Correct Answer :   May 23

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Every year on May 23, American Tortoise Rescue (ATR), a non-profit organisation, observes World Turtle Day. This event is intended to raise awareness about the need to maintain turtles, tortoises, and their increasingly disappearing habitats.

These reptiles serve an important part of our planet, surviving in a variety of environments across the world.


World Turtle Day 2023 Theme :

* The theme of this year's World Turtle Day revolves around the heartfelt phrase, "I love Turtles." These three words overflow with affection and remind the global audience to recognise the presence of these reptiles, which have inhabited our planet for centuries.

* The theme highlights a special turtle named Mr. Mudd, capturing the essence of adoration and inviting people worldwide to celebrate the enduring existence of these remarkable creatures.


World Turtle Day History :

* In 2000, World Turtle Day was established after ten years of unwavering dedication by Susan Tellem and her husband, Marshall Thompson. They took the lead in creating this noble cause, organising fundraising events, and tirelessly raising awareness about the challenges faced by these remarkable shelled creatures.

* As we celebrate the 23rd edition of International World Turtle Day, it stands as a symbol of hope for the numerous turtles and tortoises that have discovered solace and preservation through the compassionate efforts of ATR.


World Turtle Day 2023 Significance :

* World Turtle Day is a significant day that calls for action that is initiated by the global community. It is a day when humanity unites to pay tribute to the existence of these magnificent creatures and take proper actions to conserve them.

* Turtles are sold by street vendors and pet stores. This results in the exploitation of these captivating beings. However, thanks to the awareness created on World Turtle Day, a ray of hope emerges. There are several rescues and sanctuaries have emerged, offering a brighter future for these beloved creatures..

Source : India Today

Correct Answer :   TCS

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Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has announced an expanded partnership with Google Cloud and the launch of a new offering called TCS Generative AI.

* This offering utilizes Google Cloud's generative AI services to create custom-tailored business solutions that help clients accelerate their growth and transformation.

* TCS, with its expertise across various industry verticals and investments in research and innovation, has developed a portfolio of AI-powered solutions in areas such as AIOps, Algo Retail, smart manufacturing, digital twins, and robotics.

* The company is currently collaborating with clients from multiple industries to explore how generative AI can provide value in their specific business contexts.

* The new offering combines Google Cloud's Generative AI tools, including Vertex AI, Generative AI Application Builder, and Model Garden, with TCS's own solutions.

* TCS will leverage its client-specific knowledge, design thinking, and agile development processes to collaborate with clients, rapidly prototype ideas, and build full-fledged transformation solutions with enhanced time to value.

Co-Innovation and Collaboration : These collaborative efforts will take place at TCS Pace Ports, the company's co-innovation hubs located in New York, Pittsburg, Toronto, Amsterdam, and Tokyo. TCS claims these hubs offer clients the opportunity to engage with academic researchers and startup partners from TCS's extended innovation ecosystem.fostering a collaborative environment for developing cutting-edge solutions.

Expertise and Investment in Cloud Technologies : Recognizing the importance of cloud technologies, TCS has made significant investments in scaling its expertise. The company boasts over 25,000 engineers certified on Google Cloud, and it continues to upskill its workforce in AI, aiming to have 40,000 skill badges on Google Cloud Generative AI within the year. This commitment positions TCS to meet the anticipated demand for its new offering and deliver value to clients seeking generative AI solutions.

Comprehensive Services and Solutions : Through the TCS Google Business Unit, clients can access a comprehensive catalog of services and solutions that leverage TCS’ contextual knowledge, industry-focused innovation, and Google Cloud’s platform capabilities. These offerings include advisory services, foundational cloud-build and security services, applications and data modernization, AI build and deployment services, managed services for hybrid and multi-cloud environments, and purpose-built digital solutions across industries.

Recognition and Achievements : TCS has been recognized by Google Cloud for its comprehensive solutions, receiving awards such as the 2021 Industry Solution Partner of the Year for Retail, 2021 Global Diversity & Inclusion Partner of the Year, and the 2020 Breakthrough Partner of the Year. The company’s cloud-native services and solutions span emerging technologies like generative AI, intelligent edge-to-core, and blockchain, enabling enhanced value for end customers..

Source : Business Today

Correct Answer :   Paytm Money

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Paytm-backed wholly-owned subsidiary Paytm Money Limited has launched (22nd May 2023) India’s most advanced bonds platform for retail investors.

* The company is simplifying bonds for retail investors and enabling them to invest in three types of bonds – government, corporate and tax-free.

* Having been the first to bring easy investments in direct mutual funds and equity investments, Paytm Money continues to be at the forefront of innovation in the Indian capital markets. Bonds on Paytm money app presents investors all relevant information at one place, and converts everything to yield so investors can analyse and understand the returns they can earn. Now, investors will not have to go to different sources for information on coupon vs yield, clean price vs dirty price, coupon frequency, coupon record dates etc, and instead find it all on one dashboard on the Paytm Money app.

* The company believes that investing in debt markets in India is still very new and the country has the potential to have 100 million investors, for whom bonds would be the best way to enter capital markets.

* As a SEBI registered broker, Paytm Money is leveraging the existing strong regulatory framework to innovate and bring a simple, secure and transparent bond product to India. It has achieved so with investor safety features such as limit order as the default order types, prices compared across both NSE and BSE, and the best exchange rate pre-selected, credit ratings from multiple rating agencies, with the lowest being the default rating and many more such features. Currently, Bonds on Paytm Money is being launched with an early access waitlist program.

* Bonds are a safe option for investors who are looking at a steady income and fixed returns on their investments and can diversify their portfolio for good returns. One can invest in Government of India Bonds, with maturity ranging from 16 days to 39 years, giving investors great flexibility in managing their investments across all time horizons. The yield on these bonds are currently between 7-7.3% per annum. Further, bonds can be sold on the market at any time, without any premature penalty/lock in, giving investors flexibility in managing their investments.

* Tax free bonds are a great investment for Indians. One can invest in tax free bonds, issued by PSUs, like NHAI, IRFC, REC etc at yields of up to 5.8% per annum, and maturity, ranging from 5 months to 13 years. Investors, who wish to expand their portfolio, can also look at corporate bonds like Indiabulls Housing Finance, Edelweiss etc where depending on the credit profile of the company, and the maturity of the bond, one can earn up to 15% per annum..

Source : Paytm

Correct Answer :   22nd May 2023

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Veteran Tamil and Telugu actor Sarath Babu passed away at a private hospital in Hyderabad on Monday (22nd May 2023). He was 71.
 
* Sarath Babu breathed his last at AIG Hospitals, where he was admitted last month. Family sources said he succumbed to sepsis in the whole body and multiple organ failure.
 
* The actor was brought to Hyderabad from Bengaluru on 20 April 2023 and was admitted to AIG.
 
* Under treatment for multi-organ damage, he had suffered from sepsis, which impacted functioning of kidneys, lungs, liver and other organs.

* Sarath Babu, whose real name was Satyam Babu Dixithulu, began his acting career in 1973 through Telugu film "Rama Rajyam" and later became popular with Tamil movies "Pattina Pravesam" (1977) and "Nizhal Nijamagiradhu" (1978) directed by K. Balachander.
 
* Known predominantly for his work in Telugu and Tamil movies, he acted in more than 200 films including few Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi films. He has bagged Nandi awards nine times for best acting in supporting roles.
 
* Hailing from Andhra Pradesh, Sarath Babu wanted to be a police officer but could not realise his dream because of some eyesight problem. His father wanted him to join his business but with the support of his mother, he entered the film industry and established himself as an actor.
 
* Born on July 31, 1951 in Amudalam village of Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh, Sarath Babu worked with top actors like N.T. Rama Rao, Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth and Chiranjeevi..

Source : Outlook India

Correct Answer :   Madhya Pradesh

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Madhya Pradesh has become the first state in the country to conduct pilgrimage by air on government expenditure under the Mukhya Mantri Teerth-Darshan Yojana.

* Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday (21st May 2023) flagged off a batch of 32 senior citizens on pilgrimage to UP's Prayagraj from Bhopal via flight under the 'Mukhya Mantri Tirath Yatra Yojana'.

* So far, 7, 82,000 elderly people have undertaken pilgrimage in 782 special trains under the scheme, as per an official statement.

* Chief Minister Chouhan prepared an effective action plan for the month of May to July 2023 to make the benefits of Mukhya Mantri Tirth-Darshan Yojana by air easily available to the elders of the state, which will be launched on May 21 from Bhopal to Prayagraj.

* In the same sequence, on 23 May 2023 pilgrims of Agar-Malwa district will leave from Indore airport for Shirdi.

* While on 25 May 2023, pilgrims of Betul district will leave from Bhopal airport via Agra airport for Mathura-Vrindavan.

* On 26 May 2023, pilgrims of Dewas will leave from Indore airport for Shirdi, and on 3 June 2023 pilgrims of Khandwa from Indore airport via Kolkata for Gangasagar.

A help centre has been set up at the airport for the convenience of the passengers..

Source : Business Standard

Correct Answer :   GRSE

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Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd, one of India’s premier defence shipyards and a Category 1 Mini Ratna Company, has embarked on a mission to identify and encourage the development of innovative solutions towards technological advances in shipbuilding by Startups.

As part of this drive, the Company launched GRSE Accelerated Innovation Nurturing Scheme – 2023 or “GAINS 2023” in Kolkata on 22nd May 2023 leverage the eco-system that addresses present and emerging challenges in the ship design and construction industry.

The ‘GAINS 2023’ was launched by the youngest officer of GRSE, Shri G Surya Prakash, Assistant Manager (Finance), in the august presence of Minister of State for Electronics and IT & Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar.

With this initiative, the GRSE embraces the energy and ideas of today’s talented youngsters to revolutionise the industry and reaffirms its belief that the young minds of today are the driving force behind the future of both the company and the industry at large. This strategic move signifies GRSE’s unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and embracing fresh perspectives.

About Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd :

* The GRSE has been a pioneering shipyard since becoming a DPSU way back in 1960 by delivering the first indigenous warship INS Ajay to the Indian Navy in 1961.

* The shipyard has been adopting technological advances for quite some time now to emerge as a leading name in shipbuilding in the global market.

* Open innovation is a well-established and effective way to gather ideas from outside the organisation to create better solutions in a relatively short time.

In an effort to boost innovation in the shipyard and propel the yard towards becoming a future-ready shipyard, a scheme for encouraging innovators to be a part of this journey through an “Open Innovation Challenge” is considered the need of the hour. ‘GAINS 2023’ is designed to provide new and emergent innovators, engineers and designers, the opportunity to understand the shipyard’s core business interests and its established or bespoke practices and thereby motivating them to think and innovate in this niche technology area. The Shipyard has created a separate department to pursue the GAINS initiative and seek out and support innovators in Indian line with the thrust of the Government of India..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Himachal Pradesh

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Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday (20th May 2023) said a ‘Green Hydrogen’ policy would be formulated to promote the use of green hydrogen and establish the state as a leading hub for its production.

* The state’s abundant renewable energy resources, including ample sunlight, water and wind, make it an ideal location for generating green hydrogen.

* The primary objective of the policy is to attract investments in large-scale renewable energy projects, ensuring a consistent and sustainable supply of green electricity for electrolysis, he said in a statement issued here.

* The chief minister said the government is actively encouraging young entrepreneurs to invest in the state and the new green energy policy will include various provisions to facilitate their participation.

* “By leveraging its natural advantages, the state aims to create a favourable environment for the production of green hydrogen. This will not only contribute to the global fight against climate change but also make the state a pioneer in sustainable development,” he said.

* The state government has already signed a memorandum of understanding with Oil India Limited (OIL). This collaboration will enable the production of green hydrogen and green ammonia on a pilot basis.

* The company has shown interest in establishing a plant in Himachal Pradesh that will produce green hydrogen for ethanol production. This alternative fuel can be directly used as a replacement for petrol, aligning with the government’s initiatives towards flexible fuels, he said.

* The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) is also setting up a Green Hydrogen Mobility Project in Chamba district on a pilot basis.  This project will feature a dedicated solar plant, an electrolyzer unit for hydrogen production and a hydrogen storage system with a dispenser. Land has been identified for this project at Mohal Monkhri in Chamba district, he added..

Source : The Print

Correct Answer :   30%

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Union Minister of Ports, Sarbananda Sonowal has informed that the government will provide financial support of 30% for the promotion of Green Shipping.

* Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) and Ayush, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal made FIVE major announcements focusing green shipping and digitisation of the ports at the end of the ministry’s second Chintan Shibir held in Munnar, Kerala 22nd May 2023.

* The Minister was joined by Shripad Naik, MoS, MoPSW & Tourism, Shri Shantanu Thakur, MoS, MoPSW, Shri Sudhansh Pant, Secretary, MoPSW and others including Chairpersons of all major ports, heads of the other organizations/PSU’s of the Ministry and senior officials. The minister underlined how these initiatives poised to make India a global leader in the maritime sector.

* The ‘Panch Karma Sankalp’ includes 5 major announcements which are - MoPSW to provide 30% financial support for the promotion of Green Shipping;

* Under the Green Tug Transition Programme Jawaharlal Nehru Port, VO Chidambaranar Port, Paradip Port and Deendayal Port, Kandla will procure two tugs each; Deendayal Port and VO Chidambaranar Port, Tuticorin to be developed as Green Hydrogen Hub; Single Window Portal to facilitate and monitor river and sea cruises; Jawaharlal Nehru Port and VO Chidambaranar Port, Tuticorin to become smart port by 2024.

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   22nd May

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Every year, May 22 is observed as International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) to promote comprehension and consciousness of biodiversity concerns. This global event, also referred to as World Biodiversity Day, revolves around acknowledging biodiversity's vital role in supporting our nourishment and well-being, and as a fundamental driver for enhancing food systems and human health.


International Day for Biological Diversity 2023 Theme  :

* The chosen theme for the International Day for Biological Diversity in 2023 is "From Agreement to Action: Build Back Biodiversity."

* This theme signifies the pressing requirement to go beyond mere commitments and transform them into concrete actions aimed at revitalizing and safeguarding biodiversity. It underscores the significance of effectively implementing the goals outlined in the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and other international agreements, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as a means to tackle the ongoing global biodiversity crisis.


International Day for Biological Diversity History :

* The origins of the International Day for Biological Diversity can be traced back to the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, commonly referred to as the Earth Summit, which took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992.

It was during this momentous gathering that global leaders acknowledged the pressing necessity to confront the worldwide decline of biodiversity. Consequently, on May 22, 1992, a substantial number of nations adopted the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).


International Day for Biological Diversity Significance :

* The International Day for Biological Diversity functions as a worldwide stage to emphasize the vital significance of biodiversity in upholding life on our planet. Biodiversity encompasses a remarkable range of plants, animals, and microorganisms, along with the ecosystems they reside in. It plays a critical role in delivering essential ecosystem services, including pollination, nutrient recycling, water purification, and climate regulation.

* Furthermore, biodiversity holds cultural, aesthetic, and economic value, supporting livelihoods and contributing to sustainable development efforts.

Source : India Today

Correct Answer :   Narendra Modi

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred with the highest honours by Fiji and Papua New Guinea.

* PM Modi was conferred with the island nations' highest civilian awards during his recent visit to Papua New Guinea to attend the third India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit.

* PM Modi was conferred with the "The Companion of the Order of Fiji" by his Fijian counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka for his global leadership, in a rare honour for a non-Fijian.

* While Papua New Guinea conferred its highest civilian order, Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu for championing the cause of unity of Pacific Island countries.

* PM Modi is on a visit to Papua New Guinea to attend the third India-Pacific Islands Cooperation Summit..

Source : NDTV