Current Affairs

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DRDO successfully flight-tested the RudraM-II air-to-surface missile from a Su-30 MK-I platform

DRDO successfully flight-tested the RudraM-II air-to-surface missile from a Su-30 MK-I platform of the Indian Air Force in Odisha on 29 May 2024.

RudraM-II is an indigenously-developed solid-propelled air-launched missile system.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, IAF, and industry on the successful test, stating it consolidates

DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V Kamat praised the DRDO team’s efforts leading to the successful test.

Q: What is the name of the indigenously-developed solid-propelled air-launched missile system that was successfully tested from the Su-30 MK-I platform?

a) BrahMos
b) RudraM-II
c) Akash
d) Nag

Ans : b) RudraM-II

Apurva Chandra, Health Secretary of India, appointed Chairperson of Committee A at the 77th World Health Assembly (WHA)

Apurva Chandra, Union Health Secretary of India, has been appointed as the Chairperson of Committee A at the 77th World Health Assembly (WHA) by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The WHA event is scheduled from May 27 to June 1 in Geneva, with India chairing Committee A.

  • Committee A is responsible for discussions on universal health coverage, public health emergency preparedness and response, antimicrobial resistance, climate change, and sustainable financing for WHO.
  • The World Health Assembly includes sessions from three main committees: Plenary, Committee A, and Committee B.

Q: Who has been appointed as the Chairperson of Committee A at the 77th World Health Assembly (WHA)?

A) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
B) Apurva Chandra
C) Harsh Vardhan
D) Randeep Guleria

Answer: B) Apurva Chandra ( Apurva Chandra, Union Health Secretary of India)

TCS and IIT Bombay collaborate to create India’s First Semiconductor Chip Imaging Tool

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay (IIT-Bombay) to develop India’s first quantum diamond microchip imager. Over the next two years, TCS experts will collaborate with Dr. Kasturi Saha from IIT-Bombay to develop the tool.

Potential Impact: The quantum diamond microchip imager aims to improve precision in examining semiconductor chips, reduce chip failures, and enhance the energy efficiency of electronic devices.

Applications: Semiconductor chips are crucial in various industries, including communications, computing, healthcare, military systems, transportation, and clean energy.

Technological Innovation: The tool will use defects in a diamond’s structure, known as Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) centers, to non-invasively and non-destructively map semiconductor chips, similar to an MRI in hospitals.

Q: Which two organizations have partnered to develop India’s first quantum diamond microchip imager?

A) Infosys and IIT-Delhi
B) Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and IIT-Bombay
C) Wipro and IIT-Madras
D) HCL Technologies and IIT-Kanpur

Answer: B) Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and IIT-Bombay

Gitanas Nausėda, President of Lithuania, has been re-elected for a second five-year term

Gitanas Nausėda, the incumbent President of Lithuania, has been re-elected for a second five-year term. The election took place on May 12, 2024.

  • Nausėda won in a landslide victory over Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė.
  • Preliminary figures show Nausėda secured 74.5% of the votes, while Šimonytė received 24.1%.
  • During his presidency, Nausėda has strongly supported Ukraine and provided refuge to those fleeing repression in Belarus and Russia.

Q: Who was re-elected as the President of Lithuania in 2024?

A) Ingrida Šimonytė
B) Gitanas Nausėda
C) Dalia Grybauskaitė
D) Valdas Adamkus

Answer: B) Gitanas Nausėda

WIPO adopted a new treaty related to intellectual property (IP), genetic resources, and associated traditional knowledge

On May 24, 2024, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) member states adopted a groundbreaking new treaty related to intellectual property (IP), genetic resources, and associated traditional knowledge.

  1. Historic Breakthrough: The treaty marks a historic breakthrough after decades of negotiations. It is the first WIPO Treaty to address the interface between intellectual property, genetic resources, and traditional knowledge.
  2. Inclusion of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities: This treaty includes provisions specifically for Indigenous Peoples as well as local communities. It recognizes their role in the protection and management of genetic resources and traditional knowledge.
  3. Disclosure Requirement for Patent Applicants: Once the treaty enters into force with 15 contracting parties, it will establish a new disclosure requirement for patent applicants whose inventions are based on genetic resources and/or associated traditional knowledge. This requirement aims to ensure transparency and fair benefit-sharing.
  4. 25-Year Negotiating Journey: Negotiations for this treaty began at WIPO in 2001, following a proposal by Colombia in 1999. The inclusion of Indigenous Peoples and local communities was notable during these discussions.
  5. WIPO Director General Daren Tang welcomed the adoption of the treaty.

Q: What key aspect does the new WIPO treaty address for the first time?

A. International trade tariffs
B. The interface between intellectual property, genetic resources, and traditional knowledge
C. Global internet regulations
D. International labor laws

Answer: B. The interface between intellectual property, genetic resources, and traditional knowledge

Purnima Shrestha become first woman to climb Mount Everest three times in 13 days

Purnima Shrestha, a 32-year-old mountaineer from Gorkha, Nepal, and a photojournalist become first woman to climb Mount Everest three times in the same season.

  • Achieved the triple ascent in just 13 days.
  • Surpassed the previous record of any woman summiteer for climbing Everest thrice in a single season.
  • Has climbed Everest four times, with her first summit in 2018.
  • Her achievement symbolizes the empowerment of female climbers and serves as an inspiration for women to pursue their dreams.

Q: Who became the first woman to climb Mount Everest three times in the same season?

a) Junko Tabei
b) Purnima Shrestha
c) Pasang Lhamu Sherpa
d) Lhakpa Sherpa

Ans : b) Purnima Shrestha

IPL 2024 Winner and Awards Summary

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) won the IPL 2024 by defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by eight wickets. This win marks KKR’s third IPL trophy, with previous wins in 2012 and 2014.

Prize Money: KKR received Rs. 20 crore as winners, and SRH received Rs. 12.5 crore as runners-up.

Individual Awards:

  • Emerging Player: Nitish Kumar Reddy (SRH)
  • Ultimate Fantasy Player and Most Valuable Player: Sunil Narine (KKR)
  • Orange Cap: Virat Kohli (RCB) with 741 runs
  • Purple Cap: Harshal Patel (PBKS) with 24 wickets
  • Most Sixes: Abhishek Sharma (SRH) with 42 sixes
  • Most Fours: Travis Head (SRH) with 64 fours
  • Best Strike Rate: Jake Fraser-McGurk (DC) with SR 234.05
  • Catch of the Season: Ramandeep Singh (KKR)
  • Fair Play Award: Sunrisers Hyderabad
  • Pitch and Ground Award: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad

Final Match Awards:

  • Player of the match: Mitchell Starc
  • Fantasy player of the match: Mitchell Starc
  • Most sixes in the match: Venkatesh Iyer
  • Most fours in the match: Rahmanullah Gurbaz
  • Most dot balls in the match: Harshit Rana

Q: Which player won the Orange Cap for scoring the most runs in IPL 2024?

A) Abhishek Sharma
B) Virat Kohli
C) Travis Head
D) Nitish Kumar Reddy

Ans : B) Virat Kohli

Q: Who won the Purple Cap for taking the most wickets in IPL 2024?

A) Mitchell Starc
B) Harshal Patel
C) Sunil Narine
D) Jake Fraser-McGurk

Ans : B) Harshal Patel

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) won their third Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) won their third Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy. The final took place on 26 May 2024, with KKR defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by eight wickets.

  • KKR lost the toss but bowled out SRH for 113 in 18.3 overs, the lowest total in an IPL final.
  • KKR chased down the target of 114 in just 12.3 overs, with 57 balls to spare.
  • Top Performers for KKR: Venkatesh Iyer: Unbeaten 52 runs, Rahmanullah Gurbaz: 39 runs
  • Key Bowler for KKR: Andre Russell took 3 wickets.
  • Player of the Match: Mitchell Starc

Q: Which team lifted the Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy in 2024?

  • A) Chennai Super Kings
  • B) Mumbai Indians
  • C) Kolkata Knight Riders
  • D) Sunrisers Hyderabad

Answer: C) Kolkata Knight Riders

Government extend tenure of Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande for one month

The Appointments Committee of Cabinet approved a one-month extension for Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande.

  • His service is extended until 30th June, beyond his normal retirement age of 31st May.
  • General Pande was appointed as the Army Chief on 30th April, 2022.
  • He was commissioned in December 1982 in the Corps of Engineers (The Bombay Sappers).

Q: The government approved a one-month extension for the Chief of the Army Staff up to 30th June 2024. What is the name of this Army Chief?

  • A) General Bipin Rawat
  • B) General Manoj Pande
  • C) General Dalbir Singh Suhag
  • D) General VK Singh

Answer: B) General Manoj Pande

Dipa Karmakar become First Indian Gymnast to win Gold in Asian Gymnastics Championship

Dipa Karmakar won India’s first-ever gold medal at the Asian Gymnastics Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on 26 May 2024. She secured the gold in the women’s pole-vault final with an average score of 13.566.

Dipa Karmakar Achievements

  • First Indian gymnast to win a gold medal at the Asian Championships.
  • First female Indian gymnast to compete in the Olympics (Rio 2016).
  • Achieved fourth place in the women’s vault at the Rio 2016 Olympics, the best performance by an Indian gymnast in the Summer Games.
  • First Indian to win a gold medal at an international gymnastics competition (2018 FIG World Cup in Mersin, Turkey).

Q: Who became India’s first-ever gymnast to win gold medalist at the Asian Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on 26 May 2024?

  • A) Mary Kom
  • B) PV Sindhu
  • C) Dipa Karmakar
  • D) Saina Nehwal

Answer: C) Dipa Karmakar

Payal Kapadia’s “All We Imagine As Light” wins Grand Prix Award at Cannes Film Festival 2024

Filmmaker Payal Kapadia became the first Indian filmmaker to win the Grand Prix award at the Cannes Film Festival 2024. Kapadia’s film “All We Imagine as Light” won the Grand Prix, the second-most prestigious prize after the Palme d’Or, which was awarded to American director Sean Baker for “Anora”.

  1. All We Imagine as Light” was screened is the first Indian film in 30 years, and the first ever by an Indian female director, to be showcased in the main competition at Cannes.
  2. “All We Imagine as Light” is Kapadia’s first feature film and an Indo-French production, telling the story of a nurse named Prabha who receives an unexpected gift from her estranged husband, causing disruption in her life.
  3. Other Indian films previously selected for the Cannes competition section include works by Chetan Anand, V Shantaram, Raj Kapoor, Satyajit Ray, MS Sathyu, and Mrinal Sen. “Neecha Nagar” is the only Indian film to have won a Palme d’Or.

Q: Who became the first Indian filmmaker to win the Grand Prix award at the Cannes Film Festival?

A) Mira Nair
B) Payal Kapadia
C) Anurag Kashyap
D) Satyajit Ray

Answer: B) Payal Kapadia

Q: For which film did Payal Kapadia win the Grand Prix award at the Cannes Film Festival?

A) A Night of Knowing Nothing
B) The Lunchbox
C) All We Imagine as Light
D) Masaan

Answer: C) All We Imagine as Light

Anasuya Sengupta become the first Indian to win the Best Actress Award at the Cannes film Festival

Actor Anasuya Sengupta become the first Indian to win the Best Actress Award at the 77th Cannes film Festival in France on 26 May 2024. She bagged the award for her captivating performance in ‘The Shameless’, written and directed by the Bulgarian filmmaker Constantin Bojanov, in the Un Certain Regard section of the 77th edition of the festival.

MCQs

Q: Who became the first Indian to win the Best Actress Award at the 77th Cannes Film Festival?

A) Priyanka Chopra
B) Deepika Padukone
C) Anasuya Sengupta
D) Alia Bhatt

Answer: C) Anasuya Sengupta

Q: For which film did Anasuya Sengupta win the Best Actress Award at the 77th Cannes Film Festival?

A) The Beautiful
B) The Shameless
C) The Fearless
D) The Graceful

Answer: B) The Shameless

” 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

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