 43 disciplines.
Gauri Khan launches her book "My Life in Design'
• Gauri Khan is a popular interior designer and unveiled her book 'My Life in Design' at the event.
• Talking about their own house, Shah Rukh shared a small story of how they went on to renovate
it. It was renovated by Gauri himself.
• The launch was followed by a brief discussion wherein they spoke about the new book and their
life as a family.
Shubman Gill becomes first batter to score 100 in Test, ODIs, T20
• India's young batter Shubman Gill accomplished a milestone by becoming the only cricketer in
history to score a century in Test, ODIs, T20I, and Indian Premier League in a calendar year.
• In the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Shubman played a blistering knock of 101 off 58 balls
at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
• In the ongoing IPL, he has smashed 576 Runs.
China tags Uyghurs as "violent extremists" for possession of the Quran
• The Chinese Communist Party authorities spy on the phones of ethnic Uyghurs, a minority,
predominately Muslim.
• Even owning a copy of the Quran can result in a police probe against the person.
• Human Rights Watch claims that the Chinese police have ordered Xinjiang province citizens to
download the Jingwang Weishi app, which enables law enforcement to check the contents of
people's phones.
India's first quantified performance coaching program launched
• Aakash Srivastava has devised a systematic approach to help them achieve the highest versions
of themselves.
• The performance coach has launched Mindful Ideal Wellness - India's first quantified performance
coaching program.
• The initiative is directed to take a deep dive into one's personality
• Srivastava's program promotes holistic well-being beyond diet and exercise.

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Today's History
• In 1928, Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse made his debut with the premiere of the cartoon Plane Crazy.
• In 1946, Gandhiji's Cabinet Mission announces Plan.
• In 1975, Sikkim annexed principality and was declared as the 22nd state of Indian Union.
• In 1975, Sikkim High Court was established at Gangtok for Sikkim territory.
16 May 2023: Top 5 Morning Headlines
• First India-EU trade council meeting to begin on May 16 in Brussels
• Vedanta appoints Sonal Shrivastava as its new Chief Financial Officer
• Duroflex announces Virat Kohli as new brand ambassador
• Shipping ministry ranked second in Data Governance Quality Index 2023
• Air Marshal Dixit takes over as Deputy Chief of Air Staff
Google invests $1 million to IIT-Madras AI research centre
• Google on 15 May 2023, announced an investment of $1 million in the form of grants to Indian
Institute of Technology Madras' (IIT Madras).
• Google has been announced as the inaugural 'platinum consortium' member of the IIT Madras
newly formed Centre for Responsible Artificial Intelligence (CeRAI).
• It aims to promote use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) through academic curriculum development
First India-EU trade council meeting to begin on May 16 in Brussels
• The 1st ministerial level meeting of the India-European Union (EU) trade and technology council
(TTC) will take place on 16 May'23 in Brussels, Belgium.
• Commerce minister Piyush Goyal will co-chair the TTC along with external affairs minister S.
Jaishankar.
• The formation of the TTC was announced by the PM Modi in April, 2022 with the objective of
creating a High-level coordination platform.
European Union
• It is a political and economic union of 27 member states located primarily in Europe.
• It was established with the aim of promoting peace, stability, and prosperity among its member
countries.
• Founded: 1 November 1993
• Founders: Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg
• President of the European Council: Charles Michel
• Headquarters: Brussels
Vedanta appoints Sonal Shrivastava as its new Chief Financial Officer
• Vedanta Ltd has appointed Sonal Shrivastava as its chief financial officer with effect from June
1, 2023.
• She will be joining Vedanta from the Holcim Group, where she had joined in 2002 and was the
chief financial officer for the Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa regions.

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• Vedanta CEO: Sunil Duggal

• Vedanta Founder: Dwarka Prasad Agarwal
• Founded: 25 June 1965
NSE launches WTI crude oil and natural gas futures contracts
• The National Stock Exchange (NSE) on 15 May 2023, launched the rupee-denominated NYMEX
WTI Crude Oil and Natural Gas futures in its commodity derivatives segment.
• It will provide effective trading and hedging opportunities to market participants, with the
availability of key energy products on a single trading platform.
• The NSE also signed a data licensing agreement with CME Group.
National Stock Exchange (NSE)
• The NSE is the largest stock exchange in India and is located in Mumbai.
• It was established in 1992 and was the first electronic exchange in the country. The NSE provides
a platform for trading various financial instruments, including equities, derivatives, debt securities,
and exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
• Chairperson: Girish Chandr Chaturvedi
• MD & CEO: Ashishkumar Chauhan
Duroflex announces Virat Kohli as new brand ambassador
• Duroflex Private Limited, a mattress and sleep products maker, has signed cricketer Virat Kohli as
its brand ambassador on 15 May 2023.
• He will promote the importance of good sleep for better health.
• Its campaign is titled ‘Great Sleep Great Health’.
• In 2023, Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh became the most valued celebrity for endorsements in
2022, replacing Indian batter Virat Kohli.
Shipping ministry ranked second in Data Governance Quality Index 2023
• The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has been ranked second among 66
ministries in the Data Governance Quality Index (DGQI) assessment in May 2023.
• The DGQI assessment is conducted quarterly to monitor data governance practices in ministries.
• The ranking system encourages ministries to improve their data management practices and
ensure transparency.
Bank of Baroda launches electronic Bank Guarantee on its platform
• The Bank of Baroda has introduced an electronic bank guarantee on its digital platform.
• The new service will allow customers to issue, modify, and cancel bank guarantees online.
• The electronic bank guarantee will reduce the turnaround time and improve efficiency.
• It will also help customers save time and reduce paperwork.
• The service is available to both corporate and retail customers.
Know About: Bank of Baroda (BoB)
• It was established on July 20, 1908, and is headquartered in Vadodara, Gujarat.

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• It was founded by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, the ruler of Baroda

• In 2019, Bank of Baroda underwent a merger with two other public sector banks, Vijaya Bank and
Dena Bank.
• The merger made BoB the third-largest bank in India, in terms of assets.
• The tagline of BoB is "India's International Bank".
Pasang Dawa Sherpa becomes 2nd person to scale Everest 26 times
• Pasang Dawa Sherpa has become the second person to summit Mount Everest 26 times.
• He achieved the feat on May 7, 2023, breaking the previous record held by Apa Sherpa.
• He first climbed Everest in 1998 and has since made it his mission to conquer the peak as many
times as possible.
• Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world, located in the Mahalangur Himal sub-range
of the Himalayas.
Army Chief General Manoj Pande embarks on a 2-day visit to Egypt
• General Manoj Pande, the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) has proceeded on a visit to Egypt from
16 to 17 May 2023.
• The Army Chief will interact with the Commander-in-Chief of Egyptian Armed Forces and Chief
of Staff, Egyptian Armed Forces.
• Indian and Egyptian Armies conducted the first ever joint exercise named “Ex Cyclone-I” in
January 2023.
Map in News: Egypt
• It is a transcontinental country located mainly in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a
land bridge to Southwest Asia.
• The Nile River, the longest river in the world, flows through Egypt.
• Capital: Cairo
• Currency: Egyptian Pound
• Population: 10.93 crores
• Official language: Arabic
• President: Abdel Fattah el-Sisi
• Prime Minister: Moustafa Madbouly
Air Marshal Dixit takes over as Deputy Chief of Air Staff
• Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit took over as the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff on 15 May 2023.
• He is a graduate of the Staff Course, Bangladesh and National Defence College, New Delhi.
• He is a Qualified Flying Instructor as well as an Experimental Test pilot, with over 3300 hours of
flying experience
• He participated in Operation Safed Sagar and Rakshak.
India’s trade deficit falls to 21-month low at $15.2 bn in April 2023
• India's trade deficit fell to a 21-month low at $15.2 billion in April 2023, which is a significant drop
from $30.2 billion in April 2022.

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• India’s overall exports in April 2023 were recorded at $65.02 billion and imports dipped 7.9% to
$66.4 billion.
• The US remained India's top export destination in April 2023, followed by the UAE and China.
Union Agriculture Min launches Biological Control Lab in Hyderabad
• The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar inaugurated the
Integrated Biological Control Laboratory at National Institute of Plant Health Management
(NIPHM) Hyderabad, Telangana.
• The Lab will have an Insect Museum, weed museum and Natural Farming Cell.
• NIPHM promotes sustainable agricultural practices such as Agro Ecosystem Analysis for pest
management.
Baseball United selects Mumbai as its first franchise
• Baseball United, the first-ever professional baseball league focused on the Middle East and Indian
Subcontinent, announced that Mumbai will be home to its first-ever franchise.
• The franchise will be the first professional baseball team in the history of both India and the
broader CCC and South Asian region.
• The team's name will be Cobras.
Vice Media Files for Bankruptcy
• Vice Media filed for bankruptcy, The New York Times reported.
• The bankruptcy will not interrupt daily operations for Vice's businesses, which in addition to its
flagship website include the ad agency Virtue, the Pulse Films division and Refinery29, a women-
focused site acquired by Vice in 2019.
15 May 2023: Top 5 Evening Headlines
• India-Indonesia Bilateral Exercise Samudra Shakti - 23.
• Portal to track, recover lost mobile phones to be unveiled.
• India-made missile destroyer Mormugao test fires Brahmos missile.
• Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav launches mobile application Meri LiFE.
• Barcelona wins La Liga for 1st time since 2019.
• Prraneeth becomes India’s 82nd Grandmaster.
India-Indonesia Bilateral Exercise Samudra Shakti - 23
• The 4th edition of India-Indonesia Bilateral exercise Samudra Shakti-23 will take place in Batam, Indonesia.
• INS Kavaratti, Dornier Maritime Patrol aircraft and Chetak helicopter are participating into the
event.
• Exercise Samudra Shakti is aimed at enhancing interoperability, jointness and mutual cooperation
between both the navies.
Map in News: Indonesia
• Indonesia is the largest country in Southeast Asia.
• It was formerly known as the Dutch East Indies.
• Capital: Jakarta
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• President: Joko Widodo

• Vice President: Ma'ruf Amin
• Currency: Indonesian rupiah
MoS Dr L Murugan to lead delegation to Cannes Film Festival
• Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr L.Murugan will lead an Indian
Delegation to Cannes International Film Festival this year.
• The India Pavilion is being conceptualised and designed by National Institute of Design,
Ahmedabad with the theme - ‘Showcasing India’s Creative Economy’ to the global community.
• The pavilion design has been inspired by the Saraswati Yantra.
World Migratory Bird Day was observed on 13th May
• National Zoological Park in collaboration with National Museum of Natural History successfully
carried out the ninth day of the Mass Mobilization for Mission LiFE.
• World Migratory Bird Day observed on 13th May with the theme “Water and its importance for Migratory
Bird”
Quick Facts: LiFE
• The Mission LiFE encourages us to be a trustee of the environment.
• Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) was launched by the Prime Minister in October 2022 at
Kevadia, Gujarat
India-made missile destroyer Mormugao test fires Brahmos missile
• INS Mormugao, the Indian Navy's latest guided-missile destroyer, successfully hit "bulls eye"
during her maiden BrahMos supersonic cruise missile firing.
• The ship and her potent weapon, both indigenous, mark another shining symbol of
Aatmanirbharta' and Indian Navy's firepower at sea
• INS Mormugao was commissioned on December 18, 2022.
Portal to track, recover lost mobile phones to be unveiled
• The government is going to launch a new portal, www.sancharsaathi.gov.in on World
Telecommunication and Information Society Day.
• This new portal will help people track and find their lost mobile phones.
• The portal will be available throughout the country and cater to lost or stolen mobile phones
connected to all telecom circles.
Envt. Minister Bhupender Yadav launches mobile application Meri LiFE
• Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav launched a mobile
application, called Meri LiFE (My life) in New Delhi.
• This app is inspired by the concept of LiFE, envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at COP
26.
• It emphasizes mindful and deliberate utilization instead of mindless and wasteful consumption.
Barcelona wins La Liga for 1st time since 2019

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• Barcelona has won its first Spanish league title after the departure of Lionel Messi with a 4-2
victory against Espanyol
• Robert Lewandowski scored twice to lead the Catalan club to its first league title since 2019.
• Barcelona has won the top title in Spanish football a total of 27 times
Operation Samudragupt a joint operation off the Kerala coast
• The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Indian Navy, in a joint operation off the Kerala coast,
have seized approximately 2,500 kg of methamphetamine valued at about 15,000 crore and
originating from Pakistan.
• The seizure is a part of Operation Samudragupt, which seeks to rid the Indian Ocean region of
drugs by targeting drug trafficking on ships.
Prraneeth becomes India’s 82nd Grandmaster
• V. Prraneeth became Telangana’s sixth and India’s 82nd Grandmaster when he outwitted GM
Hans Niemann of the US in the penultimate round of the Baku Open 2023.
• He earned his first GM-norm at the First Saturday tournament in March 2022 where he also
became an IM.
• He earned his second GM-norm at Biel MTO in July 2022.
Endangered seal spotted on Israeli beach for first time
• A rare seal, Mediterranean monk seal was spotted on an Israeli beach, the first time the
endangered mammal has made land in Israel.
• Mediterranean monk seal is one of the world's 12 rarest mammals.
• Around 700 are believed to exist, the majority of which live on the coasts of Greece, Turkey and
Cyprus. Others live off the coast of Western Sahara and Mauritania.
Alligator Gar Fish found in Kashmir's Dal Lake
• The Jammu and Kashmir Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) have discovered a rare
'Alligator Gar' fish for the first time in Dal Lake.
• The 'Alligator Gar' fish is native to North America.
• In 2016, a Grass Carp fish was found, while another was found in Manasbal Lake.
Pramod Bhagat wins two gold at Thailand para badminton international
• Para shuttler Pramod Bhagat won two gold and Sukant Kadam one gold and a silver in the
Thailand Para badminton international
• Pramod defeated England’s Daniel Bethell in the SL3 singles final with a 21-18 (retd) when the
latter retired due to an injury.
• In the doubles final, Pramod and Sukant won the gold defeating Nitesh Kumar and Tarun 18-21,
21-14, 21-19.
Turkey joins G20 countries in Y20 meeting in Srinagar.
• The University of Kashmir in Srinagar successfully hosted the Y20 meet under India’s presidency
of G20.
• In which a delegation from Turkey also represented the nation.

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• The change in stance comes after the recent election in Turkey and India's defense relations and
cooperation with Cyprus.
• Turkey was planning to make Northern Cyprus on the captured region of Cyprus.
15 May 2023: Top 5 Morning Headlines
• IPS Officer Praveen Sood appointed as next Director of CBI
• Centre finalizes comprehensive ‘Model Prisons Act, 2023’
• 3rd ETWG under India’s G20 Presidency will begin in Mumbai.
• Rajeev Chandrasekhar to attend 1st Ministerial Meet of Indo-EU trade.
• The Defence Ministry has approved the 4th Positive Indigenisation list.
Today's History
• In 1873, The proposal to dissolve East India Company was passed in England.
• In 1948, Declaration of Israel's statehood
• In 1949, Matsya Union formally merged with Greater Rajasthan.
• In 1958, Gift Tax Act was introduced.
• In 1998, Pandit Ravi Shankar, Sitar maestro, receives the 1998 Polar music award.
3rd ETWG under India’s G20 Presidency will begin in Mumbai
• The 3rd Energy Transitions Working Group Meeting (ETWG) under India’s G20 Presidency will
begin in Mumbai.
• Over 100 delegates representing G20 member countries, special invitee countries and
International Organizations such as International Energy Agency (IEA).
• Word Bank and World Energy Council India will deliberate on Priority Areas during the three-day
meeting.
IPS Officer Praveen Sood appointed as next Director of CBI
• IPS officer Praveen Sood has been appointed as the next Director of the Central Bureau of
Investigation (CBI) for a period of two years.
• Mr. Sood is currently serving as the Director General of Police of Karnataka.
• He will succeed incumbent CBI Director Subodh Kumar Jaiswal.
Know About: Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
• CBI derives power to investigate from the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946.
• The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is the premier investigating police agency in India
• It functions under the superintendence of the Department of Personnel, Ministry of Personnel,
Pension & Public Grievances, Government of India - which falls under the prime minister’s office.
Rajeev Chandrasekhar to attend 1st Ministerial Meet of Indo-EU trade
• Union Min Rajeev Chandrasekhar to attend 1st Ministerial Meeting of Indo-EU Trade and
Technology Council in Brussels.
• The objective of the discussion is to share perspectives on policies that can create a more
favorable environment for technology investment and collaboration between EU and India.

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• Sessions will include Strategic Technologies, Digital Governance & Digital Connectivity.
Culture Working Group meeting started in Odisha
• The four-day-long Culture Working Group meeting under India's G2O Presidency kicked off at
Bhubaneshwar in Odisha.
• The meeting will emphasise 'Culture Unites All' in a campaign mode to highlight India's
unwavering belief in multilateralism based on peaceful coexistence among diverse cultures and
communities.
The Defence Ministry has approved the 4th Positive Indigenisation list
• The Defence Ministry has approved the 4th Positive Indigenisation List of 928 strategically-
important Line Replacement Units, Sub-systems, Spares and Components.
• The Defence Public Sector Undertakings will undertake the indigenisation of these items through
different routes under the ‘Make’ category and in-house development through the capabilities of
MSMEs and private Indian industry.
Centre finalizes comprehensive ‘Model Prisons Act, 2023’
• Centre finalizes comprehensive ‘Model Prisons Act, 2023’ to focus on skill development of
prisoners.
• It may serve as a guiding document for the States, and for adoption in their jurisdiction.
• Grievance redressal, prison development board, attitudinal change towards prisoners, provision
of separate accommodation for women prisoners, and transgender are some features of the act.
Odisha CM announces to create 14 special development councils
• Odisha's CMNaveen Patnaik announced to create of 14 special development councils for the
preservation and propagation of tribal culture and unique identity of all tribal groups in different
districts of Odisha.
• These new districts are Anugol, Balangir, Balswar, Bargarh, Boudh, Devgarh, Dhenkanal, Canjam,
Jajpur, Jharsuguda, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Nayagarh and Sambalpur.
Elon Musk announces Linda Yaccarino as new Twitter CEO
• Elon Musk has confirmed that Linda Yaccarino is the new Twitter CEO
• She will primarily focus on business operations while Musk will focus more on product design and
new technology.
• Yaccarino has been with NBCUniversal for more than 20 years and has held a variety of
leadership positions.
• Currently, she is responsible for all of NBCUniversal's global advertising and partnerships
businesses.
CBIC rolls out Automated Return Scrutiny Module for GST returns
• The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has rolled out the Automated Return
Scrutiny Module for GST returns.

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• This module will enable the officers to carry out scrutiny of GST returns of Centre Administered
Taxpayers selected on the basis of data analytics and risks identified by the system.
Hriday Hazarika and Nancy Mandhotra bag silver medals
• Hriday Hazarika and Nancy Mandhotra bag silver medals in 10-meter air rifle event at ISSF World
Cup 2023.
• It was the first-ever ISSF World Cup medal for 21-year-old Hriday Hazarika as well as 19-year-old
Nancy Mandhotra.
• The Baku meet is the penultimate stage of the ISSF World Cup for rifle and pistol shooters.
Rhythm Sangwan registers highest score in women’s 25m pistol event
• Indian shooter Rhythm Sangwan registered the highest-ever score in women’s 25m pistol event
when she recorded 595 in the qualification round at the ISSF World Cup in Baku.
• Sangwan bettered the previous best of 594, set by Bulgaria’s Diana Iorgova in 1994.
• China’s Luna Tao and Germany’s Doreen Vennekamp had also equalled the tally in 2002 and
2023.
Indian boxers settles for bronze at IBA Men’s World Boxing C’ship
• Boxers Mohammad Hussamudin, Deepak Kumar, and Nishant Dev had to settle for bronze medal
at the IBA Men’s World Boxing Championship in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
• Deepak lost to 2-time bronze medallist Billal Bennama of France 3-4 in a closely contested 51 kg
Semifinal match
• While Nishant Dev went down fighting Asian champion Aslanbek Shymbergenov of Kazakhstan
3-2 in the 71 kg category Semifinal
Ladakh annual festival 'Monlam Chenmo' begins in Leh
• The annual five-day-long Great Prayer Festival, "Ladakh Monlam Chenmo," a mass prayer camp
by Buddhist monks and nuns for world peace and happiness started in Leh, Ladakh.
• Monlam Chenmo is a major annual prayer of the Sangha Community of Ladakh gathered at one
platform.
• The event is being organised by the All Ladakh Gonpa Association.
Afghanistan reports first polio death of 2023
• Afghanistan reported its first death due to poliovirus in 2023 in Nangarhar.
• The Ministry of Public Health reported two cases of polio in Nangarhar.
• Polio is a severely contagious and disabling disease typically spread through contaminated water
or food.
• The infection can induce complete paralysis within hours after invading the nervous system.
Pakistan PM Imran Khan granted bail in Al-Qadir Trust corruption case
• The Islamabad High Court on Friday barred authorities from arresting former Pakistan PM Imran
Khan in all the cases registered against him across the country till the 15th of May.

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• The former Prime Minister was arrested in the case by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB)
during a court appearance
13 May 2023: Top 5 Morning Headlines
• MHA to organize “G20 Conference on Crime and Security" in July 2023
• Deepika Padukone appears on cover of TIME magazine
• Puma appoints K Balagopalan as India Managing Director
• Union Minister Smriti Irani launches "Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi" program
• Prof. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar gets Govind Swarup Award 2023
MHA to organize “G20 Conference on Crime and Security" in July 2023
• The Ministry of Home Affairs will organize the “G20 Conference on Crime and Security in the Age
of NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens), AI and Metaverse” on 13th and 14th July 2023 in Gurugram,
Haryana.
• The event will be held in partnership with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
(MeitY), the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Deepika Padukone appears on cover of TIME magazine
• Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone has been featured on the cover of TIME magazine in May
2023.
• The American magazine described Padukone as a ‘global star’ bringing ‘the world to Bollywood’.
• It had previously named Padukone among its list of 100 most influential people in the world in
2018.
• TIME magazine is a renowned weekly news publication based in the United States.
Puma appoints K Balagopalan as India Managing Director
• PUMA India on 11 May 2023, announced that Karthik Balagopalan, the global director of retail
and e-commerce, will succeed Abhishek Ganguly as the new managing director.
• He has been with PUMA since 2006, and previously held management positions in retail
operations and business development at PUMA India.
• The new appointment will take effect on August 1, 2023.
Union Minister Smriti Irani launches "Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi" program
• Union Minister for Women and Child Development Smriti Zubin Irani, on 12 May 2023, launched
the “Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi” program under Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0.
• It was launched to ensure the holistic development of all children under the age of 6 years.
• The program also aims to build children's skills in communication and early language, literacy,
and numeracy.
Prof. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar gets Govind Swarup Award 2023
• Professor Jayant Narlikar, a prominent astrophysicist, has been awarded the Astronomical
Society of India (ASI) Govind Swarup Lifetime Achievement award on 12 May 2023 in Pune
Maharashtra.

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• The award recognizes Narlikar's significant contributions to the field of astrophysics.

• The award aims to promote the study of astronomy and related sciences in India.
Know About: Astronomical Society of India (ASI)
• It is a professional association of astronomers in India.
• It was founded in 1972 with the objective of promoting the study of astronomy and astrophysics
in India and to encourage and support research in these fields.
• The ASI has over 1000 members and is governed by an executive committee elected by its
members.
• Founded: 1972
• President: Dipankar Banerjee
MoS Rajeev Chandrasekhar launches 3rd Semicon India Roadshow in Delhi
• The 3rd Semicon India Future Design roadshow was launched by Union Minister of State for
Electronics and Information Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar on 12 May 2023 in Delhi.
• The event was held at IIT Delhi with the aim to encourage innovation in the semiconductor design
and manufacturing space.
• The event also aimed to facilitate investment in the semiconductor industry.
Indian Navy Ship (INS) Delhi, Satpura visit Sihanoukville, Cambodia
• Indian Naval Ship (INS) Delhi and Satpura arrived in Sihanoukville, Cambodia on 12 May 2023 as
part of the Indian Navy’s deployment to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
countries.
• INS Delhi is India’s first indigenously built guided missile destroyer.
• INS Satpura is also an indigenous multi-purpose stealth frigate, which can carry multi-role
helicopters.
Map in New: Cambodia
• It is a country located in Southeast Asia, bordered by Thailand to the northwest, Laos to the
northeast, Vietnam to the east, and the Gulf of Thailand to the southwest.
• The famous Angkor Wat temple complex is located in the country.
• The capital and largest city is Phnom Penh.
• Currency: Cambodian riel
• Population: 1.66 crores (2021)
• Official language: Khmer
• Prime Minister: Hun Sen
Narendra Singh Tomar chairs 8th SCO Agriculture Ministers meet
• The 8th meeting of Agriculture Ministers of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member
countries was held on 12 May 2023.
• It was held under the chairmanship of Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Narendra
Singh Tomar.

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• The meeting resulted in the adoption of a joint declaration on agricultural cooperation among
SCO member states.
PM Modi lays foundation stone worth INR 4,400 crores in Gujarat
• PM Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and inaugurated projects worth Rs 4400 crores in
Gandhinagar, Gujarat on 12 May 2023.
• The projects include PM Awas Yojna (PMAY) projects worth INR 1,950 crores.
• PMAY houses include Swachh Bharat Abhiyan toilets, Saubhagya scheme electricity connections,
free LPG connections under the Ujjwala scheme, and piped water under JJM (Jal Jeevan Mission).
12 May 2023: Top 5 Evening Headlines
• 6th Session of the Meeting of Ministers of Health of SCO member states
• Photonic memory developed by Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences
• Kivini Shohe & Andrea Kevichüsa to Represent Nagaland at Cannes Film Festival
• ONGC Discovers Crude Oil and Natural Gas in Two Blocks in Mumbai
• SpaceX Plans to Launch First Commercial Space Station in 2025
6th Session of the Meeting of Ministers of Health of SCO member states
• Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar chaired the
virtually-held sixth session of the Health Ministers meeting of the Shanghai Corporation
Organization (SCO) member states.
• The theme was “SECURE SCO”.
• India organized various consultation and negotiation meetings under the SCO Presidency
including a health expert working group meeting
Photonic memory developed by Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences
• A new photonic, functional memory based on tin oxide slanted nanorod arrays in which both the
optical and electrical stimuli can be used to modulate switching characteristics shows potential
for developing high-density and high-efficiency computing systems.
• The researchers from the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bangalore have
designed this functional memory.
Kivini Shohe & Andrea Kevichüsa to Represent Nagaland at Cannes FF
• In a first of its kind for the state of Nagaland, two film personalities Ms. Kivini Shohe and Ms.
Andrea Kevichüsa, will be representing Nagaland at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, 2023.
• Ms. Kivini Shohe is a prominent Filmmaker and a founding member of the Film Association of
Nagaland.
• Ms. Andrea Kevichüsa is an Indian model and actor from Nagaland.
13th Banking and Finance Conference of Indian Merchant Chamber
• Union MoS Bhagwat Karad virtually addresses 13th Banking and Finance Conference of Indian
Merchant Chamber in Mumbai
• The theme ‘Harnessing Banking and Finance to Drive India's Growth’.

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• He also added that the PM SVANidhi scheme and Mudra Yojana have helped in developing the
economy at the ground level.
ONGC Discovers Crude Oil and Natural Gas in Two Blocks in Mumbai
• ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation) has made significant discoveries of crude oil and natural gas in
two offshore blocks in Mumbai, signaling a positive boost for India's energy sector.
• The discoveries, which have been named 'Amrit' and 'Moonga'.
• ONGC's discoveries are expected to attract investment and foster development, creating
opportunities for job creation and economic growth.
Assam Forms 4-Member Panel to Examine Legality of Banning Polygamy
• The Assam government has constituted a 4-member expert committee to examine the legislative
competence of the state legislature to enact a law to end polygamy.
• The panel, headed by Justice (Retired) Rumi Phookan
• Other members of the committee are Assam advocate general Debajit Saikia, additional
advocate general Nalin Kohli and senior advocate Nekibur Zaman.
SpaceX Plans to Launch First Commercial Space Station in 2025
• SpaceX, the private aerospace company, has announced its ambitious plan to launch the world's
first commercial space station by 2025
• It will mark a significant milestone in the commercialization of space exploration.
• Shortly after the first station, a small module called Haven-I is launched, crew members will be
sent there via SpaceX's Dragon capsule.
AIFF declares June 23 as 'AIFF Grassroots Day' to honor P.K. Banerjee
• The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has declared June 23 as the 'AIFF Grassroots Day' to
honor the legacy of late Indian football icon Pradip Kumar Banerjee
• Banerjee, who passed away in 2020, was a former India captain and coach who led the national
team to the Asian Games gold medal in 1962
• He was also the first Indian to coach a foreign club when he took charge of East Bengal in 1970
Know About: All India Football Federation
• It is the national governing body of football in India.
• It is a member of FIFA, the international governing body of football and affiliated to Asian
Football Confederation.
• Founded: 23 June 1937
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• President: Kalyan Chaubey
NIIF appoints Rajiv Dhar as interim CEO
• The National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) has appointed Rajiv Dhar as its interim
chief executive officer.
• He is currently the fund’s chief investment officer, will take over from Vineet Nayyar.

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• Dhar, has 25 yrs of experience in the financial sector, is expected to continue NIIF’s focus on
investing in infrastructure projects in India.
Know About: National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF)
• It is an investment platform for international and Indian investors anchored by the Government
of India.
• The objective behind creating this organization was to catalyse capital into the country and
support its growth needs across sectors of importance.
• Founded: February 2015
• Headquarters: Mumbai, India
Know About: Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)
• It comes under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India.
• It is the largest government-owned oil and gas explorer and producer in the country.
• Founded: 14 August 1956
• Headquarters: Dehradun, India
• Chairman & CEO: Arun Kumar Singh
AIBEA to launch ‘Bank Clinic’
• The All India Bank Employees’ Association (AIBEA) plans to set up an online ‘Bank Clinic’ to assist
bank customers with grievance redress.With the Bank Clinic, AIBERA hopes to earn goodwill of
customers’ and give feedback to Banks on the areas where there is deficiency in service.
• By launching the Bank Clinic, the Association hopes to earn goodwill of customers’ and give
feedback to Banks
Weekly Notes (8 May - 13 May): International Affairs
• Monkeypox No Longer A Global Health Emergency: WHO
• COP28 President-Designate Calls for Action to Transform & Decarbonize
• Sharjah Police Launches 'Stay in Your Lane' Campaign
• Arab League Re-admits Syria as Relations with Assad Normalize
• Cyclone Mocha likely to make landfall in Myanmar
Weekly Notes (8 May - 13 May): National Affairs
• MyGov, in collaboration with IHM, Pusa launches YUVA PRATIBHA
• Rashtriya Ispat Nigam - launches “Open challenge programme (OCP) 2.0’
• PM Modi to Inaugurate 3-Day International Museum Expo 2023 in Delhi
• ICMR successfully conducts trial run of blood bag delivery
• Meenakshi Lekhi Inaugurates 'Buddham Saranam Gacchami' Exhibition
Weekly Notes (8 May - 13 May): Defence News
• Indian Navy and Royal Thai Navy Successfully Conduct 35th CORPAT
• Common Uniform for Brigadiers and Above Rank Officers in Army
• Air Force receives first batch of indigenous VTOL loitering munition

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• INS Magar decommissioned after 36 years of service

• Indian Air Force Heritage Centre inaugurated at Chandigarh
Weekly Notes (8 May - 13 May): Sports News-I
• RR's Yashasvi Jaiswal smashes fastest fifty in IPL history
• Yuzvendra Chahal creates history, takes most wickets in IPL
• Rhythm Sangwan Clinches Bronze Medal in Women's 10-Metre Air Pistol
• FIBA Selects Qatar as Host for Marquee 2027 Men's Basketball World Cup
• Mumbai Indians record fastest 200+ run chase in IPL history
Weekly Notes (8 May - 13 May): Sports News-II
• Lionel Messi, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, and Carlos Alcaraz among the esteemed winners at the
Laureus Sports Awards 2023
• Neeraj Chopra Claims Gold and World Lead at Doha Diamond League
• Praveen Chithravel sets national record in triple jump in Cuba
• Max Verstappen wins Miami F1 Grand Prix
• Bindyarani Devi clinches silver medal in 55kg category
Weekly Notes (8 May - 13 May): MoUs & Agreements
• MoHUA and MoR jointly ink MoU with JICA for Project SMART
• MakeMyTrip collaborates with Microsoft
• India Post signs MoU with CAIT and Tripta Technologies
Weekly Notes (8 May - 13 May): Summits & Conferences
• 6th Indian Ocean Conference to begin in Dhaka
• Mumbai to Host First Mining Start-up Summit
• Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh Chaired First-Ever High-Level Steering Committee Meeting of Deep
Ocean Mission in New Delhi
• The 42nd Summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has kicked off in
Indonesia with a theme of "ASEAN Affairs: Epicenter of Growth".
Weekly Notes (8 May - 13 May): Science & Technology
• New Android malware discovered that steals passwords, 2FA codes
• BITS Pilani Hyd. Develops Face Mask with Sensor to Check for Illness
Weekly Notes (8 May - 13 May): State Affairs
• Andhra CM Jagan Mohan Reddy to Inaugurated Sea Harrier Museum
• Five more cheetahs to be released in MP’s Kuno National Park
• 3rd G-20 Development Working Group meeting held in Goa
• UP Government to build first pharma park in Lalitpur
• PM Jan Aushadhi Kendra inaugurated at Warasiguda in Secunderabad
Monthly Revision April: International Affairs-I
• Finland joins NATO as 31st Ally

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• Syria declared the world's largest narco-state

• Ghana: First country to approve Oxford's malaria vaccine for children
• Emirates unveils world's first robotic check-in assistant
• ESA successfully launches its mission to Jupiter's moon
Monthly Revision April: International Affairs-II
• Kenya launches first Earth Observation Satellite – Taifa 1
• US state of Pennsylvania declares Diwali as official holiday
• SpaceX's Starship completes historic test flight
• Japan’s Health Ministry approves country’s first abortion pill
• The second quadrilateral meet on Afghanistan held in Samarkand
Monthly Revision April: National Affairs-I
• AAP gets national party status, TMC, CPI, NCP loses national party tag
• Seed Traceability portal and mobile app launched
• Govt organizes PMNAM National Apprenticeship Fair in Udhampur
• EC first time introduces Vote from Home option in Karnataka
• PM Modi to lay foundation stone for first Digital Science Park
Monthly Revision April: Defence News-I
• India-Sri Lanka maritime exercise SLINEX 2023 begins in Colombo
• India-U.S. air exercise 'Cope India' to begin from 10 April
• India to buy Hellfire missiles and MK 54 torpedos from the USA
• Armed Forces conduct multi-domain exercise in Anadaman & Nicobar
• Indian Navy conducts offshore security exercise ‘Prasthan’ in Mumbai
Monthly Revision April: Defence News-II
• Indian Rafales to take part in French multinational exercise 'orion'
• India, US forces carry out wargames to support aircraft operations
• US, Philippines launch largest combat exercises in decades
• International Conference on Defence Finance and Economics begins
• Army, IAF conduct multi-mode insertion on eastern sector
Monthly Revision April: Sports News-I
• Aman Sehrawat clinches India’s first gold medal in wrestling
• Saudi Arabia receives flag to host FEI World Cup Finals 2024
• Sharjah Stadium Honours Sachin Tendulkar on His 50th Birthday
• Argentina becomes world number one football team in FIFA Rankings 2023
• Jyothi Surekha Vennam clinches two gold medals
Monthly Revision April: Sports News-II
• Kashmir's first female Ju-Jitsu Sabkat Malik player to represent India
• Priyanshu Rajawat wins Orleans Masters 2023 men's singles title
• Nisha wins Silver in Asian Wrestling Championships in Kazakhstan

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• Weightlifter Sanjita Chanu banned for 4 years by NADA

• Argentina to replace Indonesia as under-20 FIFA World Cup host
Monthly Revision April: India & World
• Operation Kaveri: Indian Ships and Aircraft to bring stranded Indians
• PM Modi launches International Big Cats Alliance to save tiger species
• Georgia becomes 1st US state to pass resolution condemning Hinduphobia
• EAM Dr S Jaishankar inaugurates Buzi Bridge in Mozambique
• EAM Jaishankar launches ‘Tulsi Ghat Restoration Project’ in Uganda
Monthly Revision April: Appointments & Resignations
• Vice Admiral SJ Singh takes charge as new Vice Chief of Indian Navy
• HSBC signs up Virat Kohli as their brand influencer
• Justice AK Singh appointed new Chief Justice of Tripura High Court
• Miguel Diaz-Canel re-elected as President of Cuba for second term
• Aleksander Ceferin re-elected UEFA president unopposed until 2027
Monthly Revision April: State Affairs
• World-famous 'Basohli Painting' from Jammu gets GI tagging
• Maha to observe Savarkar's birthday as ‘Swatantraveer Gaurav Din’
• UP's Banarasi Paan, three other Varanasi-based goods receive GI Tag
• Madhya Pradesh's Gond painting gets GI tag
• 'Mircha' rice of Bihar's West Champaran gets GI tag
12 May 2023: Top 5 Morning Headlines
• Monkeypox No Longer A Global Health Emergency: WHO
• MyGov, in collaboration with IHM, Pusa launches YUVA PRATIBHA
• RR's Yashasvi Jaiswal smashes fastest fifty in IPL history
• CDS awards unit citations to 3 Tri-service units
• Yuzvendra Chahal creates history, takes most wickets in IPL
Today's History
• In 330 AD, “New Rome” established by Constantine
• In 1949, Sun City India founded by Rao in Jodhpur.
• In 1937, George VI is crowned.
• In 1949, S Vijaya Laxmi Pandit, first woman foreign ambassador, was received in US.
• In 1987, Britain's HMS Hermes becomes Indian Navy's second aircraft carrier named INS Viraat.
Min. of Power & Min. of Envt to develop Carbon Credit Trading Scheme
• The Ministry of Power and Ministry of Environment will develop Carbon Credit Trading Scheme
for Decarbonisation.

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• Government plans to develop the Indian Carbon Market with the objective to decarbonize the
Indian economy by pricing the Green House Gas emission through trading of Carbon Credit
Certificates.
International Nurses Day
• International Nurses Day is an international day observed around the world on 12 May
• The first International Nurses day was observed in 1965.
• Florence Nightingale was a British Nurse and was the founder of Modern Nursing.
• She was the first woman who was awarded the Order of Merit in 1907.
Monkeypox No Longer A Global Health Emergency: WHO
• The World Health Organization declared that mpox no longer constitutes a global health
emergency
• the decision was prompted by falling case numbers worldwide, but emphasised that the disease
remains a threat, particularly in areas of Africa where it has long been present.
• Earlier, UN agency also declared that Covid-19 no longer constitutes a public health emergency
Know About: Monkeypox
• Monkeypox is caused by a virus.
• It is a zoonotic disease.
• It transmits from animals to humans.
• It transmits via monkeys, rats, and squirrels.
• It results in rashes, blisters, and pus.
• It also causes fever, chills, and headaches.
MyGov, in collaboration with IHM, Pusa launches YUVA PRATIBHA
• MyGov, in collaboration with IHM, Pusa launched ‘YUVA PRATIBHA - Culinary Talent Hunt’.
• Its aim is to create awareness and increase the production and consumption of millet, the year
2023 has been declared as the ‘International Year of the Millets’ by the United Nations, following
a proposal by India, to position itself as a global hub for millet.
Rashtriya Ispat Nigam - launches “Open challenge programme (OCP) 2.0’
• Atul Bhatt, CMD, RINL launched ‘Open challenge progam 2.0’
• The program is the second program in the series of OCP programs that are being launched by
Kalpataru-CoE (Centre of entrepreneurship).
• This open challenge program is for selecting the startups in the field of Industry 4.0 technologies.
RR's Yashasvi Jaiswal smashes fastest fifty in IPL history
• Rajasthan Royals (RR) opener Yashasvi Jaiswal broke the record for slamming the fastest fifty in
the history of IPL.
• The 21 -year-old reached his half-century off 13 deliveries against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at
Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

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• The previous record was jointly held by KL Rahul and Pat Cummins, who had taken 14 deliveries
each.
New Android malware discovered that steals passwords, 2FA codes
• A new Android malware known as 'FluHorse' has been discovered, which targets users in Eastern
Asia with malicious apps that look like legitimate versions with over 1,00,000 installs.
• These malicious apps are designed to extract sensitive information, including user credentials and
2-Factor Authentication (2FA) codes.
MoHUA and MoR jointly ink MoU with JICA for Project SMART
• The Min of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and Min of Railways jointly signed an MoU with
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for ‘Station Area Development along Mumbai-
Ahmedabad High Speed Rail’ (Project-SMART).
• he MoU was inked for four High Speed Rail Stations- Sabarmati, Surat in Gujarat and Virar and
Thane in Maharashtra
Quick Facts: Project-SMART
• Project-SMART is an acronym for ‘Station Area Development along Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail'.
• It envisages to develop surrounding areas of Mumbai - Ahmedabad High Speed Railway (MAHSR)
Stations to enhance accessibility and convenience of commuters & other stakeholders and to
promote economic activities in the vicinity of station areas.
Yuzvendra Chahal creates history, takes most wickets in IPL
• RR leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal created history by becoming the highest wicket-taker in IPL.
• He achieved this feat by dismissing KKR captain Nitish Rana in their IPL 2023 match
• Chahal took his tally of wickets in IPL to 184.
• He overtook Dwayne Bravo, who was the previous highest wicket-taker in IPL with 183 scalps.
CDS awards unit citations to 3 Tri-service units
• General Anil Chauhan, conferred CDS Unit Citations award to the Strategic Forces Command,
College of Defence Management, Secunderabad & 2 PARA (Special Forces) for their exemplary
performance for the Year 2021-22
• The CDS unit citations award was constituted after the establishment of the Office of Chief of the
Defence Staff in 2019 to boost jointness and integration in the Armed Forces.
Suniel Shetty launches food delivery app Waayu
• Actor Suniel Shetty has been roped in as a brand ambassador and investor in a new venture,
‘Waayu’, a food delivery app
• The app aims to help hotels and restaurants to log orders for food delivery without any
commission.
• The app claims to be 15% to 20% less expensive than aggregators like Swiggy or Zomato.
Supreme Court reserves verdict on legal status of same- sex marriage

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• The Supreme Court reserved its verdict on a batch of petitions seeking right to marriage for
members of the LCBTQIA+ community.
• Under the Special Marriage Act, 1954, which faced stiff Opposition from the Centre and state
governments, while dropping broad hints that it could consider issuing a constitutional
declaration for same sex couples that may fall short of giving marriage rights to them
11 May 2023: Top 5 Evening Headlines
• Indian Navy and Royal Thai Navy Successfully Conduct 35th CORPAT.
• 6th Indian Ocean Conference to begin in Dhaka.
• Asian Kabaddi Championship to be Held in South Korea.
• Alia Bhatt Becomes Gucci's First Indian Global Ambassador.
• Rhythm Sangwan Clinches Bronze Medal in Women's 10-Metre Air Pistol.
Indian Navy and Royal Thai Navy Successfully Conduct 35th CORPAT
• The 35th edition of India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Indo-Thai CORPAT) between the Indian
Navy and the Royal Thai Navy was conducted from 03 – 10 May 2023.
• INS Kesari & Thai Majesty’s Ship (HTMS) Saiburi, , along with Maritime Patrol Aircraft from both
navies participated in the CORPAT along the IMBL in the Andaman Sea.
6th Indian Ocean Conference to begin in Dhaka
• Bangladesh will host the 6th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) in Dhaka.
• The Conference is being organised by India Foundation in association with the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, Bangladesh and S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies.
• The conference will be attended by foreign ministers from 17 countries.
PM Modi Commends Kutch Kadwa Patidar Samaj
• PM Narendra Modi has lauded Kadwa Patidar Samaj for their commendable work done during
the Corona period.
• The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the efforts of Akhil Bhartiya Kutch Kadva Samaj
will give strength to the country's resolutions in this direction and will lead them to success.
Asian Kabaddi Championship to be Held in South Korea
• In this Championship, a total of 12 teams will participate in the tournament, including defending
champions India.
• The championship will be held in South Korea, showcasing the sport's popularity and growth in
the region.
• The last edition of the Asian Kabaddi Championship was held in 2017 in Corgan, Iran.
• This edition's finals was played between India and Pakistan.
Mexican five-time World Cup veteran Antonio Carbajal dies at 93
• Antonio Carbajal, the first Mexican player to appear in five World Cups, has passed away at the
age of 93.

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• Carbajal, who was nicknamed "La Tota," played for Mexico between 1950 and 1966, making 11
World Cup appearances.
• He is best known for his record-setting five appearances at the FIFA World Cup.
Alia Bhatt Becomes Gucci's First Indian Global Ambassador
• Alia Bhatt is the first Indian Global Ambassador of Gucci. She will make her appearance as their
ambassador at the Gucci Cruise 2024 show in Seoul.
• Announcing the news, Gucci wrote, "Alia Bhatt is the House's newest Global Brand Ambassador.
• To mark the occasion, the actress, producer, and entrepreneur, was captured with the Gucci
Bamboo 1947 bag."
Renowned Corporate Lawyer Rajiv Luthra Passes Away
• Rajiv Luthra, veteran corporate lawyer and founder of the law firm Luthra and Luthra, died
• Rajiv Luthra played an instrumental role in conceiving the amendments to the Copyright Act,
1957.
• The government also appointed him to the Advisory Board of the Competition Commission of
India (CCI) to help frame the Competition Act, 2002.
Mumbai to Host First Mining Start-up Summit
• The first mining start-up summit will be held in Mumbai to encourage the participation of start-
ups in the mineral and mining sector.
• Start-ups in the fields of exploration, virtual reality, automation, drone technology, and
consultancy will participate in it.
• It will also be focusing on interaction with leading industries in the mineral exploration sector, financial
institutions, & banks.
Rhythm Sangwan Clinches Bronze Medal in Women's 10-Metre Air Pistol
• Rhythm Sangwan has won the bronze medal in the women’s 10-metre air pistol event at the ISSF
World Cup 2023 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
• She scored 219.1 in the final to finish third behind Anna 2016 Rio Olympic champion Anna Korakaki
of Greece and 2004 Athens Olympics gold medallist Olena Kostevych of Ukraine.
• It was Sangwan’s first individual senior medal at the shooting World Cup.
Maps in News: Azerbaijan
• Azerbaijan, the nation and former Soviet republic, is bounded by the Caspian Sea and Caucasus
Mountains, which span Asia and Europe.
• President: Ilham Aliyev
• Capital: Baku
• Currency: Azerbaijani Manat
• Official language: Azerbaijani
Indian Boxers wins Three Medals at World Boxing Championship
• Indian boxers have ensured three medals at the World Boxing Championships for the first time
as they advanced to the semifinals in Tashkent.

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• Deepak Bhoria at 51kg, Mohammed Hussamuddin at 57kg, and Nishant Dev at 71kg emerged
victorious in their respective quarterfinal bouts.
• This is for the first time Indian men’s boxers will bring home three medals home from a World
Championships.
Cisco to begin manufacturing in Tamil Nadu
• CISCO would start manufacturing operations in India as it seeks to create a “more diverse and
resilient global supply chain and support India’s vision of becoming a global manufacturing hub”.
• India houses Cisco’s second-largest R&D centre, with the biggest being in the U.S. Cisco’s
manufacturing in India will be through contract manufacturers and partners.
COP28 President-Designate Calls for Action to Transform & Decarbonize
• COP28 President-Designate Calls for Action to Transform, Decarbonize, and Future-Proof
Economies at UAE Climate Tech Conference
• The aim is to accelerate the development and deployment of technological solutions to
decarbonize economies and reduce emissions by at least forty-3 % by 2030 in line with the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report.
Google BARD, Launches in India at Google I/O 2023
• Google introduces Google BARD, its AI language model, as a rival to ChatGPT, during the Google
I/O 2023 event.
• Google BARD is now available for access in India, offering advanced language processing
capabilities.
• Google Bard AI chatbot can be accessed via bard.google.com
11 May 2023: Top 5 Morning Headlines
• Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh Chaired First-Ever High-Level Steering Committee Meeting of Deep
Ocean Mission
• Sarbananda Sonowal Launches Harit Sagar Green Port Guidelines
• ICMR successfully conducts trial run of blood bag delivery
• Meenakshi Lekhi Inaugurates 'Buddham Saranam Gacchami' Exhibition
• Vida, Powered by Hero, Sets New Guinness World Records Title
Today's History
• In 1626, Malik Ambar of Ahmednagar's Nijamshahi kingdom, passed away.
• In 1774, Louis XVI acceded to the throne of France
• In 1962, Marvel Comics released the first issue of The Incredible Hulk
• In 1970, A bill for setting up of "North Eastern Council" passed.
• In 1994, Nelson Mandela inaugurated as president of South Africa.
PM Modi to Inaugurate 3-Day International Museum Expo 2023 in Delhi
• PM Modi will inaugurate a first-of-its-kind, comprehensive three-day International Museum Expo-
2023 on 18th May at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.

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• This initiative has been undertaken to commemorate and celebrate the 47th International
Museum Day
• The Expo aims at facilitating a holistic conversation and showcases the diverse cultural heritage exhibited
by various museums across the country.
First high-level Steering Committee Meeting of Deep Ocean Mission
• Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh Chaired First-Ever High-Level Steering Committee Meeting of Deep
Ocean Mission in New Delhi
• The Committee consisted of Union Ministers of State for Environment, External Affairs, Defence,
and Finance in addition to Vice Chairman NITI Aayog.
• The technologies developed under the mission would help in exploration of the oceans.
Sarbananda Sonowal Launches Harit Sagar Green Port Guidelines
• Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Launches Harit Sagar Green Port Guidelines to Achieve Zero
Carbon Emission Goal
• The guidelines were launched to meet the larger vision of achieving Zero Carbon Emission Goal
set by the Ministry.
• It envisages ecosystem dynamics in port development, operation, and maintenance while aligning
with the ’Working with Nature’ concept.
ICMR successfully conducts trial run of blood bag delivery
• ICMR successfully conducts trial run of blood bag delivery under i-Drone initiative.
• The inaugural trial flight carried ten units of blood samples from Government Institute of Medical
Sciences (GIMS), Greater Noida and Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC), New Delhi.
• The trial run has been undertaken for the 1st time in the country.
Jal Shakti Ministry Organizes Orientation Program
• Jal Shakti Ministry organizes orientation program for action-oriented implementation of "Catch
the Rain" campaign
• The 2023 campaign is being implemented from 4th March 2023 to 30th November 2023 in all the
districts of the country with the theme “Source Sustainability for Drinking Water”.
Quick Facts: "Catch the Rain" campaign
• National Water Mission’s (NWM) campaign “Catch The Rain” with the tagline “Catch the rain,
where it falls, when it falls” is to nudge the states and stake-holders to create appropriate Rain
Water Harvesting Structures (RWHS) suitable to the climatic conditions and sub-soil strata before
monsoon.
• Under this campaign, drives to make check dams, water harvesting pits, rooftop RWHS etc is done
Govt Working to Upgrade Mini Anganwadi Centres to Full-Fledged Centres
• Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani has said the government is working in a
speedy manner to upgrade mini-Anganwadi centres to full-fledged Anganwadi centres.
• Ms Irani was addressing an event, Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi in New Delhi

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• The main objective of the event is to highlight the criticality of focusing on early childhood care
and education.
Meenakshi Lekhi Inaugurates 'Buddham Saranam Gacchami' Exhibition
• Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture Meenakashi Lekhi inaugurated the
"Buddham Saranam Cacchami" Exhibition in the presence of senior Buddhist monks,
Ambassadors, diplomats and Ministry officials on Wednesday at the National Callery of Modern
Arts, Delhi.
• The International Buddhist Confederation also actively participated in the event.
Vida, Powered by Hero, Sets New Guinness World Records Title
• VIDA, Powered by Hero, the emerging mobility brand of Hero MotoCorp - the world's largest
manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, has set a new Guinness World Records Title.
• The company's first electric vehicle, the VIDA VI scooter, ran for 24 hours non- stop and broke the
existing world record for maximum distance achieved by nearly 350 kms.
Sharjah Police Launches 'Stay in Your Lane' Campaign
• The Sharjah Police launched a traffic campaign, "stay in your lane" in May to curb road lane
violations.
• The aim is to improve traffic culture among drivers and other road users, educate them on the
significance of adhering to traffic regulations and instructions, and inform them of the risks
involved in the event of non-compliance with them.
Andhra CM Jagan Mohan Reddy to Inaugurated Sea Harrier Museum
• Sea Harrier (SH 606) fighter jet will be suspended from the roof of what used to be the Rajiv
Smruthi Bhavan in Vishakhapatnam.
• The museum space will feature two Pegasus engines, a flight simulator, and other artefacts
alongside the Sea Harrier. All the exhibits have been brought from Goa.
Know About: Sea Harrier
• Sea Harrier (SH 606) fighter jet designed and manufactured by British Aerospace.
• It is a naval Short/Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VSTOL) Jet Fighter, Reconnaissance and Strike
aircraft.
• The jet was decommissioned in 2016.
Mickeviciene Welcomes Opening of New Indian Mission in Lithuania
• Lithuanian Ambassador to India Diana Mickeviciene welcomed the opening of a new mission in
Lithuania.
• She made the remarks as the Lithuanian Embassy launched a book named 'First Lithuanian
Travelers in India.'
• She said that the book is about some historical characters who travelled from Lithuania to India.
India to Become World's Largest Automobile Market in Next Five Years

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• Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has said country could become
the world’s largest automobile market in the next 5 years, with a likely rapid proliferation of
electric cars and vehicles run on “flex-fuel” engines.
• He also highlighted the need to develop import substitute cost-effective, pollution-free, and
indigenous technology.
Nepal’s Ex-Home Minister Krishna Khand arrested
• Police arrested former home minister of Nepal and Nepali Congress leader Bal Krishna Khand in
connection with the fake Bhutanese refugee scam.
• A team of Kathmandu Police Circle arrested Khand from his residence in Mainjubahal for his
alleged involvement in the scam where many Nepalis were swindled out of millions of rupees in
return for sending them to the United States as Bhutanese refugees
10 May 2023: Top 5 Evening Headlines
• Union Health Ministry launches SAKSHAM LMIS
• PM Modi Multiple Scientific Projects on National Technology Day
• Badminton Asia has named Omar Rashid as the Chair of the Technical Officials Committee.
• The 42nd Summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has held in Indonesia.
• 'Writing with Fire' Wins Peabody Award in Documentary Category
Union Health Ministry launches SAKSHAM LMIS
• Union Health Ministry launches SAKSHAM Learning Management Information System
• Rajesh Bhushan, Union Health Secretary launched the SAKSHAM (Stimulating Advanced
Knowledge for Sustainable Health Management), a Learning Management Information System
(LMIS) of MoHFW.
• This digital learning platform has been developed by the National Institute of Health & Family
Welfare (NIHFW), New Delhi.
Quick Facts: SAKSHAM
• Its full form is Stimulating Advanced Knowledge for Sustainable Health Management.
• It is a dedicated and unified platform for providing online training and medical education to all
health professionals in the country.
• It will ensure inclusive capacity building of health professionals from primary health centres
located in rural and remote areas.
PM Modi Multiple Scientific Projects on National Technology Day
• PM laid foundation stone of Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory- India
• He also dedicated ‘Rare Earth Permanent Magnet Plant, Visakhapatnam’ to the nation
• By this, India will join select group of nations with capacity to produce Rare Earth Permanent
Magnets
• PM also dedicated to the nation ‘National Hadron Beam Therapy Facility’ and ‘Fission
Molybdenum-99 Production Facility’
Badminton Asia Appoints BAI Joint Secretary Omar Rashid as CTO
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• Badminton Asia has named Omar Rashid as the Chair of the Technical Officials Committee.
• Omar Rashid, a Joint Secretary of the Badminton Association of India (BAI), has been selected for
this prominent role within Badminton Asia.
• He will oversee the development and implementation of rules and regulations, elevating the
standards of officiating in badminton tournaments nationwide.
Know About: Badminton Asia
• The Badminton Asia is the governing body of badminton in Asia. It is one of the 5 continental
bodies under the flag of the Badminton World Federation.
• The confederation was established in 1959.
• It headquartered at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
• President: Kim Joong-soo
ASEAN Summit 2023
• The 42nd Summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has kicked off in
Indonesia with a theme of "ASEAN Affairs: Epicenter of Growth".
• President Joko Widodo, who holds the presidency of the bloc, emphasized the enormous potential
of the ASEAN region, which has a total population of around 650 million inhabitants.
Know About: ASEAN
• Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
o It is a regional organization that was established to promote political, social stability and
peace among the Asia-Pacific’s post-colonial states.
o Its motto is “One Vision, One Identity, One Community”.
o 8th August is observed as ASEAN Day.
o The Secretariat of ASEAN is in Indonesia, Jakarta.
'Writing with Fire' Wins Peabody Award in Documentary Category
• "Writing with Fire," an Oscar-nominated documentary, has been honored with the prestigious
Peabody Award in the documentary category.
• It has been directed by Rintu Thomas and Sushmit Ghosh
• The documentary revolves around the only women-led newspaper in India- Khabar Lahariya, and
how it transitions into digital journalism
• The Peabody announced the 35 selected winners for the year 2022
FIBA Selects Qatar as Host for Marquee 2027 Men's Basketball World Cup
• Qatar has been chosen by FIBA (International Basketball Federation) to host the highly
anticipated 2027 Men's Basketball World Cup.
• Doha will stage all games in the 32-team event
• The selection of Qatar as the host for the 2027 Men's Basketball World Cup reflects FIBA's
confidence in the country's state-of-the-art infrastructure
India leads list of 10 countries with 60% of global maternal deaths

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• India leads a list of 10 countries that together account for 60 per cent of global maternal deaths,
stillbirths and newborn deaths, and 51 per cent of live births globally: UN Study
• The latest published estimate in the progress tracking report by the WHO, UNICEF, and the
IJNFPA was launched at the ongoing 'International Maternal Newborn Health Conference'
(IMNHC 2023).
Dr. Akhilesh memorial Deccan Premier Carrom League
• Deccan Premier Carrom League to be held in Nizamabad.
• Players from the seven States ,Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala,
Maharashtra and Odisha, besides some internationals will be in action.
• For the first time in India, Carrom Live Platform will be paperless with the scores to be entered
through mobiles, live scores and online statistics, besides live streaming.
Telangana Launches State Robotics Framework
• Telangana announced Robotics Framework which would encompass creating an ecosystem for
robotics that champions innovation, entrepreneurship, and research and development, and set
up the Telangana Robotics Innovation Centre as a (TRIC)
• It is developed by Telangana’s Department of Information Technology’s Emerging Technologies
Wing, in conjunction with the All India Robotics Association
10 May 2023: Top 5 Morning Headlines
• Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Atal
PEnsion yojana (APY) complete 8 yrs
• Arab League Re-admits Syria as Relations with Assad Normalize
• Fitch Lowers India's GDP Growth Forecast for This Year to 6% from 6.2%
• Laureus Sports Awards 2023 announced
• Shipment for Sittwe Port as part of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project flagged
off.
Today's History
• In 1526, Babur won the 1st Panipat battle and entered in North India's capital Agra.
• In 1857, India's real mutiny began with the revolt of Sepoys of Meerut
• In 1960, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first birth control pill.
• In 1981, 1st day and night cricket match of India was played at the flood-lit ground of the Wilson
College Gymkhana.
PMSBY, PMJJBY & APY completes 8 years
• Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Atal
PEnsion yojana (APY) complete 8 yrs.
• These three schemes were launched by PM Narendra Modi in 2015 from Kolkata in West Bengal.
• The government had launched two insurance schemes PM Suraksha Bima Yojana and PM Jeevan
Jyoti Bima Yojana to make the people belonging from unorganised sections financially secure.

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Quick Facts: PM Suraksha Bima Yojana, PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana

• PMSBY The risk coverage of the scheme for accidental death or full disability caused by the
accident is Rs. 2 lakhs and for partial disability is Rs. 1 lakh.
• Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana is a scheme that aims at providing life insurance to
people between the ages of 18 to 50.
Arab League Re-admits Syria as Relations with Assad Normalize
• The Arab League readmitted Syria after more than a decade of suspension, consolidating a
regional push to normalise ties with President Bashar al-Assad.
• The decision said Syria could resume its participation in Arab League meetings, while calling for
a resolution of the crisis resulting from Syria's civil war, including the flight of refugees to
neighbouring countries and drug smuggling.
Map in News: Syria
• Syria is a country located in the Middle East, bordered by Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Turkey.
• The capital and largest city of Syria is Damascus.
• Capital: Damascus
• Continent: Asia
• Official language: Arabic
BITS Pilani Hyd. Develops Face Mask with Sensor to Check for Illness
• Researchers at BITS Pilani Hyderabad have designed a face mask equipped with a sensor to
detect illness.
• The team designed and developed a ‘Kirigami’ based stretchable, flexible Laser induced
Graphene (LIG) a 3-D carbon nanomaterial, for real-time attachments with surgical masks.
• The innovative face mask aims to provide real-time monitoring of vital health parameters.
Fitch Lowers India's GDP Growth Forecast for This Year to 6% from 6.2%
• Fitch Ratings revises down India's GDP growth forecast for the current year to 6%.
• The rating firm has also re-affirmed India’s long-term foreign-currency issuer default rating at
‘BBB-’ with a stable outlook.
• While India will be one of the fastest-growing sovereigns rated by Fitch, bolstered by “resilient
investment prospects”
Mumbai Indians record fastest 200+ run chase in IPL history
• Mumbai Indians create history with the fastest 200-plus run chase in the history of the IPL.
• MI chased down 200-run target against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 16.3 overs.
• The previous fastest 200+ run chase was achieved by Delhi Daredevils (DD), now known as Delhi
Capitals (DC), against Gujarat Lions (GL). DD had chased 209-run target in 17.3 overs in IPL 2017.
Countries join hands to protect migratory birds in CAF
• Range countries of the Central Asian Flyway (CAF) have collaborated to strengthen conservation
efforts for migratory birds and their habitats.

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• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in collaboration with the United Nations
Environment Programme/Convention on Migratory Species (UNEP/CMS) organised the meeting
from May 2 to May 4, 2023, in New Delhi.
Know about: Central Asian Flyway
• The Central Asian Flyway is a major migratory route for birds, covering 30 countries from the
Arctic Ocean to the Indian Ocean.
• It stretches across a vast geographical area, covering several countries in Asia, including India,
China, Russia, Mongolia, and various Central Asian countries.
• The flyway serves as a critical pathway for millions of migratory birds
Shipment for Sittwe Port in Myanmar under Kaladan Project
• India initiates the shipment for Sittwe Port in Myanmar as part of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit
Transport Project.
• The project aims to enhance connectivity and trade between India and Myanmar through the
Bay of Bengal.
• A vessel containing 1,000 metric tonnes of cement was flagged off from the Syama Prasad
Mookerjee Port in Kolkata to kick-start the operation of Sittwe Port in Myanmar.
Laureus Sports Awards 2023
• Lionel Messi, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, and Carlos Alcaraz among the esteemed winners at the
Laureus Sports Awards 2023.
• World Sportsman of the Year Award Lionel Messi
• World Sportswoman of the Year Award Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce
• World Team of the Year Award Argentina Men's Football Team
• World Breakthrough of the Year Award Carlos Alcaraz
Neeraj Chopra Claims Gold and World Lead at Doha Diamond League
• Neeraj Chopra secures a gold medal and sets a world-leading mark at the Doha Diamond League
in athletics.
• Neeraj Chopra defeated Grenada’s World champion Anderson Peters with an impressive World-
leading 88.67m.
• Peters had won the Diamond League gold in Doha last year with a personal-best 93.07m
Fakhar and Naruemol are ICC Players of the month
• Pak batter Fakhar Zaman and Thailand skipper Naruemol Chaiwai were named ICC men's and
women's players of the month for April after both produced match-winning performances for their
countries in ODIs,
• Fakhar becomes the first Pakistan player to the monthly accolade since Sidra Ameen in Nov 2022.
• Naruemol had consistent high scores in Thailand's historic ODI series victory against Zimbabwe.
Common Uniform for Brigadiers and Above Rank Officers in Army

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• Starting from August 1, brigadiers and above rank officers in the Indian Army will don a common
uniform.
• The common uniform signifies a step towards modernization and standardization in the Indian
Army.
• The headgear, shoulder rank badges, gorget patches, belt and shoes of senior officers will be
standardised as part of the decision.
Imran Khan's Arrest Sparks Tensions in Pakistan
• Tensions escalate in Pakistan as live updates document the arrest of Prime Minister Imran Khan.
• The arrest raises questions about the political landscape and stability in the country, rule of law
and democratic processes in the nation.
• The situation unfolds amid widespread protests and political turmoil, reflecting a significant
development in Pakistan's governance.
9 May 2023: Top 5 Evening Headlines
• Indian Army to introduce common uniform for brigadiers and above ranks
• Everest Annual ITS rankings: Accenture tops the list
• ISRO to start online training programme for PG and UG students
• Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti: 9 May 2023
• India Post signs MoU with CAIT and Tripta Technologies
Victory Day observed in Russia on 9 May
• Victory Day is observed in Russia every year on 9 May,
• The day marks the 78th anniversary of Germany's capitulation in World War II after a relentless
Red Army offensive pushed German forces from Stalingrad, deep inside Russia, all the way to
Berlin, about 2,200 km.
• The Soviet Union lost at least 20 million people in the war.
Indian Army to introduce common uniform for brigadiers and above ranks
• The Indian Army has decided that brigadiers and above rank officers will have a common uniform
from August 1, 2023 irrespective of their parent cadre and appointment.
• The headgear, shoulder rank badges, gorget patches, belt and shoes of senior officers will be
standardised as part of the decision.
• There will be no change to the uniform worn by Colonels and below-rank officers.
Fakhar Zaman, Naruemol Chaiwai crowned ICC players of the month
• Pakistan batter Fakhar Zaman was named the ICC Men's Player of the month for April 2023.
• Thailand skipper Naruemol Chaiwai was adjudged best in the women's section.
• Fakhar becomes the first Pakistan player to win the monthly accolade since Sidra Ameen in
November 2022.
• Naruemol was named Player-of-the-Series for two unbeaten half-centuries.
India extends $1 billion credit line for Sri Lanka by a year

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• India has extended a $1 billion credit line for Sri Lanka by one year.
• The credit line, part of about $4 billion in emergency assistance extended by India during the peak
of Sri Lanka's financial crisis early in 2022, was scheduled to end in March 2023.
• There is about $350 million left of the credit line that can be utilised as needed
MyGov and Ministry of Culture, launches 'YUVA PRATIBHA'
• MyGov in collaboration with Ministry of Culture is launching a YUVA PRATIBHA – Singing Talent
Hunt on May 10, 2023.
• The initial submission for the competition will be open for a period of one and half month.
• Top 3 Winners will be mentored for a period of 1 month with a mentorship stipend.
• 1st winner will get Rs 1,50,000, a trophy, and a certificate.
RBI parks incremental reserves in US treasuries
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) deployed its incremental reserves during the second half of fiscal
FY23 in bonds and securities — mostly US Treasuries and debt issued by other top-rated
sovereigns.
• The latest half-yearly report on foreign exchange management showed that as at end-March
2023, of the total foreign currency assets of $509.69 billion, $411.65 billion was invested in
securities.
Quick Facts: RBI
• Reserve Bank of India is responsible for regulation of the Indian banking system.
• Founded: 1 April 1935, Kolkata
• Ownership: Ministry of Finance, Government of India
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Chairman: Shaktikanta Das
Everest Annual ITS rankings: Accenture tops the list
• Accenture has taken the number one spot for the seventh straight year in the Everest 2023 PEAK
Matrix Service Provider of the Year Awards for Information Technology (IT) services.
• The ranking of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Capgemini, and Wipro has risen to take the
number 2, 3, and 4 spots, respectively.
• HCLTech remains among the top five providers.
ISRO to start online training programme for PG and UG students
• The Indian Space Research Organisation has announced a new introductory-level online training
programme called Space Science and Technology Awareness Training (START).
• START is aimed at postgraduate and final-year undergraduate students of Physical Sciences and
Technology.
• The programme will cover various domains of Space Science, including Astronomy and
Astrophysics, Heliophysics, etc.
Know About: ISRO

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• The Indian Space Research Organisation is the national space agency of India, headquartered in
Bangalore, Karnataka.
• Operating under the Department of Space, ISRO is India's primary agency for performing tasks
related to space-based applications, space exploration and the development of related
technologies.
• Founder: Vikram Sarabhai
• Headquarters: Bengaluru
• Chairman: S. Somanath
MakeMyTrip collaborates with Microsoft
• MakeMyTrip has collaborated with Microsoft to make travel planning more inclusive and
accessible by introducing voice assisted booking in Indian languages.
• The new, in-platform tech stack powered by Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service and Azure Cognitive
Services, will converse with the user to offer personalized travel recommendations.
Know About: Microsoft
• Microsoft Corporation is an American multinational technology corporation.
• It's best-known software products are the Windows line of operating systems, the Microsoft Office
suite, and the Internet Explorer and Edge web browsers.
• Founders: Bill Gates, Paul Allen
• Headquarters: Redmond, Washington, United States
• Founded: 4 April 1975, Albuquerque, New Mexico, US
• Chairperson: Satya Nadella
Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti: 9 May 2023
• Rabindranath Jayanti is dedicated to a great Bengali poet, novelist, writer and philosopher
Rabindranath Tagore.
• As per Hindu calendar, it was celebrated on May 7, 2023.
• As per Bengali Calendar, it is being celebrated on 25th day of Boisakh which is on May 9, 2023.
• Year 2023 marks his 162nd birth anniversary.
• He even composed National Anthem of India and Bangladesh.
India Post signs MoU with CAIT and Tripta Technologies
• India Post has signed a MoU with Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) and Tripta
Technologies for logistics services.
• It will benefit small and medium traders as they will be able to use India Post as a logistics service
provider.
• It will provide shipping and the last mile delivery services to CAIT's strong trader base and small
and medium business in the unorganised sector.
PM Modi to inaugurate projects worth over ₹5,500 cr in Rajasthan
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Rajasthan on May 10 to inaugurate and lay the foundation
stone for a variety of development projects worth over ₹5,500 crores.

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• He will dedicate three key national highway projects to the country.

• These projects aim to enhance the region’s infrastructure and connectivity, ultimately improving
the socioeconomic conditions of local residents.
Delegates from 10 nations to participate in Y20 event at Kashmir Univ
• Delegates from 10 countries, including host India, will participate in a Youth20 event on climate
change to be held at University of Kashmir.
• One participant each is coming from Turkey, Japan, South Korea, Nigeria and Mexico for the
event scheduled on May 10 and 11, 2023.
• The theme of the Y20 event is “Climate change and Disaster Risk Reduction: Making Sustainability
a Way of Life”.
Makoto Shinkai Film Festival announced in India
• PVR Pictures has announced a Makoto Shinkai film festival in India.
• Now, four of Shinkai’s previous hits along with Suzume will be screened in PVR and Inox cinemas
across India from May 19 onwards.
• The festival is being held in collaboration with Japanese Film Festival India, Japan Foundation,
New Delhi and CoMix Wave Films.
Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan arrested
• Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, was arrested by paramilitary Rangers on 9
May 2023.
• The arrest comes a day after the powerful army had accused Khan of levelling baseless
allegations against a senior officer of the spy agency ISI.
• He served as the 22nd Prime Minister of Pakistan from August 2018 until April 2022.
• He is also a former cricketer.
9 May 2023: Top 5 Morning Headlines
• MoHUA and MoR jointly ink MoU with JICA for Project SMART
• Renowned Bengali author Samaresh Majumdar passes away
• Barbara Kingsolver, Hernan Diaz share fiction Pulitzer Prize
• Indian weightlifters finish with three silver medals in South Korea
• Israel Foreign Minister Eli Cohen arrives in India on 3-day visit
Today's History: 9 May 2023
• Maharana Pratap, great revolutionary, soldier and freedom fighter, was born in 1540.
• First horse-drawn tram car started running in Mumbai in 1874.
• Gandhiji announced suspension of Civil Disobedience Movement for six weeks in 1933.
• Kirit Raval was appointed Solicitor-General of India in 1998.
Fitch retains India's rating at 'BBB'
• Fitch Ratings affirmed India's long-term foreign-currency issuer default rating at 'BBB-' with a
stable outlook.

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• It expects the general government deficit (excluding divestments) to narrow to a still-high 8.8%
of GDP in FY24 (2023 BBB median: 3.6%) from 9.2% in FY23.
• It expects the central govt to meet its budget's planned reduction in the deficit to 5.9% of GDP in
FY24 from 6.4% in FY23.
MoHUA and MoR jointly ink MoU with JICA for Project SMART
• The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and Ministry of Railways jointly signed an MoU
with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for ‘Station Area Development along
Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail’ (Project-SMART).
• The MoU was inked for four High Speed Rail Stations- Sabarmati, Surat in Gujarat and Virar and
Thane in Maharashtra.
Renowned Bengali author Samaresh Majumdar passes away
• Renowned Bengali author Samaresh Majumdar passed away in May 2023.
• He is best known for his ‘Animesh’ series.
• The writer-poet has innumerable accolades under his belt, including Sahitya Akademi Award
which he won for ‘Kalbela’ in 1984.
• Apart from this, he has been conferred the Anand Award and Bankim Award.
• In 2018, the West Bengal government honoured him with the 'Banga Bibhushan' award.
India-ASEAN naval exercise concludes
• The maiden India-ASEAN naval exercise concluded in the South China Sea on 8 May 2023.
• Two Indian warships which took part in the exercise are now proceeding to their next port of call
towards Vietnam.
• This was the first such naval exercise with the ASEAN grouping.
• ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) is a political and economic union of ten member
states in Southeast Asia.
Barbara Kingsolver, Hernan Diaz share fiction Pulitzer Prize
• The Pulitzer Prize for fiction was awarded to two novels Barbara Kingsolver's "David Copperfield,"
and Hernan Diaz's "Trust".
• Beverly Gage's "G-Man," was given the Pulitzer for biography.
• "His Name Is George Floyd: One Man's Life and the Struggle for Racial Justice," by Robert Samuels
and Toluse Olorunnipa, won for general nonfiction.
Know About: Pulitzer Prize
• The Pulitzer Prize is an award administered by Columbia University for achievements in
newspaper, magazine, online journalism, literature, and musical composition within the United
States.
• It was established in 1917 by provisions in the will of Joseph Pulitzer.
• In twenty one of the categories, each winner receives a certificate and a US$15,000 cash award
(raised from $10,000 in 2017).

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Financial Stability and Development Council meeting held

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman chaired the 27th Financial Stability and Development
Council meeting in Delhi, on 8 May'23.
• It was held in the presence of Ministers of State for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary and Dr Bhagwat
Karad.
• It was discussed that the policy and legislative reform measures required to further develop the
financial sector may be formulated and implemented expeditiously.
Indian weightlifters finish with three silver medals in South Korea
• In Weightlifting, Indian weightlifters finished the Asian Weightlifting Championships 2023 in Jinju,
South Korea, with three silver medals.
• Ajith Narayana and Achinta Sheuli were the only two Indian weightlifters competing in the men’s
73kg category.
• Ajith Narayana topped Group B with a combined lift of 307kg.
• Achinta Sheuli, meanwhile, finished second in Group B with a total lift of 305kg.
Annual Investment Meeting starts in UAE
• The Annual Investment Meeting, organized by the AIM Foundation, kicked off on May 8, 2023, at
the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, UAE.
• It is being held under the theme of “The Investment Paradigm Shift: Future Investment
Opportunities to Foster Sustainable Economic Growth, Diversity, and Prosperity".
• Guidance Tamil Nadu has been nominated for the Investment Promotion Award.
Israel Foreign Minister Eli Cohen arrives in India on 3-day visit
• Foreign Minister of Israel Eli Cohen has arrived in New Delhi on a three-day visit to India.
• Mr Eli Cohen will hold talks with External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar at Hyderabad House
on 9 May 2023, after which he will go to the Teen Murti-Haifa Chowk for wreath-laying.
• He will also visit Mumbai on 11 May 2023 to attend a programme.
Israel
• Israel is a country in Western Asia.
• It is bordered by Lebanon to the north, by Syria to the northeast, by Jordan to the east, by the
Red Sea to the south, by Egypt to the southwest, by the Mediterranean Sea to the west.
• Tel Aviv is the economic and technological center of the country, while its seat of government is
in its capital of Jerusalem.
Five more cheetahs to be released in MP’s Kuno National Park
• Five more cheetahs including three females and two males will be released from the
acclimatization camps into free-roaming conditions in Kuno National Park (KNP) in Madhya
Pradesh in June 2023.
• Kuno National Park is a national park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh, India.
• It was established in 1981 as a wildlife sanctuary.

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• In 2018, it was given the status of a national park.

3rd G-20 Development Working Group meeting begins Goa
• Delegates from different countries across the globe have arrived in Goa for the 3rd Development
Working Group meeting of G-20, to be held from 9-11 May 2023.
• G-20 is an inter-governmental forum of the world’s 20 major developed and developing
economies.
• The event is being organized by the G20 Secretariat in partnership with the Observer Research
Foundation (ORF).
8 May 2023: Top 5 Evening Headlines
• Yuzvendra equals Bravo's record for most wickets taken in IPL
• K.K. Shailaja comes with her new book ‘My Life as a Comrade’
• First Airbus C295 Tactical Airlifter completes maiden flight
• Cyclone Mocha likely to make landfall in Myanmar
• Book 'Made in India: 75 Years of Business and Enterprise' released
Yuzvendra equals Bravo's record for most wickets taken in IPL
• Yuzvendra Chahal equalled the record of former Chennai Super Kings all-rounder Dwayne Bravo
for the most wickets taken in the IPL history.
• Bowling against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), he returned figures of 4 for 29 in four overs.
• Both Chahal and Bravo now have 183 wickets each to their credits.
• Since his debut in 2013, he has played 142 games.
K.K. Shailaja comes with her new book ‘My Life as a Comrade’
• Former CEO of the Kochi Biennale Foundation and journalist K.K. Shailaja has come up with her
new book ‘My Life as a Comrade’.
• It has been co-written with Manju Sara Rajan.
• K. K. Shailaja is an Indian politician and former Health Minister of Kerala who hails from Kannur
district.
• Shailaja currently serves as the Member of the Legislative Assembly representing Mattanur
constituency.
India amends apple import policy
• The central government has prohibited the import of apples where the CIF (Cost, Insurance, and
Freight) import price is less than or equal to Rs 50 per kilogram.
• The import policy remains "free" for those apples costing above Rs 50 per kilogram.
• The amendment in apple import policy will not be applicable to India's neighbour Bhutan.
First Airbus C295 Tactical Airlifter completes maiden flight
• The first Airbus C295, a new-generation tactical airlifter, successfully completed its maiden flight
for India on May 5, 2023 in Spain.
• India acquired 56 C295 aircraft in September 2021 to replace the (IAF) legacy AVRO fleet.

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• The first 16 aircraft will be assembled in Seville, Spain, and delivered to the customer in 'fly-away'
condition.
Border Haat between India and Bangladesh inaugurated at Bholaganj
• A new Border-Haat between India and Bangladesh was inaugurated in Bholaganj under the
Companiganj upazila of Sylhet on 6 May 2023.
• The Border Haat will function on Wednesdays and Saturdays between 10 in the morning to 4 in
the afternoon.
• The Bholaganj Border Haat will have 26 stalls from India and 24 stalls from Bangladesh where
traditional items will be sold duty free.
Bangladesh
• Bangladesh is a country in South Asia.
• It is the eighth-most-populous country in the world.
• Dhaka is its capital.
• It is narrowly separated from Bhutan and Nepal by the Siliguri Corridor; and from China by the
Indian state of Sikkim in the north.
Know About: National Centre for Good Governance
• The National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) was set up in 2014 by the Government of India
as an apex–level autonomous institution under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and
Pensions.
• The Centre traces its origin to the National Institute of Administrative Research (NIAR), which was
set up in 1995 by the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA).
Cyclone Mocha likely to make landfall in Myanmar
• Cyclone Mocha is unlikely to hit the eastern Indian coast and Bangladesh.
• Instead, the cyclonic storm is likely to change its route and make landfall in Myanmar as a "severe
cyclone" on May 13-14, 2023.
• Several districts across West Bengal will also receive light to moderate rain on May 8, owing to a
rise in humidity levels and heat.
• Eighteen districts in Odisha are also on high alert.
At 97, socialist Ramkishan becomes Man of the Century
• Former Lok Sabha MP Pandit Ramkishan was honoured with the title of Shatabdi Purush (Man of
the Century) in New Delhi on 7 May 2023.
• He was elected once to the Lok Sabha – in 1977 – and four times to Rajasthan Assembly – in 1962,
1967, 1974 and 1990.
• The award was presented to him during the birth centenary celebrations of renowned socialist
thinker and parliamentarian Madhu Limaye.
Book 'Made in India: 75 Years of Business and Enterprise' released
• A book titled 'Made in India: 75 Years of Business and Enterprise' has been released.

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• It has been authored by Amitabh Kant, who is a retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and
served as CEO of NITI Aayog.
• His other books include Branding India-An Incredible Story, Incredible India 2.0, etc.
UP Government to build first pharma park in Lalitpur
• The UP govt will build UP’s first pharma park in Lalitpur and setting up the first Medical Device
Park in Gautam Buddha Nagar.
• The govt will transfer 1,500 hectares of land in Lalitpur for the Pharma Park and spend Rs 1,560
cr to provide necessary facilities to investors and speed up development work.
• UP govt is also setting up a medical device park in Gautam Buddha Nagar.
Capacity building program organised in Mussoorie
• In Uttarakhand, a capacity building program for civil servants of Maldives and Bangladesh is
being organized by the National Center for Good Governance (NCGG) at Lal Bahadur Shastri
National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie from 8 May 2023.
• This program will continue till 19th May.
• 50 administrative trainees from Maldives and 45 from Bangladesh are participating in this
programme.
Oil Ministry panel proposes ban on 4-wheeler diesel vehicles by 2027
• India should ban the use of diesel-powered four-wheeler vehicles by 2027 and switch to electric
and gas-fuelled vehicles in cities with more than a million people and polluted towns in order to
cut emissions, an oil ministry panel has recommended.
• India, one of the biggest emitters of green house gases, wants to produce 40% of its electricity
from renewables to achieve its 2070 net zero goal.
Praveen Chithravel sets national record in triple jump in Cuba
• Indian triple jumper Praveen Chithravel set a new national record with an effort of 17.37 metres
on his way to winning a gold medal in the Prueba de confrontacion 2023 athletics meet in Havana,
Cuba.
• Chithravel improved on the previous men’s triple jump national record of 17.30m set by Renjith
Maheswary at the third Indian Grand Prix in Bangalore in 2016.
Max Verstappen wins Miami F1 Grand Prix
• Max Verstappen defeated Sergio Perez to win the Miami Grand Prix.
• Fernando Alonso, who started second, claim third-place.
• George Russell was fourth, finishing ahead of Ferrari's Carlos Sainz.
• Red Bull have now won all five races of the 2023 season.
Alcaraz makes history with 10th title
• Carlos Alcaraz made history on 7 May 2023 when he captured the Mutua Madrid Open title.
• He defeated Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.
• The Spaniard became the sixth-youngest player to reach 10 tour-level titles in the Open Era.

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• Alcaraz was also champion at the 2022 Next Gen ATP Finals.
• The Spaniard has earned 10 of his trophies at ATP Masters 1000 events.
8 May 2023: Top 5 Morning Headlines
• World Thalassaemia Day: 8 May
• Praveen Chithravel sets national record in triple jump in Cuba
• Bindyarani Devi clinches silver medal in 55kg category
• Jeremy Lalrinnunga wins silver medal at Jinju, Korea
• INS Magar decommissioned after 36 years of service
Today's History: 8 May 2023
• Malaun of Nepal was captured by General David Ochterlony in 1815.
• Indian Government decided to integrate Chandranagar in West Bengal which was under the rule
of the French, in 1954.
• Ravindra Bharti University was established in West Bengal in 1962.
• India decided to import currency notes for the first time in 1997.
World Thalassaemia Day: 8 May
• World Thalassaemia Day is observed on May 8 every year.
• The theme for 2023 is ‘Be aware. Share. Care.’
• Panos Englezos, President and Founder of Thalassemia International Federation created this day
in 1994 in the memory of his son George and other Thalassemia patients.
• Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder which is inherited by the children from their parents.
World Red Cross Day: 8 May
• World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, also known as World Red Cross Day, is observed on May
8 every year.
• It commemorates the birth anniversary of Henry Dunant, the founder of the International
Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the recipient of the first Nobel Peace Prize.
• The day was officially established during the 20th International Conference of the Red Cross in
Japan, in 1933.
BRO celebrated its 64th Raising Day on 7 May
• Border Roads Organisation (BRO) celebrated its 64th Raising Day on May 7, 2023 at all its
detachments across the country.
• The main function ‘Chief Engineers and Equipment Management Conference’ was organised at
BRO School & Centre in Pune.
• An MoU was signed between the BRO and GRSE for construction of indigenous Class 70R Double
Lane Modular Bridges.
Quick Facts: Border Roads Organisation
• BRO functions as a statutory body under the ownership of Ministry of Defence

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• By 2022, it has constructed over 55,000 kilometres (34,000 mi) of roads, over 450 permanent
bridges with a total length of over 44,000 metres (27 mi) length and 19 airfields in strategic
locations.
• Founded: 7 May 1960
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Director General: Lt. Gen. Rajeev Chaudhary
Air Force receives first batch of indigenous VTOL loitering munition
• The India Air Force has received its first indigenously designed and developed loitering munitions.
• These are capable of operating from all kinds of terrain and high altitude areas and can take
down targets at a range of over 50 km, without exposing any personnel to risk.
• Developed by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), the autonomous system is designed for
Vertical Take Off and Landing.
Know About: Indian Air Force
• The Indian Air Force is the air arm of the Indian Armed Forces.
• Since 1950, the IAF has been involved in four wars with Pakistan.
• Other major operations undertaken by the IAF include Operation Vijay, Operation Meghdoot,
Operation Cactus and Operation Poomalai.
• Founded: 8 October 1932
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Chief: Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari
Mystery Chinese spacecraft returns to Earth after 276 days
• An experimental Chinese spacecraft returned to Earth on 8 May 2023 after staying in orbit for 276
days.
• It completed a landmark mission to test the country's reusable space technologies.
• The uncrewed spacecraft returned to the Jiuquan launch centre in northwest China.
• The test will provide a more convenient and inexpensive way to mount future space missions.
Bindyarani Devi clinches silver medal in 55kg category
• In Weightlifting, India’s Bindyarani Devi has clinched a silver medal in the women’s 55kg category
at the Asian Weightlifting Championships 2023 in Jinju, South Korea.
• China’s Chen Guan Ling won the gold medal with a combined lift of 204 kg.
• Meanwhile in the men’s 61kg category Group B, Shubham Todkar lifted a combined weight of
263kg to finish sixth among nine competitors.
Jeremy Lalrinnunga wins silver medal at Jinju, Korea
• In the Asian Weightlifting Championships, India’s weightlifter Jeremy Lalrinnunga won a silver
medal on 8 May 2023 at Jinju, Korea.
• He won medal in the snatch event with a lift of 141 kg in the 67 kg weight class.
• In the World Boxing Championships, Mohammed Hussamuddin of India defeated Russia's Savvin
Eduard, 5-0 in a unanimous decision to enter into the 57 kg quarterfinals.

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INS Magar decommissioned after 36 years of service

• Indian Naval Ship Magar, Landing Ship Tank (Large) amphibious assault ship of the Indian Navy
was decommissioned after 36 years of service on 6 May 2023.
• The ship was indigenously built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd, Kolkata.
• It was launched on 16 November 1984 and commissioned into the Indian Navy on 18 July 1987 by
Admiral R H Tahiliani, then Chief of the Naval Staff.
Postings of women officers of Territorial Army along LoC approved
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved posting of Women Officers of the Territorial Army
along the Line of Control.
• They will now serve and train under the same conditions as their male counterparts.
• Territorial Army had commenced commissioning of women Officers since 2019, in Ecological Task
Force Units, TA Oil sector units and TA Railway Engineer Regiment.
Indian Air Force Heritage Centre to be inaugurated
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate the Indian Air Force Heritage Centre in
Chandigarh on 8 May 2023.
• He will also lay the foundation stone for Centre for Cyber Ops and Security.
• The Heritage Centre will comprise of artifacts, simulators and interactive boards, to highlight the
various facets of operations in the Indian Air Force.
PM Jan Aushadhi Kendra inaugurated at Warasiguda in Secunderabad
• Union Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy inaugurated a PM Jan Aushadhi Kendra at Warasiguda
in Secunderabad on 7 May 2023.
• These Jan Aushadhi Kendras will provide affordable healthcare and generate self-employment
opportunities for youth.
• Medicines are available at 50-90 percent lower prices in Janausadhi Kendras than the rates found
in regular medical shops.
Weekly Notes (1 May-6 May): International Affairs
• Countries join hands to protect migratory birds
• Coronation of King Charles III took place on 6 May
• WHO: Covid-19 no longer represents a global health emergency
• Russia now has its own ChatGPT, introduces GigaChat
• US: FDA approves world's first RSV vaccine for older adults
• Uzbekistan President wins referendum to rewrite Constitution
Weekly Notes (1 May- 6 May): Sports
• Khelo India University Games 2022 logo, mascot, torch launched
• Pakistan's Babar Azam becomes fastest player to reach 5000 runs
• Indian Archery men and women teams win 12 medals
• Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra clinches Doha Diamond League title

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• Napoli clinch first Serie A title in 33 years

• Geoffrey Emmanuel first Indian to compete in FIM JuniorGP
Weekly Notes (1 May -6 May): National Affairs
• SJVN secures 100 MW wind power project in Gujarat
• UGC launches 'CU-Chayan', a unified faculty recruitment portal
• Mansukh Mandaviya reviews ‘Food Street Project’
• River-Cities Alliance Global Seminar organised by NMCG
• RBI, BIS launch global technology competition ‘G20 TechSprint’
• JNPA Port sets a global benchmark with a record
Weekly Notes (1 May- 6 May): States Affairs
• ‘Youth-20 Consultation Programme’ conference concludes in Uttarakhand
• Haryana Govt to introduce a new feature on Haryana-eSamiksha portal
• C-i2 RE inaugurated in Telangana
• 2,000-year-old waterbodies unearthed in Madhya Pradesh
• Nagaland govt sets up high-level powered Committee
• Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya West Bengal awarded first prize
Weekly Notes (1 May- 6 May): Days & Events
• World Athletics Day: 7 May
• World Hand Hygiene Day: 5 May
• Giani Zail Singh's birth anniversary: 5 May
• Buddha Purnima: 5 May 2023
• International Firefighters' Day: 4 May
• World Press Freedom Day: 3 May
• International Labour Day: 1 May
• Gujarat Day: 1 May
• Maharashtra Day: 1 May
6 May 2023: Top 5 Evening Headlines
• SJVN secures 100 MW wind power project in Gujarat
• Khelo India University Games 2022 logo, mascot, torch launched
• World Athletics Day: 7 May
• Accenture appoints Ajay Vij Country Managing Director in India
• Coronation of King Charles III took place on 6 May
Countries join hands to protect migratory birds
• Range countries of the Central Asian Flyway (CAF) have collaborated to strengthen conservation
efforts for migratory birds and their habitats.
• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in collaboration with the United Nations
Environment Programme/Convention on Migratory Species (UNEP/CMS) organised the meeting
from May 2 to May 4, 2023, in New Delhi.

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SJVN secures 100 MW wind power project in Gujarat

• SJVN Ltd has secured a 100 MW grid-connected wind power project in Gujarat.
• The project was awarded to SJVN Green Energy Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SJVN,
through a competitive bidding process followed by an e-reverse auction organized by Gujarat
Urja Vikas Nigam Limited.
• The commissioning of the project is expected to reduce 576,067 tonnes of carbon emissions.
Khelo India University Games 2022 logo, mascot, torch launched
• Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Singh Thakur launched the Khelo India
University Games Uttar Pradesh 2022’s official logo, mascot, torch, anthem and Jersey in
Lucknow.
• The 12-day-long event will be held in Varanasi, Noida and Gorakhpur, with Delhi’s Dr. Karni Singh
Shooting range hosting the Shooting competition.
• The Kabaddi competition begins in Noida on May 23rd, 2023.
World Athletics Day: 7 May
• World Athletics Day is observed on 7 May every year.
• World Athletics Day was instituted in 1996 by the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF)
to raise awareness of the physiological and psychological significance of sports.
• Every year on May 7, the IAAF organises numerous events to encourage individuals to participate
in sports for their health.
Accenture appoints Ajay Vij Country Managing Director in India
• Accenture has appointed Ajay Vij as Country Managing Director, a newly created role, and
Sandeep Dutta as the lead of its India Market Unit.
• Mr. Dutta, who was India Sales Lead, would now serve as the company’s India business lead.
• Rekha M. Menon, Senior Managing Director and Chairperson for Accenture in India, would retire
as of June 30, 2023.
RBI mandates all wire transfers to have complete information
• The RBI has asked all banks, financial institutions to ensure all wire transfers to contain complete
information about the originator and beneficiary to prevent them from being used as a channel
for money laundering, terrorist financing platforms.
• The Reserve Bank of India has recently updated its instructions in the Master Direction on Know
Your Customer (KYC).
Visa launches CVV-free payments for tokenised credit, debit cards
• Visa has come up with a revolutionary solution to make online transactions smoother and safer.
• The company has launched CVV-free tokenized transactions for domestic payments in India,
adhering to the guidelines issued by the Reserve Bank of India.
• CVV, which stands for card verification value, is a three or four-digit number located on the back
of a physical debit or credit card.

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Coronation of King Charles III took place on 6 May

• The coronation of King Charles III and his wife Camilla took place in London in a ceremony on 6
May 2023.
• Prince Charles was next in line to the throne and was crowned king after the death of his mother,
Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022.
• Post the coronation, King Charles III will take over as the monarch after a 70-year reign of his late
mother, the sovereign.
Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Mela to be held on 8 May
• Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) will organise the Pradhan Mantri
National Apprenticeship Mela (PMNAM) in over 200 districts across the country on 8 May 2023.
• Several local businesses and organizations have been invited to be part of this apprenticeship
mela to provide relevant apprenticeship training opportunities to local youth.
6 May 2023: Top 5 Morning Headlines
• Pakistan's Babar Azam becomes fastest player to reach 5000 runs
• Indian Archery men and women teams win 12 medals
• Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra clinches Doha Diamond League title
• 10th Landport between India and Bangladesh inaugurated
• WHO: Covid-19 no longer represents a global health emergency
Today's History: 6 May 2023
• Chatrapati Rajaram Maharaj was crowned in 1680.
• Mahatma Gandhi was released unconditionally from his last imprisonment from Aga Khan Palace
at Pune, in 1944.
• Dr. Rajendra Prasad was re-elected as the President of India in 1952.
• Dr. Zakir Hussain was elected as the President in 1967
• Saurav Ganguly won the Ceat International Cricketer of the Year award 1999-2000.
India's forex reserves rise $4.53 billion to $588.78 billion
• India's foreign exchange reserves increased by $4.53 billion to $588.78 billion on a weekly basis
as of April 28, 2023.
• During the prior week that ended on April 21, the reserves fell by $2.16 billion to $584.24 billion.
• According to RBI's latest data, India's foreign currency assets, the biggest component of the forex
reserves, rose by $4.99 billion to $519.48 billion.
Pakistan's Babar Azam becomes fastest player to reach 5000 runs
• Pakistan skipper Babar Azam has become the fastest player to reach 5000 runs in the ODI format.
• He crossed the 5000 run-mark in 97 innings.
• Babar broke Hashim Amla's record of scoring 5000 runs in 101 innings.
• Azam has been the number-one batter on the International Cricket Council’s rankings for ODIs
for the last two years.

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Indian Archery men and women teams win 12 medals

• The Indian archery men and women teams emerged victorious and won 5 Gold medals, 5 Silvers
and 2 bronze at Asia Cup-World Ranking Tournament, Stage II in Tashkent.
• In the compound women team event, Parneet Kaur, Raginee Markoo and Pragati defeated
Kazakhstan 232- 223 to win gold.
• In Compound Men team event, team of Amit, Kushal Dalal, and Abhishek Verma beat Hong Kong,
233-226 to lift gold.
Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra clinches Doha Diamond League title
• Olympic champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra won Diamond League title in Doha on 5 May
2023.
• Czech Republic’s Vadlejch stood second, with Grenada’s Peters finishing third.
• With this win, Neeraj has also bagged the world lead.
• He gave his best throw of 88.67m.
10th Landport between India and Bangladesh inaugurated
• The 10th Landport between India and Bangladesh was inaugurated at Dawki in Meghalaya by
State Minister for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai on 4 May 2023.
• The landport will boost trade and facilitate easier travel between the two countries.
• Dawki landport provides facilities like the passenger and cargo terminal buildings, warehouse,
sewage treatment plant among others.
Bangladesh
• Bangladesh, to the east of India on the Bay of Bengal, is a South Asian country.
• It shares land borders with India to the west, north, and east, and Myanmar to the southeast; to
the south it has a coastline along the Bay of Bengal.
• It is narrowly separated from Bhutan and Nepal by the Siliguri Corridor; and from China by the
Indian state of Sikkim in the north.
• Dhaka is its capital.
Sarbananda Sonowal to receive 1st Indian cargo ship at Myanmar
• Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal will be receiving the first Indian
cargo ship at Sittwe Port in Myanmar on 9 May 2023.
• The port's development is part of the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project.
• It has been developed under a framework agreement between India-Myanmar for construction
and operation of a Multimodal Transit Transport Facility on Kaladan river.
WHO: Covid-19 no longer represents a global health emergency
• The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared that Covid-19 no longer represents a global
health emergency.
• WHO’s International Health Regulations Emergency Committee discussed the pandemic at its
15th meeting on Covid-19.

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• The organization declared the coronavirus outbreak to be a public health emergency of

international concern in January 2020.
Know About: WHO
• The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for
international public health.
• Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, it has six regional offices and 150 field offices worldwide.
• The WHO was established on 7 April 1948.
• The first meeting of the World Health Assembly (WHA), the agency's governing body, took place
on 24 July 1948.
‘Youth-20 Consultation Programme’ conference concludes in Uttarakhand
• A two-day ‘Youth-20 Consultation Programme’ conference organized under the aegis of G-20
under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India at All India Institute of Medical
Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand concluded on 5 May 2023.
• The theme of the conference was ‘Health Wellness and Sports’.
• The delegates discussed youth health, fitness and sports in the conference.
Haryana Govt to introduce a new feature on Haryana-eSamiksha portal
• Haryana Government will be introducing a new feature on the Haryana-eSamiksha portal.
• It will enable Administrative Secretaries and Head of Departments to monitor the follow-up action
taken on decisions made during their meetings and presentations.
• The portal will provide updates on file number, meeting date, chairperson, meeting description,
and other documents.
C-i2 RE inaugurated in Telangana
• In Telangana, the Centre for Innovation Incubation Research and Entrepreneurship (C-i2 RE) was
inaugurated on 6 May 2023 by IT Minister K Taraka Ramarao at the Kakatiya Institute of
Technology & Science Warangal campus.
• It will promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the student community to inculcate research
and innovative skills among the students, faculty, and young researchers.
5 May 2023: Top 5 Evening Headlines
• Russia now has its own ChatGPT, introduces GigaChat
• Michael Douglas to receive honorary Palme d’Or at Cannes
• Bilawal Bhutto becomes first foreign minister to visit India
• PM Modi invited as guest of honour at France's Bastille Day Parade
• Giani Zail Singh's birth anniversary: 5 May
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on a 2-day visit to London
• Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar embarked on a two-day visit to London to attend the
coronation ceremony of King Charles III which will take place on 6 May 2023.

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• The Vice President’s participation at the coronation comes seven decades after the last such
ceremony was held in the UK – that of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, wherein former prime minister
Jawaharlal Nehru had represented India.
Russia now has its own ChatGPT, introduces GigaChat
• Sberbank, Russia’s largest banking institution has announced the release and testing phase of the
nation’s first ChatGPT competitor named GigaChat.
• Sberbank claims GigaChat’s novelty is its ability to communicate more intelligently in Russian
than other foreign neural networks.
• It is able to answer questions, hold a conversation, and write program code to develop software.
UGC launches 'CU-Chayan', a unified faculty recruitment portal
• The University Grants Commission (UGC) has launched a new portal named ‘CU-Chayan’ for
faculty appointments in central varsities.
• The portal will offer a range of features including a consolidated listing of job openings across all
participating universities.
• Applicants will have a single login for applying to any of the universities, and personalised
dashboards.
Michael Douglas to receive honorary Palme d’Or at Cannes
• Veteran Hollywood star Michael Douglas will be felicitated with an honorary Palme d’Or at the
76th Cannes Film Festival.
• Douglas will be recognised for his brilliant career as well as his contribution to cinema, the festival
organisers said in a statement.
• The festival will pay a tribute to the actor during the opening ceremony on May 16, 2023.
Quick Facts: Cannes Film Festival
• It is an annual film festival held in Cannes, France.
• It previews new films of all genres, including documentaries, from all around the world.
• 2023 will be the 76th edition of it.
• Upcoming event: 16-27 May 2023
• The festival will open with Jeanne du Barry directed by Maïwenn.
• It will close with Pixar's film Elemental directed by Peter Sohn.
• Founded: 1946
Krishna Bhat appointed Basketball Federation of India administrator
• The Delhi High Court has appointed former Karnataka High Court judge P Krishna Bhat as the
administrator of the Basketball Federation of India with immediate effect for conducting elections
in the body.
• The administrator shall function till a newly-elected body takes charge of BFI.
• The Administrator shall decide whether, the present returning officer should continue to conduct
the election.

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World Hand Hygiene Day: 5 May

• World Hand Hygiene Day is observed on the 5th of May every year.
• The day aims to promote the importance of hand hygiene in preventing the spread of infection
and promote good health.
• The history of World Hand Hygiene Day can be traced back to the year 2009 when the World
Health Organization (WHO) launched the first Global Patient Safety Challenge.
Bilawal Bhutto becomes first foreign minister to visit India
• Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Pakistan's foreign minister, arrived in Goa on 4 April 2023 to attend a
conference organized by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
• This makes him the first senior leader from Pakistan to visit India in almost 12 years.
• The last time when such a visit occurred was in 2011 when Pakistan's former foreign minister, Hina
Rabbani Khar, visited India.
Marico re-appoints Saugata Gupta as MD & CEO for two years
• Marico has re-appointed Saugata Gupta as MD and Chief Executive Officer for a period of two
years with effect from 1 April, 2024 to 31 March, 2026.
• He joined Marico in 2004 as the Head of Marketing and was elevated to CEO of India business in
2007.
• In 2014, he took over as Managing Director of the company.
• Marico has also appointed Rajan Bharti Mittal as an Additional Director.
PM Modi invited as guest of honour at France's Bastille Day Parade
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accepted French President Emmanuel Macron's invitation to
be the guest of honour at France's traditional military parade held during Bastille day, on July
14th, 2023.
• An Indian armed forces contingent will take part in the parade alongside French forces.
• His visit will coincide with the 25th anniversary of the "strategic partnership" between France and
India.
France
• France is a country located primarily in Western Europe.
• It also includes overseas regions and territories in the Americas and the Atlantic, Pacific and
Indian Oceans, giving it one of the largest discontiguous exclusive economic zones in the world.
• France is a unitary semi-presidential republic with its capital in Paris.
Giani Zail Singh's birth anniversary: 5 May
• 5 May marks the birth anniversary of former President Giani Zail Singh.
• The seventh president of India, Giani Zail Singh is remembered as the only Sikh politician who
took the president's oath.
• served the nation as president from 1982 to 1987.
• In 1972, Zail Singh was elected as the Chief Minister of Punjab.

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Mansukh Mandaviya reviews ‘Food Street Project’

• Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya reviewed the ‘Food Street
Project’ aimed at developing 100 healthy and hygienic food-streets.
• It seeks to encourage safe and healthy food practices, reduce foodborne illnesses and improve
overall health outcomes.
• To operationalize the food streets, the National Health Mission will provide assistance of Rs 1 cr
per food street.
2,000-year-old waterbodies unearthed in Madhya Pradesh
• Archaeologists have stumbled on a 1,500-year-old rock painting and numerous 1,800-2,000-year-
old man-made waterbodies in Bandhavgarh National Park.
• Eleven rock-cut caves have surfaced during the second phase of exploration in the Tala range of
Bandhavgarh.
• The survey started on April 1 and will continue till June 30, 2023.
Know About: Bandhavgarh National Park
• It is situated in Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh.
• It was declared a national park in 1968 and then became Tiger Reserve in 1993.
• This biodiverse park is known for its large population of royal Bengal tigers, especially in the
central Tala zone.
• Other animals include white tigers, leopards and deer.
• It has a mix of tropical forest and Sal trees.
NCP panel rejects Sharad Pawar's resignation as party chief
• A committee formed by Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) President Sharad Pawar to decide on
his successor, on 5 May 2023, rejected his resignation from the position.
• Pawar, on 2 May 2023, announced that he would be stepping down as chief of the NCP which he
founded and helmed since 1999, but not retiring from public life.
• He has served as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra for four terms.
5 May 2023: Top 5 Morning Headlines
• Napoli clinch first Serie A title in 33 years
• RBI, BIS launch global technology competition ‘G20 TechSprint’
• UAE govt launches ‘Machines Can See 2023’ Summit
• JNPA Port sets a global benchmark with a record
• Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya West Bengal awarded first prize
Today's History: 5 May 2023
• In 1646, King Charles I surrendered in Scotland.
• Gandhi-Jinnah talks broke down on Pakistan issue in 1944.
• Indian parliament accept Hindu divorce in 1955.
• Prithvi, India's medium range surface-to-surface missile, was successfully launched in 1992.

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Napoli clinch first Serie A title in 33 years

• Napoli won their first Italian Serie A title in 33 years, clinching the Scudetto on 4 May 2023, at
Udinese.
• The title is Napoli's third in Italy's top division and their first since Diego Maradona led them to
championships in 1987 and 1990.
• It's the first time a club south of Italy's traditional soccer capitals of Milan and Turin has won the
league since Roma claimed the title in 2001.
Mark Nicholas to become next president of MCC
• Former England cricketer and veteran commentator Mark Nicholas has been elected as the next
president of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) on Wednesday.
• Nicholas will replace current president Stephen Fry and will assume responsibilities in October
2023.
• Mark scored over 25,000 runs - including an unbeaten hundred for MCC at Lord’s against the
1985 Australians.
River-Cities Alliance Global Seminar organised by NMCG
• National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) in association with the National Institute of Urban
Affairs (NIUA) organized the ‘River-Cities Alliance (RCA) Global Seminar: Partnership for Building
International River-Sensitive Cities’ on 4 May 2023 in New Delhi.
• It witnessed participation from Embassies/High Commissions of select countries.
• World Bank, ADB, JICA and KfW also were part of it.
RBI, BIS launch global technology competition ‘G20 TechSprint’
• Reserve Bank of India(RBI) and Bank for International Settlements (BIS) have launched G20
TechSprint, a global technology competition.
• This is the fourth edition of the G20 TechSprint.
• It will focus on developing innovative technology solutions for cross-border payments.
• The competition is open for developers around the world for submitting application from till 4
June 2023.
UAE govt launches ‘Machines Can See 2023’ Summit
• The UAE government organised the ‘Machines Can See 2023’ Summit on 4 May 2023.
• It is one of the international conferences in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the whole region, that took
place at the Museum of the Future in Dubai, in partnership between Artificial Intelligence, Digital
Economy, and Remote Work Applications Office and ‘Machines Can See’ company.
UAE
• The United Arab Emirates, or simply the Emirates, is a country in Western Asia.
• It is a federation of 7 emirates.
• It is located at the eastern end of the Arabian Peninsula and shares borders with Oman and Saudi
Arabia, while having maritime borders in the Persian Gulf with Qatar and Iran.

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• Abu Dhabi is the nation's capital.

Buddha Purnima: 5 May 2023
• Buddha Purnima, also known as Buddha Jayanti, is being celebrated on 5 May 2023.
• The day marks the birth anniversary of Lord Gautam Buddha, revered as the founding figure of
Buddhism.
• Year 2023 marks the 2585th birth anniversary of Gautam Buddha.
• Buddha was born in Lumbini, Nepal.
• He attained Nirvana at the age of 35.
JNPA Port sets a global benchmark with a record
• Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), India’s leading container port, has achieved a global
milestone in container cargo handling with a remarkable turnaround time (TAT) of only 22 hours.
• It was given in the World Bank’s 2023 Logistics Performance Index (LPI) Report.
• This success follows JNPA’s record-breaking handling of 6.05 mn twenty-foot equivalent units in
the 2022-23 fiscal year.
Know About: Jawaharlal Nehru Port
• Jawaharlal Nehru Port, also known as JLN Port and Nhava Sheva Port, is the second largest
container port in India after Mundra Port.
• Operated by the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust Authority (JNPTA), it is located on the eastern shores
of Arabian Sea in Navi Mumbai, Raigad district, Maharashtra.
• The port was established on 26 May 1989.
Wakefit signs Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana as brand ambassador
• Wakefit Innovations Private Limited, has signed actor Ayushmann Khurrana as Wakefit.co’s brand
ambassador.
• The actor will also help the brand in spreading awareness about sleep health and its importance
in the modern context.
• In 2022, the company also announced its offline retail expansion and has launched 22 physical
stores across the country with plans to open up more than 100 stores.
Nagaland govt sets up high-level powered Committee
• Nagaland government has set up a high-level powered Committee to look into the restructuring
and re-organisation of Nagaland Police.
• Headed by DGP Nagaland Rupin Sharma along with eight other members, the Committee will
review the existing structure and functioning of the Police Department.
• The Committee will submit a report in 60 days from the date of notification issued on the 27 April.
Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya West Bengal awarded first prize
• Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Nadia, West Bengal won the first prize in the 24th National Youth
Parliament Competition, 2022-23.

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• Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs has been organising Youth Parliament Competitions in Jawahar
Navodaya Vidyalayas for the past 26 years.
• Union Minister of State for Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal, distributed the
prizes in New Delhi on 4 May.
4 May 2023: Top 5 Evening Headlines
• Geoffrey Emmanuel first Indian to compete in FIM Junior GP
• Karnataka ranked the most ‘innovative’ State
• Logo, mascot of Khelo India University Games 2022 to be launched
• South Africa fast bowler Shabnim Ismail ends international career
• Microsoft introduces two initiatives to bolster support to Indian SMBs
Microsoft introduces two initiatives to bolster support to Indian SMBs
• Microsoft India has introduced 2 new initiatives, an SMB (small and medium businesses) focused
website and a dedicated helpline.
• The website Microsoft for Small and Medium Businesses, aims at bringing together business
owners and entrepreneurs in India.
• Digital Transformation Helpline (1800-102-1147) offers SMBs dedicated support to navigate their
digital transformation journey seamlessly.
Geoffrey Emmanuel first Indian to compete in FIM JuniorGP
• Geoffrey Emmanuel will make his debut in the FIM JuniorGP World Championship in Portugal in
May 2023.
• He will be the first Indian to compete in the championship, which is considered a crucial stepping
stone to MotoGP.
• Geoffrey will race for Cuna De Campeones in his maiden FIM JuniorGP season.
• The first round of the 2023 season is scheduled for May 5-7 at the Circuit de Estoril in Portugal.
South Africa fast bowler Shabnim Ismail ends international career
• Fast bowler Shabnim Ismail has announced her retirement from international cricket.
• Ismail played in 241 international matches across one-day Internationals, Twenty20s and tests.
• She broke the record for the fastest ball recorded in women’s cricket during that tournament when
she was clocked at 128 kph (80 mph) against England in the semi-finals.
Karnataka ranked the most ‘innovative’ State
• A survey on the degree of innovation among manufacturing firms found that Karnataka, overall,
is the most “innovative” state.
• It was followed by Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu (DNH&DD), Telangana, and Tamil
Nadu.
• Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu had the highest share of innovative firms at 46.18%
,39.10% and 31.90%, respectively.
NTPC marks its first overseas capacity addition

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• NTPC has marked its first overseas capacity addition, beginning with Bangladesh.
• The Group recently added Unit-1, a 660 MW capacity, of the 1320 MW (2x660) Maitree Super
Thermal Power Plant (MSTPP) located in Rampal, Mongla, Bangladesh.
• It takes the Installed capacity of NTPC to 72304 MW.
• The project was executed in collaboration with the Bangladesh-India Friendship Power Company
Pvt Ltd.
Know About: NTPC
• NTPC Limited, formerly known as National Thermal Power Corporation, is an Indian central Public
Sector Undertaking under the ownership of the Ministry of Power, Government of India.
• The headquarters of the PSU are situated at New Delhi.
• The body also undertakes consultancy and turnkey project contracts that involve engineering,
project management, etc.
• Founded: 7 November 1975
Shantanu Thakur flags off MV-ITT LION (V-273)
• Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shantanu Thakur flagged off MV-ITT LION
(V-273) from Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata as the inaugural shipment to operationalise
the Sittwe Port in Rakhine State of Myanmar.
• The Port has been built under a grant assistance from the Government of India as part of Kaladan
Multimodal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP).
Logo, mascot of Khelo India University Games 2022 to be launched
• Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Singh Thakur will launch the Logo, jersey,
mascot and anthem of the Khelo India University Games 2022 (KIUG 2021) at the Indira Gandhi
Pratishthan in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow on 5th May.
• The 3rd edition of the Khelo India University Games will take place from May 23 to June 3, 2023.
• The opening ceremony is scheduled for May 25.
Olympic silver medallist Nijel Amos gets 3-year ban for doping
• Nijel Amos, a 2012 Olympic silver medalist in the men's 800 m, has been banned for three years
for doping.
• The runner from Botswana tested positive for the banned substance GW1516 last year in the run-
up to the track world championships and received a reduction on the standard four-year ban
because he admitted to the charges.
• The ban rules Amos out of 2024's Paris Olympics.
Himachal approves monthly incentive of Rs 1,500 for Spiti’s women
• Himachal Pradesh Cabinet has approved the provision of Rs 1,500 per month as Indira Gandhi
Mahila Samman Nidhi to all the eligible women of above 18 yrs in the Spiti Valley.
• The cabinet also gave its nod to introduce e-stamping in the State for the collection of stamp
duty.

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• It also decided to increase the honorarium of Nambardars in the Revenue Department from Rs
3,200 to Rs 3,700 permonth.
Telangana Govt to introduce insurance scheme for toddy tappers
• Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao is set to introduce the 'Geetha Karmikula Bhima'
(insurance for toddy tappers) on the lines of Rythu Bhima for farmers, which is currently being
implemented in the state.
• Insurance money of Rs 5 lakh would be deposited directly in the bank account of the respective
family members in case any toddy tapper dies accidentally.
India to release manual for organ donation, transplantation soon
• The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) is working on a transplant
manual as a step-by-step guide for the implementation of organ donation and transplantation
programmes in hospitals and a standard course for training of transplant coordinators.
• Verticals for coordination, training and HR/accounts had been created in the NOTTO for better
implementation of the programme.
4 May 2023: Top 5 Morning Headlines
• Olympic gold medalist Tori Bowie passes away
• US: FDA approves world's first RSV vaccine for older adults
• International Firefighters' Day: 4 May
• Indian origin Ajay Banga set to be next President of World Bank
• Assam bilingual Braille dictionary is world’s largest lexicon
Today's History: 4 May 2023
• Tipu Sultan was enthroned as the ruler of Mysore after the death of Haider Ali in 1783.
• The first stamp was officially issued from Calcutta in 1854 where the first modern post office was
established.
• Washington, Ike signed wheat pact with India for largest U.S. food sale, in 1960.
• Coal Mine Worker's Day was established in 1980.
Andhra Pradesh CM lays foundation stone of Vizag Tech Park
• Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on 3 May 2022 laid the foundation stone for Rs 21,844 crore
Vizag Tech Park in Visakhapatnam.
• Adani Group is investing Rs 21,844 crores to set up a 200 MW integrated Data Center, technology,
and business park in Maduravada, Visakhapatnam.
• Additionally, the group will invest Rs 7,210 crores to develop another 100 MW integrated park in
Kapuluppada.
Rajnath Singh lays foundation stone of special hub for Maldives
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Maldivian counterpart Mariya Didi laid the foundation of
a harbour for the coast guard of Maldives at Sifavaru to boost its maritime security capabilities.

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• India and the Maldives had signed a pact for the development of the coast guard facility in 2021
when New Delhi also extended a $50 million line of credit to the Maldives for defence projects.
Maldives
• The Maldives is an archipelagic state in South Asia, situated in the Indian Ocean.
• It lies southwest of Sri Lanka and India, about 750 kilometres (470 miles; 400 nautical miles) from
the Asian continent's mainland.
• The Maldives' chain of 26 atolls stretches across the equator from Ihavandhippolhu Atoll in the
north to Addu Atoll in the south.
Olympic gold medalist Tori Bowie passes away
• American sprinter Tori Bowie, a three-time Olympic medalist and a two-time world champion in
track and field, passed away in May 2023.
• Bowie, who also won an Olympic 200m bronze and gold in the 4x100m relay at the Rio Games.
• She earned gold medals in the women's 4x400 m relays at both the 2016 Olympic Games and
2017 World Championships.
India among the most dangerous places in the world for activists
• A report released by Business & Human Rights Resource Centre has put India and Brazil as among
the most dangerous places in the world for human rights and labour activists.
• As per the report, Brazil topped the list with recorded 63 attacks against activists in 2022, followed
by India with 54 attacks and Mexico with 44 attacks.
• Other countries included are Cambodia, Philippines, and Honduras.
US: FDA approves world's first RSV vaccine for older adults
• The United States Food and Drug Administration has approved the world's first Respiratory
Syncytial Virus - RSV - vaccine that is meant for older adults.
• However, the vaccine still needs approval from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
before it can be rolled out to the public.
• The vaccine was found 83 percent effective against diseases caused by RSV.
International Firefighters' Day: 4 May
• International Firefighters Day is observed on 4 May every year.
• It honours and pays tribute to the great work done by the firefighters while protecting the life and
property of people.
• International Firefighters Day was established in 1999 to honour the sacrifices and bravery of
firefighters worldwide.
• The day was inspired by the tragic event that took place in Australia on 2 December 1998.
Indian origin Ajay Banga set to be next President of World Bank
• Indian origin Ajay Banga has been confirmed as the next President of the World Bank.
• He is the former Mastercard CEO and will serve a five-year term as president.

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• He was nominated for the post by United States President Joe Biden in late February 2023 and
was the sole contender to replace departing World Bank chief David Malpass.
• He will start the new job on June 2.
Know About: World Bank
• The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans and grants to the
governments of low- and middle-income countries for the purpose of pursuing capital projects.
• It is run by a President and 25 executive directors.
• Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States
• Founded: July 1944, Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, United States
India, Egypt hold 12th round of Foreign Office Consultations
• The 12 rounds of India-Egypt Foreign Office Consultations were held yesterday in Cairo of Egypt.
• Both sides undertook a comprehensive review of the entire range of bilateral relations covering
political, trade and commerce and investments.
• They also discussed ways to strengthen ties between India and Egypt.
• The last round of consultations took place in 2015 in New Delhi.
Assam bilingual Braille dictionary is world’s largest lexicon
• A 21-volume Braille version of an Assamese-English dictionary, has become the world’s largest
lexicon.
• The authorities of the Guinness World Records handed over a certificate to Jayanta Baruah, the
publisher of the Braille version of Hemkosh.
• The 123-year-old Hemkosh is the 1st etymological dictionary of the Assamese language based on
Sanskrit spellings, compiled by Hemchandra Baruah.
Nagaland Govt creates a new Directorate of Minority Affairs
• Nagaland Government has created a new Directorate of Minority Affairs under the Planning and
Transformation Department.
• The new Directorate will manage the various schemes and programmes under the Union Ministry
of Minority Affairs.
• Among others, the Directorate will deal with scholarship schemes such as Pre-Matric, Post-Matric
and Merit-cum-Means based Scholarship Schemes.
3 May 2023: Top 5 Evening Headlines
• POEM-2 successfully conducted on-orbit experiments in space
• Foreign Ministers meeting of SCO member countries to begin in Goa
• India slips in World Press Freedom Index, ranks 161
• Russian poet Maria Stepanova wins Leipzig Book Prize
• Cristiano Ronaldo tops Forbes' 2023 highest-paid athletes list
Govt to move away from concept of cantonments

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• The govt is looking to move away from the British-era concept of cantonment towns by
demerging military stations and civil areas, and merging the latter with municipalities in their
respective states.
• This will be a shift in administration for several cantonment towns.
• The Defence Ministry through a notification on April 27 shed the tag of cantonment for Yol in
Himachal Pradesh.
POEM-2 successfully conducted on-orbit experiments in space
• IN-SPACe, a commercial wing of ISRO has informed that PSLV Orbital Experimental Module,
POEM-2 has been successfully conducting on-orbit experiments in space.
• POEM-2 with seven payloads is conducting in-orbit testing for various non-government entities.
• The valuable on-orbit data received offers scope for further development and new opportunities.
Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation to be set up
• The Maharashtra Govt has approved to set up the Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development
Corporation.
• The state cabinet has also approved a proposal to use ICT or solutions based on Information and
Communication Technology for solid waste management in all civic bodies across the state.
• The state cabinet has further approved to set up a 350-bed regional psychiatric hospital in Shirur.
60th Foundation Day of Indian Institute of Foreign Trade
• Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, New Delhi celebrated its Diamond Jubilee on its 60th
Foundation Day on 2 May 2023.
• The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade is a leading business school in India.
• Established in 1963, it works as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Commerce and
Industry.
• It also functions as a civil services training institute.
• Its main campus is in New Delhi.
Foreign Ministers meeting of SCO member countries to begin in Goa
• A two-day meeting of foreign ministers of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) will begin
on 3 May 2023 in Goa.
• India, which took over the chairmanship of the SCO grouping in September 2022, is the host in
2023.
• The SCO has Russia, India, China, Pakistan, and four central Asian countries - Kazakhstan,
Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, as its members.
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
• The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is a Eurasian political, economic, international security
and defence organization.
• It was formed in 1996 between the People's Republic of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia,
and Tajikistan.
• India and Pakistan joined in 2017.

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• It is the world's largest regional organization in terms of geographic scope and population.
• Headquarters: Beijing, China
India slips in World Press Freedom Index, ranks 161
• India’s ranking in the 2023 World Press Freedom Index has slipped to 161 out of 180 countries,
according to the latest report released by global media watchdog Reporters Without Borders
(RSF).
• In 2022, India was ranked at 150.
• Norway, Ireland and Denmark occupied the top three positions in press freedom, while Vietnam,
China and North Korea constituted the bottom three.
Actor-director Manobala passes away
• Popular Tamil actor, comedian, director, and producer Manobala passed away in May 2023.
• Manobala debuted as an actor and assistant director in the 1979 Bharathiraja film Puthiya
Vaarpugal.
• He then went on to direct over 24 films, debuting with the 1982 film Agaya Gangai starring Karthik
and Suhasini.
• As a producer, he produced Sathuranga Vettai.
Russian poet Maria Stepanova wins Leipzig Book Prize
• Maria Stepanova has been awarded the prestigious Leipzig Book Prize for European
Understanding in 2023.
• The Russian-Jewish author, whose novel In Memory of Memory explores Stalinism and the fall of
the Soviet Union, was nominated for the Booker Prize in 2021.
• She was honored in Leipzig for her volume of poetry, Girls Without Clothes.
Know About: Leipzig Book Fair Prize
• The Leipzig Book Fair Prize is a literary award assigned annually during the Leipzig Book Fair to
outstanding newly released literary works in the categories "Fiction", "Non-fiction" and
"Translation".
• The Prize is being awarded since the Deutscher Bücherpreis was ceased in 2005, and is one of the
most important literary awards in Germany.
• The winner in each category is awarded €15,000.
Cristiano Ronaldo tops Forbes' 2023 highest-paid athletes list
• Cristiano Ronaldo has become the world's highest-paid athlete.
• Ronaldo's annual playing salary went up to an estimated $75 mn.
• Messi is next on the list after bringing home a combined $130 mn while club team mate and
France captain Mbappe is at 3rd.
• Los Angeles Lakers player and NBA great LeBron James ($119.5 mn) and Mexican boxer Canelo
Alvarez ($110 mn) rounded out the top five.
Luca Brecel wins World Snooker Championship

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• Luca Brecel won his first World Snooker Championship, in May 2023.
• He beat four-time champion Mark Selby 18-15.
• The World Snooker Championship is the longest-running and most prestigious tournament in
professional snooker.
• First held in 1927, it is now one of the three tournaments that make up snooker's Triple Crown
Series.
Raju Kulkarni appointed chairman of selectors for Mumbai U-23 team
• Raju Kulkarni has been appointed chairman of selectors for the senior and Mumbai U-23 team.
• Raju represented the country in three Tests and 10 ODIs.
• Besides Kulkarni, the other members of the senior selection committee are Sanjay Patil, Ravi
Thakkar, Jeetendra Thakeray and Kiran Powar, who has been an Apex Council member as an ICA
representative previously.
3 May 2023: Top 5 Morning Headlines
• World Press Freedom Day: 3 May
• Vantika becomes 11th women to achieve International Master title
• Three imprisoned Iranian female journalists win top UN prize
• India, Israel sign MoU on Industrial R&D Cooperation
• IAF chief VR Chaudhuri presents AN-32 Spares to Sri Lanka
Today's History: 3 May 2023
• Indian National Trade Union Congress Intak was established in 1947.
• Varahagiri Venkatagiri became the acting President of India in 1969.
• Subhash Chandra Bose declared the formation of Forward Bloc, a left-wing nationalist political
grouping, after resigning as Congress President on 29 April 1939.
HDFC Bank rolls out digital distribution platform for agents, partners
• HDFC Bank has introduced a Digital Distribution Platform to make it easier for its agents and
business correspondents to sell services, especially in rural areas.
• HDFC Bank Smart Saathi provides a secure and user-friendly experience to its users.
• The newly launched feature will use advanced technology solutions to connect Business
Correspondents (BCs) and Business Facilitators to the bank.
World Press Freedom Day: 3 May
• 'World Press Freedom Day' is observed annually on May 3 to raise awareness of the importance
of press freedom.
• The day was established in 1993 by the UN General Assembly on the advice of the UNESCO
General Conference.
• The theme for the 30th World Press Freedom Day 2023 is "Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom
of Expression as a Driver for all other human rights."
Vantika becomes 11th women to achieve International Master title

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• Vantika Agrawal is the new India Women No.3 in Chess and the 11th Indian women to achieve
International Master title.
• She has played 4 International tournaments previously where she has increased her FIDE rating
by 61 points.
• She has also won a bronze medal in the National Women's Championship held in Kohlapur in Jan
2023 and a gold medal for the Airport Authority of India in Feb 2023.
Nepal wins ACC Men's Premier Cup
• Nepal has qualified for the Asia Cup 2023 after winning the ACC Men’s Premier Cup.
• The team, led by Rohit Paudel defeated the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by seven wickets in the
final that was played across two days at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in
Kirtipur.
• Nepal, therefore, joined India and Pakistan in Group A of the Asia Cup to be played in September
2023.
Three imprisoned Iranian female journalists win top UN prize
• Three imprisoned Iranian female journalists have been named as the winners of the United
Nations premier prize for press freedom.
• The three winners are, Niloufar Hamedi, Elaheh Mohammadi, and Narges Mohammadi.
• The U.N. Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization World Press Freedom Prize is named
for Guillermo Cano, a Colombian journalism who was assassinated in Bogota in 1986.
Sri Lanka’s Dialog Axiata and Bharti Airtel sign binding term sheet
• Sri Lanka’s top mobile telecommunication firm, largest telecommunications provider Dialog
Axiata and India’s Bharti Airtel have signed a binding term sheet for the merger of their Sri Lankan
subsidiaries.
• With this merger, Bharti Airtel will get access to a large customer base in the island nation.
• Airtel would be issued new shares in Dialog upon completion of the transaction.
India, Israel sign MoU on Industrial R&D Cooperation
• India and Israel have signed an MoU on Industrial Research and Development Cooperation with
focus on several key technology areas.
• These are aerospace, Electronics Instrumentation, etc.
• The Multi-Sectoral Agreement was signed between Council of Scientific and Industrial Research,
CSIR and Directorate of Defense Research and Development, Ministry of Defense of Israel in New
Delhi.
India-Kuwait holds Foreign Office Consultations
• The 5th India-Kuwait Foreign Office Consultations were held in New Delhi on 2 May 2023.
• During the consultation, both sides undertook a comprehensive review of various aspects of
bilateral cooperation.
• They also agreed to diversify cooperation in various areas, particularly trade and investment,
education, science and high technology, health, and tourism.

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IAF chief VR Chaudhuri presents AN-32 Spares to Sri Lanka

• Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal VR Chaudhuri presented AN-32 Spares to Commander of Sri Lankan
Air Force for operationalisation of the Aircraft held by Sri Lanka, in May 2023.
• He will also visit Trincomalee where he will lay the foundation stone for the India-Sri Lanka
Friendship Auditorium.
• The Auditorium is being built with a grant of 25 crore Lankan Rupees from the Government of
India.
2 May 2023: Top 5 Evening Headlines
• Air Marshal Balakrishnan takes over as AOC-in-C of Southern Air Command
• Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs signs MoU with RITES
• Airtel Payments Bank collaborates with NPCI
• India overtake Australia to become No. 1 Test side
• DRDO & Indian Navy conducts trial of Air Droppable Container -150
Air Marshal Balakrishnan takes over as AOC-in-C of S. Air Command
• Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan took over as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C)
of Southern Air Command on 1 May 2023.
• The Air Marshal is a recipient of the Presidential Awards of Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and
Vayu Sena Medal (VM).
• He is a Helicopter Combat Leader and a Type Qualified Flying Instructor.
Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs signs MoU with RITES
• The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has signed an MoU with RITES Limited.
• It has been for technical assistance for Solid Waste Management & UWM under Swachh Bharat
Mission-Urban 2.0.
• The Technical Support Unit (TSU) of RITES will assist SBM-U for 3 yrs.
• Under SWM, the areas of engagement will be process standardization and engineering design of
waste management facilities.
Government launches Vivad se Vishwas scheme
• The Dept of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, has launched the scheme, “Vivad se Vishwas I –
Relief to MSMEs” for providing relief to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for COVID-
19 period.
• The scheme was announced in the Union Budget 2023-24 by Union Finance Minister Nirmala
Sitharaman.
• The scheme was commenced from 17 April and the last date for submission of claims is 30 June.
Laneige signs actor Athiya Shetty as first brand face for India
• Laneige, a Korean skincare brand has signed actor Athiya Shetty as its first-ever brand face in
India.
• As part of the association, she will represent its line of skincare products.

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• Laneige is a South Korean cosmetics brand launched by Amore Pacific in 1994.

Airtel Payments Bank collaborates with NPCI
• Airtel Payments Bank has collaborated with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
• It will roll out Face Authentication for AePS (Aadhaar-enabled Payment System) at its 500,000
banking points.
• Airtel Payments Bank is amongst the first four banks to offer Face Authentication for AePS in the
country.
India overtake Australia to become No. 1 Test side
• India has overtaken Australia to regain the number one position in the ICC men's Test team
rankings.
• India's rating points have moved up from 119 to 121.
• India were last at the top for a month in December 2021.
• England remain in third position.
• The annual update to the ODI team rankings will be carried out on May 10, 2023.
International Apparel & Textile Fair kicks off in Dubai
• The International Apparel & Textile Fair (IATF) has returned to Dubai in 2023, for its 15th edition.
• The India Pavilion is being jointly organised by the Apparel Export Promotion Council Ministry of
Textiles, Government of India and Federation of Indian Export Organisation.
• IATF has over 200 exhibitors from 22 countries.
30th edition of Arabian Travel Market begins
• The 30th edition of the Arabian Travel Market commenced on May 1st 2023 at Dubai World Trade
Center with a significant presence from India.
• The Indian pavilion, which is spread over is one of the largest at the event and has attracted a lot
of attention.
• The 30th edition of ATM will explore the future of sustainable travel in line with its theme, ‘Working
Towards Net Zero’.
India achieves highest ever GST revenue collection in April 2023
• The gross Goods and Services Tax, GST revenue collected in April this year is the highest ever at
over 1,87,000 crore rupees.
• Out of the total revenue, Central Goods and Services Tax, CGST is 38,440 crore rupees, State
Goods and Services tax, SGST is 47,412 crore rupees, Integrated Goods and Services Tax, IGST is
89,158 crore rupees and cess is over 12,000 crore rupees.
DRDO & Indian Navy conducts trial of Air Droppable Container -150
• DRDO and Indian Navy conducted the successful maiden test trial of ‘Air Droppable Container -
150 (ADC) from IL 38SD aircraft off the coast of Goa.
• ADC-150’ is an indigenously designed and developed Air Droppable Container with 150 kg
payload capacity.

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• It reduces the requirement for ships to come close to the coast to collect spares and stores.
Sharad Pawar steps down as NCP chief
• Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Sharad Pawar on Tuesday stepped down from his
position as the party chief.
• He made the announcement of his retirement during the release of his autobiography, 'Lok Majhe
Sangati - Political Autobiography'.
• Pawar has served as the chief minister of Maharashtra for four terms.
2 May 2023: Top 5 Morning Headlines
• Sreeshankar wins gold in MVA High Performance athletics meet
• Uzbekistan President wins referendum to rewrite Constitution
• Mairaj Ahmad Khan and Ganemat Sekhon win gold for India
• INS Satpura and INS Delhi to take part in AIME-2023
• NITI Aayog releases a compendium in collaboration with UNDP
Today's History: 2 May 2023
• King Leopold II of Belgium established the Independent State of Congo in 1885.
• Lok Sabha passed the Public Provident Fund Act, in 1968.
• On this day Hindu women got the right to hold elected office, in 1926.
• The first thermoplastic plant was opened at Risra, in 1959.
• 2011 Osama bin Laden is killed by a U.S. commando.
Sreeshankar wins gold in MVA High Performance athletics meet
• Indian long jumper Murali Sreeshankar claimed the gold medal with a leap of 8.29 metres at the
MVA High Performance athletics meet 1 held in Chula Vista, USA.
• He had won silver at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
• China’s Ma Weidong secured the silver medal with a 7.99m leap, while his compatriot Huafeng
Huang claimed the bronze with an effort of 7.61m.
Uzbekistan President wins referendum to rewrite Constitution
• A vast majority of Uzbekistan’s voters voted “Yes” to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s bid to rewrite
the country’s Constitution in a referendum.
• President Mirziyoyev’s narrative is that the new Constitution gives emphasis on human rights,
freedoms, gender equality, economic growth and prosperity.
• The new charter would also extend the presidential term to seven years, with a two-term limit.
Melanistic tiger dies in Similipal Tiger Reserve
• A rare melanistic tiger was found dead in the core area of Similipal Tiger Reserve area, in Odisha.
• The melanistic tiger is rarely found in the wild.
• A team of National Tiger Conservation Authority will investigate the circumstances under which
the tiger died.
• The STR first reported the presence of melanistic tigers in 2007.

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• The 2016 tiger census revealed six such tigers in the reserve.
Mairaj Ahmad Khan and Ganemat Sekhon win gold for India
• Mairaj Ahmad Khan and Ganemat Sekhon, combined effectively to give India their first medal, a
Gold in the ongoing ISSF World Cup Shotgun in Cairo, Egypt.
• The Indian mixed doubles pair defeated Luis Raul Gallardo Oliveros and Gabriela Rodriguez 6-0
in the final of the Skeet Mixed Team event.
• Italy took bronze medal.
INS Satpura and INS Delhi to take part in AIME-2023
• Indian Naval Ships Satpura and INS Delhi have reached Singapore to participate in the inaugural
ASEAN India Maritime Exercise (AIME-2023) scheduled from 2 May 2023.
• The exercise will go on for seven days.
• The ships will also participate in International Maritime Defence Exhibition and International
Maritime Security Conference being hosted by Singapore.
NITI Aayog releases a compendium in collaboration with UNDP
• NITI Aayog released the “Best Practices in Social Sector: A Compendium, 2023” in collaboration
with the United Nations Development Programme, on 1 May 2023.
• This compendium includes 75 case studies cutting across 14 key social sectors.
• The case studies have been sourced from all States and Union Territories and 30 Ministries and
Departments of the Government of India.
56th Annual General Meeting of Board of Directors of ADB
• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will attend the 56th Annual General Meeting of the Board
of Directors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in South Korea on May 2, 2023.
• During the four day visit, Ms Sitharaman will also participate in annual meeting focal events like
the Governors’ Business, and also as a panelist in the ADB Governors’ Seminar on Policies to
Support Asia’s Rebound.
Australia announces its government grant for project in Kargil
• For the first time in the history of Ladakh the Australian High Commission in India has announced
its government grant for a project in Kargil.
• This was announced during a Special Meeting at Srinagar chaired by the Australian high
commissioner to India, Barry O'Farrell.
• The project "Return to Roots" aims to integrate traditional knowledge with the current school
science curriculum.
Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari reaches Sri Lanka for 4 day visit
• Chief of Air Staff of the Indian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari arrived in Sri Lanka on
May 1, for a four-day official visit.
• He will interact with students at the National Defence College where he will present books worth
1 crore Lankan rupees as a gift from the Government of India.

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• The Indian Air Chief Marshal will also meet Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
1 May 2023: Top 5 Evening Headlines
• A K Mohanty appointed as new Atomic Energy Commission chairman
• International Labour Day: 1 May
• Maharashtra Day: 1 May
• Gujarat Day: 1 May
• Three new wildlife conservation reserves declared in Rajasthan
Today's History: 1 May 2023
• In 1707, Great Britain was formed after the merger of Scotland and England.
• In 1960, the state of Maharashtra and Gujarat in India was formed.
• In 1986, Arunachal Pradesh was separated from Assam to form an independent state in India.
• In 2017, India successfully tested the Israeli air defense system "Spyder", the surface-to-air missile
in Odisha.
A K Mohanty appointed as new Atomic Energy Commission chairman
• Renowned physicist and Director of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) Ajit Kumar
Mohanty has been appointed as the chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and the
secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy.
• Mohanty succeeds K N Vyas to the post.
• Mohanty was appointed as the BARC director in March 2019.
• He has twice been the CERN Scientific Associate.
International Labour Day: 1 May
• International Labour Day is celebrated on 1 May every year. to commemorate the struggles and
sacrifices of labours' movement.
• It is also known as May Day.
• The tradition of Labour Day dates back to 19th century America.
• On May 1st, 1886 workers in Chicago organized a strike to demand an eight-hour workday.
• The first labour day was celebrated in India on May 1, 1923, in Chennai.
Science 20 Engagement Group meeting begins in Lakshadweep
• In Lakshadweep, the Science 20 Engagement Group meeting on Universal Holistic Health under
India's G20 Presidency began at the Bangaram Island on 1 May 2023.
• The focus of the two-day event is to work on improved agricultural practices, greater access to
nutritious food, healthier eating habits and more opportunities for ecologically conscious and
sustainable food products.
Narayan Rane launches the revamped CGTMSE Scheme
• Union Minister for MSME Narayan Rane launched the revamped CGTMSE Scheme in Mumbai in
April 2023.

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• CGTMSE has been provided with an additional corpus support of ₹9,000 crore in the Union
Budget for FY 2023-24 to revamp its Scheme.
• The modifications included reduction in guarantee fees for loans upto ₹1 crore by 50% bringing
the minimum guarantee fee to the level of 0.37% pa only.
Food Conclave 2023 begins in Hyderabad
• The inaugural edition of the Food Conclave 2023 was held on April 28-29, 2023 in Hyderabad,
Telangana
• Telangana has bagged projects worth ₹7,218 crore in various food processing, aquaculture, edible
oil and meat processing industries.
• The event hosted predominantly five thematic tracks revolving around Agriculture, Edible Oil,
Dairy, Meat & Poultry, and Aquaculture.
Reliance General becomes first insurer to accept CBDC
• Reliance General Insurance has become the first general insurance company to accept RBI’s
Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) e-Rupee (e₹) for premium payments.
• The insurer has tied up with YES Bank to facilitate the collection of premiums in digital mode using
the bank’s e-rupee platform.
• e-rupee is a digital token, equivalent to a banknote, and is a sovereign currency backed by the
RBI.
Three new wildlife conservation reserves declared in Rajasthan
• Rajasthan’s Forest Department has announced three new conservation reserves that will protect
the rare and endangered wildlife of Rajasthan.
• These three new wildlife conservation reserves are Sorsan in Baran, Khichan in Jodhpur, and
Hamirgarh in Bhilwara.
• With these three new additions, now there are 26 wildlife conservation reserves in Rajasthan.
PM Modi launches book 'Saurashtra-Tamil Sangamprashastih'
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the closing ceremony of the Saurashtra Tamil
Sangamam in April 2023.
• He launched a book 'Saurashtra-Tamil Sangamprashastih' at the closing ceremony.
• The 10-day confluence saw more than 3000 Saurashtrian Tamils come to Somnath on a special
train.
• The programme began on April 17, with its closing ceremony now being held on April 26 at
Somnath.
NPCI Bharat BillPay launches NOCS platform
• NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd (NBBL) has launched the NOCS platform.
• It will provide reconciliation and settlement services for transactions undertaken on the Open
Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) network.
• The NOCS platform is integrated with banks, fintechs and e-commerce players, and will soon go
live with the first set of five banks.

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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on 3-day visit to Maldives

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reached Maldives on 1st May 2023 as part of his 3 day visit to the
archipelago nation.
• He is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with his Maldivian counterpart to review the entire gamut
of defence relations between the two countries.
• He will gift a Fast Patrol Vessel ship and a Landing Craft to the Maldives National Defence Forces.
Gujarat Day: 1 May
• May 1 comes as the establishment day for the state of Gujarat.
• It was on this day in the year 1960 that the former state of Bombay was segregated on a linguistic
basis and two states were formed — Maharashtra and Gujarat.
• Gujarat also played a significant role in the commerce of Mumbai and Karachi during the British
Raj.
Maharashtra Day: 1 May
• Maharashtra Day or Maharashtra Diwas is celebrated on May 1 every year.
• The day commemorates the creation of the predominantly Marathi-speaking state of
Maharashtra with the enactment of the Bombay Reorganisation Act in 1960.
• The Bombay Reorganisation Act in 1960 bifurcated the Bombay State into two separate states
namely, Gujarat and Maharashtra.

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