Correct Answer :   Praveen Kumar Srivastava

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Vigilance Commissioner Praveen Kumar Srivastava was on Monday (29th May 2023) sworn in as the Central Vigilance Commissioner by President Droupadi Murmu, a statement issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan said.

* Srivastava was working as the acting Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) since December 2022 after completion of Suresh N Patel's tenure as the chief of the probity watchdog.

* "At a ceremony held today at 1030 hrs at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Shri Praveen Kumar Srivastava was sworn in as the Central Vigilance Commissioner. He made and subscribed the oath of his office before the President," the statement said. The ceremony was attended by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Prime Minseter Narendra Modi among other dignitaries.

* The Commission is headed by a CVC and can have a maximum of two vigilance commissioners. There is a vacancy of a vigilance commissioner in the Central Vigilance Commission. Former Intelligence Bureau (IB) chief Arvinda Kumar is the lone vigilance commissioner.

* Srivastava is a 1988-batch (retired) Indian Administrative Service officer of Assam-Meghalaya cadre. He superannuated as secretary (Coordination), Cabinet Secretariat on January 31, 2022.

* During his tenure as special secretary and additional secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, he had handled matters relating to cadre management of the Indian Police Service, personnel and general administration of Central Armed Police Forces and Union territories.

* Srivastava had assisted the government in negotiations relating to trade in services under the World Trade Organisation (WTO) as director/deputy secretary, Department of Commerce.

* He also served as Chief Vigilance Officer in RITES Ltd and as joint secretary and Mission Director, Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). The tenure of a CVC and the vigilance commissioner is of four years or till the incumbent attains the age of 65 years.

Correct Answer :   6.8%

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According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) released by the National Statistical Office (NSO) on 29th May 2023, India's unemployment rate declined to 6.8% in January-March 2023 (Q4FY23) from 7.2% in Q3FY23.

The unemployment rate was 6.0% for men and 9.2% for women. It was 6.5% and 9.6% for men and women respectively, in October– December 2022.

According to the PLFS report, female labour force participation grew marginally to 22.7% in Q4FY23, up from 22.3% the previous quarter. The male labour force participation stands at 73.5%.

The worker-population ratio (WPR) also witnessed a slight increase as compared to the December quarter.

The WPR in urban areas for persons aged 15 and above stood at 45.2% in January- March 2023, an increase from 44.7% in Q3. The WPR among men was 45.2% and 20.6% among women. It was 68.6% and 20.2%, respectively, in the third quarter.

NSO launched PLFS in April 2017. Based on the PLFS, a quarterly bulletin is brought out giving estimates of labour force indicators such as unemployment rate, Worker Population Ratio (WPR), Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR), distribution of workers by broad status in employment and industry of work in CWS (Current Weekly Status).

The estimates of unemployed people in CWS provide an average picture of unemployment in a brief period of seven days during the survey period.

In the CWS approach, a person is considered unemployed if he/she did not work even for one hour on any day during the week but sought or was available for work at least for one hour on any day during the period.

According to CWS, the labour force is the number of people who were either employed or unemployed on average in the week preceding the survey date. The labour force participation rate (LFPR) is defined as the percentage of the population in the labour force.

Seventeen Quarterly Bulletins of PLFS corresponding to the quarter ending December 2018 to the quarter ending December 2022 have already been released. The present Quarterly Bulletin is the eighteenth in the series for the quarter January – March 2023..

Source : B S

Correct Answer :   $46 Billion

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Foreign direct investment (FDI) into India declined by 22% to $46 billion in 2022-23, dragged by lower inflows in computer hardware and software, and automobile industry, according to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) data.

* The FDI inflows stood at $58.77 billion during 2021-22.

* Total FDI inflows, which include equity inflows, re-invested earnings and other capital, declined by 16% to $70.97 billion in the last fiscal as against $84.83 billion in 2021-22.

* During April-March 2022-23, Singapore emerged as the top investor with $17.2 billion FDI.

* It was followed by Mauritius ($6.13 billion), the US ($6 billion), the UAE ($3.35 billion), the Netherlands ($2.5 billion), Japan ($1.8 billion), UK ($1.73 billion), Cyprus ($1.27 billion), Cayman island ($772 million), and Germany ($547 million), the data showed.

* The FDI inflows have contracted in 2022-23 from Mauritius, the US, the Netherlands, the Cayman Islands, and Germany.

* State-wise, though Maharashtra received the highest inflows of $14.8 billion during the last financial year, the inflows are down as compared to $15.44 billion in 2021-22.

* Similarly the overseas inflows in Karnataka plunged to $10.42 billion in 2022-23 as against $22 billion in 2021-22. Other states/UTs where FDI dipped in 2022-23 include Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Telangana, and West Bengal.

* On the other hand, FDI in Gujarat has increased to $4.71 billion in 2022-23 as against $2.7 billion in 2021-22. FDI has also reported positive growth in Rajasthan..

Source : Business Standard

Correct Answer :   30 May 2023

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Congress leader Suresh 'Balu' Dhanorkar breathed his last at a private hospital in Delhi-NCR on Tuesday (30 May 2023). He was 48 years old.

* He was the lone Congress MP from Chandrapur Lok Sabha constituency in Maharashtra.

* Dhanorkar was the lone Congress MP from Chandrapur Lok Sabha constituency in Maharashtra. He was earlier part of the Shiv Sena, winning the Warora-Bhadrawati Assembly seat in 2014. He quit the party in 2019 and joined the Congress before the Lok Sabha elections.

* He was fielded from Chandrapur parliamentary constituency where he defeated former union minister and BJP leader Hansraj Ahir.

* Dhanorkar is survived by his wife Pratibha, an MLA, and two sons.

* A party spokesperson told news agency PTI that Dhanorkar was airlifted to Delhi from Nagpur on May 28 for medical treatment. He was shifted to the national capital in an air ambulance after he complained of stomach pain, a statement from the MP said.

Source : India Today

Correct Answer :   Recep Tayyip Erdogan

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In Turkiye, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has won the presidential election, extending his rule to a third decade.

* Erdogan defeated opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu in runoff vote 28th May 2023.

* With 99.43 percent of the votes counted, preliminary official results announced by Turkiye’s Supreme Election Council (YSK) showed Erdogan winning with 52.14 percent of the votes.

* Kilicdaroglu received 47.86 percent. The result is expected to be confirmed in the coming days.

* The vote seals Erdogan’s place in history as he extends his 20-year rule for a further five years.

* Prime Minister Narendra Modi today(29th May 2023) congratulated Recep Tayyip ErdoÄŸan his on re-election as the President of Türkiye. In his message, Mr Modi expressed confidence that India-Turkiye bilateral ties and cooperation on global issues will continue to grow in the coming times..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Cambodia

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King of Cambodia, Norodom Sihamoni arrived (29th May 2023) in New Delhi this afternoon on a three-day visit to India. He was received by Minister of State for External Affairs Rajkumar Ranjan Singh upon arrival.

* The King will have bilateral meetings with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi tomorrow (30th May 2023).

* He will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in the morning following which he will pay floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat.

* Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will call on the King. President Murmu will host a State Banquet in honour of the visiting dignitary in the evening.

* The visit marks the culmination of the celebrations of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Cambodia.

* This visit by the King of Cambodia is taking place after almost six decades, with the last being that of the current King’s father in 1963.

* India and Cambodia enjoy warm and friendly relations marked by civilisational, cultural and economic linkages and deep-rooted people-to-people ties.

* The multifaceted relationship is based on shared cultural values, commitment to foster economic growth, collaboration in the fields of defence and security and convergence on regional and global issues.

* India actively assists Cambodia in capacity building and human resource development. India has also extended grants and concessional loans for developmental projects.

* Conservation and restoration of the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm and Preah Vihar are being carried out under India's funding.

* India has extended a grant of 1.5 million dollars for purchase of demining equipment and has offered a line of credit worth 50 million dollars for procurement of defence equipment from India..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Nigeria

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Bola Tinubu, from Nigeria's ruling All Progressives Congress party, has been sworn in as the new President of Nigeria on 29th May 2023.

In February 2023, he defeated former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

The swearing ceremony was attended by the Indian defense minister, Rajnath Singh, who is on a three-day visit to Nigeria.

Agenda of visit : To strengthen the India-Nigeria bilateral relations

This is the first-ever visit of an Indian Defence Minister to Nigeria..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   May 29th

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The International Day of UN Peacekeepers is observed annually on May 29th. It is a day dedicated to honoring the contributions and sacrifices of United Nations (UN) peacekeepers in maintaining peace and security around the world. The day also serves as a tribute to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

International Day of UN Peacekeepers Theme : The theme of the 75th anniversary “Peace begins with me” recognizes the service and sacrifice of peacekeepers, past and present, including more than 4200 who have given their lives under the UN flag. It also pays tribute to the resilience of the communities that we serve, who continue to strive for peace despite many obstacles.

This campaign also calls on each of us to join the global movement for peace. Alone, we can never succeed. But, together, we can be a strong force for change.

The International Day of UN Peacekeepers holds great significance for several reasons:

Recognizing Peacekeeping Efforts : The day serves as a global recognition of the crucial role played by UN peacekeepers in maintaining peace and security around the world. It acknowledges their commitment and tireless efforts in preventing conflicts, protecting civilians, and promoting stability in areas affected by violence and war.

Honoring Fallen Peacekeepers : The International Day of UN Peacekeepers is an occasion to honor and remember those peacekeepers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. It pays tribute to their bravery and sacrifice, emphasizing the profound impact they have made in the pursuit of peace. The day offers an opportunity to express gratitude and support to the families and loved ones of fallen peacekeepers.

Promoting Awareness and Understanding : The day raises awareness about the challenges faced by UN peacekeepers and the complex nature of their work. It helps foster understanding and appreciation among the general public, highlighting the significance of peacekeeping operations in resolving conflicts and preventing the escalation of violence. By promoting awareness, the day encourages support and solidarity for peacekeeping efforts.

Advocating for Peace and Security : The International Day of UN Peacekeepers serves as a platform for advocating peace and security at the international level. It encourages governments, organizations, and individuals to recommit themselves to the principles of peacekeeping and to strengthen their support for UN peacekeeping missions. The day emphasizes the need for collective action and cooperation to address global conflicts and promote a more peaceful world.

Strengthening International Peacekeeping : The day provides an opportunity to reflect on the achievements, challenges, and future directions of UN peacekeeping. It encourages discussions and dialogue on improving the effectiveness and efficiency of peacekeeping operations, including the development of new strategies, technologies, and approaches. The day’s significance lies in its role as a catalyst for advancing the field of international peacekeeping and promoting continuous improvement in peacekeeping practices.

History of International Day of UN Peacekeepers :

* The International Day of UN Peacekeepers has its origins in the United Nations General Assembly. In 2002, the General Assembly designated May 29th as the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers to honor the memory of peacekeepers who have lost their lives in the service of peace.

* The choice of May 29th as the date for this observance was significant. It marks the anniversary of the creation of the first UN peacekeeping mission.

* On May 29, 1948, the UN Security Council authorized the establishment of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) to oversee the ceasefire in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This mission became the first-ever peacekeeping operation conducted by the United Nations...

Source : UN, PIB

Correct Answer :   Assam

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (29th May 2023) flagged off Assam's first Vande Bharat Express via video conferencing. This is also the first Vande Bharat service in the Northeast.

* PM Modi said the launch of the first Northeast Vande Bharat train is expected to give a fillip to tourism and boost connectivity in the Northeast.

* The Vande Bharat Express will boost business and tourism by connecting key destinations such as Kamakhya Temple, Kaziranga Sanctuary, Manas Tiger Reserve in Assam, Shillong and Cherrapunji in Meghalaya, and Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh," he stated.

* Taking a jibe at the previous governments in Assam, the Prime Minister said development was "devoid" for a long time before the BJP came to power in the state in 2016.

* The train will connect Guwahati with New Jalpaiguri and is expected to save about an hour of journey time when compared with the current fastest train connecting the two places. It will cover the 410-kilometre-long journey in five-and-a-half hours. This is the 18th Vande Bharat Express service, which went operational Monday (29th May 2023).

* The train will depart from New Jalpaiguri at 6:10 am and reach Guwahati at mid-day. From Guwahati, the Vande Bharat Express will depart at 4.30 pm and reach New Jalpaiguri around 10:20 pm.

* It will run six days a week and stop at six stations -- New Alipurduar, Kokrajhar, New Bongaigaon and Kamakhya, including New Jalpaiguri and Guwahati junctions...

Source : India Today

Correct Answer :   May 28

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Vinayak Damodar Savarkar's birth anniversary in 2023 is 28th May 2023, which is Vinayak Damodar Savarkar's 140th birthday.

* He is one of the most famous and well-known political personalities in Indian history. Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was also an activist, writer, and politician. When he was at school, he participated in all of the school events, and he did everything he could to contribute to the independence cause.

* It used to continue even when Savarkar, also known as Veer (brave), moved to London on a scholarship to study law at Gray's Inn.

* After that, he began to take part in several debates, and he also frequently discussed India House in Highgate's political issues with other participants. He also participated in numerous plans to depose the British monarchy.

* Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose his name last year (2022) on his Independence Day, joining the ranks of so many others, like Jawaharlal Nehru, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Mahatma Gandhi, Babasaheb Ambedkar, and others.

* In fact, each of these warriors gave their lives in the line of duty. In 2023, Maharashtra's Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, decided that on May 28, this day would be commemorated as Swatantrya Veer Gaurav Din, or the birth anniversary of Savarkar.

* Vinayak Damodar Savarkar died in Mumbai in 1966. So, we've compiled a collection of some of the most renowned quotes uttered by the one and only Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.