Correct Answer :   3rd May 2023

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Tamil film industry veteran actor-director Manobala breathed his last on 3rd May 2023 in Chennai. He was taking treatment at his residence for liver-related problems for the past two weeks.

* He was known for his comedy timing and self-deprecating humour. In his career spanning over 35 years, he acted in over 900 films. He is survived by wife, Usha, and son, Harish.

Manobala Career :

* Manobala made his acting debut in 1979 with Bharathiraja's Puthiya Vaarpugal. Over the years, he acted in several hundred films in supporting roles. Reportedly, he joined as an assistant director to Bharathiraja under Kamal Haasan's reference. His last on-screen appearance was in Kajal Aggarwal's Ghosty. The talented star was known for his comedy roles.

* In 1982, he made his directorial debut with Agaya Gangai and helmed nearly 25 films. Some of his popular films include Pillai Nila, Oorkaavalan, En Purusshanthaan Enakku Mattumthaan, Karuppu Vellai, Mallu Vetti Minor and Paarambariyam, to name a few.

* Apart from appearing in serials, he also directed a handful of television serials. He also made his name in the industry as a producer. He appeared as one of the contestants on Cooku With Comali in 2022.

Born : 8 December 1953, Marungoor.
Died : 3 May 2023, Chennai.

Source : India Today

Correct Answer :   Millets

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The  Ministry of Home Affairs announced on Wednesday (3rd May 2023) that millets would be included in the meals of personnel of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

* "The decision to introduce 30 per cent millets in the meals has been taken on the clarion call of the Union Home Minister Amit Shah, after detailed discussion with all the forces".

* The United Nations General Assembly, recognising the growing importance of millets, declared 2023-24 as the International Year of Millets.

* Millets are also called "super grain" due to it being rich in proteins, carbohydrates and fibre.

* In March, the Indian Army said it would make millets an integral part of the daily meals of all its personnel. Millets flour will now be included in the rations of soldiers, almost half a century after these were discontinued in favour of the wheat flour.

* The Army said the decision was taken to ensure that troops were supplied with native and traditional grains.

* The Army will procure millets flour not exceeding 25 per cent of the authorised entitlement of cereals (rice and wheat atta) in rations for troops commencing from the year 2023-24. Three popular varieties of millets flour -- Bajra, Jowar and Ragi -- will be issued to troops...

Source : ABP Live

Correct Answer :   N Biren Singh

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Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh Tuesday (2nd May 2023) launched the Facial Recognition System (FRS) for Inner Line Permit (ILP) system and flagged off two camera-mounted mobile FRS vehicles.

* Singh, while speaking during the event, said the newly-launched system will help in the effective checking of ILP holders whose validity has expired and in better management of the system.

* After seeking approval from the Union Home Ministry, engaged a reputed international firm for the installation of the FRS.

* The system has been implemented on a trial basis for some time now, he said, adding that even during the trial period, the system had managed to identify defaulters of the ILPS.

* Singh said the FRS system has been installed at various places, including at the Imphal airport, Jiribam, and efforts are on to install it at other places, including Khongsang Railway Station and Moreh among others.

* In addition, two mobile vehicles will be stationed at different locations in Imphal East and West districts to identify ILP defaulters, Singh said, adding that in the long run, the FRS will facilitate a smoother entry and exit system for permit applicants or holders from the state..

Source : Indian Express

Correct Answer :   8.11%

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India's unemployment rate surged to a four-month high in April 2023 at 8.11 percent, compared to 7.14 percent in March 2023 according to the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE).

* However a closer look at the data shows that the jobs situation is improving. The rise is in unemployment rate came on the back of higher labour participation, which has risen to 41.9 percent from 39.7 percent in March 2023.

* Rural India : 20.3 million people entered the workforce and 95% of them got jobs.

* Urban India : 5.2 million people entered the workforce, but only half of them got jobs..

Source : CNBC

Correct Answer :   Justice TS Sivagnanam

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Justice TS Sivagnanam, the acting Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court has been appointed as the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court by notification of the Central Government on Monday (1st May 2023).

* Born to  Dr.T.S.Subbiah and Smt. Nalini Subbiah in September 16, 1963, Justice Sivagnanam completed his B.Sc. from Loyola College, Chennai and LL.B.(H) degree from Madras Law College.

* He served as a junior to R. Gandhi, Senior Advocate. Later in his career, he was appointed as the Additional Government Standing Counsel for the Union of India in 2000, as Southern Railway Counsel in 2003, Sr. Panel Counsel, Union of India in 2004, AICTE Panel Counsel for 2005 and Counsel for the Registrar Generals, Officer and Judicial Office on appointment by the then Chief Justice of Madras High Court.

* He was appointed as an additional judge of the Madras High Court on March 31, 2009, and became a permanent judge on March 29, 2011. In October 2021, he was transferred to the Calcutta High Court where he has been serving since then.

* He is scheduled to retire on September 15, 2025.

Correct Answer :   IFSCA

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International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) and IHub-Data, IIIT Hyderabad signed an MoU at IIIT Hyderabad campus on 2nd May 2023.

This MoU aims to put in place a framework for cooperation and understanding between IFSCA and IHub-Data, IIIT Hyderabad to collaborate in supporting and facilitating FinTech and TechFin entities.

IFSCA is responsible for the development and regulation of international financial services, including that of the insurance sector, in the IFSC, which is treated as a separate international financial jurisdiction, distinct from the rest of India.

IFSCA Aim : To develop a strong global connect and focus on the needs of the Indian economy as well as to serve as an international financial platform at the regional/ global level.

* IHub-Data is a Technology Innovation Hub for Data Banks, Data Services, and Data Analytics (IHub-Data) at IIIT Hyderabad which was established by IIIT Hyderabad under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) scheme funded by DST, Govt of India with an objective to bring closer different stakeholders – research community, academics, government officials, NGOs, industry leaders, incubating start-ups and social science critics -for enhancing or exploring mutual collaboration.

* The cornerstone development for IHub-Data lies at the interdisciplinary boundaries of science, engineering, and sociology that promises to have an impact on the larger society as such.

* This MoU will enable cooperation and collaboration on diverse initiatives regarding FinTech. FinTechs and TechFins registered with IHub-Data, IIIT Hyderabad may be facilitated to access IFSCA’s Regulatory and Innovation Sandbox and apply to the IFSCA (FinTech Incentive) Scheme 2022..

Source : Telangana Today

Correct Answer :   4.6%

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Growth in the dynamic Asia-Pacific region is projected to increase to 4.6% in 2023 from that of 3.8% recorded in 2022, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) which stated that the growth will be largely led by India and China.

In its Regional Economic Outlook - Asia and Pacific report released on Tuesday (2nd May 2023), the Washington-based fund said the region would contribute around 70% of global growth.

"Asia and Pacific will be the most dynamic of the world's major regions in 2023, predominantly driven by the buoyant outlook for China and India," the IMF report said, adding that the two largest emerging market economies of the region are expected to contribute around half of global growth this year, with the rest of Asia and Pacific contributing an additional fifth.

Meanwhile, IMF said 2023 looks to be a challenging year for the global economy, with global growth decelerating as the effects of monetary policy tightening (through consistent interest rate hikes) and Russia's war in Ukraine continue to weigh on economic activity..

Source : Times of India

Correct Answer :   22%

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The Indian job market is estimated to witness 22% churn over the next five years, with top emerging roles coming from AI, machine learning and data segments, a new study showed on Monday.

* Globally, the job market churn is estimated at 23 per cent, with 69 million new jobs expected to be created and 83 million eliminated by 2027, the World Economic Forum said in its latest Future of Jobs report.

* "Almost a quarter of jobs (23 per cent) are expected to change in the next five years through growth of 10.2 per cent and decline of 12.3 per cent (globally)," the WEF said.

* According to the estimates of the 803 companies surveyed for the report, employers anticipate 69 million new jobs to be created and 83 million eliminated among the 673 million jobs corresponding to the dataset, a net decrease of 14 million jobs, or 2 per cent of current employment.

* Regarding India, it said 61 per cent of companies think broader applications of ESG (environment, social and governance) standards will drive job growth, followed by increased adoption of new technologies (59 per cent) and broadening digital access (55 per cent).

* Top roles for industry transformation in India would be AI (artificial intelligence) and machine learning specialists, and data analysts and scientists, it added...

Source : NDTV

Correct Answer :   $2.25 billion

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The World Bank will provide financial aid of 2.25 billion dollars to Bangladesh for five projects.

* Accelerating transport and trade connectivity in Eastern South Asia worth $753.45 million

* USD 500 million for Resilient Infrastructure Building Project

* USD 500 million First Bangladesh Green and Climate Resilient Development

* USD 250 million Sustainable Microenterprise and Resilient Transformation

* USD 250 million Bangladesh Environmental Sustainability and Transformation.

Source : The Financial Express

Correct Answer :   First Tuesday of May

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World Asthma Day is an annual event observed on the first Tuesday of May to raise awareness and promote better asthma management and care worldwide.

This day is organized by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) in collaboration with healthcare professionals, patient organizations, and public health agencies.

World Asthma Day 2023 falls on May 2.

World Asthma Day 2023 Theme : "Asthma care for All" is the theme that GINA has chosen for World Asthma Day in 2023. The bulk of asthma-related morbidity and mortality are concentrated in low- and middle-income nations. GINA encourages medical administrators to guarantee patients have access to the availability of efficient, high-quality pharmaceuticals in an effort to lessen this burden. The Asthma Care for All campaign encourages the creation and adoption of efficient asthma management plans in all resource-rich nations.

World Asthma Day History : The history of World Asthma Day dates back to 1998 when GINA launched its first World Asthma Awareness Day. It was observed on the first Tuesday of June in more than 35 countries worldwide. Later, in 2008, GINA changed the name to World Asthma Day and moved the date to the first Tuesday of May to reach a broader audience and focus on the latest advances in asthma research and treatment.

World Asthma Day Significance : The significance of World Asthma Day is to increase understanding of the disease's pathophysiology, promote asthma education, and improve the quality of life for people living with asthma. The day's theme changes every year, depending on GINA's priorities, and focuses on raising awareness about specific aspects of asthma and asthma care..

Source : NDTV