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” Sunflowers were the first ones to know”, won the La Cinef Award at for Best Short at the 77th Cannes Film Festival

“SUNFLOWERS WERE THE FIRST ONES TO KNOW,” directed by Chidanand Naik, won the Cannes’ La Cinef Award for Best Short at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. The award was announced on May 23, 2024, and Naik received it at the festival.

  1. Collaborative Effort: The film is a collaborative project by students from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII): Naik (Direction), Suraj Thakur (Cinematography), Manoj V (Editing), and Abhishek Kadam (Sound).
  2. Film Storyline: The short film narrates the story of an elderly woman who steals the village’s rooster, causing chaos, and leading to her family’s exile due to a prophecy.
  3. About La Cinef: La Cinef is a section of the Cannes Film Festival that encourages new talents and recognizes films from film schools globally.
  4. Selection and Competition: Naik’s film was one of 18 shorts selected from 2,263 submissions by 555 film schools worldwide.

Q: Which prestigious award did “SUNFLOWERS WERE THE FIRST ONES TO KNOW” win at the 77th Cannes Film Festival?

A) Palme d’Or
B) La Cinef Award for Best Short
C) Best Director Award
D) Jury Prize

Ans : B) La Cinef Award for Best Short

Cyclone Remal : Landfall around midnight on May 26, 2024 in West Bangal

Cyclone Remal is the first pre-monsoon cyclone of 2024 in the Bay of Bengal. The landfall is expected between Sagar Island (West Bengal) and Khepupara (Bangladesh) around midnight on May 26, 2024.

Impact Areas:

  • West Bengal: Heavy to very heavy rain in South and North 24 Parganas, Purba Medinipur, Kolkata, Howrah, and Hooghly on May 26-27.
  • Odisha: North Odisha will experience impacts on May 26-27.
  • Northeast India: Extremely heavy precipitation on May 27-28.
  • Specific districts in West Bengal (Paschim Medinipur, Purba Bardhaman, Nadia) to receive heavy rain on May 26-27.

Alerts and Warnings:

  • Red Alert: Coastal districts of South and North 24 Parganas in West Bengal, with wind speeds of 100-110 km/h on May 26 and 90-100 km/h on May 27, along with extremely heavy rainfall.
  • Orange Alert: Kolkata, Howrah, and Purba Medinipur districts, with wind speeds of 80-90 km/h on May 26 and 70-80 km/h on May 27, with heavy to very heavy rain.
  • Yellow Warning: Isolated places in Balasore, Odisha, may receive heavy to very heavy rainfall (7-20 cm) on May 26.

Q: What is the name of the first pre-monsoon cyclone of 2024 in the Bay of Bengal, make landfall on 26 May 2024?

A) Cyclone Fani
B) Cyclone Amphan
C) Cyclone Yaas
D) Cyclone Remal

Ans : D) Cyclone Remal

Arti, Pink E-Rickshaw driver from Bahraich district, Uttar Pradesh, won the Amal Clooney Women’s Empowerment Award 2024

Arti, an 18-year-old Pink E-Rickshaw driver from Uttar Pradesh from Bahraich district, Uttar Pradesh, won the Amal Clooney Women’s Empowerment Award on 22 May 2024.

  • The award was presented at the Prince’s Trust Awards in London, where Arti met King Charles III at Buckingham Palace.
  • Arti’s work centers on the Pink E-rickshaw initiative in India, offering safe, eco-friendly transportation for women with battery-powered rickshaws that reduce pollution.
  • The award honors young women who have overcome adversity and made a significant impact on their community.
  • Arti’s work in a male-dominated field has improved women’s safety in her community, and she aims to secure a better future for her daughter.
  • Arti traveled to the Buckingham Palace reception in a pink rickshaw, symbolizing sustainable transport.
  • The Prince’s Trust International, founded by King Charles, supports young people in 20 countries.
  • Project Lehar, in collaboration with the Prince’s Trust International and the Aga Khan Foundation, introduced Arti to the Pink E-Rickshaw scheme.
  • Arti’s journey from a small village to Buckingham Palace highlights determination, innovation, and community impact.

Q: What prestigious award did Arti, Pink E-Rickshaw driver from Uttar Pradesh win on 22 May 2024?

A) Nobel Peace Prize
B) Amal Clooney Women’s Empowerment Award
C) International Women of Courage Award
D) Global Humanitarian Award

Ans : B) Amal Clooney Women’s Empowerment Award

Sunita Williams, an Indian-origin astronaut, is set to fly into space for the third time

Sunita Williams, an Indian-origin astronaut, is set to fly into space for the third time. Boing Starliner will carry Williams and Butch Wilmore to the International Space Station.

  1. Spacecraft: She will be piloting Boeing’s Starliner, which is the first crewed spacecraft for the company.
  2. Launch Date: The launch is expected to take place between June 1 and June 5, 2024, after a previous postponement due to a technical snag.
  3. Mission Details: Williams will be part of the Boeing Crew Flight Test to the International Space Station.

Q.: What is the name of the Indian-origin astronaut set to fly into space for the third time?

A) Kalpana Chawala
B) Sunita Williams
C) Rakesh Sharma
D) Sunil Gupta

Ans : B) Sunita Williams

Q.: Which spacecraft will Sunita Williams be piloting for her upcoming mission?

A) SpaceX Dragon
B) Boeing Starliner
C) Orion
D) Soyuz

Ans : B) Boeing Starliner

Buddha Purnima celebrated on May 23, 2024

Buddha Purnima (also known as Buddha Jayanti or Buddha’s Birthday) celebrated on May 23, 2024:

  1. Birth Anniversary of Gautam Buddha: Buddha Purnima marks the birth of Prince Siddhartha Gautama, who later became Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.
  2. Significance: Celebrated on the Full Moon day in Vaishakha, it holds religious importance in Hinduism. Lord Buddha is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
  3. Enlightenment: Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya on this auspicious day.
  4. Commemorates Three Major Events: Buddha Purnima commemorates three significant events in Buddha’s life: his birth, enlightenment, and death (Parinirvana).
  5. Pilgrimage Sites: Lumbini in Nepal (where Buddha was born), Bodh Gaya (where he attained enlightenment), and Khushinagar (where he left his body) are major pilgrimage sites for Buddha’s followers

Q: On which day is Buddha Purnima celebrated?

A) New Moon day in Vaishakha
B) Full Moon day in Vaishakha
C) New Moon day in Ashadha
D) Full Moon day in Ashadha

Answer: B) Full Moon day in Vaishakha

Q: Where did Gautama Buddha attain enlightenment?

A) Sarnath
B) Bodh Gaya
C) Varanasi
D) Lumbini

Answer: B) Bodh Gaya

Q: Which of the following is NOT one of the events commemorated on Buddha Purnima?

A) Birth of Gautama Buddha
B) Enlightenment of Gautama Buddha
C) Death (Parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha
D) Marriage of Gautama Buddha

Answer: D) Marriage of Gautama Buddha

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a general election on July 4, 2024

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a general election date set for July 4, 2024. On 22 May 2024, Sunak requested the dissolution of parliament from His Majesty the King Charles III, who granted the request.

  • This will be Sunak’s first time facing the public in a general election as Prime Minister, after becoming Conservative Party leader in October 2022.
  • The upcoming vote is the third since the Brexit referendum in 2016.
  • Sunak aims to leverage better economic data to appeal to voters affected by cost-of-living increases.
  • Halving inflation from historic highs above 11.0 percent at the end of 2022 was one of Sunak’s five key pledges.
  • Inflation slowed to a near three-year low at 2.3 percent in March 2024, with Finance Minister Jeremy Hunt claiming this as proof of the plan’s success.
  • Political commentators suggest Sunak might be seeking an electoral boost from the improved economic outlook, despite trailing in polls to the Labour party.
  • Critics argue that the improved economic conditions are more due to global economic changes than government policy.

Q: Who is the Prime Minister of the UK?

A. Boris Johnson
B. Keir Starmer
C. Rishi Sunak
D. Theresa May

Ans:C. Rishi Sunak

Q: Rishi Sunak is the leader of which political party in the UK?

A. Labour Party
B. Liberal Democrats
C. Green Party
D. Conservative Party

Ans : D. Conservative Party

To Lam become new President of Vietnam

Vietnam’s National Assembly approved To Lam as the country’s next President on 22 May 2024. The appointment followed the resignation of former President Vo Van Thuong amid a corruption crackdown nearly two months earlier.

  • To Lam becomes the third President of Vietnam in less than 18 months, a notable change in a country known for its political stability.
  • As President, To Lam is now the third most powerful figure in Vietnam, following the Party Chief and Prime Minister.
  • To Lam is known as a hardliner, particularly in his dealings with Vietnamese activists, with numerous dissidents and bloggers jailed during his tenure as the Minister of Public Security.

Q: Who was approved as Vietnam’s next President on 22 May 2024?

A. Vo Van Thuong
B. To Lam
C. Nguyen Phu Trong
D. Pham Minh Chinh

Ans : B. To Lam

RBI approve the transfer of Rs 2.11 Lakh Crore as surplus to the Government

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved transferring Rs 2,10,874 crore as surplus to the Central Government for the accounting year 2023-24. This decision was made during the 608th meeting of the Central Board of Directors of the RBI on 22 May 2024 in Mumbai.

  • The Board, chaired by RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, decided to increase the Contingent Risk Buffer (CRB) to 6.50% for FY 2023-24.
  • The CRB was previously maintained at 5.50% during 2018-19 to 2021-22 and increased to 6% in 2022-23.
  • The meeting was attended by RBI Deputy Governors Dr. Michael Debabrata Patra, Mr. M. Rajeshwar Rao, Mr. T. Rabi Sankar, Mr. Swaminathan J., and other Central Board Directors.

Q. What amount did the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approve to transfer as surplus to the Central Government for the accounting year 2023-24?

A. Rs 1.5 Lakh crore
B. Rs 1.85 Lakh crore
C. Rs 2.11 Lakh crore
D. Rs 2.82 Lakh crore

Ans : C. Rs 2.11 Lakh crore

India’s rank on Travel & Tourism Development Index improved to 39th place, the highest in South Asia

The Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024 (TTDI) is published by the World Economic Forum on May 21, 2024. India’s rank on the TTDI 2024 has improved to 39th place, the highest in South Asia and among lower-middle-income economies.

Key rankings for India:

  • Price Competitiveness: 18th
  • Air Transport Infrastructure: 26th
  • Ground and Port Infrastructure: 25th
  • Natural Resources: 6th
  • Cultural Resources: 9th
  • Non-Leisure Resources: 9th

Sustainability: India scores well for travel and tourism demand sustainability despite a decline compared to 2019.

Overall TTDI Score: India’s score is 2.1% below its 2019 level due to global inflationary supply-side trends, with declines in price competitiveness and air transport and tourist services infrastructure.

Reference : Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024

Q: What is India’s rank on the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024, published by World Economic Forum (WEF)?

a) 29th
b) 39th
c) 49th
d) 59th

Ans : b) 39th

International Day for Biodiversity 2024 Theme: Be part of the Plan

The International Day for Biodiversity (IDB) is celebrated annually on 22 May. It commemorates the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on 22 May 1992.

  • The day promotes support for the CBD, its Protocols, and related action frameworks.
  • The theme for Biodiversity Day 2024 is “Be part of the Plan.”

Q: When is the International Day for Biodiversity (IDB) celebrated?

a) April 22
b) May 22
c) June 22
d) July 22

Ans : b) May 22

Q: What is the theme for Biodiversity Day 2024?

a) “Protect Our Planet”
b) “Save the Future”
c) “Be part of the Plan”
d) “Act Now for Nature”

Ans : c) “Be part of the Plan”

Anti-Terrorism Day : 21 May 2024, death anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi

Anti-Terrorism Day observed on 21 May 2024. The day marks the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, who was assassinated on May 21, 1991 by a suicide bomber of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) at Sriperumbudur, a village near Chennai.

Anti-Terrorism Day is observed to educate people about the negative impact of terrorism and violence on society and the nation.

Q: When is Anti-Terrorism Day observed?

a) April 21
b) May 21
c) June 21
d) July 21

Ans : b) May 21

Q: Anti-Terrorism Day marks the death anniversary of which former Indian Prime Minister?

a) Indira Gandhi
b) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
c) Rajiv Gandhi
d) Lal Bahadur Shastri

Ans : c) Rajiv Gandhi

Gopi Thotakura became the first Indian space tourist

Gopi Thotakura from Andhra Pradesh became the first Indian space tourist and the second Indian to venture into space on Blue Origin’s NS-25 mission.

  1. Mission Details: Blue Origin completed its seventh human spaceflight and the 25th flight for the New Shepard program on 19 May 2024.
  2. Crew Members: The six-member crew included Gopi Thotakura, Mason Angel, Sylvain Chiron, Kenneth L. Hess, Carol Schaller, and former Air Force Captain Ed Dwight.
  3. Previous Indian Space Traveler: Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma was the first Indian citizen to fly to space in 1984.

Q: Who made history as the first Indian space tourist?

A) Rakesh Sharma
B) Gopi Thotakura
C) Kalpana Chawla
D) Sunita Williams

Answer: B) Gopi Thotakura

Q: Who was the first Indian citizen to fly to space in 1984?

A) Sunita Williams
B) Rakesh Sharma
C) Kalpana Chawla
D) Gopi Thotakura

Answer: B) Rakesh Sharma

Voter turnout 57.51% in fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024

The fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections concluded on 20 May 2024 with a voter turnout of 57.51% across 49 parliamentary constituencies in eight States and Union Territories.

  1. Assembly Elections in Odisha: Polling also ended for 35 Assembly constituencies in Odisha.
  2. Voter Turnout by Region:
    • West Bengal: 73%
    • Ladakh: 67.15%
    • Jharkhand: 63%
    • Odisha: 60.72%
    • Uttar Pradesh: 57.79%
    • Jammu and Kashmir: 54.67%
    • Bihar: 52.60%
    • Maharashtra: 49.01%
  3. Polling Details: Voting began at 7 AM and concluded at 6 PM.
  4. Eligible Voters: Over 8.95 crore voters were eligible, including 4.69 crore males, 4.26 crore females, and 5409 third-gender electors.
  5. Key Candidates: Notable candidates included Rahul Gandhi, Rajnath Singh, Smriti Irani, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Piyush Goyal, Chirag Paswan, Omar Abdullah, and Rohini Acharya.
  6. Upcoming Phases: The remaining election phases will continue until June 1, with vote counting scheduled for June 4.

Q: What was the voter turnout for the fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections on 20 May 2024?

A) 45.32%
B) 57.51%
C) 62.78%
D) 70.25%

Answer: B) 57.51%

Q: Which state recorded the lowest voter turnout in the fifth phase?

A) Bihar
B) Jharkhand
C) Maharashtra
D) Uttar Pradesh

Answer: C) Maharashtra

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi was killed in a helicopter crash

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi was killed in a helicopter crash near the Azerbaijan border on May 20, 2024.

  1. The helicopter carrying Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian crashed in mountainous terrain; all passengers were killed.
  2. The crash wreckage was found after an overnight search in blizzard conditions.
  3. Raisi’s death was confirmed by Vice President Mohsen Mansouri and state television.
  4. Raisi, elected in 2021, was a hardliner and potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
  5. Raisi was known for tightening morality laws, cracking down on protests, and engaging in nuclear talks.
  6. Supreme Leader Khamenei assured there would be no disruption to state affairs following Raisi’s death.

Q: What event led to the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in May 2024?

A) Assassination
B) Heart Attack
C) Helicopter Crash
D) Car Accident

Answer: C) Helicopter Crash

World Honey Bee Day is observed on May 20th

World Honey Bee Day is observed on May 20th to raise awareness about the importance of honeybees and other pollinators.

  • The day also commemorates Slovenian Anton Janša, born in 20 May, 1734, a pioneer of beekeeping. Slovenia values beekeeping highly, with a strong beekeeping tradition and a national motto reflecting this.
  • Honeybees are crucial pollinators, essential for over one-third of the world’s food crops.
  • Bees produce honey by collecting nectar from flowers, but their populations are declining due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change.
  • Actions to protect bees include planting bee-friendly gardens, supporting local beekeepers, reducing pesticide use, and spreading awareness.

Q: When is World Honey Bee Day observed?

A) April 20th
B) May 20th
C) June 20th
D) July 20th

Ans : B) May 20th

Nikhat Zareen and Minakshi won gold medals in boxing at the Elorda Cup 2024

Indian boxers Nikhat Zareen and Minakshi won gold medals at the Elorda Cup 2024 in Astana, Kazakhstan on May 19, 2024.

  • Nikhat Zareen triumphed in the women’s 52 kg category, defeating Zhazira Urakbayeva of Kazakhstan 5-0.
  • Minakshi won in the women’s 48 kg category, beating Uzbekistan’s Rahmonova Saidahon 4-1.
  • Anamika (50 kg) and Manisha (60 kg) both earned silver medals. Anamika lost 1-4 to China’s Wu Yu, and Manisha was defeated 0-5 by Kazakhstan’s Viktoriya Grafeeva.
  • The Indian boxing team finished the Elorda Cup 2024 with a total of 12 medals: 2 gold, 2 silver, and 8 bronze.

Q: Who won the gold medal in the women’s 52 kg category boxing at the Elorda Cup 2024?

A) Anamika
B) Manisha
C) Minakshi
D) Nikhat Zareen

Ans : D) Nikhat Zareen

Q: Who won the gold medal in the women’s 48 kg category boxing at the Elorda Cup 2024?

A) Anamika
B) Manisha
C) Minakshi
D) Nikhat Zareen

Ans : C) Minakshi

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty won the Men’s doubles title at the Thailand Open

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty won the Men’s doubles title at the Thailand Open Badminton tournament on May 19, 2024.

  • They defeated the Chinese pair Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi with scores of 21-15, 21-15.
  • To reach the final, the Indian duo beat Lu Ming-Che and Tang Kai-Wei of Chinese Taipei 21-11, 21-12.
  • This tournament is significant for Satwik and Chirag as they first won it in 2019, marking their first Superseries or Super 500 level victory.
  • The Indian pair is ranked world number three and were the top seeds in this tournament.

Q: Who won the Men’s doubles title at the Thailand Open 2024 Badminton tournament?

A) Lu Ming-Che and Tang Kai-Wei
B) Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi
C) Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty
D) Lee Yong Dae and Yoo Yeon Seong

Ans : C) Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty

Shyam Benegal’s film ‘Manthan’ to be screened at the Cannes Film Festival

Director Shyam Benegal’s film ‘Manthan,’ inspired by the milk cooperative movement of Verghese Kurien, will be screened at the Cannes Film Festival on 18 May 2024.

  • The 1976 film, restored in 4K, is the only Indian film to be featured in the Cannes Classic section this year.
  • The restoration was carried out by the Film Heritage Foundation, led by Shivendra Singh Dungarpur.
  • The premiere will be attended by actor Naseeruddin Shah, family members of the late actress Smita Patil, the film’s producers, and Shivendra Singh Dungarpur.

Q: Which director’s film ‘Manthan’ is set to be screened at the Cannes Film Festival on 18 May 2024?

A) Satyajit Ray
B) Shyam Benegal
C) Rajkumar Hirani
D) Mira Nair

Answer: B) Shyam Benegal

Q: What is the theme of the film ‘Manthan’?

A) Indian independence movement
B) Milk cooperative movement
C) Industrial revolution
D) Space exploration

Answer: B) Milk cooperative movement

Monsoon will arrive in Kerala towards the end of May : IMD

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts the south-west monsoon will likely arrive in Kerala towards the end of this month (May 2024).

Kerala has been experiencing sporadic rains recently. These rains have significantly reduced the temperature in the state.

Q: Which monsoon normally set in over Kerala towards the end of May / first week of June every year?

A) North-east monsoon
B) South-west monsoon
C) Winter monsoon
D) Summer monsoon

Answer: B) South-west monsoon

World Telecommunication Day – May 17

World Telecommunication Day: Celebrated annually on May 17 since 1969 to commemorate the founding of ITU and the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention in 1865. Instituted by the Plenipotentiary Conference in Malaga-Torremolinos in 1973.

World Information Society Day: Established following the World Summit on the Information Society in November 2005. The UN General Assembly declared May 17 as World Information Society Day in March 2006, focusing on the importance of ICT and related issues raised by WSIS.

Q: When do we celebrate World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD)?

A) April 17
B) May 17
C) June 17
D) July 17

Answer: B) May 17

Indian Football Legend Sunil Chhetri announced his retirement

Sunil Chhetri, Indian football legend and current national team captain, announced his retirement. His final match will be against Kuwait on June 6, at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.

  • Chhetri debuted on June 12, 2005, against Pakistan.
  • He is India’s all-time top scorer with 94 goals in 150 international matches.
  • Chhetri is the third-highest active international goal-scorer, behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
  • His retirement marks the end of a significant era in Indian football, characterized by his passion, leadership, and remarkable achievements.

Q: When did Sunil Chhetri announce his retirement from international football?

A) After the 2023 AFC Asian Cup
B) After the match against Kuwait on June 6, 2024
C) After the 2024 FIFA World Cup
D) After the match against Pakistan on June 12, 2023

Ans : B) After the match against Kuwait on June 6, 2024

Q: What significant milestone does Sunil Chhetri hold in Indian football?

A) Most matches played
B) Youngest debutant
C) Highest goal-scorer
D) Most assists

Ans : C) Highest goal-scorer

Manika Batra became first Indian Women to break into top 25 of the world Women’s singles table tennis rankings.

Manika Batra became the first Indian woman to break into the top 25 of the world Women’s singles table tennis rankings.

  • She achieved a career-best ranking of 24.
  • This ranking followed her success in the Saudi Smash, where she reached the quarterfinals.
  • She equalled G. Sathyan’s record for the highest rank achieved by an Indian in singles table tennis.
  • Manika is a 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medallist in both individual and team categories.
  • She jumped 15 spots in the rankings following her performance in Jeddah.

Q: Who became the first Indian woman to break into the top 25 of the world Women’s singles table tennis rankings?

A) Suthirtha Mukherjee
B) Mouma Das
C) Manika Batra
D) Ankita Das

Ans : C) Manika Batra

Lawrence Wong sworn in as the Singapore Prime Minister

Singapore’s deputy leader Lawrence Wong was sworn in as the nation’s fourth Prime Minister on 15 May 2024. Fifty-one-year-old Wong succeeds 72-year-old Lee Hsien Loong, who stepped down after two decades at the helm.

Lee’s resignation marked the end of a family dynasty led by his father Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s charismatic first leader who transformed the colonial trading outpost into a business-friendly, affluent country during 31 years in office.

Since becoming an independent nation in 1965, Singapore has only had three Prime Ministers, all from the ruling People’s Action Party.

Q: Who was sworn in as Singapore’s fourth Prime Minister on 15 May 2024?

A) Lee Hsien Loong
B) Lawrence Wong
C) Lee Kuan Yew
D) Halimah Yacob

Ans : B) Lawrence Wong

IndiaSkills 2024, India’s biggest skill competition, started in New Delhi.

IndiaSkills 2024, India’s biggest skill competition, started on 15 May 2024 in New Delhi.

  1. Participants: Over 900 students from 30 states and Union territories are competing.
  2. Categories: Competitions are held in 61 different skill areas, ranging from traditional crafts to the latest technologies.
  3. Inauguration: Skill development Secretary Atul Kumar Tiwari inaugurated the event, highlighting its benefits for both youth and industries.
  4. Next Steps: Winners will train with top industry trainers to prepare for the WorldSkills Competition in Lyon, France, in September.
  5. WorldSkills Details: The WorldSkills Competition will feature 1,500 competitors from over 70 countries.

Q: What is the next step for the winners of the IndiaSkills 2024 event?

a) They will receive monetary awards and certificates.
b) They will get the opportunity to study abroad.
c) They will train with top industry trainers to prepare for the WorldSkills Competition in Lyon, France.
d) They will be offered immediate employment in top companies.

Ans : c) They will train with top industry trainers to prepare for the WorldSkills Competition in Lyon, France.

Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, and Sahṛdayāloka-Locana included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register

UNESCO Recognition: The Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, and Sahṛdayāloka-Locana have been included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register, affirming India’s rich literary and cultural heritage.

Significance: This recognition by UNESCO is a source of pride for India and emphasizes the importance of preserving diverse narratives and artistic expressions globally.

Literary Impact: These works, authored by Goswami Tulsidas, Pandit Vishnu Sharma, and Acharya Anandvardhan respectively, have deeply influenced Indian literature and culture, shaping moral values and artistic expressions.

Timelessness: The timeless nature of these literary masterpieces transcends geographical and temporal boundaries, leaving a lasting impact on readers and artists worldwide.

Role of IGNCA: The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts played a crucial role in securing this recognition during the 10th meeting of the Memory of the World Committee for Asia and the Pacific in Ulaanbaatar.

Q: Which organization included the Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, and Sahṛdayāloka-Locana in its Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register?

a) UNICEF
b) UNESCO
c) WHO
d) World Bank

Ans : b) UNESCO

Q: Who authored the Ramcharitmanas?

a) Acharya Anandvardhan
b) Goswami Tulsidas
c) Pandit Vishnu Sharma
d) Ramesh Chandra Gaur

Ans : b) Goswami Tulsidas

World Football Day – 25th May

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 25th May as World Football Day. This proclamation occurred during the 80th plenary meeting of the General Assembly in New York.

  1. The year 2024 marks the 100th anniversary of the first international football tournament during the 1924 Summer Olympic Games in Paris.
  2. The resolution was passed unanimously by the 193-member General Assembly.

Q: Which day is proclaimed as World Football Day by the United Nations General Assembly?

a) 24th May b) 25th May c) 26th May d) 27th May

Ans : b) 25th May

Q: In which city were the 1924 Summer Olympic Games held, where the first international football tournament with representation from all regions took place?

a) Berlin
b) Tokyo
c) Paris
d) London

Ans : c) Paris

Cannes Film Festival from May 14 to May 25, 2024

The 77th Cannes Film Festival, an esteemed international film festival, is held annually in Cannes, France.

  1. Dates and Venue: Scheduled from May 14 to May 25, 2024, the festival will take place at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes, a renowned gathering spot for filmmakers, celebrities, and industry insiders.
  2. Opening Film: “The Second Act,” a French comedy directed by Quentin Dupieux, marks the festival’s opening.
  3. Indian Participation: India is actively participating in the 12-day event, with representatives from the Government of India, State Governments, and the film industry. This year, India will host a Bharat Parv at the Cannes Film Festival for the first time.

Q: Where does the Cannes Film Festival take place annually?

a) Paris
b) Cannes
c) London
d) New York

Ans : b) Cannes

India and Iran signed a long-term contract for operating the Shahid-Beheshti Port Terminal in Chabahar

India and Iran signed a long-term contract for operating the Shahid-Beheshti Port Terminal to enhance cooperation and make Chabahar Port a regional trade transit and connectivity hub.

  • The Indian delegation, led by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, witnessed the signing of the 10-year contract with Iran’s Minister for Roads and Urban Development, Mehrdad Bazrpash.
  • India Ports Global Ltd (IPGL) will invest approximately $120 million in equipping and operating the port under the contract.
  • Chabahar Port serves as an important transit port for trade with Afghanistan and Central Asian countries and is a flagship project of India-Iran cooperation.
  • India has been involved in developing and upgrading Chabahar Port’s infrastructure to facilitate trade with landlocked Afghanistan and Central Asian countries.
  • Chabahar Port is situated in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchistan province and provides a shorter trade route between India, Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asia.
  • India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) operates the Chabahar Port through its subsidiary, India Ports Global Chabahar Free Zone (IPGCFZ), since December 2018.

Q: India and Iran signed a long-term contract for operating which port?

a) Chittagong Port
b) Shahid Beheshti Port in Chabahar
c) Port of Colombo
d) Port of Karachi

Ans : b) Shahid Beheshti Port in Chabahar

Q: What new trade route will be opened up by the agreement between India and Iran regarding the Chabahar port?

a) Between India and China
b) Between South Asia and Central Asia via Iran
c) Between India and Japan
d) Between South Asia and Europe via Iran

Ans : b) Between South Asia and Central Asia via Iran

Lok Sabha election : 67.71 % Voter turnout for the fourth phase

Voter turnout for the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha election held on May 13, 2024, was recorded at 67.71%. Polling took place in 96 Lok Sabha seats across nine states and one Union Territory.

  • Andhra Pradesh had the highest turnout at 78.25%, while Bihar had 57.06% and Telangana had 64.93%.
  • Jammu and Kashmir had a turnout of 37.98%, Jharkhand 65.31%, and Madhya Pradesh 70.98%.
  • Maharashtra recorded 59.64%, Odisha 73.97%, Uttar Pradesh 58.05%, and West Bengal 78.44%.
  • Seats contested: Andhra Pradesh (25), Telangana (17), Uttar Pradesh (13), Maharashtra (11), Madhya Pradesh (8), West Bengal (8), Bihar (5), Jharkhand (4), Odisha (4), and one seat from Jammu and Kashmir.
  • Total candidates in the fray: 1,717.
  • The Election Commission reported peaceful polling.
  • Polling has been completed for State Legislative Assemblies of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh, and 28 assembly seats of Odisha.

Q: Which of the following states had completed polling for its State Legislative Assembly along with the Lok Sabha election by phase 4?

a) Gujarat
b) Karnataka
c) Andhra Pradesh
d) Tamil Nadu

Ans : c) Andhra Pradesh

India-France Joint Military Exercise “Shakti” from May 13 to May 26 at Umroi, Meghalaya

The 7th edition of the India-France Joint Military Exercise “Shakti” began on May 13 and runs until May 26 at Umroi, Meghalaya.

  • Conducted every two years, alternating between India and France, with the previous edition held in France in November 2021.
  • Indian contingent comprises 90 personnel primarily from the Rajput Regiment, alongside other arms and services, with observers from the Indian Navy and Air Force.
  • French contingent includes 90 personnel from the 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade (13th DBLE).
  • Focuses on operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain, aiming for high physical fitness and refining tactical operations.
  • Tactical drills encompass various scenarios like responding to terrorist actions, establishing Joint Command Posts, securing helipads, conducting Special Heliborne Operations, and employing drones.
  • Aims to promote inter-operability, camaraderie, and defense cooperation between India and France, enhancing bilateral relations.

Q: In the 7th edition of the Joint Military Exercise “Shakti” from May 13 to May 26 at Umroi, Meghalaya, which country’s contingent participates alongside the Indian Army?

a) Russia
b) France
c) United States
d) United Kingdom

Ans : b) France

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