Correct Answer :   May 24

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Commonwealth Day is celebrated every year on March 13, across the world. On the other hand, India along with some other countries observe it on May 24.

With ‘Forging a Sustainable and Peaceful Common Future’ as its theme this year (2023), Commonwealth Day, also known as Empire Day, aims to unite 2.5 billion Commonwealth citizens in celebration of their shared values and principles and pursue a common future, centred on sustainability and peace.

To mark the day, Speeches are delivered, and exhibitions and cultural events are held across the 56 Commonwealth member countries. Commonwealth Day also focuses on the objectives to help each other in improving health care, education, job opportunities, and sports as well as to protect each other’s environment.


Commonwealth Day 2023 Theme : Commonwealth Day serves as an opportunity to raise awareness and draw attention to the accomplishments of 54 Commonwealth countries in various areas, like addressing climate change as well as promoting gender equality. This year, the theme for Commonwealth Day is “Forging a Sustainable and Peaceful Common Future”, which also reflects the shared commitment of member nations towards building a better and united tomorrow.


Commonwealth Day History :

* The history of Commonwealth Day dates back to 1902 when it was initially established to honour Queen Victoria after her passing on January 22, 1901. The first celebration of this commemorative occasion took place on May 24, 1902, coinciding with Queen Victoria’s birth anniversary. However, it wasn’t until 1916 that Empire Day, as it was known then, gained official recognition as an annual event.

* Lord Meath, in 1916, played a pivotal role in expanding the Empire Day festivities beyond national boundaries, transforming it into a significant historical event. Years later, in 1958, then United Kingdom Prime Minister Harold Macmillan, embracing the evolving nature of the relationship among member nations, announced that Empire Day would be renamed as Commonwealth Day.


Commonwealth Day 2023 Significance :

The day signifies unity, solidarity and brotherhood. It holds symbolic value as it embodies unity and serves as a platform for Commonwealth members to reaffirm their unwavering dedication to equality, peace, and democracy. Commonwealth Day 2023 also aims to foster a sense of humanity and promote solidarity, emphasizing the collective pursuit of a harmonious and interconnected world..

Source : News18

Correct Answer :   India and Australia

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has raised with his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese India's concerns over incidents of attacks on temples and activities of pro-Khalistani elements in Australia.

* Mr Modi raised the issue during his wide-ranging with Mr Albanese in Sydney 24th May 2023. In a joint press statement after the meeting, Mr Modi said he had discussions with his Australian counterparts in the past on the issue of attacks on temples in Australia and activities of separatist elements.

* Mr. Modi said Prime Minister Albanese has assured him once again that he will take strict actions against such elements in the future also.

* Prime Minister Modi said the India-Australia ties are based on mutual trust and confidence.

* Mr Modi said they have a constructive discussion on strengthening strategic cooperation in mining and critical minerals.

* Mr added that the discussion was held on taking India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights. Mr. Modi invited Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and all Australian cricket fans to India for the Cricket World Cup this year.
       
* India and Australia also signed agreements in the field of migration and mobility partnership and on the Green Hydrogen task force. The Memorandum of Understandings were exchanged after the bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his  Australian counterpart.

* The Australian Prime Minister said the two countries reiterated their shared ambition for an early conclusion of the Australia-India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement later this year. He also announced the establishment of a new Australian Consulate General in Bengaluru saying it will help connect Australian businesses to India's booming digital and innovation ecosystem..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Adidas

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on 22 May 2023 that the Indian national cricket team had secured a new kit sponsorship deal with the renowned German sportswear powerhouse, Adidas.

* While specific financial details and the duration of the contract were not disclosed, this development marks a significant milestone in the partnership between Adidas and the Indian cricket team.

* Speculations surrounding this highly-anticipated collaboration had been circulating in the Indian media for some time, and BCCI Secretary Jay Shah took to Twitter to confirm the news.

* The MPL deal was valid till the end of December 2023. MPL was to pay the BCCI ₹65 lakh per match and ₹3 crore per year as the merchandise partner (a total of ₹9 crore).

* However, MPL started looking for a replacement in 2022 itself as it found it challenging to continue with the deal.

* According to reports, the contract between the BCCI and Killer Jeans is set to expire on May 31..

Source : Mint

Correct Answer :   Sourav Ganguly

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Cricket icon Sourav Ganguly was appointed the brand ambassador of Tripura tourism, Chief Minister Manik Saha announced on Tuesday (23rd May 2023).

* The announcement came after Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury met Ganguly at his residence in Kolkata along with state officials, and discussed the proposal.

* The chief minister said he also spoke to Ganguly over the phone, and was confident that his participation in the campaigns would give an impetus to the state’s tourism sector.

* “It’s a matter of great pride that former captain of Indian cricket team Sourav Ganguly has accepted our proposal to be the Brand Ambassador of Tripura Tourism,” Saha said in a Facebook post..

Source : The Print

Correct Answer :   IIT Kanpur

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The Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) at the esteemed Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK), has embarked on a path of revolutionising the startup ecosystem in India.

In a major stride towards this goal, SIIC recently joined forces with YES Bank by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that seeks to provide crucial support to the startups incubated at SIIC.

Under the terms of the MoU, SIIC and YES Bank will collaborate closely to identify innovative startups and extend them the necessary financial backing. This strategic partnership aims to bolster the startup ecosystem in India by granting these ventures access to a wide range of resources through YES Bank’s specialised startup-focused program called YES Head-Startup.

This program, backed by a full-service banking proposition, is specifically tailored for technology-based or technology-enabled startups and is complemented by an exclusive privilege program.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Prof Abhay Karandikar, the Director of IIT Kanpur, highlighted the program’s objective of empowering startups with vital financial and infrastructural assistance to facilitate their rapid growth. He emphasised that this initiative is just one among many undertaken by IIT Kanpur to ensure the professional success of its students and contribute to the nation-building process.

Ankush Sharma, Professor In-charge of SIIC at IIT Kanpur, emphasised the importance of providing startups with the necessary resources and support to foster an environment that encourages entrepreneurship and innovation. By doing so, SIIC aims to pave the way for a brighter future for the Indian startup community. Sharma believes that this collaborative effort holds immense potential for societal impact by generating employment opportunities, fostering economic growth, and driving technological advancements that can positively influence various sectors of the Indian economy.

The MoU between SIIC and YES Bank was formalised during a ceremony attended by distinguished individuals from SIIC, IIT Kanpur, and YES Bank..

Source : News18

Correct Answer :   World Health Organization

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WHO is delighted to announce the appointment of internationally acclaimed artists Renée Fleming and Pretty Yende as Goodwill Ambassadors for Arts and Health.

* This prestigious announcement was made as part of WHO's 75th Anniversary commemoration during the Seventy-sixth World Health Assembly on 22 May 2023.

* Renée Fleming, one of the most celebrated singers of our time, and Pretty Yende, an extraordinary soprano known for her dazzling performances, have been selected for their artistic achievement and advocacy for improved health outcomes through creative means.

* On 8 April 2023, Fleming and Yende performed for a special concert titled Healing Arts, dedicated to WHO's 75th anniversary in Geneva, Switzerland.

* Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said, "WHO is honoured to have Renée Fleming and Pretty Yende join as Goodwill Ambassadors for Arts and Health.

* Their unparalleled talent, dedication to the arts, and commitment to advancing health and well-being make them ideal ambassadors for this important cause. Their involvement will inspire individuals, communities and policy-makers to recognize and harness the transformative power of the arts in the pursuit of better health for all."

* They would join other distinguished WHO Goodwill Ambassadors such as Alisson, Natalia Becker, Didier Drogba, Michael Bloomberg, Cynthia Germanotta, Gordon Brown, and James Chau, among others...

Source : WHO

Correct Answer :   Vijay Shekhar Sharma

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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has given its approval to Paytm Payments Bank for the re-appointment of Paytm chief executive Vijay Shekhar Sharma as part-time chairman for a year, as per a regulatory filing by the fintech company to the stock exchanges.

* “We have been informed that Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL) has received approval from RBI for the re-appointment of Mr. Vijay Shekhar Sharma as Part-time Chairman of PPBL, for a third term starting from May 23, 2023, for a period of one year,” One97 Communications, the Paytm parent, mentioned in its regulatory filing.

* Currently, One97 Communications owns a 49 percent stake in PPBL and Sharma holds the remaining of the stake in the entity.

* Notably, One97 Communications cut down its losses in the March quarter as the fintech firm’s consolidated net loss lowered to Rs 168 crore from Rs 761 crore a year ago, and Rs 392 crore a quarter ago.

* The company said the 51 percent surge was driven because of a hike in GMV (gross merchandise value), higher merchant subscription revenues, and growth in loans distributed via its platform.

* Across its three loan product offerings—Paytm Postpaid, Personal Loans, and Merchant Loans—loans amounting to Rs 12,554 crore were distributed through the Paytm platform in Q4..

Source : Money Control

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