Correct Answer : Option (D) - 18th May 2023

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Former Union minister and the BJP's Ambala MP Rattan Lal Kataria passed away on Thursday (18th May 2023) after a brief illness here. He was 71.

* He has served as minister of state in the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment from May 2019 till July 2021.

* He was elected to the Lok Sabha from Ambala in 1999, 2014, and 2019.

* He also served as the party's Haryana unit chief from 2000 to 2003.

* He was also a minister in the Haryana government..

Source : Tribune India

Correct Answer : Option (A) - Diu

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G20 Research and Innovation Initiative Gathering (RIIG) Conference on Scientific Challenges and Opportunities for sustainable blue economy held at Diu (Diu, Daman, Nagar Haveli) on 18 May 2023.

Dr Srivari Chandrasekhar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology (DST), Govt of India and the G20 RIIG Chair, will Chair the meeting. This G20 RIIG conference is being coordinated by Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India. Over 35 foreign delegates and 40 Indian experts, delegates and invitees are expected to participate in the conference. Dr M Ravichandran, Secretary MoES shall coordinate the proceedings of the RIIG Conference.

Theme : The main theme of RIIG during India’s G-20 Presidency in 2023 is “Research and Innovation for an Equitable Society”.

The four priority areas of RIIG under India’s G20 Presidency are : 

i) Materials for Sustainable Energy;
ii) Circular bio-economy;
iii) Eco-Innovations for Energy Transition;
iv) Scientific Challenges and Opportunities for a Sustainable Blue Economy.

The RIIG Conferences on Materials for Sustainable Energy; Circular bio-economy and Eco-Innovations for Energy Transition have already been concluded at Ranchi, Dibrugarh and Dharamshala respectively.

The RIIG Diu Conference on Blue Economy shall foster knowledge sharing and exchange of best practices between G20 members on several key sub-themes including :

(a) Blue Economy Sectors and Opportunities,
(b) Marine Pollution,
(c) Coastal and Marine Ecosystems and Biodiversity,
(d) Observations, Data and Information Services,
(e) Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning,
(f) Deep-Sea Exploration, New and Renewable Offshore Energy,
(g) Blue Economy Policies and Strategies..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer : Option (B) - 1,100

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In order to realize the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sahkar se Samriddhi”, a decision has been taken to form 1,100 New Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in the Cooperative Sector.

* The Ministry of Cooperation in a statement said, these additional 1100 FPOs have been allocated to National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) under FPOs’ Scheme.

* Under the FPO Scheme, financial assistance of  33 lakh rupees is provided to each FPO. Further, financial assistance of  25 lakh rupees per FPO is provided to the Cluster Based Business Organizations.

* The Ministry said, Primary Agricultural Credit Societies which are primarily engaged in short-term credit and distribution of seeds and fertilizers will now be able to undertake other economic activities as well including high income generating activities like bee-keeping and  mushroom cultivation.

* This initiative will ensure remunerative prices to farmers for their produce by providing them necessary market linkages..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer : Option (B) - May 17

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World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) is an annual observance that is celebrated on May 17 to raise awareness about the importance of telecommunications and the role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in promoting social and economic development worldwide.

* World Telecommunication Day Theme 2023 : The theme for World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2023 is "Empowering the least develop countries through information and communication technologies."


World Telecommunication Day History :

* May 17 is the anniversary of the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention and the creation of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

* According to the United Nations, World Telecommunication Day has been celebrated annually on May 17, since 1969.

* It marked the founding of ITU and the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention in 1865. However, it was in November 2005 when the World Summit on the Information Society called upon the UN General Assembly to declare the date as World Information Society Day.


World Telecommunication Day 2023 Significance :

* The observance of WTISD involves various activities and events worldwide, including conferences, seminars, workshops, and exhibitions.

* These events bring together policymakers, industry experts, technology enthusiasts, and the general public to discuss emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in the field of telecommunications and information society.

* WTISD aims to highlight the possibilities and opportunities that ICTs offer in bridging the digital divide, promoting inclusivity, and achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

* It emphasises the importance of universal access to information and communication technologies, especially in developing countries, to reduce inequalities and empower individuals and communities...

Source : BG Prime

Correct Answer : Option (C) - May 17

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World Hypertension Day is observed on May 17 every year to raise awareness about hypertension or high blood pressure, its consequences, and preventive measures. It was established in 2005 by the World Hypertension League (WHL).

World Hypertension Day Theme 2023 : The theme for this year's World Hypertension Day is "Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer," with an emphasis on addressing low awareness rates globally, particularly in low- to middle-income areas, and accurate blood pressure testing technologies.
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World Hypertension Day Significance :

* According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hypertension affects around one billion people worldwide, with complications resulting in over 7.5 million deaths annually, making it the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide.

* World Hypertension Day is observed to highlight the importance of hypertension control and raise awareness of the causes and risks associated with high blood pressure. It aims to encourage individuals, healthcare providers, and policymakers to take necessary steps towards early detection, diagnosis, and prevention of hypertension.


World Hypertension Day History :

* The history of World Hypertension Day can be traced back to 1987 when WHL was established under the guidance of the International Society of Hypertension (ISH).

* It was formed to promote public awareness, prevention, and treatment of hypertension around the world. In 2002, ISH proposed the idea of a global hypertension day, and the first Global Hypertension Day was celebrated on May 14, 2005.

* Since then, the WHL has continued to promote the annual event, focusing on a specific theme each year to raise awareness about hypertension.

* People with Hypertension should exercise to maintain a healthy weight, strengthen their heart, and lower their blood pressure.

* Exercise can help reduce the risk of developing complications associated with hypertension such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Additionally, regular exercise can boost your mood, increase energy, and help you feel productive..

Source : NDTV

Correct Answer : Option (D) - Ashwini Vaishnaw

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Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Communications, Railways and Electronics & IT, launched the "Sanchar Saathi portal" 16th May 2023.

Safety and security of the users is an integral part of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of  Digital India. 

While speaking at the launch, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the three reforms are being introduced today towards furthering PM's vision:

* CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register) – for blocking stolen/lost mobiles.
* Know your mobile connections – to know mobile connections registered in your name.
* ASTR (Artificial Intelligence and Facial Recognition powered Solution for Telecom SIM Subscriber Verification) – to identify fraudulent subscribers.

The Minister said that various frauds such as identity theft, forged KYC, banking frauds can take place by misusing mobile phones. This portal has been developed to prevent such frauds. He said user safety is also an important part of the draft Telecom bill.

Brief on Sanchar Saathi initiative :

With 117 crore subscribers, India has emerged as the second largest telecom ecosystem in the world. In addition to communication, mobile phones are being used for banking, entertainment, e-learning, healthcare, availing government services, etc.

It is therefore crucial that the users are protected from various frauds such as identity theft, forged KYC, theft of mobile devices, banking frauds, etc.

To protect users, Deptt of Telecom has developed a citizen centric portal named Sanchar Saathi. It allows citizens to:

The entire system has been designed in-house by Deptt. of Telecom. It has following modules.

Centralized Equipment Identity Register (CEIR):


Know Your Mobile


Telecom Analytics for Fraud Management and Consumer Protection (TAFCOP)


ASTR (Artificial Intelligence and Facial Recognition powered Solution for Telecom SIM Subscriber Verification)


Success using ASTR


Source : PIB

Correct Answer : Option (D) - Uttar Pradesh

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Uttar Pradesh has received the Geographical Indications (GI) tags for three more ODOP crafts - Mainpuri tarkashi, Mahoba Gaura stone craft, and Sambhal horn craft.

* Uttar Pradesh has now 48 GI tags.

* Currently Tamil Nadu has a maximum of 55 GI-tagged goods while UP and Karnataka have 48 and 46 GI products respectively.

* Among the 48 GI goods of UP, 36 products belong to the handicraft category. In Varanasi region alone, 18 GI-tagged goods out of 23 belong to the handicraft category.


Sambhal horn craft :

The horn-bone handicraft products made in Sambhal are immensely popular. The raw material used for making these craft items is procured from dead animals that makes this industry environment friendly. Sambhal’s horn and bone products are known all over the world. Sambhal offers a wide range of decorative horn-bone handicrafts that are available in different attractive looks, designs and patterns


Mahoba Gaura patthar hastshilp :

Mahoba is known nationwide for its exquisite Gaura stone craft. Gaura stone craft is made of radiant white-coloured stone that is predominantly found in this region. Gaura stone has a soft texture.

It is cut into several pieces which are then used for making various craft items that are used for ornamental purposes.

Mainpuri tarkashi :

Tarkashi is a technique of inlaying brass, copper or silver wires in wood. It is a unique and artistic product of Mainpuri district. It is used for decorating jewellery boxes, name plaques and other similar items. The amazing art of tarkashi can also be seen in door panels, trays and lamps, sandook (chest), decorative pieces, tables, flower pots..

Source : India Times

Correct Answer : Option (A) - Narendra Modi

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the International Museum Expo 2023 on 18 May 2023 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

* The International Museum Expo is a significant event organized as part of the ongoing Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, commemorating the 47th International Museum Day (IMD).

Theme 2023 : This year (2023), the IMD theme is ‘Museums, Sustainability, and Well Being’, aiming to highlight the role of museums in fostering sustainable development and promoting well-being.

* The Museum Expo seeks to facilitate a comprehensive dialogue among museum professionals, fostering their evolution into cultural centers that play a crucial role in India’s cultural diplomacy.

* During the inauguration, the prime minister will virtually unveil a walkthrough of the upcoming National Museum located at the North and South Blocks.

* The National Museum will serve as a comprehensive platform to showcase India’s rich history, significant events, personalities, and ideas that have shaped the nation’s present.

* Additionally, the prime minister will unveil several key initiatives, including the Mascot of the International Museum Expo, a Graphic Novel titled ‘A Day at the Museum’, the Directory of Indian Museums, the Pocket Map of Kartavya Path, and Museum Cards.

* The Mascot of the International Museum Expo is an artistic representation inspired by the iconic Dancing girl sculpture in the Chennapatnam art style.

* The Graphic Novel portrays a group of children’s visit to the National Museum, where they discover various career opportunities within a museum.

* According to the PMO, the Directory of Indian Museums serves as a comprehensive survey of museums in India. .

Source : Mint

Correct Answer : Option (B) - Anil Kumar Jain

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The government has appointed seasoned bureaucrat and gas sector expert Anil Kumar Jain as the new chairman of the oil and gas sector regulatory body, PNGRB, an official order said.

* The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the appointment of Jain, who retired as coal secretary in October last year, as the new chairman of the Petroleum & Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB).

* The ACC has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, based on the recommendations of the Search Committee, for the appointment of Anil Kumar Jain.

* Jain has been appointed as the Chairperson PNGRB "for a period of five years from the date assumption of charge of the post or till attaining the age of 65 years, or until further orders, whichever is the earliest, on a consolidated pay package of Rs 4.50 lakhs per month (without house and car) or as revised by the Ministry of Finance from time to time," the ACC order of 15th May 2023 said.

* Bihar-born, 1986-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre will fill a position that has been lying vacant since Dinesh Kumar Sarraf retired on December 4, 2020.

* Jain was selected after three failed attempts. On June 2, 2021, former power secretary Sanjeev Sahai headed a list of three shortlisted candidates but the list was turned down, as the oil ministry had not firmly recommended a single candidate.

* In November 2021, the government re-advertised the post and held interviews on February 2, 2022.

* Tarun Kapur, who retired as oil secretary on November 30, 2021, was recommended for the job but his name too was blocked. In May last year, Kapoor was appointed advisor to the Prime Minister to handle energy and infrastructure issues, for two years..

Source : Money Control

Correct Answer : Option (C) - Dr. Jitendra Singh

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Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh will inaugurate the 8th All India Pension Adalat in Delhi today (17th May 2023), where chronic cases will be taken up and resolved.

* Till date 7 All India Pension Adalats have been organised by the Department, in which 24,218 cases have been taken up and 17235 cases have been resolved.

* The Minister will also preside over the 50th PRC (Pre-Retirement Counselling) Workshop. Conducted by Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare, this PRC is being organised for 1200 officers of all ministries and departments who are going to retire in next 6 months.

* In line with the Government’s objectives of transparency, digitization and service delivery, the Bhavishya platform introduced by this department has ensured end-to-end digitization of pension processing and payment..

Source : AIR