NATIONAL:
1. 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting
Why in news: 46th Antarctic Treaty meet begins in Kochi,Kerala from May 20th to 30th 2024.
Key points:
• India will hold the important 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46) and the 26th Meeting of the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP 26).
• This project by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), which is part of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), fits with India’s goal of promoting global environmental discussion and scientific cooperation.
About Antarctic Treaty:
• The Antarctic Treaty was signed in 1959 and has been in force since 1961.
• Under this treaty, the annual ATCM brings together Consultative Parties to talk about important issues like governance, scientific research, and environmental management.
• 56 countries are signatory of this Treaty.
2. Project Udbhav
Why in news: Project Udbhav to Revive Ancient patterns in Military Culture May 22, 2024
Key points:
• This project is an innovative partnership between the Indian Army and the United Services Institution of India (USI).
• Its goal is to combine India’s extensive historical military knowledge with modern strategy methods and hopes to encourage a strong and new way of dealing with current warfare and security issues.
3. IndiaAI Mission
Why in news: Cabinet Approves Over Rs 10,300 Crore for IndiaAI Mission
Key points:
• The Cabinet has greenlit an ambitious financial allocation with the aim to fortifying India’s AI innovation ecosystem.
• The project is Spearheaded by a public-private partnership model, this significant investment over the next five years is poised to catalyze various strategic initiatives, including compute infrastructure expansion, startup empowerment, and ethical AI deployment.
3. MoU on Digitalisation of Animal Vaccine Cold Chain Management
Why in news: DAHD & UNDP signed MoU on Digitalisation of Animal Vaccine Cold Chain Management.
Key points:
• The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) under the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying has signed a MoU with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) India to digitalize vaccine cold chain management, enhance communication planning, and build capacity.
• Significance of MoU is to maintain animal health and prevent zoonotic diseases, such as bird flu and coronavirus, the government has initiated a comprehensive vaccination program.
INTERNATIONAL:
1. SpaceX’s Starlink Satellite Internet Service
Why in news: Elon Musk introduces Starlink satellite internet service in Indonesia
Key points:
• Aim: to enhance connectivity in remote regions of the archipelago nation.
• The inauguration took place in Bali, where Musk, alongside Indonesian officials, emphasized the transformative potential of improved internet access.
2. Oxford Global Cities Index Report 2024
Why in news: Delhi Ranks 350 In Oxford Global Cities Index Report 2024,Newyork tops the list.
Key points:
• Delhi has achieved the best ranking among Indian cities in the 2024 Oxford Economics Global Cities Index, positioned at 350th,Bengaluru and Mumbai came in at 411 and 427.
• This index analyzes the global standing of 1,000 cities based on several pivotal categories.
• New York is the best city in the world, and Delhi is the best city in India.
3. Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos Emerge Hub of Organised Financial Crimes
Why in news: Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos emerge hub of organised financial crimes target Indians.
Key points:
• Nearly half of financial frauds targeting Indians are originating from the three south-east Asian countries of Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos, and many web applications frauds are written in Chinese language.
4. Artara’24
Why in news: Artara,24 Celebrates Indian Cultural Diversity in Dubai
Key points:
• The Artara'24 Fine Arts Exhibition and Competition has made its mark in Dubai as a prestigious platform for discovering and nurturing emerging artistic talents from India.
• The event aimed to uncover hidden artistic gems, with a particular focus on the Indian talent residing in Dubai.
• It held at the Al Jalila Cultural Center, a venue under the Dubai Cultural Center, the exhibition featured an impressive collection of over 250 pieces of art.
5. World’s First 6G Device
Why in news: World,s first 6G device Launched in Japan.
Key points:
• A Japanese consortium has unveiled the prototype of what is touted to be the world’s first high-speed 6G device.
• This groundbreaking innovation opens the door to a realm of possibilities previously unimaginable.
• The purported 6G device boasts an astounding data transmission rate of 100 gigabits per second (Gbps), dwarfing the capabilities of current 5G technology by a staggering factor of 20.
6. RITES Signs Pact to Supply Coaches to Bangladesh
Why in news: RITES and Bangladesh Railways have a deal that includes selling carriages,helping with design, providing spare parts, and training.
Key points:
• The contract sets out 36 months for delivery and commissioning, followed by a 24-month warranty term.
• This deal is an important part of RITES’s plan to export world-class railway rolling stock that was made in India.
SPORTS:
1. Casablanca Chess Tournament 2024
Why in news: Magnus Carlsen Won the Casablanca Chess Tournament 2024 Vishwanathan Anand Secured 3rd Position
Key points:
• World No. 1 Chess player Magnus Carlsen won the inaugural Casablanca Chess Variant Tournament 2024 that was held on 18th-19th May, 2024 at Mahkama du Pacha in Casablanca, Morocco.
• Hikaru Nakamura from United States of America (U.S.A.) secured 2nd position.
• Indian Chess Player, Vishwanathan Anand secured the 3rd position with 3 points.
2. Elorda Cup 2024
Why in news: India Finishes Third, Kazakhstan Tops the Medal Tally of the Elorda Cup 2024 held in Astana,Kazakhstan.
Key points:
• India finishes third in the medal tally with a total of 12 medals (2 Gold, 2 Silver & 8 Bronze) in the 3rd edition Elorda Cup Astana 2024 held in Astana, Kazakhstan from 12th to 19th May 2024.
• The two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen and Minakshi bagged gold medal.
• Kazakhstan Topped the medal tally with a total of 52 medals (14 Gold, 13 silver & 25 Bronze) and China at the second position with 7 medals (5 Gold, 1 silver & 1 Bronze) .
3. Nandini Dairy
Why in news: Nandini Dairy to Sponsor for Scotland for T20 World Cup
Key points:
• The Scotland cricket team has unveiled its new ICC T20 World Cup jersey adorned with the Karnataka Milk Federation’s (KMF) Nandini logo.
AWARDS AND HONOURS:
1. Shaw Prize 2024
Why in news: Indian-Origin US Scientist Shrinivas R Kulkarni Wins Prestigious Shaw Prize 2024 in Astronomy.
Key points:
• Shrinivas R Kulkarni was director of Caltech Optical Observatories from 2006 till 2018.
• The Shaw Prize consists of three annual prizes: Astronomy, Life Science and Medicine, and Mathematical Sciences, each bearing a monetary award of USD 1.2 million.
4. International Booker Prize 2024
Why in news: German Author Jenny Erpenbeck and Translator Michael Hofmann Won International Booker Prize 2024 for 'Kairos'.
Key points:
• The announcement was made by Eleanor Wachtel,at a ceremony sponsored by Maison Valentino at Tate Modern in London, the United Kingdom (UK)
• Jenny Erpenbeck became the 1st German writer to win the Prize, and Michael Hofmann became the 1st male translator to win since the Prize launched in its current form in 2016.
5. Kami Rita Sherpa
Why in news: Nepalese climber Kami Rita Sherpa climbs Mt Everest for 30th time.
Key points:
• Nepal’s veteran summiteer Kami Rita Sherpa made history by scaling Mt Everest for the 30th time, breaking his own record that he made 10 days ago for the highest number of ascents on the world's highest peak
• Kami, a senior mountain guide at the 14 Peaks Expedition and Seven Summit Treks, climbed Mt Everest for the first time in May 1994
APPOINTMENTS:
1. To Lam
Why in news: To Lam Named as the New President of Vietnam.
Key points:
• 15th National Assembly of Viet Nam has elected General To Lam as the New President of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam for the 2021-2026 tenure.
• He has been serving as a member of Politburo and Minister of Public Security since 2016.
2. Jaya Badiga
Why in news: Jaya Badiga first Telugu Woman To Become Judge In California, US.
Key points:
• Jaya Badiga born in Vijayawada, did her graduation in political science from Osmania University.
• She passed California Bar Exam and excelled as a family law specialist.
ECONOMY:
1. Remittances To India Cross $100 Billion Mark In Fiscal Year 2022-23
Why in news: India recently passed the important milestone of $100 billion in payments.
Key points:
• In the fiscal year 2022–23, it reached a record $112 billion.
• At this peak, an amazing $29 billion was sent back to India just in the December quarter. This shows that money sent back to India is strongly going up.
2. TCPay
Why in news: Thomas Cook India Introduced TCPay For International Money Transfers.
Key points:
• India recently passed the important milestone of $100 billion in payments.Mumbai based Thomas Cook Limited has introduced the 'TCPay', a new digital service designed to simplify the international money transfers.
• India recently passed the important milestone of $100 billion in payments.TCPay offers 24x7 access, paperless transfers, user-friendly digital interface across Thomas Cook's digital tools like FXNOW B2C (business to consumer) app), Portal, and Call Center for assistance.
• India recently passed the important milestone of $100 billion in payments.This will ensure smooth and seamless outward remittances for individuals and businesses.
3. Bancassurance Partnership
Why in news: SBI General Insurance Signed Bancassurance Partnership With JSFB To Increase Insurance Penetration.
Key points:
• AIMS: To facilitate the distribution of non-life insurance products.
About Bancassurance:
• Bancassurance is an arrangement between a bank and an insurance company allowing the insurance company to sell its products to the bank's client base.
• This partnership arrangement can be profitable for both companies.
ENVIRONMENT:
1. Meitei Ponies
Why in news: Manipur Takes Steps To Save Endangered Meitei Ponies.
Key points:
• In an important joint effort, the Government of Manipur, along with several equestrian groups and state offices, has taken steps to keep the Manipuri Pony also called the Meitei Sagol, from going extinct.
PLACES IN NEWS:
1. Doomsday Glacier
Why in news: Doomsday Glacier is Melting at a Terrifying Rate.
Key points:
• Scientists have been studying the Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica also called the “Doomsday Glacier” as it melts so quickly and has very bad effects on sea levels around the world.
• This is mostly because warming ocean currents are attacking the glacier from below.
2. Nagorno-Karabakh
Why in news: Armenia and Azerbaijan Agree On Disputed Border Sections In Nagorno-Karabakh.
Key points:
• Recently, Armenia and Azerbaijan came to a deal on several border areas in the Nagorno-Karabakh region that were being disputed for decades.
About Nagorno-Karabakh:
• Nagorno-Karabakh is a landlocked area in the South Caucasus.
• The area is mostly made up of native Armenians, but it is officially part of Azerbaijan.
3. Town Campo
Why in news: California Town Campo Listed For Sale At $6.6 Million.
Key points:
• The owner of town Campo, Las Vegas real estate investor John Ray, has put it up for sale for $6.6 million.
• The sale includes more than 20 buildings, both residential and business, and is close to the Mexican border, about 50 miles southeast of San Diego.
3. Palestine
Why in news: 3 European countries recognize Palestine as a state
Key points:
• Three European countries Norway, Ireland, Spain to recognise Palestinian state.
• They will formally enact recognition on May 28 despite Israel’s warnings of the consequences.
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