Current Affairs

Sanjaya Kumar Mishra sworn in as President of GST Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT)

Justice (Retd.) Sanjaya Kumar Mishra sworn in as President of GST Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) on May 6, 2024, in New Delhi by Nirmala Sitharaman. Mishra, former Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court, appointed as first President of GSTAT after selection process led by Search-cum-Selection Committee headed by Chief Justice of India.

  1. GSTAT serves as Appellate Authority under Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, handling appeals against orders of first appellate authority under the Act and respective State/Union Territories GST Acts.
  2. Government designates Principal Bench in New Delhi and 31 State Benches. Process underway for appointing Judicial and Technical Members.

Aim of GSTAT: Provide swift, fair, and effective resolution of GST disputes, reduce burden on higher courts, enhance efficiency of GST system, promote transparency in tax environment.

Who is the first President of the GST Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT)?

A) Justice Sanjay Kumar Mishra
B) Justice (Retd.) Sanjaya Kumar Mishra
C) Justice Ramesh Gupta
D) Justice (Retd.) Rajesh Singh

Ans : B) Justice (Retd.) Sanjaya Kumar Mishra

Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup from 3 to 20 October in Bangladesh

The ninth ICC Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2024 is scheduled to take place from 3 to 20 October in Bangladesh. The schedule was announced at an event in Dhaka, attended by officials from the ICC and the President of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, along with the captains of the Indian and Bangladesh women’s teams.

  1. Ten teams will participate in the tournament, playing a total of 23 matches over 18 days.
  2. The matches will be held at two venues in Bangladesh: the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka and the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Sylhet.
  3. The opening match of the T20 World Cup will be between South Africa (runners-up of 2023) and England on the first day.
  4. On the same day, Bangladesh will face Qualifier 2 in the evening match in Dhaka.
  5. India will play New Zealand on 4th October at Sylhet in their first match of the tournament.

Q. : When and where is the ninth ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 scheduled to take place?

a) 3 to 20 October in England
b) 3 to 20 October in Bangladesh
c) 1 to 18 November in Australia
d) 5 to 22 September in India

Ans : b) 3 to 20 October in Bangladesh

Indian Women 4×400 Meter Relay Team Qualifies For Paris Olympics 2024

The Indian women’s 4×400 metre relay team has qualified for Paris Olympics 2024. Team finishing second in its second-round heat at the World Athletics Relays at Nassau in Bahamas.

Rupal Chaudhary, M R Poovamma, Jyothika Sri Dandi and Subha Venkatesan clocked 3 minutes and 29.35 seconds to finish second behind Jamaica to book a Paris Games ticket.

Q.: Which of the following athletes was NOT a part of the Indian women’s 4×400 metre relay team that qualified for the Paris Olympics 2024?

a) Rupal Chaudhary
b) M R Poovamma
c) Hima Das
d) Jyothika Sri Dandi

Ans : c) Hima Das

International delegation to observes India’s General Election

75 delegates from 23 countries participate in the International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP) hosted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in New Delhi.

  • Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar highlights India’s role in global democracy, emphasizing voluntary registration and voting, with the ECI promoting participation through awareness programs.
  • The scale of India’s electoral process is emphasized, with 970 million eligible voters and over 15 million polling personnel expected to be involved across 1 million polling stations.
  • Briefings cover various aspects of the Indian General Elections 2024, including Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT), IT initiatives, and media and social media’s role.
  • Delegates will visit six states to observe polling and preparedness in different constituencies, with the programme ending on May 9, 2024.
  • The delegation, comprises representatives from countries such as Bhutan, Mongolia, Australia, Madagascar, Fiji, among others, along with participation from organizations like the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) and media teams from Bhutan and Israel.

Q.: How many countries’ representatives participated in the International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP) hosted by the Election Commission of India (ECI)?

a) 75
b) 23
c) 6
d) 15

Ans : b) 23

Q.: Who is the Chief Election Commissioner of India as on May 2024.

A) Sunil Arora 
B) Sushil Chandra 
C) Om Prakash Rawat 
D) Rajiv Kumar

Ans : D) Rajiv Kumar

Kareena Kapoor Khan appointed as National Ambassador for UNICEF India

Kareena Kapoor Khan appointed as National Ambassador for UNICEF India in May 2024. She will support UNICEF India’s mission focusing on children’s rights, including early childhood development, health, education, and gender equality.

  • Kareena Kapoor Khan has been associated with UNICEF India since 2014 as a Celebrity Advocate, advocating for girls’ education, gender equality, foundational learning, immunization, and breastfeeding.
  • During the COVID-19 pandemic, she emphasized the importance of children’s learning and safe return to school.
  • She has participated in UNICEF’s global campaigns on #EveryChildRights.

Question : Who was appointed as the National Ambassador for UNICEF India in May 2024?

a) Priyanka Chopra
b) Kareena Kapoor Khan
c) Deepika Padukone
d) Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Answer: b) Kareena Kapoor Khan

International Sun Day on May 3rd

Government of India commemorates International Sun Day on May 3rd, 2024, highlighting the benefits of solar energy for a greener planet.

  • Ministry of New and Renewable Energy organizes ‘Run for Sun’ Marathon in New Delhi to raise awareness about solar power’s role in mitigating climate change.
  • Marathon demonstrates India’s commitment to solar energy and environmental sustainability.
  • Solar Stops set up in six Indian cities to educate citizens about solar energy through interactive installations.
  • Solart, an All-India Intra-School Solar Art Competition, announced to promote awareness of solar energy among school students through artistic expressions.

Question : When is International Sun Day celebrated ?

a) May 1st
b) May 2nd
c) May 3rd
d) May 4th

Ans : c) May 3rd

Mount Ruang Volcano Eruptions: Recent Activity and Impact

Mount Ruang is a 725-meter (2,400-foot) volcano located on Ruang Island in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. It is one of approximately 130 active volcanoes in the country. Ruang island, North Sulawesi, home to 9,800 people, evacuated due to continuous explosive eruptions. Sam Ratulangi Airport in Manado closed due to volcanic ash spread.

Recent Eruptions:

  • On April 17, 2024, Mount Ruang erupted.
  • On April 30, 2024, Mount Ruang erupted again, spewing ash almost 2 kilometers (more than a mile) into the sky.
  • The Indonesian geological service raised the alert level of the volcano to the highest level after detecting increased volcanic activity.

Previous Eruptions:

  • Mount Ruang has a history of eruptions dating back to at least 1808.
  • Indonesia situated on the “Pacific Ring of Fire,” an area of high seismic activity.

Q: What is the location of Mount Ruang volcano?

A) Java, Indonesia
B) Bali, Indonesia
C) North Sulawesi, Indonesia
D) Sumatra, Indonesia

Ans : C) North Sulawesi, Indonesia

World Press Freedom Day observed on May 3rd

World Press Freedom Day observed on May 3rd every year to celebrating press freedom and independence.

  • Theme for this year: “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis.”
  • United Nations General Secretary António Guterres emphasizes journalists’ role in informing the public about environmental and climate emergencies.
  • Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993, following UNESCO General Conference recommendations.
  • Marks the anniversary of the Windhoek Declaration, a statement of free press principles.

Windhoek Declaration ?

The Windhoek Declaration is a statement of free press principles that was put together during a UNESCO seminar on “Promoting an Independent and Pluralistic African Press” in Windhoek, Namibia, in 1991. It emphasizes the importance of press freedom, independence, and pluralism as essential components of democratic societies. The declaration calls for the establishment, maintenance, and fostering of an independent, pluralistic, and free press, both in print and broadcast media, in countries transitioning to democracy. It serves as a landmark document advocating for press freedom globally.

Q: What does World Press Freedom Day mark the anniversary of?

a) The establishment of the United Nations
b) The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
c) The Windhoek Declaration
d) The Birth Anniversary of William Shakespeare

Ans : c) The Windhoek Declaration

Q: Windhoek Declaration of UNESCO is related to:

a) Education standards in developing countries
b) Protection of cultural heritage sites
c) Promotion of free press principles
d) Wildlife conservation efforts

Ans : c) Promotion of free press principles

97.76% of Rs 2000 Currency Notes Returned to Banking System : RBI

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has provided an update on the withdrawal of Rs 2000 denomination banknotes from circulation.

  1. As of April 30, 2024, the total value of Rs 2000 banknotes in circulation has significantly decreased from Rs 3.56 lakh crore on May 19, 2023, to Rs 7961 crore.
  2. This decrease indicates that 97.76% of the Rs 2000 banknotes in circulation as of May 19, 2023, have been returned.
  3. The withdrawal process was initially announced through a press release dated May 19, 2023, with periodic updates from the RBI.
  4. Initially, the facility for deposit and/or exchange of Rs 2000 banknotes was available at all bank branches until October 7, 2023.
  5. Subsequently, the exchange facility has been available at the 19 Issue Offices of the Reserve Bank (RBI Issue Offices) since May 19, 2023.
  6. Starting from October 9, 2023, these offices also started accepting Rs 2000 banknotes from individuals/entities for deposit into their bank accounts.
  7. Additionally, members of the public have been able to send Rs 2000 banknotes through India Post from any post office within the country to any RBI Issue Office for credit to their bank accounts.
  8. Despite the withdrawal process, Rs 2000 banknotes continue to be legal tender.

Question: Despite the withdrawal process, what is the status of Rs 2000 banknotes?

a) They are no longer legal tender
b) They can only be used for specific transactions
c) They are still legal tender
d) They can only be exchanged at specific locations

Ans : c) They are still legal tender

Jeremiah Manele elected as the new Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands

Jeremiah Manele was elected as the new Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands on May 2, 2024, succeeding incumbent Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.

  1. Manele, a former foreign minister, won 31 votes against Opposition leader Matthew Wales’ 18 votes in the 50-seat parliament.
  2. The national election saw Sogavare’s government lose half of its seats, prompting intense lobbying from both government and opposition parties to win support from independents.
  3. The election outcome was closely watched by China, the U.S., and Australia due to its potential impact on regional security, especially considering Sogavare’s controversial security pact with China in 2022.
  4. Manele pledged to continue the Solomon Islands’ international policy of being “friends to all and enemies to none.”
  5. Manele’s OUR party won 15 seats, and formed a renewed coalition with two micro parties to gain a majority in the parliament.

Question : Who was elected as the new Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands on May 2, 2024?

a) Manasseh Sogavare
b) Jeremiah Manele
c) Matthew Wales
d) Anthony Albanese

Ans : b) Jeremiah Manele

ECI issues direction for handling and storage of Symbol Loading Units (SLU) in compliance of Supreme Court Order

The Election Commission of India (ECI) issues a new protocol on 1 May 2024 for handling and storing Symbol Loading Units (SLU) in compliance with a Supreme Court order.

  • Under the new guidelines, SLUs are sealed and stored after completing the symbol loading process in VVPATs (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails).
  • SLUs are to be stored along with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) for at least 45 days following the declaration of election results.
  • The ECI directs Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) to establish infrastructure to implement the revised protocols.
  • The protocols are applicable to all symbol loading processes in VVPATs from May 1, 2024, onwards.

Q: What is SLU in the context of elections?

a) Single Log Unit
b) Symbol Loading Unit
c) Security Locking Unit
d) Surveillance Logging Unit

Ans : b) Symbol Loading Unit

SMART : Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo system

DRDO conducted a successful flight test of the Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system on May 1, 2024,  from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.

  • SMART system aims to bolster the Indian Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities beyond conventional ranges.
  • The system comprises advanced sub-systems like a two-stage solid propulsion system, electromechanical actuator system, and precision inertial navigation system.
  • It carries an advanced light-weight torpedo as its payload with a parachute-based release mechanism.
  • The missile was launched from a ground mobile launcher, and various mechanisms like symmetric separation, ejection, and velocity control were validated during the test.

Q: What is the Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system designed to enhance?

a) Airborne surveillance
b) Anti-submarine warfare capabilities
c) Ground-based missile defense
d) Cybersecurity operations

Ans : b) Anti-submarine warfare capabilities

International Labour Day, also known as May Day

International Labour Day, also known as May Day is observed on May 1 every year to honors workers worldwide.

  • The day commemorates workers’ contributions to achieving economic and social rights globally.
  • Originated from the Haymarket Affair in 1886 when a labor demonstration demanding an eight-hour workday turned violent in Chicago.
  • In 1889, European socialist parties united to establish May 1 as International Labour Day, and it has been observed annually since then.

Q: When is International Labour Day observed?

a) June 1
b) May 15
c) April 1
d) May 1

Ans : d) May 1

India T20 World Cup Squad for upcoming T20 World Cup

The Board of Cricket Control of India (BCCI) named India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup set to begin on June 1 in the USA and the West Indies.

Rohit Sharma will be leading his troops, while Hardik Pandya has been named the vice-captain.

India T20 World Cup Squad:

Squad: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Hardik Pandya (Vice Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj

  • Rishabh Pant marking his comeback to international cricket and Sanju Samson also included in the squad.
  • India will begin their World Cup campaign against Ireland on June 05 2024 in New York. 

Question : Who has been named as the captain of India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup?

a) Virat Kohli
b) Hardik Pandya
c) Rohit Sharma
d) Ravindra Jadeja

Ans : c) Rohit Sharma

India denies alleged assassination plot against Khalistani Leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun

India has strongly denied a recent report published in The Washington Post ( Newspaper of US) regarding an alleged assassination plot targeting Khalistani separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the United States. The report claimed that a RAW (Research and Analysis Wing) official,  Vikram Yadav, was involved in the plot, with approval from the then Indian spy agency chief, Samant Goel.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said said that the report is “unwarranted and unsubstantiated”. MEA emphasized that there is an ongoing investigation by the High-Level Committee set up by the Government of India to address security concerns related to organized criminals, terrorists, and other networks. 

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun is a prominent figure in the Khalistan movement and serves as the legal advisor and spokesperson for Sikhs for Justice, an organization advocating for a separate Sikh state. The Indian government has designated Pannun as a terrorist.

Question: As per The Washington Post report, which terrorist was the alleged target of the assassination plot of Indian Intelligence Agency?

a) Maulana Masood Azhar
b) Gurpatwant Singh Pannun
c) Talwinder Singh
d) gurbachan Singh

Ans : b) Gurpatwant Singh Pannun

Question : Who is the current chief of RAW (Research and Analysis Wing)?

A) Vikram Yadav
B) Samant Goel
C) Gurpatwant Singh Pannun
D) Ajit Doval

Correct Answer: B) Samant Goel

Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi take over as Chief of the Naval Staff

Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi assumed the position of Chief of the Naval Staff on April 30, 2024, succeeding Admiral R Hari Kumar.

  1. Admiral Tripathi’s previous roles include serving as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command.
  2. He has a specialization in Communication and Electronic Warfare and has served in various capacities on frontline warships, including as Signal Communication Officer, Electronic Warfare Officer, Executive Officer, and Principal Warfare Officer of Guided Missile Destroyer INS Mumbai.
  3. Admiral Tripathi has commanded several Indian naval ships, including Vinash, Kirch, and Trishul.
  4. He is a distinguished recipient of the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and the Nausena Medal for his exceptional devotion to duty.

Q: Who recently assumed the position of Chief of the Naval Staff ?

a) Admiral R Hari Kumar
b) Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi
c) Admiral Sunil Lanba
d) Admiral Karambir Singh

Ans : b) Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi

Indian Badminton Team for the 2024 Paris Olympics

The Indian Badminton Team for the 2024 Paris Olympics consists of seven shuttlers across four categories.

  • PV Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medalist, will lead India’s challenge in the women’s category as the sole Indian entrant.
  • Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty form a star pairing and will compete in the men’s doubles category.
  • Lakshya Sen and HS Prannoy will represent India in men’s singles.
  • Tanisha Crasto and Ashwini Ponnappa will form the women’s doubles duo.

Q: Who will represent India in the women single category in Badminton at the 2024 Paris Olympics?

a) Saina Nehwal
b) Neha Pandit
c) PV Sindhu
d) Tanvi Lad

Ans : c) PV Sindhu

Q: Which Indian badminton players will compete in the men’s doubles category at the 2024 Paris Olympics?

a) PV Sindhu and Ashwini Ponnappa
b) Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and HS Prannoy
c) Chirag Shetty and Lakshya Sen
d) Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty

Ans : d) Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty

Maheshwari Chauhan secured a Paris 2024 quota for India in shotgun event.

Maheshwari Chauhan secured a Paris 2024 quota for India in Women’s skeet with a Silver medal in the shotgun Olympic qualification championship at Doha, Qatar.

  • Only four out of six shooters were eligible to earn the quota in the final held on April 28, 2024.
  • Assem Orynbay of Kazakhstan crashed out, and Rigina Meftakhetdinova of Azerbaijan settled for sixth place, confirming the two Olympic quotas for Maheshwari and qualification leader Victoria Larsson of Sweden.
  • This marked India’s 21st Olympic quota in shooting and the fifth in shotgun events.

Q: Who secured a Paris 2024 quota for India in Women’s skeet with a Silver medal in the shotgun Olympic qualification championship at Doha, Qatar?

a) Maheshwari Chauhan
b) Sunita Bhore
c) Nirmala Roy
d) Rajani Biswas

Ans : a) Maheshwari Chauhan

Jean-Georges Noverre “father” of modern ballet, birthday April 29 : International Dance Day

International Dance Day, celebrated annually on April 29th, is a global tribute to the art of dance.

Origins and Purpose:

Established in 1982 by the Dance Committee of the International Theatre Institute (ITI), International Dance Day aims to honor the diversity and talent of dancers worldwide.

The chosen date, April 29, coincides with the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre (1727–1810), often regarded as the “father” of modern ballet.

Question : Who is regarded as the “father” of modern ballet, and his birthday is celebrated as International Dance Day?

A) Jean-Georges Noverre 
B) Rudolf Nureyev
C) Mikhail Baryshnikov
D) George Balanchine

Ans : A) Jean-Georges Noverre 

Nethra Kumanan secured a Paris Olympics quota in Sailing

Nethra Kumanan secured a Paris Olympics quota in Sailing at the Last Chance Regatta in Hyeres, France. She competed in the women’s dinghy, ILCA 6, and finished fifth overall with 67 net points on April 26, 2024.

  • Nethra earned the Olympic quota as the top performer among sailors from the Emerging Nations Program (ENP).
  • The ENP aims to support athletes from lesser-known sailing countries to compete at the highest level.
  • Nethra is the second Indian sailor to qualify for the Paris Olympics; the first was Vishnu Saravanan, who secured India’s first sailing quota in the ILCA 7 Men’s World Championship 2024 in Australia in January.

Question : Who secured a Paris Olympics quota in Sailing in Hyeres, France?

a) Vishnu Saravanan
b) Nethra Kumanan
c) Arvind Singh
d) R Sukumaran

Ans : b) Nethra Kumanan

Jyothi Surekha Vennam achieved a hat-trick of gold medals at Archery World Cup in Shanghai 

Jyothi Surekha Vennam of India achieved a hat-trick of gold medals at the Archery World Cup Stage 1 in Shanghai on April 27, 2024.

  • Vennam secured victory in a closely contested final against top-seeded Andrea Becerra of Mexico, asserting her dominance as the world No. 3 archer.
  • She also contributed to India’s gold medal win in the women’s compound team final alongside Aditi Swami and Parneet Kaur, defeating Italy with a score of 236-225.
  • Vennam, paired with Abhishek Verma, emerged victorious in the compound mixed team final, defeating the Estonian twins with a score of 158-157.
  • In the Men’s Individual Compound event, India’s Priyansh secured the Silver medal, losing the final 147-150 to Austria’s Nico Wiener.
  • Earlier, in the Men’s Compound team final, the Indian team comprising Abhishek Verma, Priyansh, and Prathamesh Fuge beat the Netherlands with a score of 238-231, completing a clean sweep of compound team events for India.

Question : Who secured a hat-trick of gold medals at the Archery World Cup Stage 1 in Shanghai on April 27, 2024?

a) Aditi Swami
b) Parneet Kaur
c) Jyothi Surekha Vennam
d) Andrea Becerra

Ans : c) Jyothi Surekha Vennam

Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane attended the SCO Defence Ministers’ meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan

Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan, on April 26.

  • A protocol was signed by Defence Ministers of all SCO Member States during the meeting.
  • The Joint Communiqué from the meeting included initiatives such as developing the concept of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’, inspired by the Indian philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’.
  • Aramane reiterated India’s commitment to peace, stability, and security in the SCO region.
  • He stressed the importance of adopting a zero-tolerance approach toward terrorism for the prosperity of SCO Member States.

Question : Which countries are members of the SCO?

Eight countries are full members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) : India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan;

Question : Who is the Defence Secretary of India?

a) Ajit Doval
b) Giridhar Aramane
c) Rajnath Singh
d) General Anil Chauhan

Ans : b) Giridhar Aramane

General Elections 2024 Second phase : Voters turnout across around 61%

General Elections 2024: Second phase witnessed a significant turnout across 13 States/Union Territories. Around 60.96% of eligible voters participated in the voting process.

  • Tripura recorded the highest turnout at 77.53%, while Uttar Pradesh had the lowest at 52.74%.
  • Other states with notable turnouts include Manipur (76.06%), West Bengal (71.84%), Chhattisgarh (72.13%), and Assam (70.66%).
  • Maharashtra, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan reported relatively lower turnouts.
  • Kerala, Karnataka, and Jammu and Kashmir saw turnout rates ranging from 63.90% to 67.22%.
  • Voting commenced at 7 am across 88 Parliamentary Constituencies spread over 12 States and Union Territories.
  • The elections are conducted in 7 phases, with results expected on June 4.

Question : Which of the following states had the lowest voter turnout during the second phase of elections?

a) Manipur
b) Rajasthan
c) Kerala
d) Uttar Pradesh

Ans : d) Uttar Pradesh

World Intellectual Property Day, celebrated annually on April 26

World Intellectual Property Day, celebrated annually on April 26, is a global observance that highlights the significance of intellectual property (IP) rights.

  1. Purpose and Significance:
    • World IP Day aims to raise awareness about IP rights and their role in fostering innovation, creativity, and progress.
    • IP encompasses patents, trademarks, industrial designs, and copyright. These rights encourage inventors, creators, and businesses to protect their innovative outputs and reap economic benefits.
    • By recognizing and rewarding inventors and artists, society benefits from their ingenuity and contributions.
  2. Theme for 2024:
    • The theme for World Intellectual Property Day 2024 is “IP and the SDGs: Building our common future with innovation and creativity.”
    • It emphasizes how IP can amplify the impact of innovative and creative solutions needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  3. History:
    • In the year 2000, member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) designated April 26 as World IP Day.
    • This date commemorates the day when the WIPO Convention came into force in 1970.
    • World IP Day celebrates inventors, creators, and the role of IP in shaping our world, from music and arts to technological advancements

Question: Which date is World Intellectual Property Day celebrated annually?

A) April 1
B) April 26
C) May 15
D) June 10

Ans : B) April 26

Lok Sabha Election: Second Phase Voting on 26 April 2024

The second phase of Lok Sabha Elections 2024 is occurring on April 26, 2024, covering 88 parliamentary constituencies across 12 states and one Union territory.

Distribution of Constituencies:

20 in Kerala, 14 in Karnataka, 13 in Rajasthan, 8 each in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, 6 in Madhya Pradesh, 5 each in Assam and Bihar, 3 seats each in West Bengal and Chhattisgarh, and 1 seat each in Manipur, Tripura, and Jammu and Kashmir.

Variation in nomination filings:

Tripura parliamentary constituency received the lowest number of nominations (14), while Nanded parliamentary constituency in Maharashtra received the highest number of nominations (92).

Security measures:

Following previous incidents of violence during polling, heightened security measures have been implemented in outer Manipur, with 857 polling stations, 87 companies of paramilitary forces, and over 4,000 state police personnel deployed to ensure free and fair elections on April 26, 2024.

Q: Which state has the highest number of constituencies in the second phase of Lok Sabha Elections 2024 held on 26 April 2024 ?

a) Kerala
b) Maharashtra
c) Karnataka
d) Rajasthan

Ans : a) Kerala

“Sunflowers Were The First Ones To Know,” selected for 77th Cannes Film Festival

Chidanand Naik, a student at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), has achieved recognition as his film “Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know” has been selected for the competitive section of the 77th Cannes Film Festival in France.

  1. The festival, scheduled from May 15th to May 24th, 2024, will showcase Naik’s film in the ‘La Cinef’ section, which promotes emerging talents and films from film schools worldwide.
  2. Naik’s film is one of the 18 shorts (14 live-action and 4 animated) selected from 2,263 submissions globally, making it the sole Indian film in the ‘La Cinef’ section.
  3. The film tells the story of an elderly woman causing upheaval in her village by stealing the community’s rooster, leading to chaos and the invocation of a prophecy resulting in her family’s exile.
  4. This selection marks the first time a film by a student from FTII’s one-year television course has been featured at Cannes.
  5. FTII’s teaching methodology, focusing on practice-based co-learning in cinema and television, has consistently produced students and alumni acclaimed at national and international film festivals.

Question : Which Indian film has been selected for the Cannes Film Festival in the ‘La Cinef’ category?

a) “The Rooster’s Prophecy”
b) “Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Bloom”
c) “Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know”
d) “The Elderly Woman’s Tale”

Correct answer: c) “Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know”

Question: Who directed the film “Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know”?

a) Suraj Thakur
b) Manoj V
c) Chidananda S Naik
d) Abhishek Kadam

Ans : c) Chidananda S Naik

Kotak Mahindra Bank to stop issuing new credit cards and online customer immediately : RBI

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has instructed Kotak Mahindra Bank to stop issuing new credit cards immediately. The RBI has also limited the bank’s ability to acquire new customers through online and mobile banking channels.

  1. These actions stem from significant concerns identified during the RBI’s IT examinations of the bank for 2022 and 2023.
  2. Over two consecutive years, the bank has been found deficient in IT risk management and information security governance, violating regulatory guidelines.
  3. Despite corrective action plans issued by the RBI in 2022 and 2023, the bank has been substantially non-compliant.
  4. Existing customers, including credit card holders, will continue to receive services from the bank despite these restrictions.

Question : Which bank has the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) instructed to stop issuing new credit cards and acquiring online customers immediately?

a) HDFC Bank
b) ICICI Bank
c) Kotak Mahindra Bank
d) State Bank of India

Correct answer: c) Kotak Mahindra Bank

National Panchayati Raj Day : 24 April

National Panchayati Raj Day, observed annually on April 24, commemorates the establishment of the Panchayati Raj System in India. The day commemorates the enactment of the 73rd Amendment Act, which established a three-tier system at the village, block, and district levels.

  • Idea of Panchayati rule –  Mahatma Gandhi,
  • Introduced in 1993 through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, empowers local bodies (Gram Panchayats) to govern themselves and make decisions regarding their areas’ development.

Q: Which amendment act established the Panchayati Raj System in India?

A) 42nd Amendment Act
B) 73rd Amendment Act
C) 86th Amendment Act
D) 91st Amendment Act

Answer: B) 73rd Amendment Act

World Book and Copyright Day : April 23

World Book and Copyright Day, observed annually on April 23, is a celebration that promotes the enjoyment of books and reading. This is the date of the deaths of prominent authors: William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes, and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega.

  1. Purpose: World Book and Copyright Day aims to recognize the scope of books as a link between the past and the future, a bridge across generations and cultures.
  2. World book day was proclaimed by UNESCO in General Conference in 1995.
  3. World Book Capital: Each year, UNESCO selects a city as the World Book Capital. The chosen city maintains the momentum of the day’s celebrations through its own initiatives. For 2024, Strasbourg holds this prestigious title.

Q: Which date do we celebrate World Book and Copyright Day?

  • A) April 15
  • B) April 23
  • C) May 1
  • D) June 8

Answer: B) April 23

Q: Which city holds the title of World Book Capital for 2024?

A) Paris
B) Tokyo
C) Strasbourg
D) New York

Answer: C) Strasbourg

Maldives: President Mohamed Muizzu’s ruling PNC win majority in Parliamentary Election

The People’s National Congress (PNC) won a landslide victory in the parliamentary elections held in Maldives on April 21, 2024, securing over 66 seats.

  1. This victory solidifies the PNC’s position in the nation’s political landscape, following the pattern of ruling party success in parliamentary elections since 2013.
  2. The elections were seen as a crucial test for President Muizzu’s party, amidst scrutiny over corruption allegations and policy decisions, as well as challenges from breakaway factions.
  3. The main opposition, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), returned with at least 11 seats, and its chairman, Fayyaz Ismail, expressed commitment to working with the government as a responsible opposition.
  4. Parliamentary elections are important in Maldives as the People’s Majlis ratifies government proposals and bills, ensuring smooth administration and protecting the presidential tenure.

Q: Which party secured a landslide win in the parliamentary elections held in Maldives on April 21, 2024?

a) Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)
b) People’s National Congress (PNC)
c) Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM)
d) Maldives Reform Movement (MRM)

Ans : b) People’s National Congress (PNC)

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