Correct Answer :   Justice S Vaidyanathan

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Justice S Vaidyanathan, the seniormost judge of the Madras high court, has been named acting Chief Justice of the court by the President of India.

* Justice Vaidyanathan's appointment came hours ahead of the scheduled retirement of the incumbent acting Chief Justice of the Madras high court, Justice T Raja, on Wednesday (24th May 2023).

* A notification issued on 24th May 2023 : "In exercise of the power conferred by Article 223 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint, Shri Justice S Vaidyanathan, Judge of Madras high court, to perform the duties of the office of the Chief Justice of that High Court with effect from 25.05.2023 consequent upon the retirement of Shri Justice T Raja, Acting Chief Justice, Madras high court."


About Justice S Vaidyanathan :

* Justice Vaidyanathan was born in Coimbatore on August 17, 1962. He did his schooling in Singaram Pillai High School Villivakkam, Chennai. After his graduation in B A (Economics) from D G Vaishnav College, Arumbakkam, during 1979-1982, he joined the Madras Law College (now known as Tamil Nadu Dr Ambedkar Government Law College) in 1982.

* After receiving his postgraduate diploma in personnel management, labour welfare and industrial relations in 1986, he enrolled as an advocate in August 1986.

* Justice S Vaidyanathan started his career in the high court, where his paternal grandfather L S Vaidyanathan served as superintendent in the copyist section and retired in 1952. His father V Subramanian was a shoe polish seller who later grew to be a trade unionist. His father's efforts led to the formation of Madras Commercial Employees Union in Chennai in 1946.

* Justice Vaidyanathan also served as an editor of Labour Law Books published by Madras Book Agency and was elevated as an additional judge of the high court on October 25, 2013 and became a permanent judge on April 14, 2015...

Source : Times of India

Correct Answer :   $95 Billion

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Revenues from carbon taxes and Emissions Trading Systems (ETS) have reached a record high, about $95 billion, finds the World Bank’s annual “State and Trends of Carbon Pricing” report released 23rd May 2023.

* This is despite the challenging context for governments facing high inflation, fiscal pressures, and energy crises.

* Carbon pricing can be an effective way to incorporate the costs of climate change into economic decision making, thereby incentivizing climate action. said Jennifer Sara, Global Director for Climate Change at the World Bank.

* The good news from this report is that even in difficult economic times, governments are prioritizing direct carbon pricing policies to reduce emissions. But to really drive change at the scale needed, we will need to see big advances both in terms of coverage and price.

* The World Bank has been tracking carbon markets for around two decades and the annual State and Trends of Carbon Pricing report is now in its tenth year. When the first report was published a decade ago, only 7% of global emissions were covered by either a carbon tax or an ETS.

* 23 May 2023, as highlighted in the 2023 report, almost a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions (23%) are now covered by 73 instruments. An ETS places a limit on the amount of greenhouse gas emissions – it allows emitters with lower emissions to sell their extra emission units (or “allowances”) to higher emitters, thereby establishing a market price for emissions. A carbon tax, meanwhile, directly sets a price on carbon by defining a tax rate on emissions..

Source : World Bank

Correct Answer :   5.1

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The Ministry of Civil Aviation has launched the 5.1 version of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) - Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) to enhance the connectivity to remote areas of the country and achieve last mile connectivity through helicopters.

* This round has been designed specifically for helicopter routes. The Ministry highlighted that airfare caps have been reduced by as much as 25 percent to make flying in helicopters more affordable for passengers.

* It further said that Viability Gap Funding (VGF) caps for the operators have been increased substantially for both single and twin-engine helicopters to enhance financial viability for operating the awarded routes.

* Union Minister of Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya M. Scindia said that the latest round of UDAN scheme is a testament to two emerging phenomena in Indian civil aviation.

* He said that greater helicopter penetration through such efforts will help boost tourism, hospitality, and thus, the country's local economies. The Minister said that UDAN 5.1 heralds a new dawn not just for civil aviation, but also for India’s remote and unserved regions.

* The Ministry said that as of now, 46 helicopter routes have been operationalized under previous rounds of the scheme benefitting a number of hilly and North East states.

* The Ministry said that under the UDAN scheme passengers have received the benefit of air connectivity, airlines have received concessions for operating regional routes, and unserved regions have received the direct and indirect benefits of air connectivity for their economic development.

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Narendra Modi

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The Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and was speaking at the opening ceremony of the 3rd Khelo India University games in Lucknow 25th May 2023.

* Connecting virtually to the event, Prime Minister extended his best wishes to the players who are taking part in the Khelo India University games.
 
* Mr. Modi said to the players that they have come to sports in an era that is the era of India. Emphasizing the importance of the Khelo India campaign, Prime Minister said, more than thirty thousand players have taken part in Khelo India University games to date and more than one thousand Khelo India centres are being established in the country.
 
* He said, under the Khelo India campaign three thousand crores rupees have been spent on the Urban sports infrastructure in the country and in the coming days the facilities are going to increase only.

* Underlining the role of the Khelo India campaign Mr. Modi said that it has revived the glory of the traditional sports of the country and the Government is giving scholarships to promote such games. He said that the positive change the Khelo India campaign has brought is that it has empowered the women players of the country.
 
* Talking about the steps taken by his Government to promote Sports in the country Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that, Sports is now part of the curriculum in the New education policy, and establishing a Sports University is definitely going to help this scenario. The budget for sports have increased threefold and thousand of crore rupees are being spent on sports and many of them are happening in Uttar Pradesh also.
 
* The Prime Minister said that, 25th May 2023 Uttar Pradesh has become the confluence of the young energy and these games will connect the culture of different cities of the state to the players who have arrived here for the events.
 
* Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister of Sports Anurag Singh Thakur said that Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Khelo India Games have ushered in an era of New India. The emergence of talented athletes from the grassroots across the nation has accelerated India's sporting prowess on the stage.
 
* The grand opening ceremony of the 3rd Khelo India University games took place at Babu Banarasi Das sports complex in Lucknow. Union Minister of State for Sports Nishith Pramanik along with the Chief Minister of the State Yogi Adityanath were present at the inaugural function.
 
* The third edition of the Khelo India University Games will be held from 25th May 2023 to the 3rd of June 2023.

* These competitions will be organized in Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Lucknow, and Gautam Buddha Nagar. The Games will witness the participation of over 4750 athletes from more than 200 Universities, who will be competing in 21 sports. The closing ceremony of the Games will be held in Varanasi on the 3rd of June 2023 in which the Prime Minister will also participate..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Dr K. Govindaraj

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Dr K. Govindaraj elected as the President of International Basketball Federation (FIBA), Asia. He is a Congress MLC. He is also the President of Basketball Federation of India and President of Karnataka Olympic Association. Govindaraj was unanimously nominated to take over as President of FIBA Asia.

This is the first time that an Indian has been nominated as the President of FIBA Asia. The nomination was ratified at the FIBA Asia Congress making Govindaraj, the first Indian to lead the International Basketball Federation in Asia, which includes 44 countries.

Govindaraj has replaced Qatar’s Sheikh Saud Ali Al Thani, who was serving his fourth five-year term as head of FIBA Asia since 2002. After confirmation of the post, Govindraj had stated that it’s an honour for the entire Indian sports fraternity to get an opportunity and responsibility to be at the helm of affairs of Asian basketball, and help develop basketball in Asia.

About the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) :

* The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) is the governing body for the sport of basketball worldwide.

* Established in 1932 and headquartered in Switzerland, FIBA is responsible for overseeing and regulating international basketball competitions, including the FIBA Basketball World Cup, Continental Championships, and the Olympic basketball tournaments.

* FIBA sets the rules and regulations of the game, promotes the development of basketball globally, and works towards the advancement and promotion of the sport at all levels. Additionally, FIBA is responsible for accrediting and organizing international basketball referees and coaches.

Correct Answer :   Google Pay

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Google Pay, in collaboration with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), rolled out support for RuPay credit cards on Unified Payments Interface (UPI).

* This means that Google Pay users can now link their RuPay credit cards with Google Pay to pay at all online and offline merchants where RuPay credit cards are accepted.

* "This feature will give Google Pay users more flexibility and choice in making payments, and will drive greater adoption of digital payments in the country," said Sharath Bulusu, Director of Product Management from Google.

* According to the company, the feature is available to RuPay credit card holders of Axis Bank, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, HDFC Bank, Indian Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Punjab National Bank and Union Bank of India.

* The integration of RuPay Credit Card on UPI delivers a remarkable user experience seamlessly combining the convenience of UPI with the benefits of RuPay Credit Card," said Nalin Bansal, chief, relationship management and key initiatives, corporate business from NPCI...

Source : India Times

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