Current Affairs

RBI announces status quo on policy rates, projects 6.5% GDP growth for 2023-24

On 6th April 2023, The six-member monetary policy committee headed by RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das announced a status quo on policy rates.

  • The monetary policy committee has unanimously decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 6.5 percent.
  • The standing deposit facility SDF rate will remain stable at 6.25 percent and the marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and the Bank Rate at 6.75 percent.
  • The pause in rate hike comes after six successive rate hikes.
  • RBI has projected GDP growth for 2023-24 at 6.5 percent with risks evenly balanced.
  • Inflation is expected to moderate to 5.2 percent.
  • The next meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee would be held from the 6th to 8th of June 2023.

Question : What is the repo rate?
a) The rate at which banks lend to the RBI
b) The rate at which RBI borrows money from the banks
c) The rate at which RBI lends to banks
d) None of the above

Answer: c) The rate at which RBI lends to banks

President confers 55 Padma Awards for 2023, including Padma Vibhushan, Bhushan, and Shri

  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

Government Approves Ten Nuclear Reactors

Minister of State (Independent Charge)Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh informed on 5th April 2023 that, the Government has accorded administrative approval and financial sanction for 10 indigenous Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors of 700 MW each in fleet mode. The details are as follows:

StateLocationProjectCapacity(MW)
KarnatakaKaigaKaiga-5&62 X 700
HaryanaGorakhpurGHAVP– 3&42 X 700
Madhya PradeshChutkaChutka-1&22 X 700
RajasthanMahi BanswaraMahi Banswara-1&22 X 700
Mahi Banswara-3&42 X 700

The Government has amended the Atomic Energy Act in 2015 to enable the Joint Ventures of NPCIL with Public Sector Enterprises to set up nuclear power projects.

These reactors are planned to be set up in ‘fleet mode’ progressively by the year 2031 at a cost of Rs. 1,05,000 crores.

Question: What is the capacity of the indigenous Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors planned to be set up by the government?
a) 500 MW each in fleet mode
b) 600 MW each in fleet mode
c) 700 MW each in fleet mode
d) 800 MW each in fleet mode

Answer: c) 700 MW each in fleet mode

Celebrated National Maritime on Day 5 April

  1. On the occasion of the 60th National Maritime Day, Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off the Maritime Awareness Walkathon in New Delhi.
  2. Mr Sonowal highlighted the importance of the maritime sector for India’s economic growth and said that it is the lifeline and route to the prosperity of the nation.
  3. Shipping will open new boundaries to lead the building of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in India’s Amrit Kaal, according to Mr Sonowal.
  4. The vision of Amrit Kaal under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is for the creation of excellent employment opportunities for the youth, the Minister said.
  5. Mr Sonowal stressed the need to work hard to make shipping a fast-growing sector so that India can become a world leader in maritime infrastructure as well as a lead player in the maritime economy.

Question : When is the National Maritime Day celebrated?
a) 5 April
b) 4 June
c) 6 April
d)10 August
Answer: a) 5 April

India elected as member of key UN bodies including Statistical Commission and Commission on Narcotic Drugs

  1. India has been elected as a member of the UN Statistical Commission, the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, and the Programme Coordinating Board of the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS by the Economic and Social Council ECOSOC of the United Nations.
  2. The Statistical Commission is responsible for setting standards in the field of statistics, and India was a member of the Commission in 2004, returning after two decades.
  3. India’s expertise in statistics, diversity, and demography earned it a seat on the UN Statistical Commission, according to External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar.
  4. The Commission on Narcotic Drugs supervises international drug control treaties, while the Programme Coordinating Board of UNAIDS provides strategic direction for a global response to HIV/AIDS.
  5. India’s overwhelming support in the elections reflects the international community’s trust in its expertise, according to the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in New York.
  6. India aims to make its due contributions in these bodies and others in the spirit of advancing multilateral solutions to global challenges, guided by the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ or ‘The World is One Family’.

Question: Which of the following reflects India’s guiding philosophy in its approach to contributing to UN bodies such as the Statistical Commission and Commission on Narcotic Drugs?
a) ‘The World is One Family’
b) ‘Make in India’
c) ‘Digital India’
d) ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’

Answer: a) ‘The World is One Family

India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission: net-zero emissions by 2070

  • India has set a goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070
  • A shift towards renewable energy sources is necessary to reduce reliance on fossil fuels as the country’s demand for energy and resources grows
  • Green hydrogen (GH2) is a promising renewable energy carrier that can play a vital role in India’s low-carbon and self-reliant economic pathways
  • GH2 is produced through the electrolysis of water powered by renewable energy and is renewable and carbon-free
  • GH2 is versatile and can be used as a combustion fuel, as feedstock for industrial processes, and converted back into electricity in a fuel cell
  • GH2 can be more easily stored and transported over long distances compared to grid renewable electricity
  • The National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to make India the global hub for production, usage, and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives
  • The mission aims to build capabilities to produce at least 5 Million Metric Tonne (MMT) of green hydrogen per annum by 2030, with the potential to reach 10 MMT per annum with growth of export markets
  • Sourcing green hydrogen currently involves significant costs, but the costs of production are expected to decrease as the sector evolves.

Questions : What is the target year for net-zero emissions under India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission?
A) 2030
B) 2050
C) 2070
D) 2080

Ans : C) 2070

Stand Up India Scheme completed 7 years

The Stand Up India Scheme was launched on 5th April 2016 to promote entrepreneurship at the grassroots level and create jobs. The scheme has been extended up to the year 2025.

  • The scheme focuses on promoting entrepreneurship among women, Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).
  • The scheme provides loans for greenfield enterprises in manufacturing, services, trading sectors and agriculture-related activities.
  • Union Finance & Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that more than 1.8 lakh women and SC/ST entrepreneurs have been sanctioned loans for over Rs. 40,600 crore.
  • The scheme has created an ecosystem that facilitates access to loans from bank branches of all Scheduled Commercial Banks.
  • The scheme has touched numerous lives by providing affordable credit to the unserved/underserved segment of entrepreneurs.
  • The scheme has provided wings to aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase their entrepreneurial acumen and drive economic growth.
  • The scheme aims to encourage all bank branches in extending loans to borrowers from SC, ST and women in setting up their own greenfield enterprise.
  • Loans under the scheme are available for only greenfield projects.
  • The online portal www.standupmitra.in provides guidance to prospective entrepreneurs in their endeavor to set up business enterprises.

Question : On which date was the Stand-Up India Scheme launched?
a) April 5, 2015
b) April 6, 2016
c) April 5, 2016
d) April 6, 2015

Answer: c) April 5, 2016

Skyroot Aerospace, a private space vehicle company, successfully test-fired 3D-printed Dhawan II engine

In Telangana, Skyroot Aerospace, a private space vehicle company, successfully test-fired its 3D-printed Dhawan II engine for 200 seconds. The engine was specifically designed for its heavier vehicle, Vikram II. The recent test involved a cryogenic engine, which will serve as the upper stage for the updated version of Vikram-II. This upgrade to a cryogenic upper stage, as opposed to a solid fuel stage, enhances the rocket’s payload carrying capacity.

In November of the previous year, Skyroot conducted its first sub-orbital flight using a single-stage solid fuel Vikram S rocket. The company’s initial rocket in the series, Vikram-1, will utilize three solid-fuel stages to transport satellites into orbit. According to a company statement from Hyderabad, Skyroot aims to conduct its first orbital flight by the end of this year, with the updated Vikram II rocket set to be launch-ready by next year. Upon achieving this schedule, Skyroot will become the first private launcher from South Asia. Overall, the recent achievements and future plans of Skyroot Aerospace are significant advancements in the private space industry.

Questions : Which company successfully test-fired its 3D-printed Dhawan II engine in Telangana?
a) Skyroot Aerospace
b) Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
c) SpaceX
d) Boeing

a) Skyroot Aerospace

‘Uttar Pradesh Siksha Seva Chayan Ayog’ for the recruitment of teachers in UP

The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to set up ‘Uttar Pradesh Siksha Seva Chayan Ayog’ (Uttar Pradesh Education Service Selection Commission) for the recruitment of teachers in the state. On 4 April 2023, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath gave necessary guidelines regarding the setting up of the autonomous commission which will select teachers in basic, secondary, higher and technical colleges. The new commission will also conduct the UP Teachers Eligibility Test (UPTET) exam.

Currently, separate authorities, boards and commissions select these teachers. Reviewing the teacher recruitment process in various educational institutions in the state.

Question : What is the name of the recent commission setup for teacher selection in Uttar Pradesh?

A) Uttar Pradesh Teacher Selection Commission
B) Uttar Pradesh Education Service Selection Commission
C) Uttar Pradesh Teacher Recruitment Commission
D) Uttar Pradesh Teacher Eligibility Commission

Ans : B) Uttar Pradesh Education Service Selection Commission

India and Bhutan Enhance Partnership: Integrated Check Post, Rail Link, and Development Support

  • Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck held a bilateral meeting in New Delhi on April 5 2023 to review bilateral cooperation and boost their relationship.
  • Both countries focused on economic and development partnership, trade facilitation measures, cooperation in trade, connectivity, investment, energy, space, and startups during the meeting.
  • India announced its support for Bhutan’s upcoming 13th five-year plan and pledged to extend additional standby credit facility and develop long-term sustainable arrangements for the export of agricultural commodities from Bhutan.
  • Both countries are considering setting up the first Integrated Check Post along the India-Bhutan border near Jaigaon, which would be a historic first-ever rail link between India and Bhutan.
  • Bhutanese King paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat and met with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and President Droupadi Murmu during his three-day visit to India, accompanied by Bhutanese Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Dr. Tandi Dorji and other senior officials.
  • The visit of the Bhutanese King is expected to further strengthen the close and unique partnership between India and Bhutan. This was highlighted in a tweet by Dr. Jaishankar. Overall, the visit aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation and ties between India and Bhutan.

Question : What is the purpose of setting up the first Integrated Check Post along the India-Bhutan border near Jaigaon?
a. To facilitate trade and connectivity between the two countries
b. To strengthen the socio-economic development of Bhutan
c. To ensure a steady supply of critical commodities like petroleum and coal
d. To enhance bilateral ties and boost the India-Bhutan partnership

Answer: a. To facilitate trade and connectivity between the two countries

Sikkim Avalanche : Six tourists dead, several feared trapped at Nathula

At least six people were killed and a dozen injured after an avalanche struck Nathula border area in Sikkim on 4th April 2023 afternoon. Many tourists are still feared trapped under the snow.

According to an official, rescue operations are underway and the injured have been taken to a hospital in Gangtok.

Nathula Pass, a major tourist destination because of its scenic beauty, is situated on the border with China.

Questions: What is the location of Nathula Pass, which is a popular tourist destination in India?

a) On the border with Pakistan
b) On the border with Bhutan
c) On the border with China
d) On the border with Nepal

Answer: c) On the border with China.

India Rejects China’s Attempt to Rename Places in Arunachal Pradesh

On 4 April 2023, Indian Ministry of External Affairs has issued a statement rejecting China’s attempt to assign new names to several places in Arunachal Pradesh. According to official spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, this is not the first time China has made such an effort, and India outright rejects it. Bagchi emphasized that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India, and assigning invented names to the region will not change this reality. The statement was made in response to media reports that China had renamed 11 locations in Arunachal Pradesh.

Questions : What is the Indian government’s response to China’s attempt to assign new names to places in Arunachal Pradesh?

a) India welcomes China’s move
b) India acknowledges China’s move but remains neutral
c) India rejects China’s move
d) India seeks dialogue with China to resolve the issue

Answer: c) India rejects China’s move.

Indian government selects 140,000 pilgrims for Haj through digital selection process; Largest-ever contingent of women without male guardians to undertake pilgrimage

  1. The Indian government has selected 140,000 pilgrims for Haj this year through the Random Digital Selection process, out of a total of 184,000 applications received.
  2. Over 10,000 of the selected pilgrims are above the age of 70.
  3. A quota of over 175,000 pilgrims has been allotted to India this year, with nearly 35,000 quotas given to private operators.
  4. Medical insurance is mandatory for all pilgrims to ensure health and protection from any mishap.
  5. This year, the largest-ever contingent of over 4,000 women without a male guardian (Mehram) will undertake the Haj pilgrimage.
  6. Saudi Arabia hosts around 25 to 30 lakh Haj pilgrims from across the globe each year to visit Makkah, with India sending the third-largest contingent of pilgrims.
  7. The Ministry of Minority Affairs has taken several initiatives to make Haj pilgrimage more comfortable, convenient, and affordable for Indian pilgrims, including reducing the Haj package costs by around 50,000 rupees under the new Haj Policy.
  8. The Ministry has collaborated with State Bank of India to provide a cashless facility to Haj pilgrims during Haj, with the bank providing FOREX cards to all the pilgrims to eliminate the possibility of theft or loss of physical currency

Question: Under the new Haj Policy how much is the reduction in Haj pilgrimage package?
a) Rs 40000
b) Rs 50000
c) Rs 100000
d) Rs 200000

Answer: b) Rs 50000

King of Bhutan arrives in India on a three-day visit to strengthen bilateral ties with meetings with President, PM

  1. The King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, has arrived in India on a three-day visit.
  2. He was received by External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar at the airport in New Delhi, along with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Dr. Tandi Dorji, and senior officials of the Bhutan government.
  3. The visit is part of the long-standing tradition of regular high-level exchanges between the two countries and is expected to strengthen the close and unique India-Bhutan partnership.
  4. During the visit, the King of Bhutan will meet with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while Dr. Jaishankar and senior officials will also call on the visiting dignitary.
  5. India and Bhutan share a unique relationship of friendship and cooperation characterized by understanding and mutual trust.
  6. The visit will provide an opportunity for both sides to review the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation and advance the close bilateral partnership, including economic and development cooperation.

Question: Who is the king of Bhutan ?
a) Dr. S Jaishankar
b) Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
c) Dr. Tandi Dorji
d) Narendra Modi

Answer: b) Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck

NASA announces diverse team of astronauts for 10-day human mission around the Moon

  1. NASA has selected a team of four astronauts for a 10-day mission to fly around the Moon next year.
  2. The announcement of the team was made during a live-streamed event in Houston, Texas.
  3. The team includes three American and one Canadian astronaut, with a woman and an African American among them.
  4. Reid Wiseman will be the mission commander, Victor Glover will be the mission pilot, and Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen will serve as mission specialists.
  5. Christina Koch and Victor Glover will make history as the first woman and first black person to go to the vicinity of the Moon.
  6. Jeremy Hansen will become the first non-American astronaut to fly to the Moon.

Question: Who will be the mission commander for NASA 10- day human mission around the moon ?
a) Victor Glover
b) Christina Koch
c) Reid Wiseman
d) Victor Glover

Answer: c) Reid Wiseman

PV Sindhu loses to Gregoria Tunjung in final of Madrid Spain Masters

Indian Badminton player P.V. Sindhu has lost to Indonesia’s Gregoria Mariska Tunjung in the In Women’s singles final of the Madrid Spain Masters on 2 April 2023.  Sindhu lost in straight sets 8-21, 8-21.
 
In Men’s singles, Kenta Nishimoto has won the final. He defeated second seed Kanta Tsuneyama 15-21, 21-18, 21-19 in the all-Japanese men’s singles final.

Questions : Which player defeated PV Sindhu in the final of Madrid Spain Masters 2023?

A) Carolina Marin
B) Tai Tzu Ying
C) Nozomi Okuhara
D) Gregoria Tunjung

Correct answer: D) Gregoria Tunjung.

India to host Second G20 EMPOWER Meeting to promote Women’s Empowerment and Economic Prosperity

  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.

Indian Railways Achieves Record Performance in Freight Business in FY 2022-23, Expected to Exceed Rs 2 Lakh Cr Mark in Combined Revenues

  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%

Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh Assumes Role as Vice Chief of Naval Staff with Distinguished Career and Educational Background

  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

ISRO Successfully Conducts Reusable Launch Vehicle Autonomous Landing Mission

On 2nd April 2023, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully carried out the Reusable Launch Vehicle Autonomous Landing Mission in Karnataka.

The Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV LEX) was tested at the Aeronautical Test Range in Chitradurga, and a Chinook helicopter carried the launch vehicle to a height of 4.5 km before releasing it mid-air.

The Reusable Launch Vehicle performed the landing maneuvers at 350 km/hour speed, using the integrated navigation, guidance and control system and completed autonomous landing on the air strip at 7.40 am on 2nd April 2023.

The navigation systems, instrumentation, and sensors were developed by ISRO in-house, and the test was supported by CEMILAC, ADE, ADRDE, and IAF.

This successful test brings ISRO one step closer to realizing the dream of developing a Reusable Space Vehicle in India.

ISRO Chairman S Somnath and Senior Scientists from ISRO witnessed the test and congratulated the team.

Question : Where was the Reusable Launch Vehicle Autonomous Landing Mission test conducted?

A. At the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota
B. At the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram
C. At the Aeronautical Test Range in Chitradurga
D. At the Indian Air Force base in Bangalore

Answer : C. At the Aeronautical Test Range in Chitradurga

Vande Bharat Express Train Flagged off Between Bhopal and New Delhi with Advanced Passenger Amenities

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

Utkal Dibasa or Odisha Day : 1 April

  • Utkal Dibasa is celebrated on April 1st every year in the Indian state of Odisha to commemorate the formation of Odisha as a separate state on April 1, 1936.
  • On this day, people across the state come together to celebrate their cultural traditions and heritage with various cultural programs, parades, and exhibitions.
  • The Odisha flag is hoisted, featuring a combination of yellow and white colors representing peace, prosperity, and culture.
  • The state government recognizes and honors the contributions of individuals and organizations that have played a role in the state’s growth and development.
  • Odisha has made significant progress in a range of areas, including education, healthcare, agriculture, and industry.

Questions : When is Utkal Dibasa (Odisha Day) celebrated ?
A) January 26
B) March 22
C) April 1
D) August 15

Answer: C) April 1

Joint Commanders’ conference of all three forces is being held in Bhopal

  • 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’

Inauguration of Diamond Jubilee Merchant Navy Week in Mumbai by Maharashtra Governor

  • 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.

Government raises interest rates on post office saving schemes for April-June 2023 quarter

  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%

Meghalaya gets Electric trains for the first time.

  • Indian Railways is marching ahead on the path of progress with full force to become Net Zero Carbon emitter by the year 2030.
  • In an endeavour for complete electrification, Northeast Frontier Railway has achieved another milestone by commissioning Dudhnai – Mendipathar (22.823 Track Kilometre) single line section and Abhayapuri – Pancharatna (34.59 Track Kilometre) double line section on 15th March, 2023.
  • With the introduction of electric traction, trains hauled by electric locomotives can now operate directly from Mendipathar in Meghalaya. This significant breakthrough will also increase the average speed of trains.
  • Now more passenger and freight trains will be able to operate at their respective section-specific full speed after electrification of these sections. This will also increase punctuality in rail operation of the section. Parcel and freight trains hauled by electric locomotives from other states will be able to reach Meghalaya directly.

Indian Air Force (IAF) is participating in exercise Shinyuu Maitri 2023 with Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF).

  • Indian Air Force (IAF) is participating in exercise Shinyuu Maitri with Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF). The exercise is being conducted on 1 to 2 March 2023.
  • An Indian Air Force contingent with a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft is participating in Exercise Shinyuu Maitri 23.
  • The first phase of the exercise involves discussions on transport operations and tactical manoeuvres, followed by the second phase of flying exercises by C-17 transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force and C-2 transport aircraft of the Air Self-Defense Force of Japan.
  • This special exercise provides an opportunity for the respective subject matter experts to interact and deliberate on each other’s operational philosophies and best practices. The exercise will also enhance mutual understanding and interoperability between the Indian Air Force and the Air Self Defense Force of Japan.
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