NATIONAL:
1. 6th India-Japan Joint Working Group Meeting
Why in news: The 6th Meeting of India-Japan Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism was held in New Delhi.
Key points:
• The Indian delegation of Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of India met the Japanese delegation of the Government of Japan.
• Both sides emphasised the importance of strengthening counter-terrorism cooperation through exchange of information, capacity building, training programmes & exercises, and cooperation at the multilateral fora, such as the UN, FATF and QUAD.
• The 7th Meeting of JWG on Counter Terrorism will held inTokyo on a mutually-convenient date.
INTERNATIONAL:
1. World’s First gene edited Pig Liver Transplant
Why in news: A man with advanced liver cancer is the first person in history to receive a liver donation from a genetically modified pig.
Key points:
• Doctors at Anhui Medical University is First Affiliated Hospital in China did this historic treatment.
• It is a big step forward in the field of xenotransplantation, which is the transplantation of organs from animals into people.
2. Donald Trump
Why in news: Donald Trump becomes first former American president declared guilty in the serious crime.
Key points:
• Donald Trump was found guilty on 34 charges of hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels and falsifying business records.
• He belongs to Republican Party & was president of USA.
3. One Person, One File
Why in news: China recently Proposes ‘One Person, One File’ Surveillance Escalation.
Key points:
• One Person, One File” (OPOF) is a program suggested by the government of Shanghai that would make digital surveillance and censorship much stricter in China.
• The plan includes installing more facial recognition cameras and making detailed personal profiles for every resident.
• This is an example of unprecedented attempt to control and watch the people.
4. Russia to Remove Taliban From Terrorist List
Why in news: Russia will remove the Taliban from its list of banned terrorist organizations.
Key points:
• This move aims to acknowledge the Taliban's control in Afghanistan.
• Recently, Kazakhstan also remove Taliban from its list of banned terrorist organizations.
ECONOMY:
1. 100 tonnes of Mortgaged Gold came to India from Britain
Why in news: India has brought back 100 tonnes of its gold kept in Britain’ Bank of England to domestic Vaults in the financial year 2023-24.
Key points:
• This is the largest transfer of gold since 1991.
• After this the country's total gold reserves increased by 27.46 tonnes in the financial year 2023-24 and now it has increased to 822 tonnes.
• Gold in India is held in vaults in RBI’s old office building on Mumbai’s Mint Road as well as Nagpur.
• Prior to this move, the RBI held approximately 500 tonne of gold abroad and 300 tonne within India. With the repatriation of 100 tonne, the distribution of gold reserves has now achieved a balanced 50-50 split, with 400 tonne each in India and abroad.
2. Government raises Retirement & Death Gratuity Limits to 25 Lakh
Why in news: The maximum limit of retirement gratuity and death gratuity has been revised by the go
vernment from 20 lakh to 25 lakh rupees.
Key points:
• Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions has issued an official memorandum in this regard.
• The revised limit will come into effect from 1st January 2024.
About Gratuity:
• Gratuity is a defined benefit plan given by the employer to the employee for rendering services continuously for five years or more.
3. India's 1st EV Index
Why in news: NSE Indices Limited launched India's 1st Electric Vehicle (EV) Index named "Nifty EV and New Age Automotive Index"
Key points: The index aims to track the performance of companies which are part of EV sector or engaged in the development of new-age automotive vehicles and associated technology.
4. Adani Ports Expands Global Reach
Why in news: Adani Ports secures a 30-year concession agreement with the Tanzania Ports Authority at Dar es Salaam Port.
Key points:
• Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) has clinched a significant 30-year concession agreement with the Tanzania Ports Authority to operate Container Terminal 2 (CT2) at Dar es Salaam Port.
• This marks APSEZ’s third venture into international ports signaling its strategic expansion beyond Indian shores.
SCIENCE & TECH:
1. NASA’s Magellan Mission Discovers Ongoing Venus Volcanic Activity
Why in news: NASA's Magellan mission has provided direct evidence of recent volcanic activity on Venus.
Key points:
• Direct geological evidence of recent volcanic activity on Venus has been confirmed for the second time.
• Scientists in Italy have detected surface changes indicating new rock formations from lava flows linked to volcanic eruptions that occurred while the spacecraft was in orbit.
• The Magellan mission provided the most detailed images of Venus to date, using synthetic aperture radar to penetrate the planet’s thick cloud cover
2. South Korea launches its First Space Agency
Why in news: South Korea has officially launched its space agency, the Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA),
Key points:
• KASA aims to promote reusable launch vehicles, development of South Korea’s global positioning system (GPS) and a lunar lander program.
• South Korea plans to make a Mars landing by 2045.
• The country’s first lunar lander is planned for 2032. South Korea plans at least three more space launches by 2027 and has plans to launch military satellites.
• South Korea became the seventh country to own an indigenous space launch vehicle and satellite development technology
3. ChatGPT Edu
Why in news: OpenAI recently announced the release of a more advanced version of its AI-powered robot designed to work in school settings,ChatGPT Edu,.
Key points:
• Its goal is to make artificial intelligence easier to use in many areas of a university, helping students, staff, researchers, and operating systems
3. Scientists Develop Robotic Thumb
Why in news: Scientists develop Robotic third thumb to make one handed task easier.
Key points:
• An extra thumb is developed by Scientists at Cambridge University
• This is being called the third thumb. It can be used easily and it is also easy to control.
AWARDS & HONOURS:
1. Reliance, Tata Group & Serum Institute Featured on TIME100 Most Influential Companies 2024
Why in news: Three Indian Companies namely Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), Tata Group and Serum Institute of India (SII) are featured on the "TIME100 Most Influential Companies 2024"..
Key points:
• This is the 4th edition of TIME's annual list featuring world's most Most Influential Companies.
• RIL and Tata Group are been featured under the "Titans" category and SIl is featured under the "Pioneer" category.
• Rare Beauty, founded by American Singer and Actor Selena Gomez, is featured under the "Leaders" categories.
• The list also featured noted companies like Microsoft, TikTok, Disney, Pfizer and Bank of America under Titans category; Google and Huawei under Innovators category.
2. Sourav Ganguly became Chief Guest for Supply Chain Conference 2024
Why in news: Sourav Ganguly, ex-BCCI President, has been named the Chief Guest for the International Procurement and Supply Chain Conference in Mumbai, 2024.
Key points:
• The conference will host 400+ delegates, focusing on “India Tomorrow: Economic Supremacy” to enhance India’s economy.
• The prestigious IPSC Awards 2024 will be presented, recognizing excellence in supply chain management.
3. Scripps National Spelling Bee
Why in news: Bruhat Soma, an Indian-American from Florida, has emerged victorious at the prestigious Scripps National Spelling Bee 2024.
Key points:
• Bruhat correctly spelled 29 words in the tiebreaker round to beat Faizan Zaki.
ENVIRONMENT:
1. Mangroves in Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka Labeled ‘Critically Endangered’
Why in news: Coastal mangroves in Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka and Maldives were recently rated as “critically endangered” by the International Union for Nature Conservation (IUCN).
Key points:
• It will include all the services which we are providing in the targeted location.According to the IUCN’s first global assessment of mangrove ecosystems, the classification shows that these places have a lot of problems that need to be fixed for conservation reasons.
APPOINMENTS:
1. Emmanuelle Soubeyran
Why in news: Dr. Emmanuelle Soubeyran elected as Director General of World Organization for Animal Health for the 2024-2029 term.
Key points:
• Soubeyran succeeded Dr. Monique Eloit.
IMPORTANT DAYS:
1. World No Tobacco Day
Why in news: World No Tobacco Day is observed every year on 31 May.
Key points:
• Objective – To raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and advocate for effective policies to reduce consumption.
• Theme 2024 – Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference.
2. World Milk Day
Why in news: World Milk Day is celebrated every year on 1 June.
Key points:
• Theme: "celebrating the vital role dairy plays in delivering quality nutrition to nourish the world’
• World Milk Day, established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, has been observed across the world since its inception in 2001.
BIHAR:
1. International Karate Championship
Why in news: Jabir Ansari of Jamui, Bihar won gold medal in International Karate Championship
Key points:
• In International held till Karate competition held in Nepal from 31 May to 1 June 2024, Patna college student Jabir Ansari won the gold medal for the country and brought glory to Bihar.
• Jabir competed in kumite Flag of victory in 75 weight category.
2. Herbal Gardens In Ayush Health And Wellness Centers
Why in news: There will be arrangements for yoga and herbal gardens in 294 AYUSH health and wellness centers of the Bihar including Patna.
Key points:
• The target is to establish 181 centers this year. Plants with medicinal properties will be available in the herbal garden.
• Currently there are 113 AYUSH Health and Wellness centers working in the state.
Click here to download Current Affairs English PDF
Click here to download Current Affairs Hindi PDF