NATIONAL:
1. ETO Test must for Spices Heading to Singapore
Why in news: Mandatory testing for Ethylene Oxide (ETO) contamination for all spice consignments
Key points:
• The Spices Board has issued a circular to all exporters of spices and spice products.
• The circular has mandated mandatory testing for Ethylene Oxide (ETO) contamination for all spice consignments exported to Singapore and Hong Kong from May 6th, 2024.
• Decision follows the suspension of sales of certain spice blends by Singapore and Hong Kong due to elevated levels of ETO.
• ETO is a flammable, colorless gas at room temperature.
• ETO serves as a disinfectant, fumigant, but its usage in food products is regulated due to its cancer-causing nature.
2. ‘Nakshatra Sabha’
Why in news: India’s First Astro Tourism Campaign Named ‘Nakshatra Sabha’
Key points:
• Nakshatra Sabha is an innovative astro-tourism initiative launched by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board and Starscapes.
• It is aimed at providing a comprehensive celestial experience.
• Scheduled to commence in early June at George Everest in Mussoorie, Nakshatra Sabha will span until mid-2025, featuring immersive events across Uttarakhand.
INTERNATIONAL:
1. Chemical Agent Chloropicrin
Why in news: The United States accused Russia of employing the chemical agent chloropicrin in Ukraine
Key points:
• Chloropicrin is a broad-spectrum fumigant chemical that can be used as an antimicrobial, fungicide, herbicide, insecticide, nematicide and also as a warfare agent.
• It was first used as a poison gas in the First World War, both by Allied and Central Powers.
• It is colorless to yellow oily liquid.
• It is highly volatile and is a gas at room temperature.
• Effects on humans: Severe irritation to eyes, skin, respiratory tract, induce vomiting, etc.
• Chemical weapons are munitions and other devices which use the toxic effects of chemicals on living organisms to cause death or other harm.
2. FLiRT
Why in news: New Covid variant FLiRT spreads in US.
Key points:
• FLiRT, a group of new Covid-19 variants belonging to Omicron's JN.1 lineage is spreading fast in US, raising concern about a new wave of infections in summer.
• The nickname 'FLiRT" is based on the technical names for their mutations.
• Two new Covid variants KP.2 and KP 1.1 are spreading in US, raising concerns about a fresh wave of infections.
ENVIRONMENT:
1. Cheetah Sourcing for Wildlife Sanctuary
Why in news: India, Kenya to Discuss Cheetah Sourcing for Wildlife Sanctuary
Key points:
• India has expressed interest in sourcing cheetahs from Kenya for the next stage of Project Cheetah.
• Kenyan officials are to visit India to discuss this issue.
• The Gandhi Sagar wildlife sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh has been selected as a location for this phase of the project.
• The plan under Project Cheetah is to introduce 8 to 14 cheetahs annually over five years, depending on availability.
• Currently, there are 27 cheetahs in Kuno – 13 adults and 14 cubs.
RANKS/INDICES:
1. World Press Freedom Index (WPFI) 2024
Why in news: India ranked 159 among 180 countries in annual WPFI 2024.
Key points:
• It is released by Paris based Reporters Without Borders (RSF), one of the world’s leading NGOs in defense and promotion of freedom of information.
• It is published on World Press Freedom Day (3 May).
• Theme: “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the face of the Environmental Crisis”.
About WPFI 2024:
• Top 3 rankers are Norway, Denmark and Sweden.
• It is based on 5 indicators- Political, Economic, Legislative, Social and Security.
APPOINTED/ELECTED:
1. Sanjaya Kumar Mishra
Why in news: Centre has appointed retired Justice Sanjaya Kumar Mishra as President of GSTAT.
Key points:
• GSTAT is a Second Appellate Authority established under Central GST (CGST) Act, 2017 for hearing appeals against orders passed by Appellate Authority under CGST Act, 2017 and State GST Acts.
2. Kareena Kapoor
Why in news: Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan has been appointed as the National Ambassador for UNICEF India.
Key points:
• Alongside Kareena’s appointment, UNICEF India also introduced its first-ever Youth Advocates, a group of four remarkable individuals. They will serve as peer leaders and champions for crucial issues affecting children and young people.
The Youth Advocates and their respective causes are:
• Gauranshi Sharma from Madhya Pradesh, advocating for the right to play and disability inclusion.
• Kartik Verma from Uttar Pradesh, championing climate action and child rights advocacy.
• Nahid Afrin from Assam, raising awareness about mental health and early childhood development.
• Vinisha Umashankar from Tamil Nadu, a budding innovator and STEM pioneer.
AWARDS/HONOURS:
1. Guillermo Cano Prize 2024
Why in news: UNESCO Guillermo Cano Prize 2024 awarded to Palestine Journalists in Gaza
Key points:
• In a gesture of solidarity and recognition, Palestinian journalists covering the crisis in Gaza have been named laureates of the 2024 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize.
• Established in 1997, the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the defense and promotion of press freedom.
SPORTS:
1. AFC U-23 Asian Cup
Why in news: Japan Triumphed at the AFC U-23 Asian Cup
Key points:
• The Japanese men's under-23 football team etched their name in history by clinching the AFC U-23 Asian Cup for the second time in Doha, Qatar.
• Thus, Japan qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
• Japan emerged as the champions, clinching the gold medal, while Uzbekistan secured the silver medal.
• The bronze medal went to Iraq, who defeated Indonesia in the semi-finals.
STATE:
1. Buxar's Chausa Thermal Power Plant
Why in news: Buxar's Chausa Thermal Power Plant will start producing commercial electricity by the end of this year (2024)
Key points:
• Bihar will get 561 MW electricity from the first 660 MW unit out of two 1320 MW units.
• This will generate a total of 1320 MW electricity.
• There are preparations to further increase the power generation capacity to 2000 MW.
• The construction of this power house is in the final stages and they are hopeful that the production trials will start by the end of the year.
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