3rd Week-1717992504521

Weekly Optimum Current Q & A PDF – Based On Recent Exam Trends Third Week of May (17th May –23rd
hird Week of May (17th May –23rd May 2024)
National /State News
1. Recently as per report, Shri Bhupinder Singh Bhalla addressed the World Hydrogen Summit 2024 in Rotterdam, Netherlands on May 15,
2024, highlighting India's strategic vision and capabilities in the domain of renewable energy and green hydrogen production.
Consider the following statement regarding National Green Hydrogen Mission. Which of the following statement is incorrect?
1. India launched its National Green Hydrogen Mission in January 2023 with an overall outlay of Rs. 19,744 crores.
2. It includes an outlay of Rs.17,490 crore for the SIGHT programme, Rs.1,466 crore for pilot projects, Rs.400 crore for R&D, and Rs. 388
crore towards other Mission components.
3. India has set an ambitious target to achieve a green hydrogen production capacity of 5 MMT (Million Metric Tonnes) by end of the
year 2030.
4. Depending on the nature of the method of its extraction, hydrogen is categorised into 4 categories, namely, Grey, Blue ,Green and
Pink.
5. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy will formulate the scheme guidelines for implementation of the respective components.
• Secretary, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Government of

India, Shri Bhupinder Singh Bhalla addressed the World
Hydrogen Summit 2024 in Rotterdam, Netherlands on May 15,
2024, highlighting India's strategic vision and capabilities in the
domain of renewable energy and green hydrogen production.
• Highlighting the rapid scale-up of renewable energy
infrastructure in the country, the Secretary informed the
audience that approximately 43% of India’s current installed
electricity capacity is from non-fossil-fuel sources, with
projections indicating a rise to 50% by 2030.
• News Link - Press Information Bureau (pib.gov.in) Press
Information Bureau (pib.gov.in)
• The National Green Hydrogen Mission is a flagship initiative of
the Government of India, aimed at fostering the development
and adoption of green hydrogen technologies in India.
• The initial outlay for the Mission will be Rs.19,744 crore, including an outlay of Rs.17,490 crore for the Strategic Interventions for Green
Hydrogen Transition Programme (SIGHT) programme, Rs.1,466 crore for pilot projects, Rs.400 crore for R&D, and Rs. 388 crore towards
other Mission components.
• Ministry of New and Renewable Energy will formulate the scheme guidelines for implementation of the respective components.
• The Mission will result in the following likely outcomes by 2030 Development of green hydrogen production capacity of at least 5 MMT
(Million Metric Tonne) per annum with an associated renewable energy capacity addition of about 125 GW in the country, Over Rs. Eight
lakh crore in total investments, Creation of over Six lakh jobs, Abatement of nearly 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions.
• Hydrogen is the lightest and most abundant element in the universe. It is rarely found in nature in its elemental form and must always be
extracted from other hydrogen-containing compounds.
• Depending on the nature of the method of its extraction, hydrogen is categorised into three categories, namely, Grey, Blue and Green.
• Grey Hydrogen: It is produced via coal or lignite gasification (black or brown), or via a process called steam methane reformation (SMR)
of natural gas or methane (grey). These tend to be mostly carbon-intensive processes.
• Blue Hydrogen: It is produced via natural gas or coal gasification combined with carbon capture storage (CCS) or carbon capture use
(CCU) technologies to reduce carbon emissions.
• Green Hydrogen: It is produced using electrolysis of water with electricity generated by renewable energy. The carbon intensity
ultimately depends on the carbon neutrality of the source of electricity (i.e., the more renewable energy there is in the electricity fuel
mix, the "greener" the hydrogen produced).
• News Link - Press Information Bureau (pib.gov.in) doc2023110150801.pdf (pib.gov.in)
2. Consider the following statement regarding IndiaAI mission. Which of the following statement is incorrect?
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Weekly Optimum Current Q & A PDF – Based On Recent Exam Trends Third Week of May (17th May –23rd May 2024)
1. Meity has set a target to make available GPU-based servers approved under the IndiaAI Mission by March 2026.
2. The government will fund up to 75% of the cost of creating artificial intelligence (AI) compute infrastructure in the country.
3. The target is to establish at least 10,000 GPUs worth of AI compute capacity in the country.
4. IndiaAI mission has been approved with a budget outlay of Rs.10,371.92 crore.
5. The Mission will be implemented by ‘IndiaAI’ Independent Business Division (IBD) under Digital India Corporation (DIC)
• The Government of India

launched the IndiaAI
Mission with a budget
outlay of Rs.10,371.92
crore, a comprehensive
national-level program to
democratize and catalyze
the AI innovation
ecosystem in the country
and ensure the global
competitiveness of India’s
AI startups and
researchers.
• The IndiaAI mission will establish a comprehensive ecosystem catalyzing AI innovation through strategic programs and partnerships
across the public and private sectors.
• The Mission will be implemented by ‘IndiaAI’ Independent Business Division (IBD) under Digital India Corporation (DIC).
• The government will fund up to 50 per cent of AI compute infrastructure that will be created in partnership with the private sector.
• The government is looking to set up at least 10,000 graphics processing unit (GPU) based compute capacity in the country soon.
• Meity has set a target to make available GPU-based servers approved under the IndiaAI Mission by March 2026.
• The rapid development of AI across the globe has led to an increase in demand for GPU-based servers as they can process data at a
higher speed compared to CPU-based servers.
• The Cabinet has approved the India AI Mission with an outlay of Rs 10,372 crore for five years to encourage AI development in the
country.
• The funding for the project could be done by the government either through a viability gap funding or voucher-based system.
• News Link - AI mission projects may get 50% subsidy, says Meity secy - Digital Transformation News | The Financial Express
Ready to fund up to 50% of AI compute infra: Meity secy S Krishnan | News - Business Standard (business-standard.com)
3. Recently seen in news Ambaji White Marble of ____________ has been awarded the Geographical Indication, or GI tag, by the Central
Government.
A. Odisha
B. Karnataka
C. Tamil Nadu
D. Gujarat
E. Uttar Pradesh
• Marble mined in Gujarat's Ambaji has recently been awarded the Geographical Indication or GI tag by the Central Government.
• A GI tag is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities attributable to that place of origin.
• This marble, mined since the early medieval period from Ambaji of Danta Taluka in Gujarat’s Banaskantha district, is one of the most
popular marbles in the country.
• It’s to be noted that Ambaji is famous for its white marble as it has the maximum whiteness in the range of 95.80 - 96.30 percent.
• News Link - Gujarat: Ambaji marble gets GI tag, traders in the town expect it will boost business (indiatvnews.com)
4. In May as per report Centre has approved 12 greening projects under the Green Credit Program (GCP) and estimates of 24 plans submitted
by different state forest departments are under consideration.
Consider the following statement regarding Green Credit Programme. Which of the following statement is incorrect?
1. Green Credit Initiative was launched by the Indian PM on the side-lines of COP 28 (held in 2023 at Dubai, United Arab Emirates).
2. It is an initiative within the government's Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) movement.
3. GCP introduces a market-based approach to incentivise 10 identified environmental activities.
4. Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) is the Implementing agency.
5. Two years after planting and following an evaluation by the ICFRE, each such planted tree could be worth one ‘green credit.’
• The Centre has approved 12 greening projects under the Green Credit Program (GCP),
which was notified last year as a market-based mechanism designed to incentivize
voluntary environmental actions across diverse sectors.
• Green Credit Initiative was launched by the Indian PM on the side-lines of COP 28 (held
in 2023 at Dubai, United Arab Emirates).
• It is an initiative within the government's Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) movement.
• The concept of LiFE was introduced by the Indian PM at COP26 (Glasgow) in 2021, to
drive an international mass movement towards “mindful and deliberate utilisation” to
protect and preserve the environment.
• GCP introduces a market-based approach to incentivise 8 identified environmental
activities.
• The main objective was to establish a mechanism where participants could earn
incentives in the form of ‘Green Credits’.
• The government has been pushing the public-sector undertakings (PSUs) to take a lead
in registering for the programme, especially in mining heavy states, and is developing
guidelines for third-party verification of projects under the scheme.
• The GCP’s governance framework is supported by an inter-ministerial Steering
Committee, and The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE),
Dehradun, which serves as GCP administrator, responsible for programme
implementation, management, monitoring, and operation.
• The greening activities will happen on degraded land parcels and state forest
departments have identified over 10,000 hectares of degraded land so far.
• Over the past few months, the Environment Ministry has held meetings with the PSUs
to push for registration under the initiative, with a special focus initially on states such
as Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha, where large forested areas have been
diverted for mining.
• The proposed GCP will be implemented in phases, with the initial phase focusing on water management and afforestation.
• Subsequent phases will cover activities such as Sustainable agriculture, Waste management, Air pollution reduction, Mangrove
conservation and restoration, Eco mark label development, and Sustainable building and infrastructure.
• Individuals and companies can apply to ICFRE - an autonomous body of the MoEFCC, to pay to restore these forests.
• The actual afforestation will be carried out by State Forest departments.
• Two years after planting and following an evaluation by the ICFRE, each such planted tree could be worth one ‘green credit.’
• News Link - Green credits: Govt nod to 12 projects, 24 under consideration | India News - The Indian Express
5. In May as per report Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying signed a
memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the _____________on digitalisation of vaccine cold chain management, capacity building,
and communication planning.
A. United Nations Development Programme
B. United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund
C. United Nations Environment Programme
D. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
E. World Food Programme
• The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying signed a memorandum of
understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on digitalisation of vaccine cold chain management,
capacity building, and communication planning.
• India is the most populous country in the world with 142.86 Crore people,53.57 Million farm animals and 85.18 Million poultry. To keep
these animals healthy, the government has started a vaccination programme.
• The UNDP will support and strengthen India’s first animal vaccine supply chain management system to protect communities and animals
and prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases.
• The vaccine cold chain management process, will be monitored with the help of new age technology and artificial intelligence through
the Animal vaccine Intelligence Network (AVIN) developed by UNDP.
• Notably, UNDP and DAHD will jointly work on Strengthening Animal Health with One Health approach at centre.
• The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) was set up by the United Nations in 1965 by merging United Nations Expanded
Programme of Technical Assistance with the United Nations Special Fund.
• News Link - pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2021153DAHD, UNDP sign MoU for digitalization of animal vaccine
cold chain management, ET HealthWorld (indiatimes.com)
6. In May as per report Amul, the Indian cooperative giant, has reportedly launched Amul milk in the US.
The Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) has partnered with _______________ to launch fresh milk in the US
market.
A. New York Milk Producers Association
B. New Jersey Milk Producers Association
C. Michigan Milk Producers Association
D. Chicago Milk Producers Association
E. Washington Milk Producers Association
• Amul, the Indian cooperative giant, has reportedly launched Amul milk in
the US.
• The Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) has
partnered with the 108-year-old cooperative organisation Michigan Milk
Producers Association (MMPA) to launch fresh milk in the US market.
• MMPA will collect and process the milk, while GCMMF will handle the
marketing and branding of Amul fresh milk.
• The initial supplies of Amul milk will be in New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Washington, Dallas, and Texas among others. Gradually, Amul
aims to expand its presence across all the major cities in the US.
• Earlier this month, the Indian dairy giant announced its sponsorship of the USA and South African cricket teams in the upcoming T20
World Cup, which starts in June.
• Established in 1946, Amul's journey began in Anand, Gujarat, in response to the exploitation of local milk producers by middlemen. Amul
is an acronym for 'Anand Milk Union Limited'.
• Amul was formed under the leadership of Tribhuvandas Patel and with the support of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
• Dr. Verghese Kurien, often called the 'Father of the White Revolution' in India, joined the cooperative in 1949. His leadership transformed
Amul into a global model for the dairy industry.
• Under him, Amul launched Operation Flood, the world's largest dairy development programme, which significantly increased milk
production and established India as the world's largest milk producer.
• News Link - Amul milk launches in US: Key details of its new products and history | India News - Business Standard (business-
standard.com)
7. In May as per report vaccine maker Serum Institute of India has shipped its first R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine consignment to
____________.
A. Germany
B. Africa
C. Bangladesh
D. Nepal
E. Maldives
• On May 20, an important milestone achieved with the shipment of the first set of
R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine by Serum Institute of India (SII) to seven to eight countries
in Africa.
• This is the second malaria vaccine authorised globally for children in malaria-endemic
regions. It was developed in collaboration with the University of Oxford and Novavax’s
Matrix-M adjuvant
• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about half a million children die from
malaria every year in the African region.
• However, SII has now manufactured 25 million doses but they have a production capacity
of 100 million doses per year.
• Currently, out of the total 163,800 doses allocated for the Central African Republic (CAR)
region, 43,200 doses were dispatched from the SII facility on 20 May.
• News Link - Serum Institute ships first R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine to Africa - The
Hindu BusinessLine
8. In May as per report ____________has been conferred the prestigious ATD BEST Awards 2024 for its strategic approach to talent
development driving business results.
A. NHPC Limited
B. POWERGRID
C. GAIL Limited
D. Power Finance Corporation
E. Rural Electrification Corporation
• Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID), a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power,
Government of India, has been conferred the prestigious ATD BEST Awards 2024 for its strategic approach to talent development driving
business results.
• The ATD BEST Awards, established by the Association for Talent Development (ATD), USA, is one of the most esteemed international
recognitions in the field of Learning and Development (L&D).
• It honors organizations that leverage talent development as a strategic business tool and demonstrate enterprise-wide success through
effective employee development practices.
• This is the third time POWERGRID has been honoured with the ATD BEST Award, having previously received it in 2021 and 2023.
• Power Grid Corporation of India Limited is an Indian central public sector undertaking under the ownership of the Ministry of Power,
Government of India. Sh. Ravindra Kumar Tyagi is the Chairman and Managing Director of Power Grid Corporation of India Limited
(POWERGRID)
• News Link - Press Information Bureau (pib.gov.in)
9. In May as per report __________has achieved an impressive milestone by securing the 3rd rank globally at the ATD BEST Awards 2024, this
being the highest ranking among all Indian companies.
A. NHPC Limited
B. GAIL Limited
C. POWERGRID
D. Power Finance Corporation
E. NTPC Limited
• NTPC has achieved an impressive milestone by securing the 3rd rank globally at the ATD BEST Awards 2024, this being the highest ranking
among all Indian companies.
• Notably, NTPC is the only PSU to have received this prestigious award seven times in the past eight years.
• The ATD BEST Awards, established by the Association for Talent Development (ATD), USA, is one of the most esteemed international
recognitions in the field of Learning and Development (L&D).
• This achievement highlights NTPC's exceptional performance in the HR domain on an international level.
• NTPC Limited, formerly known as National Thermal Power Corporation, is an Indian central Public Sector Undertaking under the
ownership of the Ministry of Power and the Government of India, who is engaged in the generation of electricity and other activities. CEO:
Gurdeep Singh
10. In May as per report Jyoti Ratre, from ___________, etched her name in the records of mountaineering history by becoming the oldest
Indian woman to scale the world's highest peak.
A. Maharashtra
B. Odisha
C. Jyoti Ratre
D. Uttar Pradesh
E. Karnataka
• Jyoti Ratre, an entrepreneur and fitness enthusiast from Madhya Pradesh, has become the oldest Indian woman to conquer Mount
Everest.
• Ratre's accomplishment comes precisely six years after Sangeeta Bahl, at 53, earned the title of ‘India’s oldest woman to climb Mount
Everest' on May 19, 2018.
• This was Ratre's second attempt to summit the highest peak in the world. In 2023, she had to return from 8,160 mt due to harsh weather.
• Jyoti Ratre conquered Mount Everest as part of a 15-member expedition team of 8K Expeditions, led by Bolivian climber David Hugo
Ayaviri Quispe.
• News Link - Jyoti Ratre, 55, becomes oldest Indian woman to conquer Mount Everest: Who is she? | Today News (livemint.com)
11. In May as per report __________ has become the youngest Indian mountaineer
and the second youngest girl in the world to scale the Mt Everest from the Nepal
side.
A. Kalyani Choubey
B. Prathama Mishra
C. Kaamya Karthikeyan
D. Jaya Adiga
E. Malavath Poorna
• Sixteen-year-old Kaamya Karthikeyan has become the youngest Indian

mountaineer to scale the Mt Everest from the Nepal side.
• She also becomes the second youngest girl in the world to achieve this feat.
• Kaamya, a class 12 student at Navy Children School, Mumbai, and her father Cdr
S Karthikeyan successfully summited Mt. Everest (8,849 m) on May 20.
• Kaamya has completed six milestones in her mission to summit the highest peak of all seven continents and aims to climb Mt. Vinson
Massif in Antarctica this December to become the youngest girl to accomplish the ‘7summits challenge’.
• Malavath Poorna is the youngest girl in the world to conquer Mount Everest.
• News Link - Mumbai girl Kaamya Karthikeyan becomes youngest Indian to summit Mt Everest | India News - The Indian Express
12. In May as per report _________ has become the 99th member of the International Solar Alliance as it handed over the International Solar
Alliance Instrument of Ratification.
A. Spain
B. Panama
C. Oaman
D. Kuwait
E. UAE
• Spain has become the 99th member of the International Solar Alliance.
• Spain handed over the International Solar Alliance Instrument of Ratification, during the meeting of Ambassador José María Ridao
Domínguez of Spain with the Head of Depository, Joint Secretary in the External Affairs Ministry Abhishek Singh in New Delhi .
• India and France jointly launched the International Solar Alliance (ISA) during COP21 in Paris.
• The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is a collaborative platform for increased deployment of solar energy technologies as a means for
bringing energy access, ensuring energy security, and driving energy transition in its member countries.
• The ISA was conceived as a joint effort by India and France to mobilize efforts against climate change through the deployment of solar
energy solutions.
• 119 countries have till date signed the ISA Framework Agreement. 99 countries have ratified and submitted the necessary International
Solar Alliance Instrument of Ratification to become a full member.
• Headquarters of ISA: Gurugram , Haryana.
• News Link - News on AIR
13. Recently as per report season's first severe cyclonic storm in the Bay of Bengal, 'Remal,' reached Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal
coasts.
This is the first cyclone in the Bay of Bengal this pre-monsoon season and has been named
Remal which was provided by ___________.
A. Pakistan
B. Oman
C. Bangladesh
D. Sri Lanka
E. Nepal
• The season's first severe cyclonic storm in the Bay of Bengal, 'Remal,' reached
Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coasts.
• According to the IMD, the cyclone has reach a wind speed of 102 kilometres per hour.
• The Met office has warned of very heavy rainfall in the coastal districts of West Bengal,
north Odisha, Mizoram, Tripura, and south Manipur on May 26-27.
• This is the first cyclone in the Bay of Bengal this pre-monsoon season and will be named
Remal, according to a system of naming cyclones in the Indian Ocean region.
• This name is given by Oman. After this, the name of Pakistan will come Asna.
• The WMO, in coordination with the five Regional Special Meteorological Organizations
(RSMCs), has started naming cyclones since 2004.
• A panel of the regional committee approved the list of names of cyclones formed in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. Its name is
WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones. The 2018 RMSC lists new cyclone names. At this time, 13 countries gave 13 names each.
• News Link - Cyclone Remal to hit West Bengal, Bangladesh coasts by May 26 evening: IMD | India News - Business Standard
(business-standard.com) Press Information Bureau (pib.gov.in)
14. In May as per report ___________has made history by becoming the first airport in India to achieve the Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWL)
accolade.
A. Indira Gandhi International Airport
B. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport
C. Kempegowda International Airport
D. Dambolin International Airport
E. Thiruvananthapuram International Airport
• Thiruvananthapuram International Airport has made history by becoming the first airport in India to achieve the Zero Waste to Landfill
(ZWL) accolade.
• This recognition was awarded by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII-ITC) Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Development,
highlights the airport's exceptional waste management practices and commitment to sustainability.
• The ZWL assessment confirmed that Thiruvananthapuram International Airport has successfully implemented best-in-class waste
management strategies, achieving an impressive 99.50 per cent diversion of waste from landfills.
• The airport has managed to completely divert 100 per cent of its plastic waste and 100 per cent of its municipal solid waste (MSW), which
includes both wet and dry waste, from landfills.
• This achievement was made possible through the integration of a robust value chain system and the adoption of the 5R principles of
sustainable waste management- Reduce, Reuse, Reprocess, Recycle, and Recover.
• The airport's commitment to environmental performance is further demonstrated by its ISO 14001:2015 certification, which mandates a
comprehensive Environmental Management System (EMS).
• This system sets and evaluates environmental goals, focusing on continuous improvement and sustainability.
• News Link - Thiruvananthapuram International Airport achieves zero waste to landfill accolade, ET Infra (indiatimes.com)
15. Recently as per report __________ is going to become the first government TV channel of the country to launch two AI anchors – AI Krish
and AI Bhoomi.
A. Doordarshan News
B. Doordarshan Krishi
C. Doordarshan National
D. Doordarshan Kisan
E. Doordarshan Prahar
• Doordarshan Kisan (DD KISAN) is going to become the first government TV channel of the country to
launch two AI anchors – AI Krish and AI Bhoomi.
• DD Kisan is coming with a new look and a new style among the farmers of India on 26th May where
the presentation of the channel is going to be in a new avtar.
• AI anchors can speak in fifty languages and read news 24 hours and 365 days without getting tired.
• The viewers will be able to see these anchors in all the states of the country.
• These AI anchors will provide necessary information about agricultural research in the country and
global level, trends in Krishi Mandis, changes in the weather and information about government
schemes.
• DD Kisan was launched on May 26, 2015 to keep the farmers informed about the changes in weather, global and local markets, etc,
allowing them to plan and take right decisions.
• News Link - pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2021431AI anchors to helm DD Kisan relaunch on May 26 | India

News - The Indian Express
16. Recently as per report Union Health Ministry is set to launch the National Health Claims Exchange (NHCX) within the next two to three
months aimed at revolutionizing the health insurance landscape in India.
National Health Claims Exchange (NHCX) has been developed by __________.
A. Life Insurance Corporation
B. NITI Aayog
C. National Health Authority
D. Indo-Tibetan Border Police
E. National Highways Authority of India
• The Union Health Ministry is setting up a National Health Claim Exchange (NHCX) platform to simplify the process of filing health
insurance claims.
• The National Health Exchange platform will work as a communication between the payer and the service provider.
• This platform is developed by the National Health Authority (NHA) to ensure faster processing of insurance claims and interoperability.
• The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDAI) also advised all insurers and service providers to onboard the NHCX.
• The portal is expected to be launched soon within two to three months.
• This portal has been developed as part of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).
• The portal NHCX will be a single platform that will serve as a gateway for exchanging claims-related information between the payer and
service providers.
• Approx. 40-45 health insurance companies and 200-250 hospitals all over the country will integrate with NHCX.
• The National Health Claims Exchange (NHCX) is a recommendation of the Joint Working Group of the Insurance Regulatory and
Development Authority (IRDAI) and the National Health Authority (NHA).
• News Link - National Health Claim Exchange platform to launch in 2-3 months, will simplify health insurance claim process, ET
HealthWorld (indiatimes.com)
International / Report News
17. In May as per report ___________has announced a new visa program Blue Residency Visa offering long-term residency to individuals,
who significantly contribute to environmental protection and sustainability efforts.
A. Singapore
B. Saudi Arabia
C. Japan
D. UAE
E. USA
• In a significant move towards fostering a culture of sustainability, the UAE Cabinet has approved a 10-year Blue Residence visa for
individuals who make outstanding contributions to environmental protection.
• As the UAE moves forward with its year of sustainability (2023–2024), the introduction of the Blue Visa aligns perfectly with the country’s
long-term goals of promoting environmental protection and sustainable practices.
• This 10-year visa is specifically designed for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional contributions and efforts towards
environmental protection.
• The Blue Visa, a special residency permit, will be granted to those who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and impact in various
environmental fields, including marine life, land-based ecosystems, air quality, sustainability technologies, the circular economy, and
beyond.
• News Link - News on AIRUAE launches 10-year Blue Visa: All about it and how one can get it | What Is News - The Indian Express
18. In May as per report __________ and US have signed an agreement to develop interceptors for hypersonic missiles by the 2030s under
the agreement.
A. Australia
B. India
C. France
D. Japan
E. Sweden
• Japan and the United States are planning to develop interceptors to shoot down hypersonic missiles by the 2030s under a contract signed
by the two countries.
• The plan, which will reportedly cost more than $3 billion, was first announced in August when the nations' leaders met at a summit with
South Korea in Camp David outside Washington.
• The Japanese government has already included 75 billion yen ($480 million) in its 2024 budget for development of the interceptors.
• Hypersonic missiles fly at more than five times the speed of sound and have irregular trajectories, making them difficult to intercept.
• The 75 billion yen is part of a record defence budget of 7.95 trillion yen approved last year, as tensions rise with China and North Korea.
• Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has pledged to double defence spending to the NATO standard of two percent of GDP by 2027.
• News Link - hypersonic missile interceptor: Japan, US sign agreement to develop hypersonic missile interceptor - The Economic
Times (indiatimes.com)
19. Recently as per report _____________ has became the first modern country to lose all of its glaciers, which is a huge change in the
environment.
A. Cameroon
B. Algeria
C. Venezuela
D. Colombia
E. Ecuador
• Venezuela is thought to be the first nation in modern times to have completely lost all of its glaciers.
• New research shows that the Humboldt glacier in the Andes, which used to be very big, has shrunk
to less than 2 hectares, which means it is no longer a glacier but an ice field.
• The Sierra Nevada de Mérida mountain range in Venezuela used to have six glaciers.
• As of 2011, five of these glaciers had melted away, leaving only the Humboldt glacier. Professionals
thought Humboldt would last for another ten years, but new tests show it has melted much more
quickly than expected.
• Venezuela is a country on the northern coast of South America with diverse natural attractions.
Capital: Caracas, Currency: Venezuelan bolívar.
• News Link - Venezuela Glacier: Venezuela becomes the first nation to lose all of its glaciers
due to climate change | Times of India Travel (indiatimes.com)
20. In May as per report World Bank released a report titled ‘Water For Shared Prosperity’ that defines
Shared prosperity as boosting prosperity, particularly for poorest, to achieve more equitable
societies.
As per report In 2022, __________ billion people lacked access to safely managed drinking water services.
A. 1.3 billion
B. 2.7 billion
C. 2.2 billion
D. 1.5 billion
E. 3.2 billion
• The World Bank report, titled “Water for Shared Prosperity,” was released at the 10th World Water Forum in Bali, Indonesia.
• It underscores the widening gap in access to water resources and services, exacerbated by factors like population growth, urbanization,
and climate change.
• In 2022, 2.2 billion people lacked access to safely managed drinking water services, while 3.5 billion lacked access to safely managed
sanitation.
• Over 800 million people globally are at high risk of drought, with double that number living in flood-prone areas.
• Low-income countries have seen a regression in access to safe drinking water, with an additional 197 million people lacking access since
2000.
• The Democratic Republic of the Congo holds over half of Africa’s total water resources.
• World Water Forum is a large-scale international event that focuses on the discussion and development of solutions to global water-
related challenges.
• It is held every three years. The first forum took place in took place in Marrakesh, Morocco in March 1997.
• It is organized by the World Water Council, an international organization.
• News Link - 10th World Water Forum Leads to a Ministerial Declaration as a Diplomatic Victory for Indonesia | 10th World Water
Forum 2024Water’s crucial role in shared prosperity and inclusive growth (worldbank.org)
21. In May as per report Ministry of External Affairs has announced that with the establishment of its inaugural charter on May 20th, the Bay
of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) will now accept new members and observers.
Which of the following is not among the member country of BIMSTEC?
A. Bangladesh
B. Bhutan
C. Sri Lanka
D. Nepal
E. Maldives
• The Ministry of External Affairs has announced that with the establishment of its
inaugural charter on May 20th, the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral
Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) will now accept new members and
observers.
• After years of deliberation, the BIMSTEC leaders adopted the organization’s first charter during their 5th summit.
• This charter provides a legal framework for the group, granting it a “legal personality” and enabling the structured diplomatic dialogue
with other countries and regional groupings.
• BIMSTEC It is an economic bloc that came into being in June 1997 through the Bangkok Declaration.
• BIMSTEC was initially formed with four member states- Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and Thailand on June 6, 1997.
• Nepal became an observer state in 1998 and became full-time member of the bloc along with Bhutan in February 2004.
• Members - Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal and Bhutan.
• Permanent Secretariat - Dhaka, Bangladesh
• As of now, BIMSTEC has 14 priority areas of cooperation. Climate change was added as the 14th priority area of cooperation in 2008.
• News Link - BIMSTEC charter comes into force (vajiramias.com)
22. Recently as per report Bangladesh government is set to introduce an international peace award named after the Father of the Nation,
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from 2025 onwards, that would carry a __________prize money.
A. USD 2,00,000
B. USD 1,00,000
C. USD 3,00,000
D. USD 4,00,000
E. USD 5,00,000
• The Bangladesh government is set to introduce an international peace award named after the Father
of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from 2025 onwards, that would carry a USD
1,00,000 prize money.
• The award will be given every two years under one category.
• It will consist of USD 1,00,000 and a gold medal weighing 50g of 18-carat gold. The award will be launched in 2025.
• The Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Peace Award would be given to any individual, organisation, or institution from anywhere in
the world for their contributions to establishing peace.
• Individuals who have received the Nobel or other international peace awards, governments of any country, heads of state, or members of
parliament from those countries can propose names of individuals or organisations for this award.
• He was a Bengali leader who became the first prime minister of Bangladesh (1972–75) and later became the president of the same in
1975.
• He began his formal political career in 1949 as a co-founder of the Awami League. Sheikh Hasina Wazed, the current prime minister of
Bangladesh, is the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
• News Link - Bangladesh government to launch peace award named after Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman | World News -
The Indian Express
23. Recently seen in news Ibu volcano is located in which of the following country?
A. Japan
B. Ireland
C. Iceland
D. Kingston
E. Indonesia
• On May 13, the Ibu volcano on Indonesia's remote island of Halmahera

was erupted.
• Hundreds of people living near an erupting volcano in eastern Indonesia
have been evacuated after authorities raised the alert level to the highest
level.
• The Ibu volcano spewed ash and smoke up to 5,000 meters (16,400 ft) into the sky.Ibu is one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes, having
erupted more than 21,000 times in 2023.
• According to official figures, as of 2022, more than 700,000 people lived on the island of Halmahera.
• News link - Indonesia evacuates hundreds near erupting volcano - The Hindu
24. According to the findings of the first global mangrove assessment released by International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN),
__________ % of world's mangrove ecosystems are at risk of collapse, with nearly one in five facing severe risk.
A. 20%
B. 10%
C. 15%
D. 50%
E. 25%
• More than half of the world's mangrove ecosystems are at risk of collapse, with nearly one in five facing severe risk, according to the
findings of the first global mangrove assessment.
• According to the study done using the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List of Ecosystems -- a global standard
for measuring the health of ecosystems, climate change threatens one-third (33 per cent) of the mangrove ecosystems.
• Deforestation, development, pollution and dam construction pose a serious threat to mangroves, but the risk to these ecosystems is
increasing due to sea-level rise and the increased frequency of severe storms due to climate change.
• This study classified the world's mangrove ecosystems in 36 different regions called provinces and assessed the threats and risk of collapse
in each region.
• One-third of the world's mangrove ecosystem provinces will be severely affected by sea-level rise, with 25 per cent of the global mangrove
area predicted to be submerged in the next 50 years.
• These ecosystems protect 15.4 million people and USD 65 billion worth of property per year from coastal disasters. In 2050, this could rise
to 15.5 million and USD 118 billion because of population growth and rise in property values.
• Founded in 1948, IUCN has become the global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it.
Headquarters: Gland, Switzerland.
• News Link - Over 50% of world’s mangroves at risk of collapse, climate change leading factor: IUCN | World News - The Indian
Express Over 50% of world's mangroves at risk due to climate change: IUCN | World News - Business Standard (business-
standard.com)
25. In May as per report World Health Organisation (WHO) has prequalified a second vaccine for dengue, made by the __________ drug
maker Takeda Pharmaceuticals known as TAK-003, it is a live-attenuated vaccine containing weakened versions of the four serotypes of
the virus that cause dengue.
A. France
B. Germany
C. Japan
D. Italy
E. Singapore
• The second dengue vaccine made by Japanese drugmaker

Takeda Pharmaceuticals has been prequalified by the World
Health Organization (WHO).
• This live-attenuated vaccine, known as TAK-003, contains weakened versions of four serotypes of the virus that causes dengue.
• This means that TAK-003 contains weakened forms of four types of dengue virus, which helps the body build immunity without causing
disease.
• The meaning of WHO pre-qualification for a vaccine is that the health agency has evaluated and approved the vaccine for quality,
safety, and efficacy.
• TAK-003 can be given to children aged 6 to 16 years who have more chance of dengue and intensity of transmission.
• According to WHO, the vaccine should be administered in a 2-dose schedule with an interval of 3 months between doses.
• Earlier, WHO had prequalified the CYD-TDV vaccine developed by Sanofi Pasteur against dengue.
• Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease that is life-threatening in many cases. It is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito.
• An estimated 3.8 billion people live in dengue-endemic nations, primarily in Asia, Africa, and the Americas, and there are between 100
and 400 million dengue cases reported globally annually.
• News Link - Takeda’s dengue vaccine gets WHO pre-qualification - The Hindu BusinessLine
26. What is the name of the satellite network project developed by SpaceX, focusing on delivering low-cost internet to remote locations ?
A. Metalink
B. Starflow
C. Kuiper
D. Petaflow
E. Starlink
• Elon Musk and Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin launched SpaceX's satellite internet
service for the nation's health sector, aiming to improve access in remote parts of the sprawling
archipelago.
• Starlink was launched at three Indonesian health centres, including two in Bali and one on the remote
island of Aru in Maluku.
• Indonesia is the third country in Southeast Asia where Starlink will operate. Malaysia issued the firm a
license to provide internet services last year and a Philippine-based firm signed a deal with SpaceX in
2022.
• Starlink is also used extensively in Ukraine, where it is employed by the military, hospitals, businesses
and aid organisations.
• Starlink is a satellite network project developed by SpaceX, focusing on delivering low-cost internet to
remote locations.
• The network comprises a large cluster of satellites known as a mega-constellation, with plans to expand up to 42,000 satellites; currently,
there are 5,800 satellites in orbit.
• These satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), with altitudes ranging from 350 km to 1,200 km, which is ideal for reducing latency in
internet services.
• Each Starlink satellite has an estimated lifespan of about 5 years and operates primarily at an altitude of 550 km.
• News Link - Starlink: Elon Musk, Indonesian health minister, launch Starlink for health sector - The Economic Times
(indiatimes.com)
27. Recently as per Financial Times (FT) Executive Education Custom Ranking, 2024, ________________has retained the top position in India,
ranked second in Asia and gone up to the 26th position globally, from last year’s 29.
A. Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore
B. Indian School of Business
C. Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad
D. York University
E. EMLyon Business School
• The Indian School of Business (ISB) remained the top

business school in India and ranked second in Asia in
the newly released Financial Times (FT) Executive
Education Custom Ranking 2024.
• On a global scale, the institute has risen to the 26th
spot from 29th last year.
• EMLyon Business School has acquired the second
position in India, followed by York University, Indian
Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore, IIM
Ahmedabad, and IIM Indore.
• The custom programme ranking features the top 90
business schools.
• ISB Executive Education, has also ranked the first globally in the “Future Use” parameter.
• ISB Executive Education has also ranked one globally in the Future Use parameter. Other significant parameters where the school stands
out globally are Teaching Methods and Materials (25), Value for Money (15), Preparation (27), Programme Design (28) and International
Clients (28).
• Institut Européen d’Administration des Affaires (INSEAD) has secured the top position this year with a growth of 64 points. In 2023, the
Institute had ranked at the second position.
• Under the overall satisfaction category, the business school scored 8.56. The Institute has its campuses in France and Singapore.
• With a growth rate of 17 points, IESE Business School has been ranked in the second position. The B School which has campuses in Spain,
United States, Germany, and Brazil, has achieved an overall satisfaction of 8.5 in 2024 rankings.
• The third spot is achieved by the International Institute for Management Development, followed by Duke Corporate Education, HEC Paris,
SDA Bocconi School of Management, London Business School, ESMT Berlin, Essec Business School and Fundação Dom Cabral.
• The Indian Institute of Management- Ahmedabad ranked 70, followed by the Indian Institute of Management Indore (85).
• News Link - ISB ranked first in India by Financial Times in Executive Education Custom Ranking 2024 - The Hindu BusinessLine
28. Consider the following statement regarding World Economic Forum's "Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024". Which of the following
statement is incorrect?
1. India has climbed to the 39th position in the latest World Economic Forum's "Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024".
2. China was the top performer in South Asia and among the lower-middle-income nations
3. On an overall index score of 7, where 1 is the worst, and 7 the best, India scored 4.25.
4. The index is comprised of five dimensions, 17 pillars and 102 individual indicators, distributed among the different pillars.
5. US topped the list followed by Spain, Japan, France and Australia in the top five in the 2024 list.
• India has climbed to the 39th

position in the World Economic
Forum’s Travel & Tourism
Development Index 2024, while US
topped the list.
• India also ranks the highest in
South Asia among the lower-
middle-income economies.
• Earlier, India was ranked 54th in
2021 published index. On an
overall index score of 7, where 1 is
the worst, and 7 the best, India
scored 4.25.
• After the US, Spain, Japan, France and Australia figure among the top five in the 2024 list.
• The index, prepared in collaboration with the University of Surrey, showed India is highly price-competitive (18th) and
boasts competitive Air Transport (26th) and Ground and Port (25th) infrastructure.
• In particular, India's strong Natural (6th), Cultural (9th) and Non-Leisure (9th) Resources help drive travel, and the
country is only one of three to score in the top 10 for all the resource pillars.
• As a result, the country's overall TTDI (Travel and Tourism Development Index) score is 2.1 per cent below its 2019 level.
• The Middle East had the highest recovery rates in international tourist arrivals (20 per cent above the 2019 level), while Europe, Africa
and the Americas all showed a strong recovery of around 90 per cent in 2023.
• The biennial index analysed the travel and tourism sectors of 119 countries around a range of factors and policies.
• The index is comprised of five dimensions, 17 pillars and 102 individual indicators, distributed among the 5 different pillars - Business
Environment, Safety and Security, Health and Hygiene,Health and Hygiene, Human Resources and Labour Market, ICT Readiness.
• In 2024, Japan (3rd) is the top performer in the APAC region, with Australia (5th) and China (8th) ranking in the global top 10.
• China also has the region’s largest and the world’s second-largest T&T economy, while India (39th) has the largest T&T sector in South
Asia and scores as the TTDI’s top lower-middle-income economy.
• News Link - India rises to 39th position in WEF index for travel, tourism development | India News - Business Standard
(business-standard.com) News on AIR India tourism: India's global travel & tourism index rank up at 39th: WEF index - The
Economic Times (indiatimes.com) 1. About the Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024 - Travel & Tourism Development
Index 2024 | World Economic Forum (weforum.org)
Banking / Economy News
29. Consider the following statement regarding Economic Capital Framework (ECF). Which of the following statement is incorrect?
1. Central Board of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) during its 608th meeting approved a highest-ever surplus transfer/ dividend of ₹2,10,874
crore crore to the Central government for the accounting year 2023-24.
2. The surplus transfer is for the fiscal year 2023-2024 but will reflect in the government’s account in the fiscal year 2025.
3. Economic Capital Framework was (ECF) was adopted by the Reserve Bank on August 26, 2019 as per recommendations of the Expert
Committee to Review the extant Economic Capital Framework of the Reserve Bank of India Chaired Dr. Bimal Jalan.
4. The Committee had recommended that the risk provisioning under the Contingent Risk Buffer (CRB) be maintained within a range of 6.5
to 5.5 per cent of the RBI’s balance sheet.
5. Board has decided to increase the Contingent Risk Buffer to 7.50 per cent for FY 2023-24.
• The Central Board of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

approved a highest-ever surplus transfer/ dividend of Rs
2.11 lakh crore to the Central government for the
accounting year 2023-24.
• The decision on the surplus transfer was taken during
the 608th meeting of the Central Board of Directors of
the Reserve Bank of India, held in Mumbai.
• The transferable surplus for the year (2023-24) has been
arrived at on the basis of the Economic Capital
Framework (ECF).
• The ECF provides a methodology for determining the
appropriate level of risk provisions and profit
distribution to be made under Section 47 of the RBI Act
1934.
• Economic Capital Framework was (ECF) adopted by the
Reserve Bank on August 26, 2019 as per
recommendations of the Expert Committee to Review
the extant Economic Capital Framework of the Reserve
Bank of India (Chairman: Dr. Bimal Jalan).
• As per this provision, the central bank is required to pay the balance of its profits to the central
government after making provision for bad and doubtful debts, depreciation in assets, and contributions
to staff.
• The Committee had recommended that the risk provisioning under the Contingent Risk Buffer (CRB) be
maintained within a range of 6.5 to 5.5 per cent of the RBI’s balance sheet.
• During accounting years 2018-19 to 2021-22, owing to the prevailing macroeconomic conditions and the
onslaught of Covid-19 pandemic, the Board had decided to maintain the CRB at 5.50 per cent of the
Reserve Bank’s Balance Sheet size to support growth and overall economic activity.
• With the revival in economic growth in FY 2022-23, the CRB was increased to 6.00 per cent. As the
economy remains robust and resilient, the Board has decided to increase the CRB to 6.50 per cent for FY
2023-24.
• The Board thereafter approved the transfer of ₹2,10,874 crore as surplus to the Central Government for the accounting year 2023-24.
• The surplus transfer is for the fiscal year 2023-2024 but will reflect in the government’s account in the fiscal year 2025.
• The CRB is the country’s savings for a ‘rainy day’ (a financial stability crisis) which has been consciously maintained with the RBI in view of
its role as Lender of Last Resort (LoLR).
• It is the component of the RBI’s economic capital required to cover its monetary and financial stability, credit and operational risks.
• In 2022-23, the RBI’s dividend to the government was Rs 87,416 crore.
• In FY2019, the RBI approved a record transfer of Rs 1.76 lakh crore to the government, which included a surplus or dividend of Rs 1.23 lakh
crore, and a one-time transfer of excess provisions amounting to Rs 52,637 crore.
• News Link - Reserve Bank of India - Press Releases (rbi.org.in) RBI’s record dividend of Rs 2.1 lakh crore to govt can help trim
deficit | Business News - The Indian Express
30. Recently as per report total market capitalization of all BSE-listed companies briefly topped the $5 trillion mark (Rs 416.5 lakh crore)
during the trading session on, May 21.Consider the following statement regarding BSE. Which of the following statement is incorrect?
1. It is the oldest and largest stock exchange in India.
2. It was established in 1975 as the Native Share and Stock Brokers' Association.
3. In 1957, the Indian Government gave recognition to the BSE under the Securities Contracts Regulations Act.
4. In 1986, Sensex was introduced, as the first equity index to provide a base for identifying the top 30 trading companies of the
exchange.
5. India is the fifth country/region to join the exclusive $5-trillion m-cap club, alongside the US, China, Japan and Hong Kong.
• The market capitalisation of companies listed on BSE crossed $5

trillion for the first time on 21st May, turning the spotlight on
valuations.
• This makes India the fifth country/region to join the exclusive
$5-trillion m-cap club, alongside the US, China, Japan and Hong
Kong.
• The Indian stock market is ranked at the fifth spot in terms of
market cap in the world. United States of America is in first place
with a m-cap of $55 trillion. China is in second place with a m-
cap of $9.4 trillion, Japan is in third place with $6.4 trillion and
Hong Kong's stock market is in fourth place with a m-cap of $5.4
trillion.
• However, on a closing basis, India’s mcap, which represents
the combined market value of all firms listed on the BSE, stood
at $4.97 trillion (Rs 414.6 trillion).
• India’s market cap-to-GDP ratio (on a trailing 12-month GDP basis) is now at 154 per cent compared to 120 per cent in November 2023,
when it first hit the $4 trillion mark.
• BSE's total market cap had touched $4 trillion in November 2023. It has soared past $5 trillion in just six months.
• BSE-listed firms reached the $1 trillion market cap in May 2007, doubling in over a decade to $2 trillion in July 2017 and then reaching
the $3 trillion mark in May 2021.
• Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) is the oldest and largest stock exchange in India.
• In 1875, eminent businessman Premchand Roychand officially founded the Native Share and Stock Brokers Association which was later
renamed the Bombay Stock Exchange.
• It is located on Dalal Street, Mumbai, and lists over 6000 companies.
• Investors can trade on the BSE share market via a brokerage fir For this, they need to pay a pre-determined price to the broker.
• Sensex is the benchmark index of the BSE.
• It was launched on January 1, 1986, as a basket of 30 stocks representing the country's largest, financially-sound companies listed on the
BSE.
• News Link - The milestone march: India's market capitalisation hits $5 trillion | Stock Market Today - Business Standard
(business-standard.com)
31. Recently as per report Reserve Bank of India added 24 tonnes of gold to its stock of reserves in four months from January to April this year
as a hedge against volatility amid geopolitical tensions.
The Reserve Bank held ___________ tonnes worth of gold as a part of its foreign exchange reserves as of April 26,2024, up from 803.6
tonnes as of end December.
A. 831.54 tonnes
B. 825.14 tonnes
C. 836.78 tonnes
D. 851.47 tonnes
E. 827. 69 tonnes
• The Reserve Bank of India added 24 tonnes of gold to its

stock of reserves in four months from January to April this
year as a hedge against volatility amid geopolitical
tensions.
• This is almost 1.5 times the volume added throughout
2023, which was 16 tonnes.
• The Reserve Bank held 827. 69 tonnes worth of gold as a
part of its foreign exchange reserves as of April 26,2024,
up from 803.6 tonnes as of end December.
• The share of gold in the total foreign exchange reserves increased from 7.75 per cent as at end- December 2023 to about 8.7 per cent as
at end-April 2024.
• News Link - RBI buys 1.5 times more gold in January-April than whole of 2023, ET BFSI (indiatimes.com)
32. In May as per report SEBI has floated a consultation paper on facilitating investments by Indian mutual funds in such overseas funds that
invest a certain portion of their assets in Indian securities.
As per proposal Indian Mutual Fund schemes may invest in such overseas MF that have exposure to Indian Securities, provided that the
total exposure to Indian securities by such overseas MF/UTs shall not be more than ________% of their net assets.
A. 15%
B. 10%
C. 30%
D. 25%
E. 20%
• Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India

(SEBI) proposed to allow investment by domestic mutual
funds in overseas funds that have a limited exposure to
Indian securities.
• At present SEBI registered mutual funds are allowed to invest
in overseas securities, including American Depository
Receipts (ADRs) / Global Depository Receipts (GDRs) issued
by Indian or foreign companies, equity of overseas
companies listed on recognized stock exchanges overseas.
• The Indian Mutual Fund schemes may invest in such overseas
MF/Unit Trust (UTs) that have an exposure to Indian
securities, provided that the total exposure to Indian
securities by such overseas MF/UTs shall not be more than 20
per cent of their net assets.
• In case of breach of investment limit, the scheme will enter into an observance period of six months to correct the portfolio and no fresh
investment or subscription will be allowed during this period.
• As of April 30, 2024, the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (MEMI) has 18.08 per cent weightage to Indian securities.
• Similarly, JP Morgan’s ‘Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund’ holds approximately 15 per cent in Indian investments, according to its
latest factsheet as on March 31, 2024.
• Currently, SEBI has banned all overseas investment by MF schemes as they have breached $7-billion investment limit set by RBI. MFs
have also exhausted an additional $1-billion cap for exchange traded funds (ETFs).
• News Link - Sebi proposes to allow mutual funds to invest in overseas funds with exposure to Indian markets - Investing Abroad
News | The Financial ExpressSebi proposes 20% Indian equity cap for foreign FoF - Market News | The Financial Express
33. In May as per report Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) platform, the Receivables Exchange of India Ltd (RXIL), has financed
over 50 lakh invoices totaling ₹1 lakh crore.
RXIL, a joint venture between ____________ to operate the TReDS platform.
1. SIDBI
2. NSE
3. State Bank of India
4. ICICI Bank
5. YES Bank
Select the correct source code:

A. Only 2,4 and 5
B. Only 1,3 and 4
C. Only 2 and 4
D. Only 4 and 5
E. All of the above
• The Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) platform, the Receivables Exchange of India Ltd (RXIL), has financed over 50 lakh
invoices totaling ₹1 lakh crore.
• In FY24, RXIL saw monthly invoice financing volumes grow to over ₹6,000 crore. The platform is now targetting financing for ₹75,000
crore worth of invoices in FY25.
• Receivables Exchange of India Limited (RXIL), established as a joint venture of SIDBI, NSE, State Bank of India, ICICI Bank, and Yes Bank,
launched India's inaugural Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) platform on December 1, 2016, under the regulatory
framework of RBI.
• TReDS was launched by the RBI in 2018. While it was slow to scale initially, traction has started picking up, with both banks and non-
banking lenders participating in the ecosystem.
• Currently, there are four entities licensed by the RBI to offer this service: M1xchange, Invoicemart , Receivables Exchange of India and
C2FO.
• While initially TReDS was mainly used by public sector enterprises, now private companies have started joining the ecosystem.
• Last year, the RBI allowed insurance players as the fourth to participate in the space.
• Sellers, buyers and financiers are the participants on a TReDS platform.
• As trade credit insurance is in process of going live, this will give more confidence to financiers and, in turn, expand the ecosystem.
• News Link - MSME: TReDS platform RXIL crosses ₹1 lakh crore - The Hindu BusinessLine
34. In May as per report MSCI Inc (Morgan Stanley Capital International) has included 13 domestic stocks including Canara Bank, JSW
Energy, Mankind Pharma and NHPC in its Global Standard Index, resulting in an increase in the country’s weight in the index to close to
__________ per cent from the current 18.3 per cent.
A. 21 %
B. 19 %
C. 20.45%
D. 22.47%
E. 24.17%
• MSCI Inc (Morgan Stanley Capital International) has included 13

domestic stocks including Canara Bank, JSW Energy, Mankind Pharma
and NHPC in its Global Standard Index, resulting in an increase in the
country’s weight in the index to close to 19 per cent from the current
18.3 per cent.
• MSCI indexes are globally tracked by investors who allocate funds
based on the weightage given to countries and stocks.
• With addition of these stocks to the MSCI Global Standard/Emerging
Market (EM) Index, the country is expected to witness a net inflow of
upwards of $2.5 billion in FII (foreign institutional investor) passive
flows.
• All changes in the MSCI Global Standard Index will be implemented as
of the close of May 31.
• The increase in India’s weight, in terms of basis points, in the index is the highest among any EM Index in this rejig.
• China, with a weight of 25.7 per cent and 703 members, has the highest representation in the MSCI EM Index.
• Amid a sustained bull run on Dalal Street, India's weightage in the MSCI EM index has catapulted from a mere 8% in 2020 to around 19%.
• With 13 inclusions and three exclusions, the net stock count post-rejig will be 146 for India in the MSCI Standard/EM Index. Additionally,
there will be a net inclusion of 14 stocks in the small-cap Index, bringing the country’s total stock count in the small-cap index to 497.
• News Link - MSCI May review: Canara Bank, JSW Energy, NHPC included; Paytm excluded | Business News - The Indian Express
35. In May as per report State Bank of India (SBI) has executed transaction documents to acquire a 6.125 per cent stake in CCIL IFSC Limited
for ___________ that will operate the foreign currency settlement system and act as a clearing house and system operator at the
International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) within the Gujarat International Finance Tec City (GIFT City).
A. ₹8.125 crore
B. ₹7.125 crore
C. ₹4.125 crore
D. ₹2.125 crore
E. ₹6.125 crore
• State Bank of India (SBI) has executed transaction documents to acquire a 6.125 per cent
stake in CCIL IFSC Limited for ₹6.125 crore.
• CCIL IFSC, which will be incorporated with an authorised and paid-up capital of ₹200 crore
and ₹100 crore, respectively, will operate the foreign currency settlement system and act as a
clearing house and system operator at the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC)
within the Gujarat International Finance Tec City (GIFT City).
• The indicative period for completion of the transaction (acquisition of 61.25 lakh equity shares at ₹10 each) is up to six months from the
date of execution of transaction documents.
• The Clearing Corporation of India Ltd (CCIL) is promoting CCIL IFFSC. CCIL will have a 57.125 per cent stake in the proposed company.
• At the group level, SBI has 21.30 per cent stake in CCIL (SBI: 16.80 per cent and SBI-DFHI: 4.50 per cent).
• News Link - SBI acquires 6.125% stake in CCIL IFSC, strengthens presence in GIFT City - The Hindu BusinessLine
• ICICI Bank has entered into a memorandum of understanding dated 17 May 2024 in relation to an investment in the equity shares of a
company to be incorporated (Target Entity) as subsidiary of The Clearing Corporation of India (CCIL) along with seven (7) other
shareholders.
• Post investment, ICICI Bank will hold 6.125% shareholding in the Target Entity through acquisition of 6,125,000 equity shares of face
value Rs 10 each.
• The Target Entity is proposed to be incorporated as a subsidiary of CCIL.
• News Link - ICICI Bank to acquire minor stake in new entity to be set up in GIFT-IFSC | Capital Market News - Business Standard
36. In May as per report British lenders HSBC and Standard Chartered have acquired _____________% stakes in the Clearing Corporation of
India-IFSC, which is the proposed entity to operate a real-time foreign currency settlement system at GIFT City.
A. 2.125%
B. 3.125%
C. 7.125%
D. 9.125%
E. 6.125%
• British lenders HSBC and Standard Chartered have acquired stakes in the
Clearing Corporation of India-IFSC, which is the proposed entity to
operate a real-time foreign currency settlement system at GIFT City.
• Through its branch in GIFT City, HSBC executed transaction documents on
May 17 for the acquisition of a 6.125% stake in the CCIL IFSC.
• HSBC holds similar minority shareholdings in the National Payments
Corporation of India and the Clearing Corporation of India through
earlier investments.
• Standard Chartered Bank is also picked up a 6.125% stake in the CCIL
IFSC.
• Over the last few months, HSBC, and Standard Chartered Bank - the only two
banks to execute these so far - have been carrying out trades in an offshore
derivative instrument (ODI) called TRS through the GIFT City. Standard Chartered
Bank is the only other foreign bank which has also acquired a stake in the CCIL
IFSC.
• On the domestic side, HDFC Bank and State Bank of India have also invested in
the CCIL subsidiary.
• SBI too acquired a 6.125% stake, while HDFC Bank informed exchanges on May 17
that the bank has agreed to subscribe to equity shares of face value ₹10 for a
consideration aggregating to ₹ 12.25 crore over two or more tranches.
• News Link - GIFT City: HSBC and StanChart step up GIFT City play, buy stakes
in CCIL-IFSC - The Economic Times (indiatimes.com)
37. In May as per report __________recorded the highest growth rate last fiscal in terms of total business and deposit
mobilisation among public sector lenders at a time when most banks are facing difficulty in achieving double-digit
growth.
A. Bank of Maharashtra
B. State Bank of India
C. Bank of India
D. Canara Bank
E. Bank of Baroda
• State-owned Bank of Maharashtra recorded the highest growth rate last fiscal in terms of total business and
deposit mobilisation among public sector lenders at a time when most banks are facing difficulty in achieving
double-digit growth.
• The Pune-headquartered lender has registered a 15.94 per cent rise in the total business (domestic) in FY24,
followed by the country's largest lender State Bank of India (SBI) with 13.12 per cent growth.
• However, SBI's total business (deposit and advances) was about 16.7 times higher at Rs 79,52,784 crore compared
to Rs 4,74,411 crore of Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) in absolute terms.
• Similarly, BoM continued to maintain its top spot in terms of growth in deposit mobilisation, with a 15.66 per cent
rise in FY24. It was followed by SBI (11.07 per cent), Bank of India (11.05 per cent) and Canara Bank (10.98 per cent).
• Out of 12 public sector banks, only these four lenders could log a double-digit growth in deposits in the financial year 2023-24.
• In terms of capital adequacy ratio, the Bank of Maharashtra was leading PSBs at 17.38 per cent, followed by Indian Overseas Bank at
17.28 per cent and Punjab & Sind Bank at 17.16 at the end of FY24.
• Bank of Maharashtra is an Indian public sector bank headquartered in Pune. Shri Nidhu Saxena- Managing Director & Chief Executive
Officer
• News Link - Bank of Maharashtra tops among PSU lenders in business growth in FY24 | Banking - Business Standard (business-
standard.com)
38. In May as per report Market regulator SEBI has modified the basis for the computation of market capitalisation of listed companies under
its LODR regulations.
As against an earlier practice of determining the applicability of provisions linked to market capitalisation on a single day’s market cap
(currently calculated on March 31), SEBI has now introduced a concept of ‘average market capitalisation’ for a defined period.
Under the new method, instead of calculating the ranking based on the market capitalisation of entities as of March 31, SEBI has now
said that __________will be taken as the cut-off date.
A. 31St July
B. 31st September
C. 31st December
D. 30th November
E. 31st March
• Market regulator SEBI has modified the basis for the computation of market capitalisation of listed
companies under its LODR regulations.
• As against an earlier practice of determining the applicability of provisions linked to market
capitalisation on a single day’s market cap (currently calculated on March 31), SEBI has now
introduced a concept of ‘average market capitalisation’ for a defined period.
• This latest SEBI move will have a bearing on as many as ten provisions in the Listing Obligations and
Disclosure Regulations (LODR) Regulations that apply to listed entities based on market
capitalisation.
• Under the new method, instead of calculating the ranking based on the market capitalisation of
entities as of March 31, SEBI has now said that December 31 will be taken as the cut-off date.
• The ranking will be determined on that date instead based on average market capitalisation figures
of listed entities during the preceding six months (July 1 to December 31).
• After determination of the ranking on December 31, a time period of three months (or beginning of
immediate next financial year, whichever is later ) has been provided before the relevant provisions
of the LODR regulations (market capitalisation based compliance requirements) become applicable
to a listed entity for the first time or after an interim break period.
• This latest move is an outcome of the recommendations of a SEBI appointed expert committee
(chaired by former wholetime member S K Mohanty) for facilitating ease of doing business.
• News Link - SEBI revamps market cap computation basis for LODR compliance - The
Hindu BusinessLine
39. In May as per report Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued guidelines for calculating the “unaffected price” after a listed
entity verifies market rumours.
Listed entities are required to verify market rumours, upon material price movement.
The framework for considering unaffected price will be applicable to top 100 listed entities from ___________.
A. 1st July, 2024
B. 1st June, 2024
C. 1st December, 2024
D. 1st September, 2024
E. 1st October, 2024
• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has come out
with guidelines for calculating the “unaffected price” after a
listed entity verifies market rumours.
• Listed entities are required to verify market rumours, upon
material price movement.
• The unaffected price is to be considered by excluding the effect
on the price of the equity shares of the listed entity due to the
material price movement and confirmation of the rumour.
• The framework for considering unaffected price will be applicable to top 100 listed entities from June 1 and to top 250 listed entities from
December 1.
• The unaffected price shall be applicable only if the listed entity has confirmed the rumour pertaining to the transaction within 24 hours
from the trigger of material price movement.
• The unaffected price shall be applicable for a period of 60 days or 180 days, as applicable based on the stage of transaction.
• News Link - SEBI issues norms to manage pricing impact after cos verify rumours - The Hindu BusinessLine
40. In May as per report Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has allowed non-promoter shareholders to contribute towards the
shortfall in minimum promoters’ contribution in an initial public offering (IPO) without being identified as a promoter.
As per report it mandated at least __________% of promoters’ shares to be locked in for a certain period of time post listing after an IPO.
A. 10%
B. 15%
C. 20%
D. 25%
E. 30%
• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has allowed non-promoter shareholders to
contribute towards the shortfall in minimum promoters’ contribution in an initial public
offering (IPO) without being identified as a promoter.
• SEBI's minimum promoter contribution norms required at least 20 percent of promoters' shares
to be locked in for a certain period of time post listing after an IPO.
• As per the changes, non-promoter shareholders excluding individuals holding more than 5
percent of the post-offer equity share capital can contribute towards the shortfall.
• This relaxation will help new-age technology companies as founders’ shareholding comes down
usually after an IPO.
• News Link - Sebi News: Sebi amends rule to facilitate ease of doing biz for cos planning
IPOs, ET BFSI (indiatimes.com)
41. In May as per report EASE 7.0 was launched with an emphasis on enabling banks to drive national priorities, maintaining a strong
customer service orientation, managing operational risks effectively and catalyzing new-age capability build.
EASE 7.0 is based on 5 themes, which of the following is not among the 5 theme of EASE 7.0?
A. Banking towards 'Viksit' Bharat
B. Effective risk/fraud management, collections and recovery
C. Excellence in customer service
D. Adoption of new-age technology and other advanced capabilities
E. Digitally-enabled customer offerings
• EASE 7.0 is being launched with an emphasis on enabling banks to drive national priorities, maintaining a
strong customer service orientation, managing operational risks effectively and catalyzing new-age
capability build.
• EASE 7.0 to focus on5 key theme - Banking towards 'Viksit' Bharat
• Effective risk/fraud management, collections and recovery
• Excellence in customer service
• Adoption of new-age technology and other advanced capabilities
• Developing employees for emerging banking priorities.
• EASE 7.0 to focus on 21 Action Points.
• It aims to Identify one economic sector as ‘champion sector’*, where the bank will create in-depth
capabilities, build sizeable business.
• Broaden penetration of banking solutions for beneficiaries of women-focused government
programsAccelerate SHG, MFI lending portfolio, enable grade improvement of SHGs, and offer wider banking
products to enterprising individual membersLaunch financial products tailored for women, e.g., women-
oriented SA accounts, loan schemes in sectors dominated by women entrepreneursExpand the BC Sakhi
network, increase activation and transaction intensity
• Develop specialized 'Green-cell' with dedicated employees for climate-specific initiatives.
• The full form of the EASE Program is Enhanced Access and Service Excellence (EASE) Program.
• In January 2018, the Indian government and Public Sector Banks (PSBs) launched the EASE Reforms Agenda,
which was commissioned by the Indian Banks’ Association and authored by the Boston Consulting Group.
• The Indian Banks’ Organisation, established in 1946, represents Indian banks and financial institutions in
Mumbai. The EASE Agenda’s goal is to achieve CLEAN and SMART banking.
• News Link - IBA: Indian Banks' Association
42. In April as per report Indian Banks’ Association announced SBI as the overall Top Performing Bank
award under EASE 5.0 of PSBs Reforms Agenda followed by ___________ at second position and
Punjab National Bank at 3rd Position.
A. Bank Of Baroda
B. Canara Bank
C. Union Bank Of India
D. Bank Of Maharashtra
E. Indian Bank
• EASE Reforms Index for FY23 Building strong foundation in previous

versions of EASE, EASE 5.0 (FY23) focused on enhanced digital customer
experience, with emphasis on technology integration including emerging
cloud adoption, account aggregator, open APIs and data-driven,
integrated and inclusive banking solutions under five key initiatives for
public sector banks to adopt: 1.Digitally-enabled customer offerings, 2.Big
data and Analytics, 3.Modern Technology Capabilities, 4.Collaborative
and development focused banking, 5.Employee Development and
Governance. Notably, Public Sector Banks have shown remarkable growth
across all themes.
• In the fifth version of EASE, Public Sector Banks (PSBs) maintained
their upward trajectory and accelerated their progress culminating in an
impressive overall index improvement of 58% in FY23 over baseline.
• Digital transformation has been a core theme since EASE 5.0,
resulting in a surge of digital customer acquisitions and servicing for
deposit accounts.
• News Link - IBA: Indian Banks' Association
• Union bank of India, one of India’s leading public sector bank, has been declared as 2nd best bank in EASE 5.0 Reforms Index for FY 2022-
23.
• SBI received the Top Performing Bank award under EASE 5.0 of PSBs Reforms Agenda.
• Further, the Bank has been declared as winner in the following three themes of EASE 5.0 reforms agenda.
• 1. Digitally enabled customer offerings
• 2. Modern Technology capabilities
• 3. Employee development and Governance
• News Link - union bank of india ranks 2nd in ease 5.0 reforms index for fy 2022-23.pdf
43. Recently as per report combined net profit of listed public and private sector banks surged by 39 per cent, reaching __________ lakh crore
compared to Rs 2.2 lakh crore in FY23.
A. Rs 3.1 lakh crore
B. Rs 3.7 lakh crore
C. Rs 2.3 lakh crore
D. Rs 2.5 lakh crore
E. Rs 4.1 lakh crore
• India's banking sector achieved a milestone as its net

profit surpassed Rs 3 lakh crore for the first time in FY24.
• The combined net profit of listed public and private sector
banks surged by 39 per cent, reaching Rs 3.1 lakh crore
compared to Rs 2.2 lakh crore in FY23.
• The Rs 3 lakh crore figure is roughly equivalent to the
cumulative quarterly profits of all listed companies during
the initial three quarters of the fiscal year.
• The profits of banks surpass those of IT services, which have
traditionally been the most profitable sector in recent
times.
• In FY24, listed IT services companies recorded a net profit of close to Rs 1.1 lakh crore, considerably lower than the profits generated by
banks.
• During the year, public sector banks achieved a record net profit of Rs 1.4 lakh crore, marking a 34 per cent rise from the previous year.
Meanwhile, private sector banks saw their net profit increase by 42 per cent to nearly Rs 1.7 lakh crore, up from Rs 1.2 lakh crore a year
ago.
• PSB is a turnaround story from record losses of Rs 85,390 FY18 to record profit in FY24. India's 12 Public Sector Banks (PSBs) together had
earned a net profit of Rs Rs 1,04,649 crore in 2022-23.
• During the year, the only public sector bank out of 12 reported drop in profit was Punjab & Sind Bank.
• On a consolidated basis, Reliance Industries still has the highest annual profit of Rs 79,020 crore. However, on a standalone basis, its
profit was flat at Rs 42,042 crore in FY24.
• Of the top 10 listed companies, TCS reported a net profit of Rs 43,559 crore for FY24, Indian Oil (Rs 39,618 crore), ONGC (Rs 38,828 crore)
and Infosys (Rs 27,234 crore).
• News Link - Banking Stocks: Indian banking sector pips IT as net profit tops Rs 3 lakh crore in FY24, rises 39% YoY, ET BFSI
(indiatimes.com) Banking sector net crosses Rs 3 lakh crore for first time in FY24, ET BFSI (indiatimes.com)
44. Which of the following has emerged as the highest-ranking Indian city in Oxford Economics’ 1,000 global cities ranking, which has
compared the world's 1000 largest cities on parameters ranging from economics to human capital?
A. Kolkata
B. Delhi
C. Bengaluru
D. Mumbai
E. Chennai
• Delhi has scored the 350th rank in the Oxford Economics’ Global Cities Index, which has compared the world's 1000 largest cities on
parameters ranging from economics to human capital.
• The list of 1000 largest cities, spread across 163 different countries, also feature several other Indian cities, including Bengaluru, Mumbai
and Chennai.
• However, no Indian city could make the Top 300. The national capital is the best performing Indian city on the list.
• The index contains 27 indicators across five categories: Economics(30%), Human Capital(25%), Quality of Life(25%), Environment(10%),
and Governance (10%), which are aggregated to create an overall score for each city.
• New York ranks first on the index, followed by London, San Jose, Tokyo, Paris, Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Melbourne and Zurich.
• In India, Bengaluru is ranked 411, Mumbai 427, Chennai 472, Kochi 521, Kolkata 528, Pune 534, Thrissur 550, Hyderabad 564 and
Kozhikode 580.
• Sultanpur, also in Uttar Pradesh, holds the lowest position among Indian cities, coming in at the 1,000th spot.
• Ranked 578, Pakistan's Islamabad and Rawalpindi were the best performing cities of the country.
• News Link - Oxford Economics’ Global Cities Index: At 350, Delhi highest ranked Indian city; check list | Latest News India -
Hindustan Times Oxford Economics’ Global Cities Index: Delhi highest ranked Indian city; UP's Sultanpur takes last spot - India
News | The Financial Express
45. In May as per report Walt Disney Co. has signed a deal to sell its minority stake of __________in a subscription television broadcaster 'Tata
Play' to Tata Group,valuing at $1 bn.
A. 29.8%
B. 31.5%
C. 24.7%
D. 51.4%
E. 45.7%
• Walt Disney Co signed a deal to sell its minority stake in Tata Play to Tata Group.
• The sale will allow the US media giant to focus on the merger of its Indian unit with Mukesh
Ambani’s media arm.
• The report added that the transaction valued Tata Play Ltd. at about $1 billion.
• As per the deal, Tata Group takes full control of the TV platform after buying the 29.8% stake from
Disney.
• The deal comes as Disney signed a binding agreement in late February to combine its India unit with
Viacom 18 Media Pvt creating an $8.5 billion entertainment giant.
• Tata Play was incorporated in 2001- a joint venture between Tata Group and TFCF Corp. The
company provides pay television via set-top boxes and over-the-top video streaming through its app,
as per Tata Sons’s website.
• Tata Group raised its stake in Tata Play to over 70% after buying out Temasek Holding Pte’s stake
earlier this year. . Temasek first invested in Tata Sky, as it was known at the time, in 2007.
News Link - Disney to sell 30% stake in Tata Play to Tata Group, valuing co at $1 bn | Company News - Business Standard
46. In May as per report National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), in a circular, has issued guidelines that put the onus of verifying
merchant details on acquiring banks for BHIM Aadhaar Pay.
BHIM Aadhaar Pay enables merchants to receive digital payments from customers over the counter through Aadhaar authentication.
The maximum limit on a transaction made with the BHIM Aadhaar Payment app is ___________.
A. Rs. 20,000
B. Rs. 30,000
C. Rs. 15,000
D. Rs. 5,000
E. Rs. 10,000
• The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), in a

circular, has issued guidelines that put the onus of verifying
merchant details on acquiring banks for BHIM Aadhaar
Pay.
• BHIM Aadhaar Pay enables merchants to receive digital
payments from customers over the counter through Aadhaar
Authentication.
• The NPCI issued these guidelines to an acquiring member bank’s key responsibilities
and accountabilities when managing merchants.
• An Acquiring Member Bank must monitor its Merchant activity (viz., on-boarding
criteria, transaction monitoring & control, training, assessment of the portfolio
metrics, etc.) periodically.
• Acquiring Member Banks can use both manual as well as digital modes of merchant
due diligence.
• Merchants associated with any acquiring bank live on BHIM Aadhaar Pay can accept
payment from customers of any bank by authenticating their biometrics.
• News Link - NPCI issues guidelines for merchant acquisition on BHIM Aadhar Pay
| Finance News - Business Standard (business-standard.com)
• BHIM Aadhaar Pay was launched by government of India on 14th April, 2017 as a
merchant based mobile application for accepting payments from customers.
• Currently the BHIM Aadhaar Pay service is available only in India.
• NPCI does not charge any merchant or customer for transacting on BHIM Aadhaar. BHIM Aadhaar Pay service is available round the clock
i.e. 24x7 via Merchant.
• BHIM Aadhaar pay will work only with banks that are live on BHIM Aadhaar Pay service.
• For AEPS transactions and BHIM Aadhaar pay banks have put a stndardised limit of 5 cash withdrawal per month.
• It means cap of INR 50,000 on total transactions for everyone per month. However, the maximum withdrawal limit set by NPCI specifically
for AEPS cash withdrawals is Rs. 10,000.
• This means that while some banks may allow transactions totaling up to INR 50,000 in a day, each AEPS cash withdrawal cannot exceed
Rs. 10,000, ensuring uniformity and security in transactions across different banks.
• News Link - AePS-OC-87-AePS-transaction-limits.pdf (npci.org.in) BHIM Aadhaar FAQs | NPCI - National Payments Corporation of
India
47. Recently as per United Nations ‘World Economic Situation and Prospects released of mid-2024, forecasted India's
economy to expand by___________ per cent in 2024 and 6.6 per cent in 2025, mainly driven by strong public investment
and resilient private consumption.
A. 7.2%
B. 6.1%
C. 7.6%
D. 6.2%
E. 6.9%
• The United Nations has revised upwards India’s growth projections

for 2024, with the country’s economy now forecast to expand by
6.9% this year, mainly driven by strong public investment and
resilient private consumption.
• The World Economic Situation and Prospects as of mid-2024, released, said, “India’s economy is forecast to expand by 6.9% in 2024 and
6.6% in 2025.
• The 6.9% economic growth projections for India in the mid-year update is an upward revision from the 6.2% GDP forecast
made by the U.N. in January this year.
• The projection in January for India’s GDP growth for 2025 remains unchanged at 6.6% in the latest assessment of the economic situation.
• The update said that consumer price inflation in India is projected to decelerate from 5.6% in 2023 to 4.5% in 2024, staying within the
central bank’s two to six per cent medium-term target range.
• The world economy is now forecast to grow by 2.7% in 2024 (an increase of 0.3 percentage points from the forecast in January) and 2.8%
in 2025 (an increase of 0.1 percentage points).
• The upward revisions mainly reflect a better outlook in the United States, where the latest forecast points to 2.3% growth in 2024 (an
upward revision of 0.9 percentage points since January), and several large emerging economies, notably Brazil, India and Russia.
• News Link - UN revises India's 2024 economic growth projection upwards to nearly 7% | Economy & Policy News - Business
Standard (business-standard.com) UN reports brighter global economic outlook, predicts 2.7% growth in 2024 | World News -
Business Standard (business-standard.com)
48. In May as per report ___________ signed a long-term contract with French energy giant TotalEnergies in France for supply of LNG
(liquefied natural gas) of 1 million metric tonne LNG per annum (mmtpa) to Indian Oil for a period of around 10 years.
A. Oil and Natural Gas Corporation
B. Hindustan Petroleum
C. Bharat Petroleum
D. Oil India
E. Indian Oil
• Indian Oil Corporation Ltd signed a long-term contract with French energy giant
TotalEnergies in France for supply of LNG (liquefied natural gas).
• Under the contract, TotalEnergies would supply 1 million metric tonne per annum
(mmtpa) of LNG to IOCL for a period of around 10 years.
• This is the second long-term contract between the two companies in the past one year.
Last July, they had signed an agreement for supply of 0.8 mmtpa of LNG.
• Around the same period last year, the public sector refining and marketing major also
signed an agreement with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) for supply of 1.2
mmtpa of LNG starting 2026.
• Chairperson: Shrikant Madhav Vaidya, Headquarters: New Delhi.
• News Link - Indian Oil signs second long-term LNG deal with France's
TotalEnergies | Mint (livemint.com)
49. Recently as per report RuPay cardholders will be provided __________% cashback on in-store purchases in 7 countries till July 31.
A. 25%
B. 15%
C. 20%
D. 10%
E. 30%
• NPCI’s RuPay card network has announced a limited-time special cashback offer scheme for both RuPay credit and debit cardholders, from
May 15 to July 31.
• During the offer period, customers will receive 25 per cent cashback on in-store point-of-sale purchases made at merchants accepting
cards on either ‘Discover’ network or ‘Diners Club International’ within Canada, Japan, Spain, Switzerland, UAE, UK and US.
• The maximum cashback amount per transaction for a card during the offer period will be ₹2,500.
• National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) was incorporated in 2008 as an umbrella organization for operating retail payments and
settlement systems in India.
• News Link - NPCI-Press-Release-RuPay-Credit-and-Debit-Cardholders-can-now-avail-25-cashback-on-in-store-purchases1-in-
Canada.pdfRuPay cardholders to get 25% cashback on in-store purchases in 7 countries till July 31 - The Hindu BusinessLine
50. In May as per report ____________has signed an agreement with National Grid Plc's Electricity System Operator to build the power
infrastructure required to switch its Port Talbot site to a green steel project.
A. JSW Steel
B. Tata Steel
C. Essar Steel India Ltd
D. Steel Authority of India Limited
E. Jindal Steel & Power
• Tata Steel has signed an agreement with National Grid Plc's Electricity System Operator to build the
power infrastructure required to switch its Port Talbot site to a green steel project.
• The deal will see the British grid operator build the new electrical framework capable of powering the
Indian company's 3.2 million-ton electric arc furnace by the end of 2027.
• Last year, the UK agreed to pay up to £500 million ($635 million) to help Tata Steel overhaul the
country's biggest steelworks and keep it running - one of several hefty subsidies to persuade companies
to stay in Britain.
• In April, Tata Steel said it will proceed with its planned investment of £1.25 billion to build the
electric arc furnace at Port Talbot after months of national-level discussions with the UK's trade
unions who threatened industrial action over expected job losses.
• News Link - Tata Steel signs grid agreement to make its UK project green, Energy News, ET EnergyWorld (indiatimes.com)
51. In May as per report Shriram Finance has decided to exit the housing finance vertical and has agreed to sell its entire 85 percent stake to
the American private equity major Warburg Pincus for a consideration of Rs __________crore after 13 years of operations.
A. Rs 4,245 crore
B. Rs 4,471 crore
C. Rs 4,714 crore
D. Rs 4,450 crore
E. Rs 4,630 crore
• The largest auto-focused non-bank lender Shriram Finance has

decided to exit the housing finance vertical and has agreed to sell its
entire 85 percent stake to the American private equity major
Warburg Pincus for a consideration of Rs 4,630 crore after 13 years of
operations.
• The Shriram Group, founded by industry veterans Ramamurthy
Thyagarajan, AVS Raja and T Jayaraman in April 1974, had invested
Rs 665 crore so far into the company and is exiting with a hefty profit.
• The parent Shriram Finance, which is mainly into commercial vehicle
financing, owns 84.82 percent in the housing finance arm, while 14.94
percent stake is held by the San Francisco-based private equity player
Valiant, which will also completely exit the group and Warburg will
snap them up.
• The existing management team of SHFL is led by Ravi Subramanian who is Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer and he will
continue to lead the business.
• News Link - shriram finance share price: Shriram Finance to sell housing finance subsidiary to Warburg Pincus for Rs 4,630 crore
- The Economic Times (indiatimes.com)
52. In May as per report Google at the company’s annual developer conference, presented an early version of ____________ which is a new
multimodal AI agent that is capable of answering real-time questions fed to it through text, video, images and speech by pulling up the
relevant information.
A. Project Mohini
B. Project Gemini
C. Project Astra
D. Project IDX
E. Project Manthan
• As part of its suite of announcements during its high-profile I/O event,

Google announced a brand new personal AI Assistant that could be
the successor to the Google Assistant.
• It’s called “Project Astra” and it’s powered by Gemini AI. Project Astra
can see the world around you and answer questions about it.
• Project Astra is a new multimodal AI agent developed by Google.
• It is capable of answering real-time questions fed to it through text,
video, images and speech by pulling up the relevant information.
• It can see the world, remember where one has left a thing and even
answer if a computer code is correct by looking at it through the
phone’s camera.
• A multimodal model is a ML (machine learning) model that is capable of processing information from different modalities, including images,
videos and text.
• News Link - Google I/O 2024: All announcements listed in order of importance (indianexpress.com) AI’s ‘Her’ moment: OpenAI’s
GPT-4o and Google’s Project Astra make real-life strides | Business News - The Indian Express
53. In May as per report ____________has become the third unicorn (with valuation of $1 billion and above) in India this year after a fresh
internal round.
A. Porter
B. UNI
C. OneCard
D. Leadsquared
E. Purplle
• Homegrown logistics services platform Porter has likely become the third unicorn (with valuation of $1 billion and above) in India this
year after a fresh internal round.
• The fresh round involved key individual investors who bought stock from the employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) pool of the logistics
provider, taking its valuation at $1 billion.
• Before Porter, India saw the birth of two unicorns -- Ola's Krutrim AI and fintech firm Perfios - this year amid global slowdown.
• Founded in 2014 by Pranav Goel, Uttam Digga and Vikas Choudhary, Porter launched an on-demand marketplace for trucks, bikes and
packers & movers.
• News Link - India 'sees' its third unicorn of 2024 in logistics services platform Porter, ET Infra (indiatimes.com)
54. In May as per report _____________has been conferred with the prestigious ‘The Economic Times HR World Future Ready Organization
Award 2024-25’.
A. PFC Limited
B. NHPC Limited
C. NTPC Limited
D. SJVN Limited
E. REC Limited
• NHPC, India’s premier hydropower company, has been conferred with the prestigious ‘The Economic Times HR World Future Ready
Organization Award 2024-25’.
• The Award has been given to NHPC in recognition of its preparedness in the areas of upskilling of employees, Environmental, Social and
Governance (ESG) interventions, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) initiatives.
• The Award was received by Director (Personnel), NHPC, Shri Uttam Lal along with Executive Director (HR), Shri Lucas Guria and a team of
NHPC officers at a glittering Awards Ceremony held in Mumbai on 23rd May, 2024.
55. In May as per report ___________has announced the launch of Grandeur, an exclusive banking programme designed to address the
unique financial and lifestyle needs of India’s fast-growing Emerging Affluent segment.
A. Canara Bank
B. Bandhan BANK
C. Indian Bank
D. YES Bank
E. Axis Bank
• YES BANK has announced the launch of YES Grandeur, an exclusive banking programme designed to address the unique financial and
lifestyle needs of India’s fast-growing Emerging Affluent segment.
• YES Grandeur is aimed at catering to the evolving market dynamics where the affluent are increasingly seeking personalised services
that complement their lifestyle.
• With an eligibility threshold of Average Monthly Balance (AMB) of ₹5 Lakh or a Net Relationship Value (NRV) of ₹20 Lakh, with
additional consideration given to loan relationships, YES Grandeur is positioned to enhance the banking experience for this discerning
customer base.
• Yes Bank Limited is an Indian private sector bank founded by Rana Kapoor and Ashok Kapoor in 2005. It is a full-service commercial bank
headquartered in Mumbai. CEO: Prashant Kumar.
• News Link - YES BANK launches YES Grandeur - An exclusive banking programme for the elite and emerging affluent segments -
Money News | The Financial Express
56. In May as per report _________signed a bancassurance partnership agreement with SBI General Insurance to facilitate the distribution of
non-life insurance products.
A. Unity Small Finance Bank
B. Jana Small Finance Bank
C. Equitas Small Finance Bank
D. Utkarsh Small Finance Bank
E. AU Small Finance Bank
• Jana Small Finance Bank said it will be selling SBI General Insurance's policies through its network.
• The two entities have signed a bancassurance partnership agreement to facilitate the distribution of non-life insurance products.
• Godrej Capital also announced that it has forayed into extending loans for dairy farms by tying up with Creamline Dairy Products and
Dvara E-Dairy.
• Under this strategic partnership, SBI General Insurance will offer a diverse range of general insurance products to Jana Small Finance
Bank’s customers.
• Mr. Kishore Kumar Poludasu, MD & CEO, SBI General Insurance , Mr. Ajay Kanwal, MD & CEO, Jana Small Finance Bank.
• News Link - Jana Small Finance Bank to sell SBI General Insurance's policies, ET BFSI (indiatimes.com)
57. In May as per report ____________has been honored with the esteemed 'PSU Samarpan Award' by Gov Connect, an initiative by ilouge
Media.
A. Hindustan Shipyard Limited
B. Bharat Dynamics Limited
C. Cochin Shipyard Limited
D. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders
E. Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers
• Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) has been honored with the esteemed 'PSU Samarpan Award' by Gov Connect, an initiative by ilouge
Media.
• The award ceremony, held on 03 May 24 in Delhi, recognized the exemplary leadership of HSL's CMD in driving the transformation of the
Shipyard and inspiring countless individuals within the industry.
• The 'PSU Samarpan Award' acknowledges the significant contributions of Public Sector Undertakings to the country's progress.
• CMD, HSL, received the award in the 'Other PSU' category, alongside other CPSEs such as Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd and IRCON
International Ltd in the Navratna category.
• Braithwaite & Co Ltd, Bridge & Roof Company (India) Ltd, HSCC (India) Ltd, KIOCL Ltd, Instruments Ltd, Consultants India Ltd, and WAPCOS
won in the Miniratna category.
• News Link - HSL Receives Prestigious PSU Samarpan Award (psuconnect.in)
58. In May as per report _________has launched Flow 2.0, a next-generation payment stack designed to address comprehensive payment
needs for businesses.
A. Decentro
B. ZestMoney
C. One Card
D. Jupiter
E. Stripe
• Decentro, fintech infrastructure provider in India, has launched Flow 2.0, a next-generation payment stack designed to address
comprehensive payment needs for businesses.
• This stack promises high performance, full compliance with RBI regulations, and enhanced security.
• Decentro's recent milestone as the youngest company to receive a Payment Aggregator license in February 2024 highlights the
significance of this launch.
• The stack currently powers payments for clients like Shiprocket, Kodo, and Volopay, offering minimal downtimes, disruptions and
maximized business efficiency.
• Rohit Taneja, Co-founder and CEO of Decentro.
• News Link - Decentro launches RBI-compliant 'Flow 2.0' payment stack, BFSI News, ET BFSI (indiatimes.com)
59. In May as per report ___________has entered into a strategic partnership by signing MoU with CSC e-Governance Services India Ltd.
(CSC) for its innovative cattle insurance product, “Sampoorna Pashudhan Kawach”.
A. Agriculture Insurance Company of India Ltd.

B. New India Assurance Co. Ltd.
C. United India Insurance Company
D. National Insurance Company Limited
E. Oriental Insurance Company Ltd.
• Agriculture Insurance Company of India Ltd. (AIC) is now extending its services to the Livestock
Insurance segment as well.
• In view of widening the reach of AIC's innovative cattle insurance product, “Sampoorna
Pashudhan Kawach”, the Company has entered into a strategic partnership by signing MoU
with CSC e-Governance Services India Ltd. (CSC) which is a government owned entity facilitating
digital access to various services across rural India.
• Sampoorna Pashudhan Kawach is a comprehensive insurance Product tailored specifically for cattle farming, designed to safeguard
farmers' livestock against unforeseen risks.
• Agriculture Insurance Company of India Limited is an Indian public sector undertaking headquartered in New Delhi. It is a government-
owned agricultural insurer under ownership of the Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
• Founded: 20 December 2002, Ms. Girija Subramanian - Chairman-cum-Managing Director.
• News Link - Sampoorna Pashudhan Kawach: AIC signs MoU with CSC for nationwide distribution of retail cattle insurance, ET
Government (indiatimes.com)
60. In May as per report Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 148.5 million loan to help modernise and enhance the
reliability, quality and resilience of electricity supply in ___________.
A. Sikkim
B. Assam
C. Haryana
D. Odisha
E. Himachal Pradesh
• Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 148.5 million loan to help modernise and enhance the reliability, quality and
resilience of electricity supply in Sikkim.
• This project fully supports Sikkim's Power for All initiative, ensuring round-the-clock uninterrupted access to quality electricity for
households, industries, businesses, and the public.
• The project will modernise Sikkim's power distribution system by upgrading it with approximately 770 kilometres of climate-resilient
medium-voltage underground and/or covered conductors.
• The Asian Development Bank is a regional development bank established on 19 December 1966, which is headquartered in
Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, Philippines.
• News Link - ADB approves $148 mn loan to improve power supply in Sikkim, Energy News, ET EnergyWorld (indiatimes.com)
61. In May as per report VST Tillers Tractors Limited (VST), a farm equipment manufacturer, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
with____________to offer financial solutions to the farmers for purchasing tractors and Farm Mechanisation products.
A. Indian Bank
B. Axis Bank
C. Bandhan Bank
D. Canara Bank
E. ICICI Bank
• VST Tillers Tractors Limited (VST), a farm equipment manufacturer, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Axis Bank, to
offer financial solutions to the farmers for purchasing tractors and Farm Mechanisation products.
• As per the agreement, Axis Bank will provide financial solutions to VST’s prospective customers through its network of 5370 branches.
• As per the MOU both the companies would leverage their extensive footprint to reach out to the farmers community to ensure that they
have an easy access to credit facility for adapting farm mechanisation.
• News Link - VST ropes in Axis Bank to offer loan to farmers - The Hindu
62. Recently as per report ____________ has became the Indian information technology (IT) sector’s highest-paid chief executive officer (CEO)
for the second time in a row with an income of $20 million (about Rs 166 crore) in the financial year 2023-24 (FY24).
A. Thierry Delaporte
B. Srinivas Pallia
C. C. Vijayakumar
D. K. Krithivasan
E. Salil Parekh
• Thierry Delaporte, the former leader of Wipro, became the Indian information technology (IT) sector’s
highest-paid chief executive officer (CEO) for the second time in a row with an income of $20 million
(about Rs 166 crore) in the financial year 2023-24 (FY24).
• Delaporte resigned on April 6 and he will be relieved from the employment of the company with effect
from the close of business hours on May 31. Wipro veteran Srinivas Pallia has taken charge as CEO
and managing director (MD).
• Srinivas Pallia will receive an annual remuneration package of about Rs 50 crore, making him one of
the highest-paid CEOs in the Indian IT industry for FY25.
• Tata Consultancy Services Ltd, India’s largest IT company and thrice the size of Wipro, paid $3.1 million (25.4 cr) to CEO K. Krithivasan for
the financial year ended March 2024.
• HCL Tech CEO C. Vijayakumar and Infosys CEO Salil Parekh earned $10.6 million and $6.8 million respectively.
• News Link - Ex-Wipro boss is highest-paid Indian IT CEO for second year straight | People - Business Standard (business-
standard.com)
63. Recently as per report Google is building out the first undersea fiber optic cable named __________ that will directly connect Africa with
Australia, helping to shore up internet access in one of the least-connected parts of the world.
A. Falcon
B. Blue-Raman
C. Safe
D. Equiano
E. Umoja
• Google is advancing its global network infrastructure with the groundbreaking Umoja project, the first subsea fiber-optic cable directly
connecting Africa and Australia.
• This initiative is part of Google's strategy to enhance its cloud computing services and compete with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and
Microsoft Azure.
• Umoja's route begins in Kenya, passing through several African nations, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda,
Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, before reaching South Africa.
• South Africa hosts Google's first African data center region, operational since early 2024.
• The land portion of Umoja, completed in collaboration with Liquid Intelligent Technologies, is already finished.
• Subsea cables are vital for global internet connectivity, with hundreds traversing the oceans.
• Umoja is not Google's first African subsea cable project. The company is also involved in the Equiano cable, which connects Portugal to
Nigeria and South Africa.
• Additionally, Google announced earlier this year a cable project linking South America (Chile) with Asia-Pacific (Australia) via French
Polynesia.
• While Google has not specified a completion date for Umoja, industry estimates suggest it could be operational by 2026, roughly three
years from now.
• News Link – Google's Umoja Project: First Subsea Cable Linking Africa and Australia for Better Connectivity | Times Now
(timesnownews.com)
64. In May as per report _____________ small finance bank has been excluded from the Second Schedule to the Reserve Bank of India Act,
1934 with effect from April 01, 2024, as the bank has ceased to carry on banking business with effect from April 01, 2024.
A. Jana Small Finance Bank Limited
B. Fincare Small Finance Bank Limited
C. Unity Small Finance Bank Limited
D. AU Small Finance Bank Limited
E. Utkarsh Small Finance Bank Limited
• Reserve Bank of India informed that "Fincare Small Finance Bank Limited" has been excluded from the Second Schedule to the Reserve
Bank of India Act, 1934 with effect from April 01, 2024, as the bank has ceased to carry on banking business with effect from April 01,
2024.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the merger of Fincare Small Finance Bank Ltd with AU Small Finance Bank Ltd.
• All branches of Fincare Small Finance Bank started function as branches of AU Small Finance Bank Ltd. with effect from April 01, 2024.
• In the RBI Act, 1934, schedule banks are the banks that are listened to in the second schedule.
• Under this schedule, the banks should raise at least Rs 5 lakhs and capital.
• The banks added in the second schedule are known as scheduled banks, and these banks include scheduled cooperative banks and
scheduled commercial banks.
• Scheduled banks comprise five non-similar groups, and scheduled commercial banks are urban cooperative banks and state cooperative
banks.
• News Link - Reserve Bank of India - Notifications (rbi.org.in)
65. According to figures compiled by the World Steel Association, India is the only country among the world's top steel producing nations to
post a growth in steel production during April this year.
Which of the following is not among the top 5 world's top steel producing
nations?
A. China
B. Russia
C. United States
D. Japan
E. Thailand
• India is the only country, among the top five steel producing nations, to have
seen a growth in production in April, with the others seeing production drop
by as much as 7% during the month.
• China, which is the world’s largest producer of steel, has seen its production
in April fall more than 7% on year to 85.9 million tonne.
• Its production from January-April this year, at 343.7 million tonne, is 3%
lower as compared to 2023
• India, which is the world’s second-largest producer of steel, saw production
rise by 3.6% to 12.1 million tonne.
• The country has seen an 8.5% growth in production between Jan-Apr this year, having produced 49.5 million tonne of steel.
• Japan, United States and Russia have seen their production of steel decline by 2-6% on year during the month.
• The National Steel Policy 2017 has envisaged India having a production capacity of 300 million tonne of steel, up from around 161 million
tonne currently.
• World Steel Association, also known as World Steel, is an association of the steel industry in the world. It is a non-profit organisation set
up in 1967 as the International Iron and Steel Institute. Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium.
• News Link - India only nation among top 5 to see growth in steel production - The Economic Times (indiatimes.com)
66. In May as per report Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Limited (Mahindra Finance), has announced the receipt of a Certificate of
Registration from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).
This corporate agency license allows Mahindra Finance to act as a 'Corporate Agent (Composite)' under the __________ enabling the
company to offer customized insurance plans to its customers.
A. Insurance Act, 1999
B. Insurance Act, 1938
C. Insurance Act, 1942
D. Insurance Act, 1912
E. Insurance Act, 1956
• Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Limited (Mahindra Finance), a leading Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) under the
Mahindra Group, has announced the receipt of a Certificate of Registration from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of
India (IRDAI).
• This corporate agency license allows Mahindra Finance to act as a 'Corporate Agent (Composite)' under the Insurance Act, 1938, enabling
the company to offer customized insurance plans to its customers.
• This license significantly expands Mahindra Finance’s product portfolio by integrating insurance solutions, facilitating a one-stop solution
for customers' financial and insurance needs.
• According to the Mahindra Finance regulatory filing, the license will be valid from May 21, 2024, to May 20, 2027.
• Raul Rebello, Managing Director & CEO of Mahindra Finance.
• News Link - Mahindra Finance receives IRDAI corporate agency license, eyes rural growth, ET BFSI (indiatimes.com)
67. In May as per report Google has partnered with _________ to produce its ultra-premium Pixel smartphones for
the first time in Tamil Nadu.
A. Foxconn Technology Group
B. Qualcomm Inc.
C. Intel Corp.
D. NVIDIA Corp.
E. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
• Internet major Google will partner with Foxconn to produce its ultra-premium Pixel smartphones for the first time
in Tamil Nadu.
• According to sources, Google’s partnership with Foxconn is in addition to its plan to make Pixel smartphones at
Dixon facility.
• Google will also export smartphones from India.
• Dixon will also make Pixel smartphones under an arrangement with Compal Electronics which makes Google’s
devices.
• Additionally, its subsidiary, Wing, may commence the assembly of drones in Tamil Nadu.
• Google in 2023 announced its plans to start manufacturing Pixel 8 smartphones in India.
• Dixon aims to produce 1 lakh Pixel units monthly, intending to export 25-30% as it endeavors to expand its market
presence in India, the second-largest smartphone market globally.
• News Link - Google Pixel India: Google to make Pixel in Tamil Nadu, confirms MK Stalin; drones coming up
next? - The Economic Times (indiatimes.com)
68. In May as per report IFC has extended $500 million financing to _________ to ramp up microloans to underserved women borrowers in
India.
A. Bandhan Bank
B. HDFC Bank
C. Indian Bank
D. Canara Bank
E. ICICI Bank
• IFC has extended $500 million financing to HDFC Bank to ramp up microloans to underserved women
borrowers in India.
• Women, especially microloan borrowers in semi-urban and rural areas, will have increased access to
finance with IFC financing of up to $500 million to HDFC Bank.
• The Bank will use IFC’s financing for on-lending as microloans to Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Joint
Liability Groups (JLGs) enrolled in the Sustainable Livelihoods Initiative (SLI).
• SLI is the Bank’s business line responsible for microfinance lending programs exclusively for women borrowers.
• The International Finance Corporation is an international financial institution that offers investment, advisory, and asset-management
services to encourage private-sector development in less developed countries.
• The IFC is a member of the World Bank Group and is headquartered in Washington, D.C. in the United States.
• News Link - IFC extends $500 million financing to HDFC Bank to ramp up microloans - The Hindu BusinessLine
69. In May as per report _____________ fintech firm has received approval from a Singapore court to relocate its base to India, merging its
Singapore and Indian entities.
A. 5 Paisa
B. Pine Labs
C. Jupiter
D. Danzo
E. Razorpay
• Payments firm Pine Labs has received approval from a Singapore court to merge its India and Singapore entities, Pine Labs Limited (PLS)
and Pine Labs Private Limited (PLI).
• This move is aimed for Singapore-based Pine Labs, to move its domicile to India.
• The whole undertaking of Pine Labs Limited including all assets and liabilities shall be transferred and vested in PLI according to the
amalgamation agreement.
• Pine Labs has become the third fintech company after PhonePe and Groww which relocated its domicile to India from overseas.
• While PhonePe shifted its domicile to India in October 2022, wealth management startup Groww announced the completion of its move
on May 9.
• News Link - Pine Labs gets approval from Singapore court to relocate base to India | Company News - Business Standard
(business-standard.com) Pine Labs receives Singapore Court nod to shift base to India - The Hindu BusinessLine
70. In May as per report __________and Visakhapatnam forest tribals, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), to empower
tribal artisans from Visakhapatnam through economic opportunities, cultural preservation, and community development.
A. Amazon India
B. Google India
C. Microsoft India
D. Apple India
E. Reliance India
• Amazon India announced signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Visakhapatnam Forest Tribals to help tribal artisans
from Visakhapatnam sell authentic handcrafted products to a global audience via its e-commerce platform.
• The key focus of the tie-up is to offer visibility and enable revenue generation through the forest produce manufactured by the tribals
through listing on Amazon, thereby generating job opportunities.
• Through its Karigar programme for artisans and weavers, the company said it will train tribal members in packaging and branding of
goods to be sold online.
• Launched in 2017, the Amazon Karigar program enables small businesses and specialized micro-entrepreneurs like weavers, artisans, and
artisans to benefit from e-commerce, grow their businesses.
• News Link - Visakhapatnam forest tribals produce to be listed on Amazon India website - The Hindu BusinessLine
71. In May as per report ________sold its entire 3.20% stake in Protean eGov Technologies for Rs 150 crore through an open market
transaction.
A. ICICI Bank
B. HDFC Bank
C. Bank Of Baroda
D. Punjab National Bank
E. State Bank Of India
• Private sector lender HDFC Bank sold its entire 3.20% stake in Protean eGov Technologies for Rs 150 crore through an open market
transaction. HDFC Bank sold 12,94,326 shares, amounting to a 3.20 per cent stake in Protean eGov Technologies.
• Meanwhile, Nippon India Mutual Fund purchased 12.78 lakh shares or 3.16 per cent stake in Protean eGov Technologies for Rs 148 crore.
• In the January-March quarter (Q4FY24), Protean saw a sharp 39 percent year-on-year (YoY) decline in its net profit to Rs 19 crore
• Incorporated in December 1995, Protean eGov Tech, previously known as NSDL e-Governance Infra, is engaged in the business of
developing citizen-centric and population-scale e-governance solutions.
• News Link - HDFC Bank exits Protean eGov Tech, sells entire stake for Rs 150 crore | Company News - Business Standard
72. In May as per report ____________personal computer (PC) manufacturer has announced the rebranding of its consumer and commercial
PC portfolios in an effort to simplify and streamline its product offerings.
A. Lenovo
B. HP
C. Asus
D. Dell
E. Acer
• Global personal computer (PC) manufacturer HP has announced the rebranding of

its consumer and commercial PC portfolios in an effort to simplify and streamline its
product offerings.
• The company has also introduced a new logo for its artificial intelligence (AI) computers.
• Henceforth, HP’s consumer PCs will come with a prefix of ‘Omni’, while its commercial PCs will be named ‘Elite’, followed by signifiers
representing their respective product categories.
• HP has also unveiled a new Helix logo, which it said resembles the structure of deoxyribonucleic acid to show its commitment to
advanced AI capabilities in next-gen AI PCs. The new next-gen AI PCs announced recently carry the new logo.
• The new naming nomenclature, however, does not apply to gaming PCs that will continue to operate under the OMEN brand.
• HP Inc. is an American multinational information technology company headquartered in Palo Alto, California, that develops personal
computers, printers and related supplies, as well as 3D printing services.
• News Link - HP rebrands consumer, commercial PC portfolios, launches new AI logo | Company News - Business Standard
73. In May as per report ____________ has partnered with Bima Central, built by CAMS Insurance Repository, to launch industry-first
policyholder servicing platform, Bima Central.
A. SBI General Insurance Company Limited
B. Acko General Insurance
C. ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited
D. Tata AIG General Insurance Company Limited
E. HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company Limited
• SBI General Insurance Company Limited, one of India’s top general insurance carriers, has partnered with Bima Central, built by CAMS
Insurance Repository, to launch industry-first policyholder servicing platform, Bima Central.
• This platform enables consumers to aggregate their insurance portfolios via an electronic Insurance Account (eIA) and manage them
effortlessly through a single digital portal, BIMA Central.
• For the first time in the market, SBI General Insurance customers with an eIA through CAMS Rep Bima Central will have immediate
access to their insurance portfolio via the SBI General Insurance Mobile App.
• Kishore Poludasu, MD & CEO, SBI General Insurance.
• News Link - SBI General announces Bima Central: A Game-changing Step in Customer Experience - Elets BFSI (eletsonline.com)
74. In May as per report ___________has introduced its 'Claim Assurance Program' to accelerate the motor insurance claims process.
A. Star Health Insurance
B. Policybazaar
C. ICICI Prudential
D. HDFC ERGO
E. Max Life Insurance
• Online insurance marketplace, Policybazaar has introduced its 'Claim Assurance Program' to accelerate the motor insurance claims
process.
• The program aims to provide swift and efficient claims support across more than 1000 PIN codes, targeting both metropolitan areas and
tier 2 and 3 regions.
• The initiative is part of Policybazaar's broader strategy to enhance its claims assistance across all insurance verticals.
• News Link - Policybazaar launches 'Claim Assurance Program' to expedite motor insurance claims, ET BFSI (indiatimes.com)
75. In May as per report gas utility GAIL (India) Ltd has hired a liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier from NYSE-listed Cool Company for a
____________year period to augment its transportation capability to meet India's rising gas needs.
A. 8 year
B. 14 year
C. 10 year
D. 7 year
E. 15 year
• State-owned gas utility GAIL (India) Ltd has hired a liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier from NYSE-listed
Cool Company for a 14-year period to augment its transportation capability to meet India's rising gas
needs.
• The time charter for the LNG carrier will commence in early 2025 and GAIL will have the option to extend
it by two additional years beyond the firm 14-year period.
• GAIL presently has four LNG carriers in its fleet and the one coming from CoolCo will be the fifth.
• Last year, GAIL hired an LNG carrier from Japanese shipping company Mitsui OSK Lines. This was the
second MOL Group LNG carrier serving GAIL.
• The first vessel, named GAIL Bhuwan, was chartered in 2021. The second vessel, taken in December 2023,
was named GAIL Urja.
• GAIL Limited Headquarters: New Delhi, Sandeep Kumar Gupta; (Chairman & MD).
• News Link - GAIL hires LNG ship from CoolCo - The Economic Times (indiatimes.com)
76. In May as per report Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) exported its first-ever consignment of 100 octane
premium fuel, XP100 to __________.
A. Bhutan
B. Maldives
C. Bangladesh
D. Nepal
E. Sri Lanka
• India’s energy major, IndianOil, exported its first-ever parcel of the superior 100 octane
premium fuel, XP100 from Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), Nava Sheva, Navi Mumbai.
• Tailored for premium high-end vehicles, XP100 is set to offer superior performance for its
customers in Sri Lanka.
• This milestone of exporting XP100 to Sri Lanka symbolises IndianOil's ambition to become a
global energy player.
• India’s first 100 octane petrol XP100 is domestically developed, leveraging IndianOil’s
indigenous Octamax Technology.
• Designed for high-end vehicles, XP100 is distinguished by its exceptional anti-knock properties
is engineered to enhance engine performance, faster acceleration, smoother drivability and
improved fuel economy.
• Lanka IOC (LIOC), a subsidiary of IndianOil in Sri Lanka, is the only private oil company
managing retail outlets in the country. Established in 2003, it has grown significantly,
becoming one of the largest listed companies in Sri Lanka.
• News Link - IOCL exports premium fuel to Sri Lanka - The Hindu
77. In May as per report __________signed a contract with Bangladesh Railways on to supply 200 broad-gauge passenger carriages to the
neighbouring country.
A. Rail Vikas Nigam Limited
B. Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation
C. Ircon International
D. RailTel Corporation of India
E. RITES Limited
• State-owned RITES Limited signed a contract with Bangladesh Railways to supply 200 broad-gauge passenger carriages to the
neighbouring country.
• The export arm of Indian Railways, RITES, has won the USD 111.26 million (approximately Rs 915 crore) contract, funded by European
Investment Bank, through a global competitive bidding process.
• The contract has a supply with a commissioning period of 36 months, followed by a warranty period of 24 months.
• The contract highlights the company's commitment to foster growth through the export of indigenously developed world-class railway
rolling stock, in line with the vision of 'Make in India, for the World.
• Earlier, it had supplied 120 BG Passenger Coaches (LHB type), 36 BG locomotives and 10 Meter Gauge locomotives to Bangladesh
Railways, besides collaborating on other infrastructure projects.
• News Link - RITES signs pact with Bangladesh Railway to supply 200 passenger coaches - The Economic Times (indiatimes.com)
78. In May as per report Airbus Helicopters have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ___________for financing the
purchase of Airbus’ helicopters in India.
A. NABARD
B. RBIH
C. IFSCA
D. SEBI
E. SIDBI
• Airbus Helicopters and Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) have signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) for financing the purchase of Airbus’ helicopters in India.
• The move is expected to boost the helicopter market especially in verticals of health and tourism as Airbus
sources stated that though there is a potential in India it’s facing resource crunch.
• The MoU will allow both Airbus Helicopters and SIDBI, the government’s principal financial institution for
promoting, financing and developing the MSME sector.
• Airbus SE is a European multinational aerospace corporation. Headquarters: Leiden, Netherlands.
• Small Industries Development Bank of India is the apex regulatory body for overall licensing and regulation of micro, small and medium
enterprise finance companies in India. Founded: 2 April 1990, Headquarters: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
• News Link - SIDBI to finance purchase of Airbus copters in India - The Hindu BusinessLine
79. In May as per report ___________has became the first aggregator to be granted an aggregator licence by the Delhi Transport
Department to operate buses in the national capital under the Delhi premium Bus Scheme.
A. Ola
B. Uber
C. Rapido
D. Ather Energy
E. redBus
• Ride hailing app Uber has received an aggregator licence by the Delhi Transport Department to operate
buses in the national capital under the Delhi premium Bus Scheme.
• Delhi becomes the first state to award a licence for bus operations and Uber becomes the first aggregator to be granted a licence under
the Delhi Premium Bus scheme.
• Customers will be able to pre-book seats on their preferred route by choosing the 'Uber Shuttle' option on the Uber app.
• The formal launch of Uber Shuttle, a bus service tailored for daily commuting needs, brings to fruition a pilot programme that was
initially tested in Delhi-NCR and has been operational in Kolkata since last year under an MoU with the West Bengal government.
• Each shuttle vehicle will be able to accommodate 19-50 passengers and will be operated by local fleet partners using Uber's technology.
• News Link - In a first, Uber gets aggregator licence to operate buses in Delhi | India News - Business Standard (business-
standard.com)
80. In May as per report __________ launched a new category of personal computers ' Copilot+' with AI features as it rushes to build the
emerging technology into products across its business.
A. Dell
B. Lenovo
C. Google
D. Apple
E. Microsoft
• Microsoft debuted a new category of personal computers with AI features as it rushes to build the
emerging technology into products across its business and compete with Alphabet and Apple.
• Chief Executive Satya Nadella introduced what Microsoft calls “Copilot+” PCs, saying that it and a
range of manufacturers would sell them, including Acer and Asustek Computer.
• Microsoft also introduced a new generation of its own Surface Pro tablet and Surface Laptop that
feature Qualcomm chips based on Arm Holdings' architecture.
• It also introduced a technology called Prism that will help software written for Intel and AMD chips
run on chips made with Arm technology.
• News Link - Microsoft: Microsoft debuts 'Copilot+' PCs with AI features - The Economic
Times (indiatimes.com)
Appointment News
81. In May as per report Sanjiv Puri has assumed office as the president of the Confederation of Indian Industry for 2024-25. He is currently
Chairman and Managing Director of ____________.
A. Mahindra Logistics
B. Tata Chemicals Ltd
C. TVS Supply Chain Solutions
D. Ernst & Young
E. ITC Limited
• Sanjiv Puri, Chairman and Managing Director of ITC, has assumed office as the president of the Confederation of Indian Industry for
2024-25.
• He has succeeded R Dinesh, chairman of TVS Supply Chain Solutions.
• Puri heads ITC Ltd, a conglomerate with businesses in FMCG, hotels, paperboards & packaging, agribusiness, and IT.
• He is also the Chairman of ITC Infotech India Ltd, its subsidiaries in the UK and US, and Surya Nepal Private Ltd.
• The CII also announced the appointment of Rajiv Memani, chairman India region of EY (Ernst & Young), as president-designate for 2024-
25.
• Memani is also a member of EY's global management body as the chair of its global emerging markets committee.
• The industry body also named Tata Chemicals Ltd MD and CEO R Mukundan as its vice president for 2024-25. Mukundan is a distinguished
alumnus of IIT, Roorkee, a fellow of Indian Chemical Society and an alumnus of Harvard Business School.
• The Confederation of Indian Industry is one of the oldest business lobby groups in India. It traces its origin to the setting up of the
Engineering and Iron Trades Association in Bengal in 1895. After many changes in its name, it was renamed as Confederation of
Engineering Industry (CEI) in 1986.
• It assumed its present name, Confederation of Indian Industry, in 1992. Headquarters: New Delhi.
• News Link - ITC Chairman Sanjiv Puri takes over as CII President, replaces R Dinesh | News - Business
Standard (business-standard.com)
82. In May as per report Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted approval for Pradeep Natarajan to assume the position of Whole Time
Director at ________ for a three-year tenure in this pivotal role.
A. IDFC FIRST Bank Limited
B. Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited
C. IDBI Bank Limited
D. IndusInd Bank Limited
E. RBL Bank Limited
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted approval for Pradeep Natarajan to assume the position of Whole Time Director at IDFC FIRST
Bank Limited.
• As per the RBI's directive, Natarajan will serve as the bank's Executive Director for the three-year tenure in this pivotal role.
• IDFC FIRST Bank is an Indian private sector bank formed by the merger of the banking arm of Infrastructure Development Finance
Company and Capital First, an Indian non-bank financial institution.
• CEO: V. Vaidyanathan, Headquarters: Mumbai.
• News Link - RBI Approves Pradeep Natarajan as Whole Time Director of IDFC FIRST Bank, ET BFSI (indiatimes.com)
83. In May as per report ____________ was elected President of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) for the fourth time.
A. Kapil Sibal
B. Kavita Mittal
C. Rohit Pandey
D. Adish Aggarwala
E. Pradeep Rai
• Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal has won the election for the President post of the Supreme Court Bar
Association (SCBA).
• Kapil Sibal secured 1,066 votes and defeated his nearest rival and senior advocate Pradeep Rai.
• This is the fourth time, Kapil Sibal will serve as the president of the SCBA. Sibal had announced his
candidature for for the post of Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president on May 8.
• Adish Aggarwala (Senior Advocate) is the current president of the association, Pradeep Rai(Senior
Advocate) is the Vice-president and Rohit Pandey(Advocate) is the Honorary Secretary.
• A Harvard Law School graduate, Sibal was the additional solicitor general of India during 1989-90. He was designated as senior advocate
in 1983.
• Kapil Sibal was previously elected as the SCBA President three times, the last instance
twenty-three years ago in 2001. Before that, he was President during the 1995-96 and
1997-98 terms.
• News Link - Kapil Sibal defeats Pradeep Rai to become president of Supreme Court
Bar Association | Mint (livemint.com)
84. In May as per report William Lai Ching-te has been sworn in as president of Taiwan.
What is the capital of Taiwan?
A. Keelung
B. Taipei
C. Taichung
D. Kaohsiung
E. Chiayi
• Lai Ching-te of Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was sworn in as the self-governing island’s new President.
• A trained physician Lai succeeds Tsai Ing-wen to lead the democracy amid increasing threats from China, which claims the self-governing
island as its territory. Taiwan has had an independent government since 1949.
• Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, was also officially sworn in. She was Taiwan’s de facto ambassador to the US from 2020 to 2023 and
formerly served as a DPP lawmaker for several terms.
• Taipei is its capital,The New Taiwan dollar is the official currency.
85. In May as per report International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) has set up an expert committee under the chairmanship of
___________to position GIFT IFSC in Gujarat as a ‘Global Trading Hub’.
A. Karanveer Mehta
B. Rahul Mishra
C. Rakesh Pal
D. Anirudh Mehta
E. Rajeev Kher
• The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) has set up an expert committee to position GIFT IFSC in Gujarat as a
‘Global Trading Hub’.
• The 21-member expert committee will be chaired by Rajeev Kher, former commerce
secretary.
• The committee will propose steps to promote GIFT IFSC as a Global Commodity Trading Hub by studying how key global commodity
trading centres operate, and specially identify areas with strong synergies for the GIFT IFSC financial services industry.
• The committee will have representatives from ONGC, IOCL, NMDC, IIBX, Tata Steel, Reliance Industries, ICICI Bank, StoneX and Arvind
Ltd, among others.
• International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) is a statutory authority established by the Government of India.
• The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) has been established on April 27, 2020, under the International Financial
Services Centres Authority Act, 2019.
• It is headquartered at GIFT (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) City, Gandhinagar in Gujarat.
• The GIFT IFSC is the maiden international financial services center in India. Before the establishment of IFSCA, the domestic financial
regulators, namely, RBI, SEBI, PFRDA, and IRDAI regulated the business in IFSC.
• News Link - IFSCA sets up committee to position GIFT CITY as global commodity trading hub - The Hindu BusinessLine
86. In May as per report __________ has been appointed as a judge in the Sacramento County Superior Court in the US state of California.
A. Anupriya Sharma
B. Radha Yadav
C. Jaya Badiga
D. Kalyani Sharma
E. Neeta Mehta
• Indian-American attorney Jaya Badiga, a certified family law specialist, has been appointed as a Judge in the Sacramento County Superior
Court in the US state of California.
• Gavin Newsom, the Governor of California, made the appointment of Badiga, who has earlier served as a Commissioner at the
Sacramento County Superior Court since 2022.
• Jaya Badiga, born in Vijayawada city of Andhra Pradesh, fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Robert S. Lapham.
• Jaya Badiga, a member of the Democrat Party, also served as an Attorney at the California Department of Health Care Services in 2020
and at the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services in 2018.
• News Link - Who is Jaya Badiga? First Telugu woman to be appointed as US judge wins hearts with her swearing-in speech -
Hindustan Times
Days and Obituary News
87. Every year, World Hypertension Day is observed on ________ to raise awareness of the prevention, detection and treatment of high
blood pressure.
A. 17th May
B. 18th May
C. 14th May
D. 12th May
E. 20th May
• World Hypertension Day is observed every year on 17th May to raise awareness of the prevention, detection and treatment of high blood
pressure.
• The World Hypertension League (WHL), an umbrella organisation of 85 national hypertension societies and leagues, is responsible for
designating and initiating the day.
• The theme for this year is , "Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer!".
• The World Hypertension League sponsored the inaugural World Hypertension Day on May 14, 2005. May 17 has been recognized as
World Hypertension Day annually since 2006.
88. National Anti-Terrorism Day in India is observed annually on __________ to honour the memory of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi,
who was assassinated by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 1991.
A. 17th May
B. 18th May
C. 20th May
D. 19th May
E. 21st May
• National Anti-Terrorism Day is observed annually on May 21st in remembrance of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's assassination on May
21st, 1991.
• Rajiv Gandhi was killed by a suicide bomber from the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) in Sriperumbudur, near Chennai.
• Rajiv Gandhi assumed office as Prime Minister after the assassination of his mother, Indira Gandhi, on October 31, 1984.
• National Anti-Terrorism Day is observed to raise awareness about the serious consequences of terrorism and the importance of
maintaining peace, unity, and security.
• Anti-Terrorism Day in India was established by the VP Singh government in memory of Rajiv Gandhi.
89. International Day for Biological Diversity is observed every year on __________ for the promotion of biodiversity issues.
A. 22nd May
B. 21st May
C. 20th May
D. 17th May
E. 18th May
• International Day for Biological Diversity is observed every year on 22 May for the promotion of biodiversity issues.
• It is a United Nations-approved international day to create awareness regarding biodiversity issues.

• The theme of International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) 2024 is ‘Be part of the Plan’.The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity
Framework is also referred to as the Biodiversity Plan.
90. Every year on __________ International Tea Day is celebrated to enhance public awareness of tea's cultural and economic importance
around the world.
A. 18th May
B. 21st May
C. 19th May
D. 15th May
E. 17th May
• Every year on May 21, International Tea Day is celebrated to enhance public awareness of tea's cultural and economic importance
around the world.
• In 2005, the first International Tea Day was celebrated in New Delhi. In 2019, the United Nations recognized it for the first time.
• This year's International Tea Day specifically honours the role women play throughout the tea production chain, "from crop to cup."
• China reigns supreme as the largest tea producer globally, boasting a rich tea culture and a reputation for producing top-quality tea
leaves.
91. World Telecommunication and Information Society Day is observed on _________ to raise awareness of the possibilities that the use of
the Internet and other information and communication technologies (ICTs) can bring to societies and economies.
A. 16th May
B. 17th May
C. 19th May
D. 18th May
E. 14th May
• World Telecommunication and Information Society Day is observed on 17th May to raise awareness of the possibilities that the use of
the Internet and other information and communication technologies (ICTs) can bring to societies and economies.
• India has 99 per cent coverage footprint in 4G with over 6 lakh villages covered in 4G and around 4.42 lakh 5G base station transceivers.
• In March 2006, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution stipulating that World Information Society Day shall be celebrated every
year on 17 May.
• In November 2006, the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in Antalya, Turkey, decided to celebrate both events on 17 May as World
Telecommunication and Information Society Day.
• The theme of World Telecom Day 2024 seems to offer a guiding light for India's roadmap ahead — “Digital Innovation for Sustainable
Development”.
• News Link - News on AIR World Telecommunication Day 2024: Know the date, origin, theme, significance and more
| When Is News - The Indian Express
92. In May as per report legendary Indian banker and ex-ICICI Bank Chairman Narayanan Vaghul passed away.
In 2023, Narayanan Vaghul had released his memoir, called ‘Reflections’ which carried a vivid account of his experiences spanning several
decades in India’s financial sector.
He was the recipient of the Padma Bhushan award in __________.
A. 2017
B. 2010
C. 2021
D. 2023
E. 2024
• Legendary Indian banker Narayanan Vaghul, the recipient of the Padma Bhushan award in 2010, has
passed away.
• Narayanan Vaghul was the youngest head of a bank when he took over as chairman of Bank of India at
the age of 44 in the year 1981.
• Between 1981 and 1985 he headed the development bank ICICI Ltd. as its Chairman & CEO. It was under
him that ICICI Ltd transformed from a development bank to India’s second largest private sector
commercial bank.
• Narayanan Vaghul, 88, started his career in State Bank of India.
• In 2023, Narayanan Vaghul had released his memoir, called ‘Reflections’ which carried a vivid account
of his experiences spanning several decades in India’s financial sector.
• Mr Vaghul is credited with laying the foundation of a new era in Indian banking through the creation of
Universal Banking model to cater to the needs of varied segments of customers.
• It was he who introduced the concept of credit rating in India and established CRISIL in 1987.
• News Link - Renowned banker and ex-ICICI Bank Chairman Narayanan Vaghul passes away -
Banking & Finance News | The Financial Express Narayanan Vaghul, legendary banker and
former ICICI Bank chairman, passes away at 88 - The Hindu
93. International Day for Women in Maritime is observed on __________ every year to highlight women's
participation in the industry and emphasize the efforts to include more women.
A. 15th May
B. 18th May
C. 16th May
D. 19th May
E. 20th May
• The IMO International Day for Women in Maritime is observed on 18 May every year.
• The purpose of this day is to highlight women's participation in the industry and emphasize the efforts
to include more women.
• This year’s theme, Safe Horizons: Women in Shaping the Future of Maritime Safety,” emphasizes the
significant impact women have on maritime safety.
• For the first time, IMO is also presenting its Gender Equality Award, recognising individuals who have
made significant contributions to promoting gender equality and empowering women in the maritime
sector.
• The first-ever IMO Gender Equality Award will be handed to Ms. Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou of
Cyprus, former President of the Women's International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA
International).
• Currently, only 29% of the overall maritime workforce and 20% of the workforce of national maritime authorities are women. Women
make up less than 2% of seafarers worldwide.
• News Link - Press Information Bureau (pib.gov.in) International Day for Women in Maritime - regjeringen.no 2024 International
Day for Women in Maritime: Shaping the future of maritime safety (imo.org)
94. Every year on_________ World AIDS Vaccine Day is observed all over the world to create awareness about AIDS and the need for its
vaccine.
A. 12th May
B. 17th May
C. 16th May
D. 18th May
E. 20th May
• Every year on May 18, World AIDS Vaccine Day is observed all over the world to create awareness about AIDS and the need for its
vaccine.
• On 18 May 1998, World AIDS Vaccine Day was for the first time celebrated.
• There is currently no vaccine available to prevent HIV. World AIDS Vaccine Day is also known as HIV Vaccine Awareness Day.
• While the theme for World AIDS Vaccine Day 2024 has not yet been announced, the overarching focus remains on innovative research,
accelerated vaccine development, and protective measures to realize the goal of an AIDS-free world.
95. Every year, National Endangered Species Day is observed on the third Friday of May. This year, the day observed on 17 May to spread
awareness regarding the conservation of endangered species.
The theme of National Endangered Species Day 2024 is __________.
A. Celebrate Saving Species
B. Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Endangered Species Act
C. Wildlife Without Borders
D. Recovering key species for ecosystem restoration
E. Life below water for people and planet
• Every year, National Endangered Species Day is observed on the third Friday of May. This year, the day observed on 17 May.
• It is celebrated to spread awareness regarding the conservation of endangered species.
• The theme of National Endangered Species Day 2024 is “Celebrate Saving Species.”
• In 2006, the Endangered Species Coalition and David Robinson co-founded National Endangered Species Day to inspire people around the
world to learn more about endangered animals and their conservation.
• This day also helps in reviewing the status of animals under threat of extinction and the impact of climate change on their ecosystem.
• An Endangered species is an organism that is under the threat of extinction.
• News Link - National Endangered Species Day 2024: Know the date, origin, significance and more | When Is News - The Indian
Express
96. World Bee Day is celebrated every year on __________to raise public awareness about the role of bees in biodiversity preservation.
A. 17th May
B. 19th May
C. 21st May
D. 20th May
E. 16th May
• World Bee Day is celebrated every year on 20 May to raise public awareness about the role of bees in biodiversity preservation.
• To commemorate the birth anniversary of beekeeping pioneer Anton Jansa, the United Nations declared May 20 as World Bee Day.
• Anton Jansa in the 18th century pioneered modern beekeeping techniques in Slovenia.
• World Bee Day 2024 is focused on the theme "Bee engaged with Youth."
• News Link - Bee engaged with youth - Get involved (fao.org)
97. International Museum Day is observed annually on ___________to enhance public awareness of museums and highlight their important
role.
A. 16th May
B. 18th May
C. 17th May
D. 20th May
E. 15th May
• International Museum Day is observed annually on 18th May to enhance public awareness of museums and highlight their important
role.
• The theme for this year, "Museums for Education and Research," emphasises the crucial role of cultural institutions in delivering a
comprehensive educational experience.
• The inaugural International Museum Day was organised in 1977 by International Council of Museums.
• Each year since 2020, the International Museum Day supports a set of Goals from the Sustainable Development Goals of the United
Nations.
• In 2024, it will focus on Goal 4: Quality Education and Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
• In a groundbreaking move, the International Council of Museums (ICOM) has launched a new Interactive Map for International Museum
Day (IMD) 2024.
• News Link - International Museum Day - International Council of Museums -International Council of Museums (icom.museum)
98. In May as per report which country president Ebrahim Raisi, country's foreign minister and several other officials were found dead hours
after their helicopter crashed in the country's northwest?
A. Iraq
B. Israel
C. Iran
D. Saudi Arabia
E. UAE
• Iran's president Ebrahim Raisi, country's foreign minister and several other officials were found dead hours after their
helicopter crashed in the country's northwest
• Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber would take over as
interim president.
• Iran’s President works under the authority of the Supreme Leader but is still a powerful figure in Iran's political
system.
• According to Iran’s Constitution, the First Vice President takes over in case the President dies or is incapacitated.
• This is Mohammad Mokhber, who was appointed by President Raisi to the post in August 2021.
• He will serve as President until an election to the post of President can be held, which must happen within the next 50 days.
• At 63 years old, Raisi assumed the presidency in 2021. During his tenure, he has implemented stricter moral regulations, directed a violent
suppression of dissenting demonstrations, and vigorously pursued negotiations concerning nuclear matters with global powers.
• In August 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with President Raisi in Johannesburg on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit.
• As a result, both the countries signed a long-term contract on Chabahar Port in May 2024.
• News Link - Raisi death: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian dead in helicopter crash - The
Economic Times (indiatimes.com)
99. World Turtle Day is an annual observance held every on ___________ to raise awareness about the lifestyle and habitat of turtles as well
as tortoises and urge people to understand them better and contribute to their wellbeing.
A. 23rd May
B. 17th May
C. 19th May
D. 20th May
E. 18th May
• Every year, World Turtle Day is observed on May 23 all over the world to raise awareness about the unique lifestyle and habitats of turtles
and tortoises.
• American Tortoise Rescue is an organisation that helps in wellbeing and rescue of tortoises and turtles.
Sports Award Books News
100. In May as per report Iconic India captain Sunil Chhetri has announced that he will retire from international football after the FIFA World
Cup 26™ qualifying match against Kuwait on 6 June.
In the 19 years since, Chhetri earned 150 caps for his country and scored 94 goals, which puts him fourth in the all-time top international
goal scorer’s list behind the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Ali Daei and Lionel Messi - all legendary names in football.
He is the first football player to win India's top sporting honour, the Khel Ratna Award, in _________.
A. 2020
B. 2019
C. 2021
D. 2018
E. 2023
• On June 6, Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri will retire from

international football after the FIFA World Cup qualification match
against Kuwait.
• In a career spanning two decades, Chhetri has been a key figure in
Indian football, playing 145 matches for the national team and
scoring an impressive 94 goals.
• It puts him fourth in the all-time top international goal scorer’s list behind the likes of Cristiano
Ronaldo, Ali Daei and Lionel Messi - all legendary names in football.
• He has been instrumental in India's victories in the SAFF Championship (2011, 2015, 2021) and
Nehru Cup (2007, 2009, 2012).
• Most notably, he helped India win the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup, which allowed them to qualify for their first AFC Asian Cup in 27 years.
• In 2002, Chhetri started his professional career at Mohun Bagan.
• With the most caps and the highest total goals scored in the Indian national team in history, he is the third-best goalscorer in
international competition among active players, behind only Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
• During his two-decade-long international career, Chhetri has won the AIFF Player of the Year award seven times, with the latest coming
in 2021-22. He is also the most-capped football player of all time for the Indian national team.
• Sunil Chhetri played his first international match against Pakistan in 2005 and scored his maiden international goal on his senior debut.
• Chhetri was honoured with the Padma Shri award in 2019, India's fourth-highest civilian honour, and the Arjuna Award in 2011 for his
exceptional athletic achievement.
• He also became the first football player to win India's top sporting honour, the Khel Ratna Award, in 2021.
• News Link - News on AIR Sunil Chhetri to retire, will play last match for India against Kuwait in June (olympics.com)
101. In May as per report ______________was declared the host of the 2027 Women's World Cup at the FIFA Congress, beating the joint bid
of Belgium, Netherlands and Germany to become the first South American country to hold the tournament.
A. Brazil
B. Netherlands
C. Germany
D. Belgium
E. Colombia
• Brazil was declared the host of the 2027 Women’s World Cup at the FIFA Congress, beating the joint bid of
Belgium, Netherlands and Germany to become the first South American country to hold the tournament.
• Brazil won with 119 votes versus 78 for the joint European entry, boosted by a technical evaluation from
world governing body FIFA that gave a high score for its commercial plan and stadiums purpose-built for
the 2014 Men’s World Cup.
• The 74th FIFA congress, making its debut in Premier League-mad Thailand, made its choice by open vote
for the first time as the organisation seeks to move on from the corruption and shady dealing that dogged
it in the past.
• Brazil hosted the men’s football World Cups in 1950 and 2014; now it’s time for women. This will be the first Women's World Cup to be
held in South America.
• The FIFA Women's World Cup has seen five nations crowned champions, with the 2023 title going to Spain.
• FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
• News Link - ddnews.gov.in/en/brazil-declared-host-of-2027-womens-world-cup-at-fifa-congress/#:~:text=Brazil declared host
of 2027 Women%27s World Cup at FIFA Congress,-BANGKOK%2C THAILAND - MAY&text=Brazil was declared the host,country
to hold the tournament.
102. In May as per report Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty defeated the the Chinese pair of Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi in the final of the
Thailand Open 2024.
Thailand Open is BWF _________ super series.
A. BWF Super 100
B. BWF Super 250
C. BWF Super 1000
D. BWF Super 750
E. BWF Super 500
• Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty defeated the the Chinese pair of Chen Bo Yang
and Liu Yi 21-15, 21-15 in the final of the Thailand Open.
• This was the second title of the 2024 badminton season for Chirag and Satwik and the
second Thailand Open title.
• Chirag and Satwik lost the Malaysia Open and India Open finals earlier this year before
winning the French Open in March.
• The Indian pair’s first Super 500 title on the BWF World Tour came at the Thailand Open in
2019.
• The 2024 Thailand Open final marked the Indian duo's fifth appearance in a BWF Super 500
summit clash and they emerged victorious in all of them.
• With 9200 ranking points from the tournament, the Indian badminton players are expected to
regain the world No. 1 rank next week.
• The next assignment for top-tier Indian badminton players will be the Malaysia Masters BWF Super 500.
• News Link - Thailand Open 2024 Final Highlights: Satwik-Chirag win second title of 2024, set to return to world No 1 | Badminton
News - The Indian Express Thailand Open 2024 badminton: Chirag-Satwik win second title of the year (olympics.com)
103. In May as per report World Aquatics unveiled the world’s highest competition pool at a record altitude of _________ in the country of
Bhutan.
A. 8800 feet
B. 8200 feet
C. 8600 feet
D. 8700 feet
E. 8900 feet
• World Aquatics unveiled a new pool at a record altitude of 8,200 feet (2,400 meters) in the country of Bhutan.
• The pool was funded through the Pools for All Program development initiative launched in 2019. This one happens to be the highest
swimming pool of its kind in the world.
• It aims to guarantee that every National Member Federation of World Aquatics gets access to aquatics facilities to promote aquatic
sports.
• World Aquatics, formerly known as FINA, is the international federation recognised by the International Olympic Committee for
administering international competitions in water sports.
• Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland, President: Husain Al-Musallam.
• News Link - World Aquatics Opens Pool at Record Altitude in Bhutan (swimmingworldmagazine.com)\
104. In May as per report Iga Swiatek defeated Aryna Sabalenka, winning the Italian Open final to earn her _________Italian Open trophy on
Rome's red clay.
A. 3rd
B. 4th
C. 5th
D. 1st
E. 6th
• Iga Swiatek defeated Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka in the final by 6-2, 6-3 to
win her third Italian Open title.
• After Serena Williams, Swiatek became the first woman to win the Madrid
and Rome titles back to back. It is the 21st title of Iga Swiatek’s career.
• Alexander Zverev of Germany won the Men’s title after defeating Chile’s Nicolas Jarry by 6-4, 7-5.
• Marcel Granollers and Horacio Zeballos clinched Men’s doubles while Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini
won the Women’s doubles title.
• Italian Open also known as the Rome Masters is a professional tennis tournament.
• News Link - Italian Open: Iga Swiatek wins third title after beating Sabalenka in the final -
Sportstar (thehindu.com)
105. In May as per report Deepthi Jeevanji won a gold medal in world record time of ___________ seconds in the
women's 400m T20 category race at the World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe, Japan.
A. 52.07 seconds
B. 51.07 seconds
C. 54.07 seconds
D. 56.07 seconds
E. 55.07 seconds
• On May 20, para-athlete Deepthi Jeevanji of India created a world record of 55.07 seconds in the category of women’s 400m T20 at the
ongoing Para Athletics World Championship 2024 in Kobe, Japan.
• Jeevanji won the gold medal in the women's 400-meter T20 category with a timing of 55.06 seconds.
• She broke American Breanna Clark's previously held world record of 55.12 seconds, set during last year's edition of the championships
in Paris.
• In the World Para Athletics Championships, with 55.19 seconds, Aysel Onder of Turkey was second and with 56.68 seconds, Lizanshela
Angulo of Ecuador was third with 56.68 seconds.
• During her qualifying round, Jeevani booked her place in the final of the women's 400m T20 heats by setting a new Asian record with a
timing of 56.18 seconds.
• At the Asian Para Games 2023, Jeevanji had performed brilliantly by winning the gold medal in the women's 400m T20 event.
106. In May as per report ___________ became the first lifter from the country to win a title with a clean and jerk world record and led an
unprecedented Indian 1-2 finish in the women's 40kg in the World youth championships in Lima (Peru).
A. Swati Singh
B. Santoshi Matsa
C. Kavita Devi
D. Preetismita Bhoi
E. Punam Yadan
• Fifteen-year-old Preetismita Bhoi became the first lifter from the country to win a title
with a clean and jerk world record and led an unprecedented Indian 1-2 finish in the
women’s 40kg in the World youth championships in Lima (Peru).
• Preetismita, hailing from the high performance sub-centre in Dhenkanal (Odisha), lifted
57kg in snatch and 76kg in clean and jerk, which was 1kg better than the previous world
record of 75kg set five years ago, to win the women’s 40kg crown with a total of 133kg.
• She claimed three gold medals for her snatch, clean and jerk and total performances.
• Another Odisha girl Jyoshna Sabar claimed silver with an aggregate of 125kg (56kg, 69kg).
• Indian lifters collected three gold, three silver and five bronze medals, including their
performances in snatch and clean and jerk.
• News Link - Preetismita wins World youth weightlifting title with world record - The Hindu
107. In May as per report _____________won the International Booker Prize for fiction for “Kairos,” the story of a tangled love affair during the
final years of East Germany’s existence.
A. David Diop
B. Jenny Erpenbeck
C. Daisy Rockwell
D. Angela Rodel
E. Georgi Gospodinov
• German author Jenny Erpenbeck and translator Michael Hofmann won the International Booker
Prize for fiction for “Kairos,” the story of a tangled love affair during the final years of East
Germany’s existence.
• International Booker Prize is awarded annually for the finest single work of fiction from around the
world which has been translated into English.
• This prize began life in 2005 as the Man Booker International Prize.
• It was initially a biennial prize for a body of work and there was no stipulation that the work should be written in a language other than
English.
• The prize celebrates the vital work of translators, with the £50,000 prize money divided equally between the author and the translator.
• In addition, the shortlisted authors and translators each receive £2,500.
• Last year’s winner was another novel about communism and its legacy in Europe, ‘Time Shelter’ by Bulgarian writer Georgi Gospodinov
and translated by Angela Rodel.
• Ms. Erpenbeck is the first German winner of the International Booker Prize, and Mr. Hofmann is the first male translator to win since the
prize launched in its current form in 2016.
• The book has also been depicted in “The Lives of Others,” the Academy Award-winning 2006 film about pervasive state surveillance in the
1980s.
• News Link - Jenny Erpenbeck’s ‘Kairos’ wins the International Booker Prize 2024 - The Hindu
108. In May as per report __________ has been awarded the prestigious Dean’s medal by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
A. Adar Poonawala
B. Krishna Ella
C. Ratan Tata
D. Soumya Swaminathan
E. Rajiv Mishra
• Krishna Ella, Co-founder and Executive Chairman of Bharat Biotech, has been awarded the prestigious Dean’s medal by the Johns Hopkins
Bloomberg School of Public Health.
• The award was presented to Ella by Dean Ellen J. MacKenzie during Bloomberg School’s Convocation Ceremony on May 22, 2024, in
Baltimore, Maryland for his exceptional leadership, enduring vision and contribution to improving public health.
• The medal is the School’s highest honour, reserved for outstanding public health researchers and practitioners who demonstrate
exceptional leadership in safeguarding and improving public health.
• Under Ella’s guidance, Bharat Biotech manufactured the first indigenous rotavirus vaccine (Rotavac), the first WHO-prequalified Typhoid
conjugate vaccine (Tybar TCV®) and the Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine, JENVAC.
• During the Covid-19 pandemic, Bharat Biotech developed Covaxin, India’s first Indigenous Covid-19 vaccine, in a record time, conducting
the largest-ever human clinical trials and peer-reviewed by world-leading medical journals.
• News Link - Krishna Ella awarded Dean’s Medal by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health - The Hindu BusinessLine
109. Who is the director of the film ‘Manthan’ (The Churning), which was screened at
the 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival?
A. Mani Ratnam
B. Anurag Kashyap
C. Rajkumar Hirani
D. Shyam Benegal
E. Srisaila Sri Rajamouli
• The screening of the restored 4K version of the 1976 Smita Patil starrer Shyam
Benegal classic ‘Manthan’ at Salle Bunuel in 77th edition of the Cannes Film
Festival marked a milestone for the film.
• It is based on the pioneering milk cooperative movement of Dr Varghese Kurien,
but also propped up the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF),
which markets its products under the Amul brand, on the international platform
that it is looking to tap as part of White Revolution 2.0.
• The film is based on Gujarat’s milk cooperative movement helmed by the Gujarat
Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), that made Amul not just
a brand nationally but also gave it international recognition.
• Within India, Amul has received a mandate to expand the dairy cooperative model to 2 lakh additional villages, where Manthan will play
a key role.
• The film was restored under the aegis of Film Heritage Foundation (FHF) at Prasad Corporation’s post-studios and the Bologna-based
L’Immagine Ritrovata laboratory in association with Benegal and cinematographer Govind Nihalani.
• News Link - Manthan at Cannes – Amul model is India’s gift to the world: GCMMF MD Jayen Mehta | Ahmedabad News - The
Indian Express
• The 77th annual Cannes Film Festival is a film festival taking place from 14 to 25 May 2024.
• Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Shri Sanjay Jaju hosted first ever Bharat Parva, an evening to celebrate the rich culture, cuisine
and handicrafts of India along with Indian cinema at the French Riviera at ongoing Cannes Film Festival.
• The event organised by NFDC in association with FICCI under the aegis of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of
India, was a resounding success, with Cannes .
• Posters for the 55th edition of IFFI and the save the date poster of the inaugural edition of World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit
(WAVES) the Global Entertainment and Media Summit, planned on the sidelines of the 55th IFFI at Goa.
• News Link - pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2020880
110. In May as per report Cristiano Ronaldo has once again clinched the top spot on the Forbes list of the world's highest-paid athletes,
marking the ___________ occasion in his illustrious career that he has achieved this feat.
A. 3rd
B. 4th
C. 5th
D. 6th
E. 7th
• Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the highest-paid athlete for the fourth time. Cristiano Ronaldo topped Forbes' list of highest-paid
athletes for the fourth time.
• He became the world's highest-paid athlete after he joined Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr.
• As per the Forbes list, Ronaldo earned $260 million over the last 12 months including $200 million from his club contract with Al-Nassr
and $60 million in off-field earnings.
• Spanish golfer Jon Rahm secured second position in the Forbes' list of highest-paid athletes. Lionel Messi, Ronaldo's perennial rival, has
been nudged down to third place.
• For the first time, the top 10 highest-paid athletes have each earned more than $100 million.
• The NBA has the most players on the list of any sport at 19, while the NFL has 11 and global soccer comes in third with eight.
• The United States remains the most represented country in this year’s top 50, making up over half the athletes. The only other countries
with multiple listees are the United Kingdom (4) and France (2).
• The number of female athletes on this year’s list is zero. Serena Williams was the only woman represented on last year’s list, her sixth
appearance, but is now retired and no longer eligible.
• News Link - A Record $3.9 Billion Haul For The World’s 50 Highest-Paid Athletes (forbes.com) The World’s 10 Highest-Paid
Athletes 2024 (forbes.com)
111. Recently as per report by Asian Football Confederation, __________will organise the 2026 edition of the Women’s Asian Cup, while
______________have been confirmed as the hosts of the 2029 editions of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
A. Spain and France
B. India and Bangladesh
C. Australia and Sri Lanka
D. Australia and Uzbekistan
E. Nepal and Bangladesh
• Australia and Uzbekistan have been confirmed as the hosts of the 2026 and 2029 editions of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ respectively
after the AFC Executive Committee ratified the AFC Women’s Football Committee’s recommendations at its third meeting held in
Bangkok, Thailand, on the eve of the 34th AFC Congress.
• Uzbekistan will become the first Central Asian nation to organise the tournament.
• Having just co-hosted the FIFA Women's World Cup last year, Australia will host the continent's premier women's national team
competition for the second time in history, having staged the 2006 edition.
• News Link - Australia and Uzbekistan confirmed as 2026 and 2029 AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ hosts (the-afc.com)
112. In May as per report ____________ won the inaugural Casablanca Chess tournament designed to honor the history of chess.
A. D Guekesh
B. Fabiano Caruana
C. Vishanathan Anand
D. Hikaru Nakamura
E. Magnus Carlsen
• Magnus Carlsen won the inaugural Casablance Chess that took place over the weekend of May
18-19, 2024. World No. 1, Carlsen, finished the four-player event with 4.5 points from six rounds.
• Hikaru Nakamura of the United States finished runner-up with 3.5 points at the Casablanca
Chess. Five-time world champion, Vishanathan Anand scored three points to finish third. Bassem
Amin of Egypt finished last with one point.
• The Casablance Chess Tournament is the first-of-its-kind in which the players were required to
make moves from certain positions onwards from well-known games from the past.
• The historical games were chosen by Grandmasters Hicham Hamdouchi and Laurent Fressinet.
• News Link - Magnus Carlsen wins the first Casablanca Chess Variant Tournament Casablanca Chess winner is Magnus Carlsen
(sportsavour.com)
Science Technology Defence And Environment
113. Consider the following statement regarding National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) latest mission, the Polar Radiant
Energy in the Far-Infrared Experiment (PREFIRE). Which of the following statement is incorrect regarding the mission?
1. This mission involves deploying twin shoebox-size climate satellites aimed at studying the Indian and Pacific regions.
2. The first cubesat, named "Ready, Aim, PREFIRE," is scheduled for launch on May 22, while the second, "PREFIRE and ICE," will follow a
few days later.
3. The CubeSats will be placed in asynchronous, near-polar orbits, allowing them to crisscross over the Arctic and Antarctica, measuring
thermal infrared radiation.
4. The PREFIRE mission is a collaborative effort between Nasa and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
5. All of the above are correct
• The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) is gearing up to launch its latest mission, the Polar Radiant Energy in the Far-
Infrared Experiment (PREFIRE).
• This mission involves deploying twin shoebox-size climate satellites aimed at studying the Arctic and Antarctic regions.
• The first cubesat, named "Ready, Aim, PREFIRE," is scheduled for launch on May 22, while the second, "PREFIRE and ICE," will follow a
few days later.
• The primary goal of the PREFIRE mission is to investigate the amount of heat radiated from Earth's polar regions into space and its
impact on the global climate.
• In these cold regions, 60 per cent of the heat emissions occur at far-infrared wavelengths (longer than 15 micrometres).
• Currently, researchers have limited data on the specific areas in the Arctic and Antarctic where this heat is being released.
• PREFIRE aims to fill this knowledge gap by providing detailed information on how efficiently far-infrared heat is emitted by snow, sea
ice, and the influence of clouds on this radiation.
• The CubeSats will be placed in asynchronous, near-polar orbits, allowing them to crisscross over the Arctic and Antarctica, measuring
thermal infrared radiation.
• PREFIRE data will be publicly accessible through Nasa’s Atmospheric Science Data Center, allowing researchers and the public to benefit
from the mission's findings.
• The PREFIRE mission is a collaborative effort between Nasa and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Nasa's Jet Propulsion Laboratory
manages the mission and provides the spectrometers, while Blue Canyon Technologies built the CubeSats.
• News Link - Nasa prepares to launch PREFIRE mission to study earth's polar region | World News - Business Standard (business-
standard.com)
114. Who was the chief guest at the 250th Foundation Day of Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), who released a commemorative Rs
250 coin to mark its anniversary of the foundation?
A. Giridhar Aramane
B. Rajnath Singh
C. Amit Shah
D. Narendra Modi
E. Droupadi Murmu
• Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd celebrated its 250th Foundation Day on 14th May.
• A series of events were organised in Mumbai to celebrate the 250th Foundation Day of Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd.
• The defence secretary was the chief guest of the function, which was organised by the MDL in New Delhi on 14 May 2024 to mark the
250th anniversary of the MDL.
• Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane released a commemorative Rs 250 coin on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the foundation
of Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL).
• The coin has been issued by the RBI. Commemorative coins are issued by the government of India to mark some special events.
• The MDL has successfully completed the platform design and hull of the midget submarine named ‘Arowana’ which was launched by Shri
Giridhar Aramane. The shipyard has been building submarines since 1984 with foreign design.
• The team is parallelly working on the development of design of full-scale conventional submarine by 2028.
• The Defence Secretary also commissioned the Solar Electric Hybrid boat with top speed of 11 Knots designed and co-developed with
indigenous technology partner. The running cost is almost 1/10th of a diesel boat, and has a very low maintenance cost.
• A 24-passenger Fuel Cell Electric Ferry named ‘SUCHI’, conceptualised by MDL and co-developed with indigenous technology partner was
also commissioned. Its advanced technology has zero emissions, low acoustic signatures, leading to cleaner waterways and contributing
to environmental conservation.
• Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited was started with a small dry dock in the year 1774 and was incorporated in 1934. It has been under
the Government of India since 1960.
• News Link - https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2020568
115. In May as per report astronomers detected rocky planets beyond our solar system known as Janssen or 55 Cancri e Planet and is a super-
Earth located in our Milky Way galaxy about _________ light-years from Earth, in the constellation Cancer.
A. 46 light-years
B. 41 light-years
A. 48 light-years
B. 36 light-years
C. 51 light-years
• Recently, astronomers detected rocky planets beyond our solar system with an atmosphere.
• 55 Cancri e is classified as a super-Earth, meaning it is larger than Earth but smaller than
Neptune.
• It is an exoplanet also known as Janssen and is a super-Earth. It is located in our Milky Way
galaxy about 41 light-years from Earth, in the constellation Cancer.
• It orbits its star at one-25th the distance between our solar system's innermost planet
Mercury and the sun. As a result, its surface temperature is about 3,140 degrees Fahrenheit.
• It completes a full orbit every 18 hours or so.55 Cancri e has a mass about 8.8 times that of
Earth and a diameter approximately twice the size of our planet.
• News Link - Astronomers finally detect a rocky planet with an atmosphere - The Hindu
• 55 Cancri e was discovered in 2004. At the time scientist thought that it was a gas giant,
similar to Jupiter or Saturn.
• But in 2011, researchers found that it is a lot smaller and denser than a gas giant, meaning
it is a rocky exoplanet, much like the Earth.
• The JSWT data indicate that 55 Cancri e atmosphere is probably rich in carbon dioxide or
carbon monoxide and has a thickness that is “up to a few per cent’ of the planet’s radius.
• NASA’s James Webb Telescope: The telescope has been in the works for years. NASA led its development with the European Space
Agency (ESA) and the Canadian Space Agency. It was launched aboard a rocket on December 25, 2021.
• One light-year is equal to 9.5 trillion km.
• News Link - Astronomers finally detect a rocky planet with an atmosphere - The Hindu
116. In May as per report Indian Army has created a record of sorts by setting up two of world's highest tank repair facilities at altitudes of
over __________ near the China border in Nyoma and the DBO Sector to support its operations there.
A. 16,500 feet
B. 15,500 feet
C. 17,500 feet
D. 13,500 feet
E. 14,500 feet
• Indian Army sets up one of the world's highest tank repair facilities at an altitude of 14,500 feet.
• Indian Army has established two armoured vehicle maintenance and repair facilities near the China border in Nyoma.
• These facilities will keep the combat fleet operationally ready, even in rugged terrain and challenging weather.
• It has around 500 tanks and infantry combat vehicles in Eastern Ladakh.
• After the stand-off between India and China started in April-May 2020, a large number of tanks and BMP combat vehicles have been
deployed in Eastern Ladakh.
• Indian Army is creating infrastructure for its tanks, including the T-90 and T-72, the BMPs, and the K-9Vajra self-propelled Howitzers, in
high-altitude areas, where temperatures are extremely low.
• News Link - tank repair facilities: Indian Army sets up one of world's highest tank repair facilities near China border - The
117. In May as per report Gopi Thotakura made history as the first Indian space tourist and the second Indian to go to space by joining the
crew of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin's NS-25 mission.
Blue Origin's NS-25 mission also carried America's first Black astronaut candidate named _____________along with five other
passengers.
A. Mason Angel
B. Carroll Scholar
C. Ed Dwight
D. Kenneth L. Hayes
E. Sylvain Chiron
• Indian expatriate Gopi

Thotakura made history as
the first Indian space
tourist and the second
Indian to go to space by
joining the crew of
Amazon founder Jeff
Bezos' Blue Origin's NS-25
mission.
• On 19 May, Blue Origin successfully completed its seventh manned space flight and the 25th for the New Shepard program.
• Gopi Thotakura was one of six members of the crew, including Mason Angel, Sylvain Chiron, Kenneth L. Hayes, Carroll Scholar and former
Air Force Captain Ed Dwight.
• Each astronaut left for space with a postcard from Blue Origin's foundation, Club for the Future.
• The club's mission is to inspire future generations to pursue careers in STEAM for the benefit of the Earth.
• The first one was Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who flew to the Salyut 7 space station on a Soviet spacecraft in 1984.
• There are two main types of space tourism, sub-orbital and orbital.
• The sub-orbital spacecraft takes passengers just beyond the Kármán line — it lies nearly 100 kilometres above our heads and is
considered to be the boundary between Earth’s atmosphere and outer space.
• The passengers get to spend a few minutes in outer space and then come back to Earth.
• The NS-25 mission, which Thotakura is a part of, is a sub-orbital mission.
• News Link - Gopi Thotakura to be the first Indian space tourist: What is space tourism? | Explained News - The Indian Express
• Ed Dwight, a 90-year-old artist and former Air Force test pilot who was denied a chance to become
the first African American astronaut six decades ago, finally rocketed into space, fulfilling a
cherished dream in a brief up-and-down flight out of the lower atmosphere.
• President John F. Kennedy had chosen Ed Dwight, an Air Force pilot, to be the candidate for NASA's
inaugural Astronaut Corps. However, he was not chosen for the final flight in 1963.
• Until 1978, NASA did not select black astronauts, and in 1983, Guion Bluford became the first African
American in space.
• Three years earlier, the Soviets had launched the first black astronaut, Arnaldo Tamayo Mendez, a
Cuban citizen of African descent.
• In 2021, "Star Trek" actor William Shatner was the oldest man to go into space.
• Now, Dwight became the new record holder for the oldest person in space after the quick trip from West Texas.
• News Link - First African American astronaut goes to space 60 yrs later on Bezos rocket | World News - Business Standard
118. In May as per report Indian and French armies shared critical skills in jungle survival and mountain operations during the ____________
edition of the ongoing Joint Exercise Shakti.
A. 8th
B. 6th
C. 7th
D. 9th
E. 11th
• The Indian and French armies are sharing critical skills in jungle survival and mountain operations during the 7th edition of the ongoing
Joint Exercise Shakti.
• The biennial training event, being held from May 13-26 in Umroi, Meghalaya, aims to enhance the militaries’ capabilities for multi-
domain operations in semi-conventional scenarios.
• “Exercise Shakti enables the two sides to share best practices in tactics, techniques and procedures for conducting joint operations,”.
• The joint exercise involves a 90-member Indian contingent primarily from the Rajput Regiment, supplemented by personnel from other
military branches.
• The French side has deployed 90 soldiers, mainly from the 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade.
• News Link - Shakti: Joint military exercise 'Shakti': Indian, French armies share drills, expertise in jungle survival techniques - The
119. In May as per report ____________has “successfully” tested its all-weather, all-time prolonged aerial surveillance technology, which could
help augment India’s defence capabilities.
A. Bellatrix Aerospace
B. AgniKul Cosmos
C. One Space
D. GalaxEye
E. Skyrora
• Bengaluru-based space technology startup GalaxEye has

“successfully” tested its all-weather, all-time prolonged aerial
surveillance technology, which could help augment India’s defence
capabilities.
• GalaxEye tested its synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology on a subscale high altitude pseudo-satellite (HAPS) developed by the National
Aerospace Laboratories (NAL).
• HAPS are like high-flying drones that operate in the stratosphere, offering capabilities for prolonged aerial surveillance.
• Using solar energy and advanced battery systems, these platforms can stay aloft for extended periods.
• They can be moved or made to hover over a certain country or region. They can be homed at about 18 km above Earth, broadly where the
atmosphere ends and space begins.
• They are (typically) solar-powered and can carry payloads up to 40 kg. In India, NAL has been developing HAPs.
• While aircraft fly at an altitude of three to eight km, this electric platform has an endurance of two to three hours and stay put at the
same place for seven days.
• Suyash Singh, Co-founder, Galaxeye.
• News Link - In a first, space start-up flies a SAR on a high altitude platform - The Hindu BusinessLine
120. In May as per report Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari has inaugurated its first-ever Emergency Medical Response
System of the Indian Air Force (IAF) at Command Hospital Air Force in ___________.
A. Pune
B. Lucknow
C. Bengaluru
D. Mumbai
E. Kanpur
• Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari has inaugurated its first-ever Emergency Medical Response System of the Indian Air
Force at Command Hospital Air Force, Bangalore .
• The EMRS is a first of its kind 24/7 telephonic medical helpline for serving IAF personnel and their families across India.
• The system aims to provide prompt response by a team of medical and paramedical professionals to the caller experiencing the
emergency anywhere across the country.
• The sole aim of EMRS is to save valuable lives.
• News Link - pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2021305 Indian Air Force: IAF chief VR Chaudhari inaugurates first-
ever emergency medical response system in Bengaluru - The Economic Times (indiatimes.com)

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Weekly Optimum Current Q & A PDF – Based On Recent Exam Trends Third Week of May (17th May –23rd

hird Week of May (17th May –23rd May 2024)

National /State News

• Secretary, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Government of

• The Government of India

E. World Food Programme

• Sixteen-year-old Kaamya Karthikeyan has become the youngest Indian

• News Link - pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2021431AI anchors to helm DD Kisan relaunch on May 26 | India

International / Report News

• On May 13, the Ibu volcano on Indonesia's remote island of Halmahera

• The second dengue vaccine made by Japanese drugmaker

• The Indian School of Business (ISB) remained the top

• India has climbed to the 39th

Banking / Economy News

• The Central Board of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

• The market capitalisation of companies listed on BSE crossed $5

• The Reserve Bank of India added 24 tonnes of gold to its

• Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India

Select the correct source code:

• MSCI Inc (Morgan Stanley Capital International) has included 13

E. 1st October, 2024

• EASE Reforms Index for FY23 Building strong foundation in previous

• India's banking sector achieved a milestone as its net

• The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), in a

• The United Nations has revised upwards India’s growth projections

• The largest auto-focused non-bank lender Shriram Finance has

• As part of its suite of announcements during its high-profile I/O event,

A. Agriculture Insurance Company of India Ltd.

• Global personal computer (PC) manufacturer HP has announced the rebranding of

Days and Obituary News

• It is a United Nations-approved international day to create awareness regarding biodiversity issues.

Sports Award Books News

• On June 6, Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri will retire from

Science Technology Defence And Environment

• Indian expatriate Gopi

• Bengaluru-based space technology startup GalaxEye has

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