NATIONAL:
1. Thiruvananthapuram International Airport gets Certification for Waste Management
Why in news: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport has achieved the zero waste to landfill (ZWL) certification by the Confederation of Indian Industry Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Development (CII-ITC).
Key points:
• The airport has a waste management system that follows the ISO 14001:2015 standard, which aims to improve environmental performance
2. Committee to Tackle Southeast Asian Cybercrimes
Why in news: On May 16, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) set up an inter-ministerial committee in reaction to a big rise in transnational organized cybercrime coming from Southeast Asian countries like Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos and Philippines.
Key points:
• There have been a lot of victims and financial loses in India because of the rise in cybercrime.
3. MoWCD Officially Dissolves Food & Nutrition Board
Why in news: The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD) has officially dissolved the Food and Nutrition Board (FNB), as part of a government rationalisation plan.
Key points:
• It is a technical support wing of the MoWCD, headquartered in Delhi.
• The FNB was originally established under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. In 1993, it was transferred to the MoWCD.
3. 33% Reservation for Women in Govt Contract Jobs
Why in news: The Karnataka government has mandated a 33% reservation for women in outsourced government jobs.
Key points:
• This aligns with existing quotas for permanent positions and applies to jobs lasting more than 45 days and involving over 20 employees.
INTERNATIONAL:
1. First Class Medal of Freedom
Why in news: President of UAE awards First Class Medal of Freedom to Ambassador of Republic of Paraguay.
Key points:
• Abu Dhabi [UAE], Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, awarded the First Class Medal of Freedom to Jose Aguero Avila, Ambassador of the Republic of Paraguay to the United Arab Emirates, on the occasion of the end of his tenure.
• The medal was awarded to Avila in appreciation of her efforts during her tenure, which contributed to the development and advancement of bilateral relations in various fields,
2. First Global Treaty On Intellectual Property
Why in news: UN intellectual property agency approves first global treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources and traditional knowledge.
Key points:
• Member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) approved a new treaty relating to intellectual property, genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge on Friday at a diplomatic conference in Geneva
• Objective: To enhance the efficacy, transparency and quality of the patent system, and prevent patents from being granted “erroneously” .
• Intellectual property refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions, and is protected in law by patents, copyright and trademarks.
3. Myanmar’s Junta Revives Chinese-Backed Dam Project
Why in news: With help from China, Myanmar’s junta is starting up again the $3.6 billion Myitsone dam project that was put on hold before.
Key points:
• This move is a big change in policy from when it was first put on hold in 2011 because of strong public opposition.
• The project is on the Ayeyarwady river in northern Kachin state.
• It includes plans for a 6,000-megawatt dam that will provide about 90% of the power needed by China.
4. Chinese Military Drills Intensify Near Taiwan After Lai Inauguration
Why in news: China started large-scale military training near Taiwan soon after William Lai Ching-te became president of Taiwan , under the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
Key points:
• In his inauguration speech, Lai promised to protect Taiwan’s freedom and told China to stop making military threats.
• Chinese Naval Colonel Li Xi called these drills a “strong punishment” for Taiwan’s “separatist acts.” This shows that tensions are rising between China, which sees Taiwan as part of its land, and Taiwan, which claims independence.
ECOMOMY:
1. India in Trade Deficit with nine of Top 10 Trading Partners in 2023-24
Why in news: India has recorded a trade deficit, the difference between imports and exports, with nine of its top 10 trading partners, including China, Russia, Singapore,etc.
Key points:
• The data also showed that the deficit with China, Russia, Korea, and Hong Kong increased in the last fiscal compared to 2022-23, while the trade gap with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Indonesia, and Iraq narrowed
2. Record Rs 2.11 Lakh Crore RBI Dividend to Central Government for 2023-24
Why in news: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved a record dividend transfer of Rs 2.11 lakh crore to the Government of India for the financial year 2023-24.
Key points:
• This announcement was made after the Central Board of Directors meeting on 22 May 2024 in Mumbai.
• This is the highest-ever dividend despite the Contingent Buffer Risk being increased to 6.5% for 2023-24.
ENVIRONMENT:
1. Over 4000 Gangetic Dolphins in India
Why in news: Indian Wildlife Institute According to the Wildlife Institute of India, there are now over 4000 Gangetic dolphins in the Gangetic River basin.
Key points:
• Over 2000 of these dolphins are found in Uttar Pradesh, primarily in the Chambal River.
• This increase suggests that the river’s pollution levels are declining, and the government’s conservation efforts are proving effective.
About Gangetic Dolphin:
• The Ganges river dolphin, also known as the blind dolphin, Ganges susu, or Hihu, has the scientific name Platanista gangetica.
• Characteristics of Gangetic Dolphins Gangetic dolphins are blind and live exclusively in freshwater.
• They hunt using sonar, emitting ultrasonic sound waves that bounce off prey.
2. Chinese Pond Heron
Why in news: The Chinese pond heron has been seen for the first time in Uttarakhand.
Key points:
• The Chinese Pond Heron a bird usually found in the northeastern states, Rajasthan and Bhutan, has been seen for the first time in Uttarakhand.
• There was no record of the presence of the Chinese Pond Heron in Uttarakhand,For the first time, the bird has chosen the Kotdwar area of Lansdowne forest division for breeding.
3. Emblica Chakrabartyi
Why in news: A team of scientists has discovered the new plant species 'Emblica chakrabartyi from Adichilthotti within the Edamalayar forest range of Kerala.
Key points:
• The new species is named after Tapas Chakrabarty, former scientist at the Botanical Survey of India (BSI), for his contribution to the study on Phyllanthaceae.
• Emblica chakrabartyi belongs to the gooseberry (Phyllanthaceae) family and as shrubs in tropical rain forests.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY:
1. AI Anchors Krish and Bhoomi
Why in news:
• Doordarshan Kisan (DD KISAN) has become the first government TV channel of the country to launch two AI anchors – AI Krish and AI Bhoomi.
Key points:
• The AI anchors can speak in fifty languages and read news 24 hours and 365 days without getting tired.
• These AI anchors will provide necessary information about agricultural research in the country and global level, trends in Krishi Mandis, changes in the weather and information about government schemes
2. World’s First 100% Biodegradable Pen
Why in news: World’s first 100% biodegradable pen launches in India by Saurabh H Mehta from New Delhi, named the NOTE pen (No Offence to Earth).
Key points:
• The pen features a recycled paper refill, and non-toxic ink, and comes in options of metal, paper, or bamboo exteriors.
• This innovation aims to reduce plastic waste, a significant issue as over 50 billion ballpoint pens are discarded annually
3. The Dream Chaser
Why in news: The Dream Chaser DC-100 by Sierra space is the world’s first winged commercial space plane.
Key points:
• It can fly in space and land on conventional runways The space plane will take its first flight in a NASA mission
• A commercial space planes are an aircraft that could be used for space tourism and crucial space missions.
4. India Develops First Research Testbed Facility to Study Norwesters
Why in news: The proposed research testbed will be jointly developed by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), New Delhi, the Indian Institute of Tropical
Key points:
• Meteorology (ITM), Pune (Maharashtra) and the National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting.
• Aim: To study thunderstorms from the formation stage, growth, and propagation over eastern parts of India
• The proposed facility will cover a large area adjoining West Bengal (WB), Odisha, and Jharkhand and the control centre will be at Chandbali in the Bhadrak district of Odisha.
• Norwesters or kalbaisakhi are extremely severe thunderstorms which originates over east and northeast India, south Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh.
5. Webex Calling in India
Why in news: Tata Communications Partners With Cisco To Launch Webex Calling in India.
Key points:
• Webex Calling is a modern and comprehensive business phone system that provides enterprise-grade calling via a globally available cloud platform, with over 14 million users around the world.
• Tata Communications Limited has partnered with Cisco Systems to launch Webex Calling with cloud Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) for enterprises doing business in India
• It will be a first-of-its-kind service in India.
DEFENCE & SECURITY:
1. IAF Conducted Night Vision Goggled-aided Landing of C-130J Aircraft in Eastern Sector
Why in news: Indian Air Force’s C-130J Super Hercules tactical transport aircraft successfully carried out a Night Vision Goggles(NVG)-aided landing at the Kargil airstrip, Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) in the Eastern sector,close to the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan.
Key points:
• The lAF has for the first time landed an aircraft using NVG. C-130J was manufactured by Lockheed Martin.
• This will enable lAF to conduct safer and more effective operations in low-light conditions.
APP & PORTAL:
1. Election Mitra App
Why in news: Launched by: Election Commission of India
Key points:
• Applications: registration of new electors, correction of demographic details in the electoral roll, the search of names in the electoral roll, and other election-related services, these apps have streamlined the process of connecting ECI with citizens, making it more convenient and efficient for everyone.
ART & CULTURE:
1. Saga Dawa Festival
Why in news: Sikkim celebrates Saga Dawa festival a festival that falls annually on the 15th day of the fourth month of the Northern Buddhist Calendar.
Key points:
• Saga Dawa is considered the most sacred Buddhist festival, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana (passing away) of Buddha Shakyamuni.
• This day is also known as the ‘Triple Blessed Occasion’.
About Sikkim:
• Capital – Gangtok
• Chief Minister – Prem Singh Tamang
• Governor – Lakshman Prasad Acharya
SPORTS:
1. IPL-2024
Why in news: Kolkata Knight Riders Win IPL 2024 against Sunrisers Hyderabad at M.A. Chidambaram stadium in Chennai.
Key points:
• Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) etched their name in the annals of IPL history by clinching their third title after a resounding eight-wicket victory over the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
2. Dipa Karmakar becomes First Indian Gymnast to Win Gold in Asian Senior Weightlifting Championships 2024
Why in news: Dipa Karmakar, a top gymnast, became the first Indian to earn a gold medal at the Asian Senior weightlifting Championships held in Tashkent,Uzbekistan.
Key points:
• North Koreans Kim Son Hyang and Jo Kyong Byol won the silver and bronze medals, respectively.
3. World Youth Championship Indian Weightlifter
Why in news: Preetismita Bhoi smashed the youth clean and jerk world record in the women’s 40kg category to win a gold medal at the IWF World Youth Championship
Key points:
• The 15-year-old bettered the existing record of 75kg by 1kg. She lifted 57kg in snatch for a total effort of 133kg, finishing within 2kg of the youth world standard on total on the opening day of the competition
4. Dinesh Karthik Announced Retirement from IPL
Why in news: Indian wicketkeeper and Royal Challengers Bengaluru star player Dinesh Karthik has announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League.
Key points:
• Karthik served as captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders between 2018 & 2020 and has also been a commentator for Sky Sports.
5. Shahid Afridi
Why in news: Shahid Afridi Joins Yuvraj Singh, Chris Gayle As Tournament Ambassador For ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024
Key points:
• Shahid Afridi, named as a Tournament ambassador for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men's T20 World Cup 2024 which will take place in the United States of America (USA) and West Indies from 1 to 29 June, 2024.
• He has joined Chris Gayle, Yuvraj Singh and Usain Bolt in the list of ambassadors.
5. Asian Relay Championships 2024
Why in news: Indian mixed 4x400m team wins gold and men's and women's 4x400m teams win silver medal in the first Asian Relay Championship held in Bangkok, Thailand.
Key points:
• The India's mixed 4x400 relay team has set a national record by winning a gold medal at the inaugural edition of Asian Relay Championships 2024 while the men's and women's 4x400 teams secured silver medals.
• The Indian team of Muhammed Ajmal, Jyothika Sri Dandi, Amoj Jacob and Subha Venkatesan won the gold medal Sri Lanka to clinch the silver medal while Vietnam won bronze medal.
6. AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026
Why in news: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed Australia as the hosts for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026.
Key points:
• The AFC Executive Committee ratified the recommendations of the AFC Women’s Football Committee at its meeting in Bangkok, Thailand.
AWARDS & HONOUR:
1. Anasuya Sengupta
Why in news: Anasuya Sengupta Wins Best Actress at Cannes
Key points:
• The 77th Cannes Film Festival The 77th Cannes Film Festival gave Best Actress to Anasuya Sengupta for her part in “The Shameless.”
2. UAE’s Golden Visa
Why in news: Actor Rajinikanth recently received the UAE’s prestigious Golden Visa from the Department of Culture and Tourism.
Key points:
• Rajinikanth joins a growing list of celebrities who have been granted UAE Golden Visa including Mammootty Dulquer Salmaan,Sanjay Dutt, Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Ranveer Singh.
3. UK's Prestigious Royal Award
Why in news: UP Rickshaw Driver Arti Won the UK's Prestigious Royal Award In London.
Key points:
• Arti won the prestigious Amal Clooney Women's Empowerment Award at the Prince's Trust Awards, this event celebrates the achievements of young people from around the world in London, United Kingdom (UK).
• Amal Clooney Women's Empowerment Award was named after the famous English Barrister Amal Clooney.
4. Kaamya Karthikeyan
Why in news: Kaamya Karthikeyan becomes youngest Indian to summit Mt Everest at 16 Sixteen-year-old
Key points:
• The daughter of a naval officer, Kaamya is a class 12 student at Navy Children School, Mumbai.
APPOINMENTS:
1. Allamaye Halina
Why in news: Former Ambassador Allamaye Halina Appointed as New Prime Minister of Republic of Chad.
Key points:
• Allamaye Halina replaced the opposition leader Succes Masra, who resigned from the post on 22nd May 2024. Succes Masa was appointed as the PM of Chad in January 2024.
• Allamaye Halina is a diplomat and former director general of state protocol and also served as the Ambassador of Chad to China.
2. MS Dhoni
Why in news: MS Dhoni appointed as Citroen’s Brand Ambassador in India.
Key points:
• Citroen is a French automaker company.
3. Justice Najmi Waziri
Why in news: Delhi HC Appointed Justice Najmi Waziri as Chairperson of Administrative Committee of EFI.
Key points:
• Najmi Waziri, retired judge of Delhi HC, appointed as the Chairperson of the Ad-Hoc Administrative Committee (AAC) to supervise the administration of the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI), the governing body for equestrian sports in India.
• The committee comprises former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India Dr. S.Y. Quraishi as the Observer and Advocate Rohini Musa as Member of AAC.
TERM IN NEWS:
1. Remal
Why in news: A low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is set to intensify into Cyclone Remal, reaching Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coasts as a severe cyclonic storm.
Key points:
• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts the cyclone's progression, predicting it to become a severe cyclonic storm by May 25 morning and make landfall between Sagar island in West Bengal and Khepupara in Bangladesh by May 26 evening.
• The cyclone, named Remal, signifies "sand" in Arabic, following the naming conventions for cyclones in the Indian Ocean region.
• States Affected West Bengal and Odissa.
IMPORTANT DAYS:
1. International Day of the Markhor
Why in news: The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has proclaimed May 24 as the International Day of the Markhor.
Key points:
• Objective – To raise awareness and promote the conservation of this iconic and ecologically significant species found across the mountainous regions of Central and South Asia.
About Markhor:
• The markhor (Capra falconeri) found across the mountainous regions of Central and South Asia, including Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
• International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List n.of Threatened Species, and has been included in Appendix I to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora since 1992.
2. World Football Day
Why in news: The first-ever United Nations (UN)'s World Football Day was observed across the globe on 25th May 2024.
Key points:
• Objective: to acknowledge the global reach of football and its impact across various spheres, including commerce, peace, and diplomacy.
• 25th May 2024 marks the 100th anniversary of the 1924 Olympic Football Tournament held in Paris, France
BIHAR:
1. Patna Qalam Painting
Why in news: A week-long Patna Kalam Chitra Style training program was inaugurated in patna on 26th may 2024.
Key points:
• The event has been organized under the aegis of INTACH, Patna Chapter and Your Heritage.
• The complete knowledge about the rise and fall of this style from the reign of Mughal Emperor Jahangir till Patna via Murshidabad is given
• Prem Sharan while congratulating the trainees said that the society will have to come forward to save it from extinction.
2. Aquatic Life Health Laboratory and Feed Laboratory to be set up in Bihar
Why in news: Aquatic Life Health Laboratory will be opened in the state for testing and treatment of aquatic organisms .
Key points:
• These institutions will be established in Fisheries College, Muzaffarpur and Fisheries Research Center of Animal Fisheries Resources Department.
• ₹ 9 crore will be spent on the institutions.
• Besides, a feed laboratory will also be set up to test the quality of fish feed.
3. Kala-azar Eradication from Bihar
Why in news: Kala-azar has been eradicated in all the blocks of the state, the number of Kala-azar patients has reached less than one patient per ten thousand population.
Key points:
• The Bihar model has been highly appreciated in the review meeting of the National Kala-azar Eradication Program held in Ranchi.
Click here to download Current Affairs English PDF
Click here to download Current Affairs Hindi PDF