National Current Affairs

The biannual Army Commanders Conclave 2023 is being held in a hybrid format from 17 to 21 April 2023. The conference includes virtual meetings on the first day, followed by physical meetings in Delhi for more detailed discussions.

The Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of the Naval Staff, and the Chief of the Air Staff will also address the Army Commanders conference. The conference serves as an institutional platform for conceptual-level deliberations, making important policy decisions for the Indian Army. The forum will review the progress on the activities charted out as part of ‘Year of Transformation-2023’ along with progress on Agnipath Scheme and digitisation and automation initiatives. The conference will brainstorm current and emerging security scenarios, and review the operational preparedness of the Indian Army.

Q.: What is the Army Commanders Conclave 2023?
a) A virtual conference for the Indian Army
b) An institutional platform for conceptual-level deliberations
c) A physical meeting for defence ministers
d) A summit for global military leaders

Answer: b) An institutional platform for conceptual-level deliberations

Two-days Women 20 meeting organizes under G-20 in Jaipur from 13 to 14 April 2023. During the meeting Mission Digital Mahila” launches to empower women.

1. Elaborate discussions were made on topics related to gender equality and women empowerment on the first day of the two-day Women 20 meeting organized under G-20 in Jaipur.
2. Three sessions were organized in the meeting, which focused on financial empowerment of women, digital and financial literacy, climate change, and a sustainable future.
3. “Mission Digital Mahila” was launched in the meeting to empower women through financial and business literacy and digital proficiency, and to increase their access to digital and financial tools and the local ecosystem so they can start their own enterprises and expand their businesses.
4. Despite an almost equal population of women in the country, the participation of women in the labor force is just 22 percent, while globally it is 49 percent.
5. Three out of four women in the age group of 15 to 59 years in the country are out of the labor force.
6. Increasing women’s participation in the labor force will also increase the GDP.

Question : When was “Mission Digital Mahila” launched?

a) During the Two-day Women 20 meeting in Jaipur
b) During the G-20 Summit in Jaipur
c) During the UN General Assembly in New York
d) During the World Economic Forum in Davos

Ans : a) During the Two-day Women 20 meeting in Jaipur

1. Kolkata Metro Railway carried out a successful test run of two six-coach metro trains under Hooghly river’s underwater tunnel, which is the country’s first-ever underwater Metro.
2. The two six-coach trains underwent a trial run on the 4.8-kilometer stretch between Esplanade and Howrah Maidan as part of the Kolkata East-West Metro Project.
3. The trial runs in the 4.8 KM underground stretch from Howrah Maidan to Esplanade will be conducted for the next seven months.
4. Commercial services on this stretch are expected to begin this year only.
5. Howrah will be the deepest Metro station (33 meters below surface) in the country once this stretch is open.
6. The Metro is expected to cover the 520 meters stretch under the river Hooghly in 45 seconds.
7. The tunnel under the river is 32 meters below the water level, the only one of its type in India.

Question: How deep is the Howrah Metro station located under the river Hooghly?
a) 32 meters
b) 45 meters
c) 20 meters
d)100 meters
Answer: a) 32 meters

1. Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi inaugurated the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Young Authors’ Conference in New Delhi.
2. The SCO comprises eight Member States including China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
3. Ms Lekhi emphasized the need to strengthen ties and find linkages of common heritage and social value systems in the youth.
4. The two-day conference will explore modern education, training, advanced training of youth, and wider involvement in entrepreneurial activities and innovative projects.

Question: How many Member States currently comprise the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)?
a. 7
b. 8
c. 9
d. 10
Answer: b. 8

1. The Second Women 20 (W20) International Meeting is commencing today in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
2. The meeting will bring together 120 women leaders from 18 G20 countries.
3. The objective of the W20 is women’s empowerment, advocacy of women’s rights, and the creation of an equitable platform for them with a platform to raise their opinions.
4. The theme of the meeting is “Women-Led Development: Leverage Women’s Untapped Potential to Accelerate Inclusive and Sustainable Future.”
5. The meeting’s agenda focuses on five key priorities: Women’s Entrepreneurship, Grassroots Women’s Leadership, Bridging the Gender Digital Divide, Education and Skill Development, and Climate Change.
6. The meeting will feature keynote speeches and panel discussions on topics related to women’s issues.

Question: What is the objective of the Women 20 (W20) group?
a) To address gender inequality and promote women’s economic empowerment
b) To promote men’s rights and interests
c) To support the G20 countries in achieving economic growth
d) To promote men’s economic empowerment

Answer: a) To address gender inequality and promote women’s economic empowerment

1. Antim Panghal won a silver medal at the 2023 Asian Wrestling Championships in the 53-kg category.
2. Panghal lost to Japan’s Akari Fujinami, the reigning world champion, in the final.
3. Fujinami defended her Asian crown comfortably, leading 4-0 in the opening minute before winning the match in the first round.
4. Four other Indian wrestlers, Anshu Malik (57kg), Sonam Malik (62kg), Manisha (65kg), and Reetika (72kg), won bronze medals in their respective weight categories.
5. India’s medal tally in the championships was increased by the bronze medals won by the four wrestlers.

Question: Who won the silver medal in the 53-kg category at the 2023 Asian Wrestling Championships?
a) Anshu Malik
b) Akari Fujinami
c) Sonam Malik
d) Antim Panghal
Answer: d) Antim Panghal

1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi to distribute around 71,000 appointment letters to newly recruited employees through video conference.
2. New recruits will be joining various positions in the Central Government, including Train Manager, Station Master, Inspector, Constable, Stenographer, Junior Accountant, Postal Assistant, Income Tax Inspector, Assistant Professor, Teacher, and Nurse.
3. PM Modi will also address the newly appointed employees.
4. Newly appointed employees will have the opportunity to train themselves through an online orientation course called Karmayogi Prarambh.
5. The Rozgar Mela is a step towards fulfilling the government’s commitment to employment generation.

Question: PM Modi distribute how many appointment letters to newly recruited employees during Rozgar Mela on 13th April 2023 ?
a) around 1,50,000
b) around 90,000
c) around 71,000
d) around 51,000
Answer: c) around 71,000

President Droupadi Murmu, the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, took a 30-minute sortie in a Sukhoi 30 MKI fighter aircraft at the Tezpur Air Force Station in Assam on 8 April 2023.

The President expressed her exhilaration in the visitor’s book and congratulated the Indian Air Force for organizing the sortie. She was briefed on the aircraft’s operational capabilities and expressed satisfaction with the preparedness of the Indian Air Force. This sortie was part of her efforts to engage with the armed forces. Last month, the President visited INS Vikrant and interacted with officers and sailors on board the indigenously built aircraft.

Question : Who is the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces ?
a) Prime Minister of India
b) President of India
c) Chief of Defence Staff
d) Chief of the Army Staff 

Ans : b) President of India

The Grand Finale of 59th Femina Miss India 2023 will be held at Khuman Lampak Indoor Stadium in Imphal on 15th April 2023.

Thirty contestants of Grand Finale arrived in Imphal on 7th April 2023. It is for the first time in the entire North East Region that the Grand Finale of Femina Miss India will be held in Imphal.

Just after the arrival at Imphal International Airport, the leaders of various organisations especially the women organisations welcomed the contestants. They also handed over the traditional clothes to them as a gift.

Questions : Where will the Grand Finale of Femina Miss India 2023 take place?
A) New Delhi
B) Mumbai
C) Imphal
D) Kolkata

Answer: C) Imphal

1. Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated a two-day animal fair in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh on 6 April 2023.
2. 50,000 farmers with 1,500 high-breed certified animals have enrolled in the event.
3. Animals that win various competitions will be rewarded Rs 5 lakh, Rs 2 lakh, and Rs 1 lakh in 18 categories.
4. Buffalos, cows, bulls, horses, goats, and sheep from across the country have been brought to participate.
5. Participating animals will walk on the ramp like models.
6. Around 150 stalls have been set up to provide information and demonstrations on advanced machinery and techniques used in the agricultural field to the farmers.

Questions : Which city is hosting a two-day fair featuring high-breed certified animals for the first time from 6 April 2023 ?
a) Meerut
b) Muzaffarnagar
c) Jaipur
d) Sonipat

b) Muzaffarnagar

1. President Droupadi Murmu conferred 55 Padma Awards for the year 2023, at the second Civil Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
2. Three Padma Vibhushan, five Padma Bhushan and 47 Padma Shri Awards were presented.
3. Padma Vibhushan was given to ORS pioneer Dr Dilip Mahalanabis and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav posthumously.
4. Padma Bhushan was awarded to philanthropist Sudha Murthy, theoretical physicist Prof Deepak Dhar, Kannada author Dr. S.L. Bhyrappa and spiritual leader Tridandi Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji.
5. Legendary singer Vani Jairam was given Padma Bhushan posthumously.
6. President Murmu also conferred Padma Shri awards on Music composer MM Keeravani, Water Conservationist Umashankar Pandey, Mathematician Sujatha Ramdorai, Educator Anand Kumar, and actress Raveena Tandon among others.
7. Social worker Gajanan Jagannath Mane, who has devoted his life to the rehabilitation of leprosy-affected people and Ajay Kumar Mandavi, who is actively involved in rehabilitating former Maoists through Wood Carving Art, were also given Padma Shri awards.

Question: Who was awarded the Padma Shri for their work in rehabilitating leprosy-affected people?
a) Umashankar Pandey
b) Gajanan Jagannath Mane
c) Anand Kumar
d) Ajay Kumar Mandavi

Answer: b) Gajanan Jagannath Mane

1. The Second G20 EMPOWER meeting will be held from 4th -6th April, 2023 at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
2. The theme of the meeting is “Women’s Empowerment: A Win-Win for Equity and Economy”.
3. Side events on 4th April will take up important issues in the form of panel discussions.
4. Dr. Munjpara Mahendrabhai, Minister of State for Ministry of Women & Child Development, will attend the opening plenary session on April 5.
5. Closing plenary session on April 6 will focus on identifying key outcomes and establishing actions across G20 EMPOWER priorities on points of consensus.
6. The discussions in the various sessions will reflect in the Communique of G20 EMPOWER and will be provided as recommendations to G20 leaders.
7. The G20 EMPOWER is an alliance of G20 business leaders and governments that aims to accelerate women’s leadership and empowerment in the private sector.
8. The Inception meeting of G20 EMPOWER was held on 11th-12th February at Agra, Uttar Pradesh.
9. The second EMPOWER meeting will have an exhibition designed and curated by the National Institute of Fashion Technology, showcasing women’s engagement in the cultivation and production of Tea, Coffee, Spices and Coir, work of women-led FPOs and Indigenous Toys, Handloom & Handicrafts crafted by women as well as ayurvedic and wellness products.
10. Cultural programs will be organised in the evenings which will present an engaging glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of India.

Question : What is the theme of the second G20 EMPOWER meeting of the Ministry of Women & Child Development?

A. Women’s Empowerment: A Win-Win for Equity and Economy
B. Accelerating Women’s Leadership and Empowerment in the Private Sector
C. Achieving Economic Prosperity by Empowering Women: Towards 25×25 Brisbane Goals
D. Women’s Empowerment is an Economic Imperative

Answer: A. Women’s Empowerment: A Win-Win for Equity and Economy.

1. Indian Railways achieves record performance in Freight Business in FY 2022-23
2. Originating Freight loading reaches 1512 MT, an increase of 94 MT from last year, with 7% growth rate
3. NTKM (Net tonne Kilometre) grew by 10% to reach 903 Bn NTKMs, which is the highest ever
4. Coal loading increases by 84 MT with a growth rate of 17.3%, while automobile loading grows by 65%
5. Indian Railways achieves growth in almost all commodity segments with the highest growth rate in Coal, followed by Fertilizer and Cement & Clinker
6. Passenger business increased by more than 80% to reach 623 Cr, and Passenger revenues are expected to exceed Rs 60,000 Cr with growth of more than 60% over last year
7. Gross Freight revenues are expected to be more than Rs 1.6 Lakh Cr with a growth rate of ~14%, and combined revenues expected to exceed Rs 2.2 Lakh Cr for the first time

Question : What is the growth rate of the NTKM (Net tonne Kilometre) of Indian railways in FY 2022-23?

a) 10%
b) 7%
c) 14%
d) 6.7%

Answer: a) 10%

1. Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh assumed the appointment of Vice Chief of Naval Staff on 1st April 2023.
2. He paid homage to the bravehearts at the National War Memorial and reviewed the Guard of Honour at South Block, New Delhi on 2nd April 2023.
3. He graduated from the National Defence Academy, Pune, and was commissioned in 1986 in the Executive Branch of the Indian Navy.
4. He has served in various positions during his 37-year-long career, including Assistant Chief of Naval Staff, Flag Officer Sea Training, and Commandant Naval War College, among others.
5. He holds several degrees, including MSc and MPhil in Defence and Strategic Studies from Madras University, MA in Defence Studies from Kings College, London, and MA (History), MPhil (Pol) and PhD (Arts) from Mumbai University.
6. He was awarded the Nao Sena Medal in 2009 and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2020 for his distinguished service.

Question : Who has been appointed Vice Chief of Naval Staff on 1st April 2023.

A) Vice Admirals Karambir Singh
B) Vice Admirals P N Murugesan
C) Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh
D) Vice Admirals Raj Pal Singh

Answer: C) Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh

On April 1, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the Vande Bharat Express train between Bhopal and New Delhi at Rani Kamlapati Railway Station in Bhopal. The train will run between Rani Kamlapati Railway Station in Madhya Pradesh and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station in Delhi. It will be the eleventh Vande Bharat train in the country and is equipped with state-of-the-art passenger amenities.

The Vande Bharat train will cover a distance of 701 kilometres in seven hours and 30 minutes and will run on all days except Saturday. It will make stoppages at Veerangana Laxmibai Jhansi, Gwalior, and Agra. The train is equipped with advanced state-of-the-art safety features, including the Train Collision Avoidance System – KAVACH. Every coach has a CCTV camera, and passengers can communicate with drivers in case of emergencies.

The train will be available for the general public starting from the following day. The executive coaches of the train have been equipped with 180-degree rotating seats, and it promises to offer a faster, more comfortable, and more convenient travel experience to rail users.

Questions : On April 1, 2023, which cities were connected by the Vande Bharat Express train that was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi?
a) Mumbai and Delhi
b) Bhopal and Kolkata
c) Chennai and Hyderabad
d) Bhopal and New Delhi

Answer: d) Bhopal and New Delhi

• Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Joint Commanders’ conference of the three services in Bhopal on April 1, 2023.
• The Joint Commanders’ conference of all three forces is being held in the capital city Bhopal in the presence of Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh.
• Top commanders of the three forces including CDS General Anil Chauhan, Army Chief General Manoj Pandey, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhary and Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar are participating in this conference.
• The theme of the conference is ‘Ready, Resurgent, Relevant’.
• The focus of the conference is on advancing the theatre command format for national security, increasing coordination among the three forces, and working together in the future.
• The strategy of forces in the event of war, self-reliance in defense matters, and the defense ecosystem are also being discussed at the conference.

Questions : What is the theme of the Joint Commanders’ conference of all three forces held in Bhopal, India?

A) ‘Together for Stronger Defense’
B) ‘Advancing National Security’
C) ‘Ready, Resurgent, Relevant’
D) ‘Building a Future-Ready Defense Force’

Answer: C) ‘Ready, Resurgent, Relevant’

• Maharashtra Governor Ramesh Bais inaugurated the Merchant Navy Week in Mumbai on 31 March 2023.
• The Director General of Shipping and Chairman of NMDC, Rajiv Jalota, pinned the miniature flag of Merchant Navy Day on the Governor’s apparel to mark the beginning of the Diamond Jubilee of Merchant Navy Week.
• The Governor stated that the ocean around Mumbai can be explored for the development of passenger transport services.
• He emphasized the need to increase the number of Maritime Training Institutes in India and further strengthen them.
• The Governor stressed the importance of the merchant navy for India’s economic development, citing its vast maritime history.
• The DG of Shipping highlighted the importance of National Maritime Day and the developments made by the Directorate General of Shipping and other organizations in the maritime field.
• Merchant Navy Week celebrations showcase the Shipping Industry’s role in all its aspects through various events like meetings, seminars, symposiums, workshops, exhibitions, and competitions.

Question : What is the purpose of the Merchant Navy Week celebrations?
a) To highlight the role of the Shipping Industry in all its aspects.
b) To focus only on the developments made by the Directorate General of Shipping.
c) To promote the fishing industry in India.
d) None of the above.

Answer: a) To highlight the role of the Shipping Industry in all its aspects.

1. The Government has raised interest rates on most post office saving schemes for the April-June 2023 quarter.
2. The National Savings Certificate (NSC) interest rate has been increased to 7.7%.
3. Sukanya Samriddhi interest rate has been increased to 8%.
4. PPF and savings deposits interest rates have been retained at 7.1% and 4% respectively.
5. Senior citizen savings scheme interest rate increased to 8.2%.
6. Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) interest rate has been increased to 7.5%, and its maturity period reduced from 120 to 115 months.
7. One-year term deposit interest rate has been increased to 6.8%.
8. Two-year term deposit interest rate has been increased to 6.9%.
9. Three-year term deposit interest rate has been increased to 7%.
10. Five-year term deposit interest rate has been increased to 7.5%.
11. Five-year recurring deposit interest rate increased to 6.2%.
12. Interest rates on Monthly Income Scheme have been increased to 7.4%.
13. Interest rates for small savings schemes are notified quarterly.

What is the new interest rate for the National Savings Certificate (NSC) for the April-June 2023 quarter?
A) 6.8%
B) 7%
C) 7.7%
D) 8%
Answer: C) 7.7%