Current Affairs Pocket PDF – May 2024

Table of Contents
NATIONAL AFFAIRS ...................................................................................................................................................... 7
STATEWISE NATIONAL NEWS ................................................................................................................................. 7
LAUNCHES & INAUGURATION ................................................................................................................................. 7
OTHER NATIONAL NEWS ......................................................................................................................................... 8
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS ......................................................................................................................................... 10
BANKING & FINANCE .................................................................................................................................................. 12
RBI IN NEWS ............................................................................................................................................................. 12
SEBI ............................................................................................................................................................................ 14
LOANS ISSUED BY BANKS....................................................................................................................................... 16
AGREEMENTS & MoUs SIGNED.............................................................................................................................. 17
OTHER BANKING NEWS ......................................................................................................................................... 19
FINANCE NEWS......................................................................................................................................................... 21
ECONOMY & BUSINESS ............................................................................................................................................... 25
GDP & GROWTH RATE ............................................................................................................................................ 25
ECONOMY NEWS ...................................................................................................................................................... 26
BUSINESS NEWS ....................................................................................................................................................... 27
MoU’s & AGREEMENTS ............................................................................................................................................... 28
MoU’s WITH COUNTRY ........................................................................................................................................... 28
MoU’s BETWEEN ORGANIZATION ........................................................................................................................ 28
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS .......................................................................................................................... 33
APPOINTMENTS....................................................................................................................................................... 33
NATIONAL ................................................................................................................................................................. 33
INTERNATIONAL ..................................................................................................................................................... 37
BRAND & CAMPAIGN AMBASSADORS ................................................................................................................. 40
OTHER APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS ........................................................................................................ 41
AWARDS ........................................................................................................................................................................ 42
AWARDS IN THE FIELD OF ARTS & CULTURE FILMS ........................................................................................ 42
OTHER IMPORTANT AWARDS .............................................................................................................................. 43
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS IN CONTENT FORMAT .......................................................................................... 46
SUMMITS, EVENTS & CONFERENCE.......................................................................................................................... 49
SUMMITS ................................................................................................................................................................... 49
EVENTS ...................................................................................................................................................................... 49
 CONFERENCE ............................................................................................................................................................ 50
COMMITTEES & MEETINGS........................................................................................................................................ 50
COMMITTEES............................................................................................................................................................ 50
INDEX ............................................................................................................................................................................. 51
RANKING ................................................................................................................................................................... 51
REPORTS ................................................................................................................................................................... 55
RANKING & REPORTS IN CONTENT FORMAT .................................................................................................... 58
ACQUISITION & MERGERS ......................................................................................................................................... 60
DEFENCE........................................................................................................................................................................ 61
EXERCISE ................................................................................................................................................................... 61
TESTING .................................................................................................................................................................... 62
ARMY, NAVY & AIR FORCE NEWS ......................................................................................................................... 63
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY ........................................................................................................................................... 65
SATELLITES LAUNCHES .......................................................................................................................................... 65
NATIONAL ................................................................................................................................................................. 66
INTERNATIONAL ..................................................................................................................................................... 68
SPORTS .......................................................................................................................................................................... 69
CRICKET .................................................................................................................................................................... 69
BADMINTON & TENNIS........................................................................................................................................... 70
BOXING, WRESTLING & WEIGHTLIFTING ........................................................................................................... 72
ATHLETIC & FOOTBALL ......................................................................................................................................... 72
ARCHERY & SHOOTING .......................................................................................................................................... 73
OTHER SPORTS NEWS ............................................................................................................................................ 74
BOOKS & AUTHORS ..................................................................................................................................................... 76
OBITUARY ..................................................................................................................................................................... 77
NATIONAL ................................................................................................................................................................. 77
INTERNATIONAL ..................................................................................................................................................... 79
IMPORTANT DAYS ....................................................................................................................................................... 81
APPS & WEB PORTAL ................................................................................................................................................. 95
ENVIRONMENT............................................................................................................................................................. 96
 NATIONAL AFFAIRS
STATEWISE NATIONAL NEWS
Chhattisgarh
SAIL-Bhilai To Install a 15 MW Floating Solar Plant in Chhattisgarh
Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP), the flagship unit of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), has decided to
install the first 15-megawatt (MW) floating solar project in its Maroda-1 reservoir located in Durg
district, Chhattisgarh to improve its carbon footprint.
The project is being implemented through NTPC-SAIL Power Supply (NSPCL), a 50:50 joint
venture (JV) between National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and SAIL. NTPC Limited
(formerly known as National Thermal Power Corporation) is the consultant for the project.

Uttar Pradesh
MHA grants NoC to Rename 8 Railway Stations in UP
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has granted No Objection Certificate (NoC) to change the
names of eight railway stations in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh (UP). The renaming of railway
stations were proposed by the government of UP

Uttarakhand
IAF Conducted 'Bambi Bucket' Operation To Combat Forest Fires in Uttarakhand
The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted Bambi Bucket operations in collaboration with the
Uttarakhand government by utilising the Mi-17 V5 helicopter to combat forest fires in
Nainital, Uttarakhand. The Uttarakhand government has launched the "Pirul Lao-Paisa
Pao'' campaign to combat the forest fires and forest devastation.

LAUNCHES & INAUGURATION

C-DAC developed Thermal Camera transferred to CP Plus; Meity launched ITS Booklet
The Indigenous Technologies of Thermal camera, designed and developed by the Centre for
Development of Advanced Computing(C-DAC), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala under the Program of
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), was transferred to CP PLUS, a division
of M/s Aditya Infotech Limited.
MeitY launched the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Technology/Product Booklet during the
event.

DoP Secretary, Dr. Arunish Chawla launches the Meditech Stackathon 2024 in
collaboration with CII at New Delhi
On May 7, 2024, Dr. Arunish Chawla, Secretary of the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), Ministry
of Chemicals and Fertilizers (MoC&F), launched the Meditech Stackathon 2024 in New Delhi, Delhi, in
collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
✓ India's MedTech industry is projected to grow at 28% annually, reaching USD 50 billion by 2030.
India ranks 4th in Asia and top 20 globally in the medical devices market.
IAF Chief Inaugurates First-Ever EMRS in Karnataka
Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) of Indian Air Force (IAF) has
inaugurated the first-ever Emergency Medical Response System (EMRS) at Command Hospital Air
Force (CHAF) in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
✓ The EMRS is a 24/7 telephonic medical helpline for serving IAF personnel and their families
across India.

IITK DRDO Jointly Inaugurates Centre of Excellence in Defence Technologies

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) has partnered with the Defence Research and
Development Organisation (DRDO) and inaugurated the DRDO-Industry-Academia Centre of Excellence
(DIA CoE) on IITK campus for interdisciplinary research in next-generation defence technologies.

GAIL Inaugurated its First 10MW Green Hydrogen Plant in MP

Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) has inaugurated its first largest Green Hydrogen (GH2) Plant at
Vijaipur complex in Madhya Pradesh (MP). It has been installed in line with the National Green
Hydrogen Mission (NGHM).
The plant has a capacity to produce 4.3 tonnes per day (TPD) of hydrogen through
10 MegaWatt (MW) Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Electrolyzer by using renewable
power to perform electrolysis of water.

OTHER NATIONAL NEWS

Adani’s Vizhinjam Port in Kerala Approved as India’s 1st Transshipment Port
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways(MoPSW) has approved Adani Group’s Vizhinjam Port
in Kerala to operate as India's 1st transshipment port facilitating the transfer of cargo between ships.
Vizhinjam International Seaport is owned by the Government of Kerala and operated by Adani Ports
and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ).

Indian Army & Punit Balan Group Partnered to develop India’s 1st Constitution Park in
Pune
India’s first Constitution Park, jointly developed by Indian Army and Punit Balan Group,
was inaugurated by Lieutenant General Ajai Kumar Singh, General Officer-Commanding-in-
Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Indian Army's Southern Command, in Pune, Maharashtra.

Mindgrove Launches India’s 1st Commercial SoC For IoT Devices

Mindgrove Technologies Private Limited, a semiconductor startup backed by Indian Institute of
Technology Madras (IITM) Pravartak Technologies Foundation and IIT Madras Incubation Cell,
launched India's first commercial System on Chip (SoC) named Secure Internet of Things (IoT).

India’s 1st Commercial Utility-Scale BESS Project Received Regulatory Approval

India’s 1st commercial standalone Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project has received
the regulatory approval from the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC). The project
is being developed by BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL) in partnership with India Grid
Trust (IndiGrid) , and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP).
Army Dental Centre Research and Referral Releases Special Postal Cover for "Silver
Jubilee" Celebration
On May 1, 2024, the Army Dental Centre of Research & Referral (ADC R&R), Delhi, a specialist dental
care raised on May 1, 1999, commemorated its 25th anniversary (Silver Jubilee). During the event, a
Special Postal Cover by the Army Postal Service was unveiled by Lieutenant General MK Katiyar,
General Officer Commanding in Chief (GoC-in-C), Western Command.

FIEO Projected India’s Merchandise to Grow USD 500 to 510 Billion in FY25
According to the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), the apex body for exporters in
India, merchandise exports from India is expected to increase around 14% i.e. to USD 500-510 billion
in FY25(2024-25).
✓ India’s merchandise export saw a contraction of 3% with USD 437 billion in FY24 (2023-24).
India’s total exports stood at USD 788 billion in FY24.
✓ Further, it also estimated that services exports will reach to USD 390-400 billion in FY25. Thereby,
net worth of total exports from India will be around USD 890-910 billion.

EPFO created 11.4% more formal jobs in FY24

According to the Provisional Payroll Data, released by the Employees’ Provident Fund
Organisation (EPFO), Ministry of labour and employment, formal job creation under the EPFO
rose by 11.4% in 2023-24 (FY24) to 15.4 million compared to 13.85 million in FY23.

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd celebrates 250th Foundation Day

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) celebrated its 250th Foundation Day with a series of events
in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The celebration, presided over by Secretary Giridhar Aramane from the
Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Following are the launches and inaugurates made MoD Secretary:
✓ Midget Submarine: Launch of platform design and hull of the indigenous midget submarine
'Arowana' as a proof of concept for future full-scale conventional submarines.
✓ Solar Electric Hybrid Boat: Commissioning of a solar electric hybrid boat with a top speed of 11
knots, significantly reducing running and maintenance costs compared to diesel boats.
✓ Fuel Cell Electric Ferry: Commissioning of 'SUCHI', a 24-passenger fuel cell electric ferry with
zero emissions and low acoustic signatures.
✓ Technical Seminar & Commemorative Coin: Inauguration of a technical seminar on emerging
shipbuilding technologies and release of Rs 250 commemorative coin by the Giridhar to honor
MDL's 250-year legacy.

MoWCD Officially Dissolves Food & Nutrition Board

The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD) has officially dissolved the Food and
Nutrition Board (FNB), as part of a government rationalisation plan. FNB is a technical support wing of
the MoWCD, headquartered in Delhi.
✓ The FNB ceased operations effective 1 December 2023, following the formal dissolution approval
on 30 November 2023.
✓ The FNB was originally established under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. In
1993, it was transferred to the MoWCD.
MoRTH releases New Driving License Rules w.e.f. June 1, 2024; Makes Driving Tests at
RTO Optional
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) announced new regulations aimed at
simplifying the process of obtaining a driving license (DL) with effect from 1st June 2024.
✓ Under the new regulations, applicants now have option to take their driving tests at privately
operated driving training centres.
✓ Prospective drivers can choose to apply for a driver’s licence either online through the official
website (https://parivahan.gov.in/) or by visiting an RTO in person.
✓ If minors are found driving, a fine of Rs 25,000 will be imposed. The vehicle owner’s registration
will be canceled, and the minor will be ineligible for a license until the age of 25.

IFFCO Receives FCO Approval for Nano Zinc Liquid, Nano Copper Liquid Fertilisers
Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited(IFFCO) has received FCO (Fertiliser Control
Order) approval to launch its IFFCO Nano Zinc (Liquid) and IFFCO Nano Copper (Liquid)
fertilisers which will mitigate zinc and copper deficiencies in agriculture crops and boost
productivity.

Infosys Receives ISO 42001:2023 Certification for Artificial Intelligence Management

System
Infosys received ISO (the International Organization for Standardization)/ IEC (the International
Electrotechnical Commission) 42001:2023 Certification for its Artificial Intelligence Management
System (AIMS), making it among the first IT services companies globally to earn this recognition.
This certification is the world's first international standard on AI management systems by TUV
India (part of TÜV Nord Group), a leading provider of technical quality and safety services.

DoT organized 'Telecom Design Collaboration Sprint’ in Bengaluru

On May 9, 2024, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) organized 'Telecom Design
Collaboration Sprint', first-of-its-kind initiative, at International Institute of Information
Technology Bangalore(IIIT-B), Karnataka. This collaboration is focused on deep-Tech rapid
ideation and innovative solution developing a future-ready telecom stack.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
Highlights of 19th United Nations Forum on Forests held in New York
The 19th session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF19) was held at the United Nations
(UN) headquarters in New York, United States (US) from May 6 to May 10, 2024. The forum was
organized by UNFF Secretariat. It was chaired by Zéphyrin Maniratanga of Burundi.
✓ The Indian delegation was led by Jitendra Kumar, Director General of Forests and Special
Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
✓ Globally, India ranks third in the net gain, in average annual forest area, between 2010 and 2020.
✓ International Forest Governance: A Critical Review Of Trends, Drawbacks, And New
Approaches published by International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) showed
deforestation rates dropped from 13 million to 10 million hectares per year between 2010 and
2023.
Nepal set to Introduce new Rs 100 Note Featuring Disputed Territories
Nepal government is set to introduced the new Rs 100 currency note featuring a map which includes
the controversial border territories of Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani of Uttarakhand in its
strategic northwest trijunction between India, Nepal and China.
Note: Nepal shares a border of over 1,850 km with 5 Indian states – Sikkim, West Bengal,
Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

Climeworks Opened World’s Largest DAC + S Plant ‘Mammoth’ in Iceland

Swiss startup Climeworks AG has opened the world’s largest operational Direct Air Capture
and Storage(DAC + S) plant named “Mammoth” in Iceland. It will extract Carbon Dioxide(CO2)
from the air and store it underground in the form of rock.

Belize, Jamaica, St. Vincent and Grenadines Received WHO Certification for Eliminating
Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV and Syphilis
The World Health Organisation (WHO) granted certification to 3 countries in the Americas i.e. Belize,
Jamaica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines for eliminating the mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Syphilis.
✓ The official ceremony took place in Kingston, Jamaica. It was organised by Pan American Health
Organisation (PAHO), in partnership with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Joint
United Nations Programme on HIV/ AIDS (UNAIDS).

India’s Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra and Sahṛdayāloka –Locana Included in

UNESCO’s Memory of the World (MOW) Register
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has included: The
Ramcharitmanas (Rāmacaritamānasa), Panchatantra (Pañcatantra Fables) and Sahṛdayāloka-
Locana in its “Memory of the World (MOW) Asia-Pacific Regional Register”.
✓ The inclusion of these literary works was made at 10th meeting of the Memory of the World
Committee for Asia and the Pacific (MOWCAP) in Ulaanbatar, Mongolia.
✓ The Asia-Pacific Member States newly inscribed 20 items from different countries (including 3
from India) during the 2024 cycle.

Spain Becomes 99th Member of International Solar Alliance (ISA)

Spain officially became the 99th member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) which shows its
commitment to promote solar energy in the energy sector.
✓ At present, 119 countries have signed the ISA framework and 99 countries have signed as well as
ratified ISA framework.
✓ Note: In March 2024, Panama became the 98th country to ratify ISA framework.
✓ It is an inter-governmental organisation jointly formed by India and France in 2015. It aims to
mobilise efforts against climate change through the deployment of solar energy solutions.

WIPO Concludes New Treaty on IP, GRs & ATK; Benefits Global South & India
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Members have approved a new WIPO
treaty on Intellectual Property (IP) Genetic Resources (GRs) and Associated Traditional
Knowledge (ATK). For the 1st time the system of knowledge and wisdom, which supports
economies, societies and cultures for centuries, are now inscribed into the global IP system.
 BANKING & FINANCE
RBI IN NEWS
RBI Announces Interest Rate of 8% on Floating Rate Savings Bond (FRSB) 2034
The Reserve Bank of India(RBI) has announced an 8% interest rate on the Floating Rate Savings Bond
(FRSB) 2034. It is a special type of bond issued by Government of India (GoI) that matures in 2034.
Minimum investment amount for FRSBs is Rs 1000 and there is no limit on maximum amount.
RBI Cancels CoR of Acemoney(India)Limited Over Irregular Lending Practices
✓ As per RBI order, Acemoney(India) Limited is barred from transacting the business of a Non-
Banking Financial Institution(NBFI), as defined in clause (a) of Section 45-I of the RBI Act, 1934.

RBI launches IESH & CCS to Get Inputs for June’s 2024 Monetary Policy
On April 29, 2024, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launched two surveys, the 'Inflation Expectations
Survey of Households (IESH)' and the 'Consumer Confidence Survey (CCS),' aimed at providing essential
inputs for the upcoming bi-monthly monetary policy scheduled for June 5-7, 2024.
✓ Inflation Expectations Survey of Households:
It targets subjective assessments on price movements and inflation based on individual
consumption baskets across 19 cities
✓ Consumer Confidence Survey:
The 'Consumer Confidence Survey' gathers qualitative responses from households regarding
sentiments on the general economic situation, employment scenario, price level, household
income, and spending.

Credit Card Spends Rise 27% to Rs 18.26Tn in FY24: RBI Data

According to the latest data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), credit card spending surged by 27%
year-on-year (Y-o-Y) to Rs 18.26 trillion in financial year 2023-24 (FY24) from nearly Rs 14 trillion in
FY23.
✓ During FY24, the top four credit card issuer’s in India: HDFC Bank, SBI Card, ICICI Bank and Axis
Bank, experienced a decrease in their market share, dropping to 71.98% in March 2024 from
74.79% in March 2023.
✓ Total credit card transactions in March 2024 amounted to Rs 1.64 trillion, higher by 19.8% Y-o-Y
and 10.2% on month.
✓ The total number of credit cards issued in India reached 101 million in March 2024. HDFC Bank
also led in card issuance at 20.59 million, followed by SBI Card (18.89 million), ICICI Bank (16.95
million), and Axis Bank (14.21 million).

RBI Updated Guidance Note on Operational Risk Management to Extend it to NBFC

On 30th April 2024, The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued the updated “Guidance Note on
Operational Risk Management and Operational Resilience” for the financial sector and extended it
to Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) including Housing Finance Companies.
✓ This updates the “Guidance Note on Management of Operational Risk” dated October 14, 2005
✓ The new Guidance Note introduced three Lines of Defence Model in Operational Structure:
(i)Business Unit, (ii) Organizational operational risk management(OORF), (iii) Audit Function.

RBI Revises banks' Capital Market Exposure norms for T+1 settlement
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has revised the guidelines for custodian banks to issue Irrevocable
Payment Commitments (IPCs) in light of the T+1 settlement regime for stocks.
 ✓ The 30% limit is based on an assumption of a 20% downward price movement of equities on T+1,
with additional 10% margin for further downward movement.
RBI lifts curb on Bajaj Finance’s lending products ‘eCOM‘, ‘Insta EMI Card’
✓ On 2nd May 2024, RBI lifted the restrictions on Bajaj Finance Limited’s Insta EMI Card and its e-
commerce platform, eCOM.

RBI Allows Standalone Primary Dealers(SPDs) to Borrow in Foreign Currency

The Reserve Bank of India(RBI) in exercise of its power given under Section 45W of the RBI Act, 1934
issued a circular and has allowed Standalone Primary Dealers(SPDs) to borrow in foreign currency
from their parent companies or authorized entities.
✓ These SPDs can now avail access to overdraft facilities in Nostro accounts only for operational
purposes.
✓ As per the guidelines, Authorised persons are classified as Authorised Dealer Category-I banks and
Standalone Primary Dealers are classified as Authorised Dealer Category-III under Section
10(1) of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999.
RBI Proposes Stricter Norms for Loans to Projects such as Roads and Ports
RBI has proposed stricter measures for project financing . The new measures will make it more
expensive for lenders to provide loans for infrastructure and industrial projects such as: roads,
transport, ports and power plants.
As per the new norms, lenders will be required to set aside 5% of the money they lent as
general provisions for all existing and new loans.

RBI Lifts Restrictions on Bank of Baroda’s mobile app “BoB World”; Allows Onboarding
Customers
The Reserve Bank of India(RBI) has lifted restrictions on Bank of Baroda(BoB)’s mobile
application “BoB World” with immediate effect. This allows BoB to onboard customers through
BoB World application in accordance with the applicable guidelines and extant laws
/regulations.

Inflation to reach Target in FY26: RBI's State of the Economy Report

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently published its 'State of the Economy' report, authored by Deputy
Governor Michael Debabrata Patra and others.
✓ As per it, durable alignment of headline retail inflation with the 4% target may begin in the second
half of FY25, potentially reaching target levels by FY26.
✓ Net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India dropped by 62.17% to USD 10.58 billion in FY24,
the lowest since 2007, from USD 27.98 billion In FY23.
✓ Outward remittances under India’s Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS) hit a record high
of USD 31.73 billion in FY24, marking a 16.91% increase Y-o-Y from FY23’s USD 27.14 billion.
✓ Non Resident Indian (NRI) deposit flows surged by 63.5% to USD 14.7 billion in FY24, the highest
in 8 years.

RBI Board Approves Dividend of Rs 2,10,874 Crore to Central Government for FY24
Central Board of Directors of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the transfer of Rs 2,10,874
crore (~Rs 2.11 Lakh crore) as surplus to the Central government for the fiscal year 2023-24 (FY24).
This is around 141% higher than surplus transferred in FY23 (Rs 87,416 crore.).
✓ The surplus transfer for FY24 is determined by the Economic Capital Framework (ECF) adopted
by RBI, based on recommendations from the Expert Committee chaired by Dr. Bimal Jalan.
Unclaimed deposits in Banks reached Rs 42,270 crore as of March 2023: RBI Data
As per data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) presented in Parliament, unclaimed deposits in public
and private sector banks reached Rs 42,270 crore as of March 2023.
✓ Public Sector Banks (PSBs) hold Rs 33,303 crore (83% of total) as of December 2022. It is
highest in State Bank of India (SBI) with 2.16 crore accounts worth Rs 8,069 crore, and followed
by Punjab National Bank (PNB) with Rs 5,298 crore, a nearly 5x increase from 2019.
✓ Unclaimed Deposits: Accounts inactive for 10 years or term deposits not claimed within 10 years
are classified as unclaimed. These funds are transferred to the Depositor Education and
Awareness (DEA) Fund maintained by RBI but can be claimed by depositors later with applicable
interest.

RBI Imposes Monetary Penalty on ICICI Bank, Yes Bank For Rule Violations
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a monetary penalty of Rs 1 crore on ICICI Bank Limited
for sanctioning term loans to certain entities to replace budgetary resources for specific projects
without proper due diligence.
✓ The RBI has also imposed a monetary penalty of Rs 91 lakh on Yes Bank Limited for multiple
violations of banking norms.

SEBI
SEBI Amends Mutual Fund Regulations to Curb Fraudulent Practices
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) approved amendments to SEBI (Mutual Funds)
Regulations, 1996 to enhance the existing regulatory framework by mandating Asset Management
Companies (AMCs) to execute a strong "institutional mechanism" to curb fraudulent practices like
front-running and insider trading.
SEBI allows FPIs in GIFT City to take more investments from NRIs & OCIs
SEBI has allowed Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) established in Gujarat International Finance Tec-
City(GIFT City), Gujarat to accept unlimited investments from Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).
✓ A 100% contribution limit will be made available subject to the FPI submitting copies of
Permanent Account Number (PAN) cards of all their NRI/OCI individual constituents, and their
economic interest in the FPI.

SEBI Made Mandatory Registration of PMS Distributors with APMI

Securities and Exchange Board of India(SEBI) issued a directive and has mandated that any person or
entity involved in the distribution of Portfolio Management Services (PMS) should obtain
registration with Association of Portfolio Managers in India(APMI).
✓ This will come into effect from 1st January 2025 and APMI will issue the criteria for registration
of distributors by 1st July 2024.
SES ESG Research received CoR as ESG Rating Provider from SEBI
SES ESG Research Private Limited, 100% subsidiary of Stakeholders Empowerment
Services(SES), received the ‘Certificate of Registration as an Environmental, Social and
Governance(ESG) Rating Provider’ (ERP) from SEBI to commence the business of ERP.

SEBI introduces Framework for Stock Exchanges to supervise RAs & IAs
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) introduces framework for administration and
supervision of Research Analysts and Investment Advisers, as stock exchange will be recognized as
RAASB (Research Analyst Administration and Supervisory Body) and IAASB (Investment Adviser
 Administration and Supervisory Body) for administration and supervision of Research Analysts (RAs)
and Investment Advisers (IAs) respectively.
It will effective from July 25, 2024. Requirements for recognition:
✓ Operational for at least 15 years.
✓ Net worth of at least Rs 200 crore.
✓ Nationwide terminals and investor service centers in 20 cities.
✓ Provide a grievance redressal mechanism, including online dispute resolution.

SEBI Gives Approval To CARE Ratings’ Subsidiary to Offer ESG Ratings

Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has given approval to CARE ESG Ratings Limited
(CareEdge-ESG - formerly known as CARE Advisory Research & Training Limited), a wholly owned
subsidiary of CARE Ratings Limited, to function as a Category I Environmental, Social, and
Governance (ESG) Ratings Provider (ERP).

SEBI Mandates Standardized Periodic Reporting for Investment Advisers

Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has mandated Investment Advisers (IAs) to submit periodic
reports for half-yearly periods ending on September 30 and March 31 of every financial year.
✓ These reports encompass various details, including shareholding pattern, Investment Adviser
Administration and Supervisory Body (IAASB) membership number, SEBI registration number,
complaints filed against the IA, and social media handles, among others.
SEBI extends Settlement Scheme period till Jun 10 in stock option cases
SEBI has extended the settlement scheme period until June 10, 2024 for entities involved in reversal
trades in the stock options segment on BSE in 2014 and 2015.

SEBI mandates NISM Certification Requirement for One Personnel of AIF Investment
Manager Team
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) mandated that the investment team of the manager of an
Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) must include at least one key personnel with National Institute of
Securities Market (NISM) Series-XIX-C certification. This requirement, effective from May 10, 2024,
is a criterion for AIF registration.
✓ SEBI has also relaxed the provisions of Risk Management Framework at KRAs (KYC Registration
Agencies) norms, where KYC stands for Know Your Customer (KYC).

SEBI revises Market Capitalization Computation Basis for LODR Regulations

Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) amended its Listing Obligations and Disclosure
Requirements (LODR) Regulations, 2015 with SEBI (LODR) (Amendment) 2024 for revising the
method for calculating the market capitalization of listed companies under the LODR Regulations.
✓ Instead of using a single day's market cap (previously calculated on March 31), SEBI now employs
an 'Average Market Capitalization' over a defined period.
✓ The change follows recommendations from a SEBI-appointed expert committee chaired by former
whole-time member Santosh Kumar (SK) Mohanty, aimed at facilitating ease of business.

SEBI Introduced Framework to Determine Unaffected Price in Response to Market

Rumour
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) introduced a new Framework for considering
unaffected price for transactions after the confirmation of market rumours. The framework will be
 applicable to top 100 listed entities with effect from 1st June 2024 and to top 250 listed entities
(i.e., next top 150) with effect from 1st December 2024.
✓ The unaffected price will remain valid for 60 or 180 days based on the transaction stage, from the
rumour confirmation date to the relevant date under existing regulations like: public
announcement, board approval etc.

SEBI amends rule to Facilitate Ease of Doing for Companies Planning IPOs
To ease the process for companies planning Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), the Securities and Exchange
Board of India (SEBI) has issued SEBI (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements)
(Amendment) Regulations, 2024 to amend the SEBI (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements)
Regulations, 2018.
✓ These changes are part of amendments to the Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements
(ICDR) rules.
✓ Promoter group entities and non-individual shareholders holding more than 5% of post-offer
equity can contribute to the shortfall in MPC without being labeled as promoters.
✓ Equity shares from the conversion of compulsorily convertible securities held for a year before
filing the Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) will count towards MPC.

SEBI Amends Framework for Dynamic Price Bands for Scrips in Derivatives Segment
The market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has amended its guidelines on
dynamic price bands for scrips in the derivatives segment in order to improve uncertainty in
management and reduce information disproportion
✓ In the present scenario, cash market and futures contracts begin with a price band at 10 per cent
of the previous day's closing price, which can be altered by 5 per cent during the day if there are at
least 25 trades involving 5 unique client codes (UCCs) on each side at or above 9.90 per cent. Each
adjustment follows a 15-minute cooling-off during which trading continues within the current
band.

SEBI Notified Framework for Issue of Subordinate Units in Privately Placed InvITs
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has notified a framework which allowed the
privately placed Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) to issue subordinate units.
✓ Subordinate units will be issued to sponsors or its associates upon acquisition of an infrastructure
project.
✓ Suboridnate units will have no voting rights and distribution rights compared to the ordinary
units issued.
✓ The amount of subordinate units at the time of acquisition shall not exceed 10% of the acquisition
price of infrastructure project by the InvIT.
✓ The total number of outstanding subordinate units issued by an InvIT shall not exceed 10% of the
total number of outstanding ordinary units issued by InvIT.
✓ Subordinate units will be reclassified into ordinary units, when they achieve the performance
benchmarks after 3 years of issuance.

LOANS ISSUED BY BANKS

LOANS ISSUED BY RECEIVED AMOUNT KEY NOTES
BY
Asian Development Sikkim USD 148.5 The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved
Bank (ADB) million USD 148.5 million loan which aimed to bolster,
 modernize and climate-proof distribution system
to enhance reliability, quality and resilience of
electricity supply in Sikkim, India.

AGREEMENTS & MoUs SIGNED

BANKS SIGNED WITH KEY NOTES
Asian Development Citigroup Inc. (Citi), an Partnered to sign an Master Risk Participation
Bank (ADB) American multinational Agreement (MRPA) to enhance access to supply
investment bank chain financing for Small and Medium-Sized
Enterprises (SMEs) and support over USD 100
million in additional annual trade across Asia-Pacific.
The MRPA signed between ADB’s Trade and
Supply Chain Finance Program (TSCFP) and
Citibank North America will enable SME across
Asia to access Citi's supply-chain finance
offerings via ADB's TSCFP.
Private sector lender, Bengaluru (Karnataka)- To launch 2 co-branded credit cards Pi and Phi,
Yes Bank (Youth based financial services towards offering Indian consumers diverse spending
Enterprise Scheme provider, ANQ Finance and rewards options.
Bank)
Bank of Namibia NPCI International To develop a Unified Payments Interface (UPI)-
(BoN), the central Payments Limited like instant payment system for Namibia.
bank of the Republic (NIPL), the overseas
of Namibia arm of the National
Payments Corporation
of India (NPCI)
Shivalik Small CCAvenue, a flagship To empower merchants by granting them access
Finance Bank (SFB) payment brand of to Shivalik SFB's extensive customer base.
Gandhinagar (Gujarat)-
based fintech firm
Infibeam Avenues Ltd
(IAL)
Financial Planning International Financial To promote International Financial Services
Standards Board Services Centre (IFSC) in Gujarat International Finance
(FPSB) India Centres Authority Tec-City- (GIFT City), Gandhinagar, Gujarat as a
(IFSCA) “Global Finance Hub”.
YES Bank Ltd (Youth EBANX For payment processing in India for the global
Enterprise Scheme digital economy. This partnership aims to
Bank), a leading streamline cross-border payment processing and
private sector bank in enhance global commerce opportunities for
India international merchants and Indian customers in
India.
South Indian Bank Northern Arc Capital To explore and maximise commercial prospects
Limited, Kerala-based Limited, a Non-banking by combining efforts in loan origination,
private bank finance company underwriting, disbursement, collection, and
(NBFC) reconciliation procedures.
Bank of India (BOI) Indian Coast Guard To offer a Defence service salary package through
(ICG) “BOI Rakshak Salary/ Pension Savings Scheme”.
The minimum balance required is zero or nil for
the account.
The scheme also features BOI Mobile Omni Neo
app which will enable the defence personnel at
borders and at remote areas can easily access
various financial solutions.
HDFC Bank, Indian’s Atal Innovation Supports social sector startup with grants worth Rs
largest Private Sector Mission(AIM), under 19.6 crore in FY24 (FY 2023-24).
Bank (PSB) National Institution for Under the 7th “HDFC Bank Parivartan Start-up
Transforming Grants Programme”, 170 social start-ups
India(NITI Aayog) received grants worth a total of Rs 19.6 crore,
through 41 incubators.
ReNew Energy Global European Bank, Societe To support the ReNew’s energy transition projects in
PLC (ReNew) Generale India and globally. This partnership will contribute
towards India’s net zero goals.
✓ Under this MoU, Societe Generale will provide
financial support of USD 1 billion over the
next 3 years, mainly through debt financing
and advisory solutions.
ReNew has signed 5 Power Purchase
Agreements (PPAs) with combined Renewable
Energy (RE) capacity of 2.2 GigaWatt (GW).
Tata AIG General Aurm, a Bengaluru- To provide insurance coverage to Aurm customers
Insurance Company based asset protection for their valuables. Under this partnership, Aurm's
Limited firm vaults would have complete insurance coverage up to
Rs 25 lakh.
Bengaluru(Karnataka) Sri Lanka's To facilitate Unified Payments Interface (UPI)
based PhonePe, LankaPay, owned by transactions for its users in Sri Lanka.
Indian digital the Central Bank of Sri This allows PhonePe users to make payments in
payments company Lanka Indian Rupees (INR) across LankaPay's merchant
network, with currency exchange rates applied to
transactions.
Agriculture Insurance CSC e-Governance To widen the reach of its cattle insurance product
Company of India Ltd. Services India Ltd. "Sampoorna Pashudhan Kawach," designed to
(AIC) (CSC) protect farmers' livestock from unforeseen risks.
Small Industries Airbus Helicopters For financing the purchase of Airbus helicopters in
Development Bank of India. Airbus Helicopters is a helicopter
India (SIDBI) manufacturing division of Airbus, a European
multinational aerospace corporation.
SBI General Jana Small Finance Bank Signed a strategic Bancassurance Partnership
Insurance Company (JSFB), a leading agreement to facilitate the distribution of non-life
Limited, one of the financial institution in insurance products.
India’s leading India Under the partnership agreement, Jana Small Finance
Bank customers will get access to a wide range of
General Insurance
general insurance products from SBI General
companies
Insurance.
Axis Bank Limited Bengaluru(Karnataka) To provide financial solutions for farmers purchasing
based VST Tillers tractors and farm mechanization products.
Tractors Limited (VST),
a farm equipment
manufacturer
Kuwait’s Burgan Bank Tata Consultancy Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a global leader in
Services (TCS) Information technology (IT) services, consulting, and
business solutions, has signed a deal to modernize
the core banking technology of Burgan Bank, one of
the youngest commercial banks in Kuwait.
TCS will deploy TCS BaNCS to consolidate multiple
standalone legacy applications into a modern
universal banking solution that promotes innovation
and strengthens customer relationships.

OTHER BANKING NEWS

ADB Agreed to Replenish USD 5 billion for ADF 14 & TASF 8
Asian Development Bank (ADB) and donors have agreed to replenishment of USD 5 billion for Asian
Development Fund(ADF) 14 and Technical Assistance Special Fund(TASF) 8. ADF, established in 1974,
is the largest source of grants of ADB, for operations in the poorest and most vulnerable developing
member countries. It is replenished after every 4 years.

SBI Becomes the 1st Bank as Trading-cum-Clearing Member (TCM) of IIBX

India’s largest Public Sector Bank (PSB), State Bank of India (SBI) has announced that it has become
the 1st Bank in India to act as Trading-cum-Clearing Member (TCM) at the India International
Bullion Exchange IFSC Limited (IIBX) which is India’s 1st International Bullion Exchange in GIFT City,
Gandhinagar (Gujarat).
✓ This enables International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) Banking Unit (IBU) of SBI to conduct
trades on the IIBX platform. IIBX is regulated by International Financial Services Centres Authority
(IFSCA).

HDFC Bank Secures USD 500Mn from IFC for Women-Focused Lending
HDFC Bank secured USD 500 million from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to
support underserved women borrowers. This funding aims to empower women by
promoting financial inclusion, income generation, and socio-economic growth.

South African Reserve Bank Fines SBI Branch Over Compliance

The Prudential Authority of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), the central bank of South
Africa (SA), has imposed a financial penalty of 10 million rand (~Rs 4.5 crore) on the State
Bank of India (SBI)'s SA branch for violating anti-money laundering laws in SA.
Neobank Fi Secures NBFC Licence from RBI
Fi, the neobank platform of Epifi Technologies Private Limited, has received Non-Banking Financial
Company(NBFC) licence from the Reserve Bank of India(RBI).
Worldline ePayments India Private Limited, a digital payment service provider, has
received the approval from RBI to operate as online Payment Aggregator(PA) under the
Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.

Bank of Maharashtra tops among PSU banks in Business Growth in FY24; SBI FY24 net
profit rises 21.59%
Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) emerged as the top performer among Public Sector Banks (PSBs) in terms
of business growth during the Fiscal Year 2023-24 (FY24), according to published financial numbers of
the public sector banks (PSBs). BoM recorded a remarkable 15.94% rise in total business (domestic) in
FY24.
✓ State Bank of India (SBI) followed closely with a growth rate of 13.12%. SBI's total business
(deposit and advances) stood significantly higher at Rs 79,52,784 crore (about 16.7 times)
compared to BoM’s Rs 4,74,411 crore.
✓ SBI, Bank of India, and Canara Bank also achieved double-digit growth in deposits, at 11.07%,
11.05%, and 10.98%, respectively.

Bank of Maharashtra Introduces Maha Krishi Samrudhi Yojana to Offer Financial

Support for Food & Agro-Based Industries
Bank of Maharashtra(BoM) introduced the Maha Krishi Samrudhi Yojana (MKSY), a pivotal
initiative to offer financial assistance to Food and Agro-Based industries and Agri infrastructure
projects including startups which are involved in processing activities, and the development of
agricultural infrastructure facilities.
This includes facilities like term loans, working capital/Export credit, Letters of Credit (LCs),
and Bank Guarantees (BGs) with a maximum loan limit of up to Rs. 100 Crore (no limit on
minimum amount).

HDFC Bank Launched PIXEL - India’s First Virtual Credit Card

HDFC Bank Limited launched PIXEL, India’s first virtual credit card, which allows users to design their
cards with personalised benefits and offers. The card, currently on Visa Network, is available in 2
variants: PIXEL Play and PIXEL Go.
This is a digital-first credit card that offers flexibility and customisation. The customers can
register for the PIXEL cards on the PayZapp, the mobile application of HDFC Bank.

Yes Bank launches YES Grandeur for India's Emerging Affluent Segment
Yes (Youth Enterprise Scheme) Bank has launched YES Grandeur, a banking program in the form of
Savings Account and Debit card, for India's emerging affluent segment. This program targets those
with an Average Monthly Balance (AMB) of Rs 5 lakh or a Net Relationship Value (NRV) of Rs 20 lakh.
Yes Grandeur Debit Card offers travel benefits, including zero cross-currency markup
charges and airport lounge access.
Setu unveils Sesame, India's 1st Domain-Specific LLM for BFSI sector
Setu, a division of the Pine Labs Group, launched Sesame, India’s first Large Language Model (LLM) for
the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector. It is developed in collaboration with
Sarvam Artificial Intelligence (AI).

FINANCE NEWS
India contributes USD 500,000 to U.N. Trust Fund for Counter-Terrorism
India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj presented a
voluntary financial contribution of USD 500,000 to the UN Trust Fund for Counter-Terrorism, and
handed over to Under Secretary General, United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) Vladimir
Voronkov.
✓ With this latest contribution, India's cumulative financial support to the trust fund reaches USD
2.55 million. Qatar tops the UN Trust Fund for Counter-Terrorism with USD 139,530,303.

India Extends Budgetary Support of USD 50 Million to Maldives

The Government of India (GoI) has provided a Budgetary Support of USD 50 million, in the form of a
rollover of Treasury Bill (T-Bill), to the Maldives for another year. Government Treasury Bills are
subscribed by SBI under a unique Government-to-Government arrangement at zero-cost (interest free)
to the Government of Maldives.
The government of India(GoI) has announced humanitarian assistance worth USD 1 million to
the government of Kenya to deal with the devastation caused by the floods due to prolonged
heavy rainfall in Kenya.

GoI Announces USD 1 Million Immediate Relief Aid for Landslide-Hit Papua New Guinea
The Government of India (GoI) through the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation
(FIPIC), announced a relief assistance of USD 1 million for Papua New Guinea (PNG)
following a massive landslide that occurred on 24 May 2024 in Enga Province, PNG that
buried over 2,000 people.

BRISKPE Raises USD 5 Million in Seed Funding from PayU to Enhance Cross-border
Payments
GoBrisk Technologies Private Limited (BRISKPE), a Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based cross-border
payments platform, secured an investment of USD 5 million in a seed round from PayU, the
payments and fintech business of Prosus.

Groww Receives Licence to Operate as Payment Aggregator from RBI

On 29th April 2024, Groww Pay Services Private Limited(Groww Pay), the Unified Payments
Interface (UPI) payments platform of the Bengaluru (Karnataka)-based broking firm Groww,
secured an online payment aggregator (PA) licence from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
SBI General Insurance Introduced ‘Bima Central’ Platform to Transform Customer
Experience with Innovation
State Bank of India (SBI) General Insurance Company Limited introduced Bima Central, India’s 1st
insurance portfolio management platform to transform customer experience with innovation. It has
collaborated with Bima Central which was developed by CAMS Insurance Repository Services Limited
(CAMSRep).

IRDAI Introduced New Corporate Governance Regulations for Insurers

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has introduced new corporate
governance regulations for insurers. These new corporate governance regulations were notified
on 21st March, 2024 under The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Corporate
Governance for Insurers) Regulations, 2024 (“the Regulations”).
✓ Now, it will be mandatory for insurance companies to seek prior approval for their Board
Chairperson appointments, with immediate effect. Existing chairpersons have been given time
until 31st March, 2026 or the end of their current terms, whichever comes first, to comply with
the new norms.
✓ The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) relaxed procedural norms
on expense of management and share transfer through two separate Master Circulars issued
on 15th May, 2024.
✓ IRDAI gives relaxation for Expense Of Management (EOM) under IRDA (Expenses of Management,
including Commission, of Insurers) Regulations 2024 through Master Circular titled “Master
Circular on Expenses of Management (EOM) and Commission Regulations 2024”.
✓ IRDAI gives relaxation for transfer of shares under IRDA (Registration, Capital Structure, Transfer
of Shares and Amalgamation of Insurers) Regulations 2024 through Master Circular titled “Master
Circular on Registration, Capital Structure, Transfer of Shares and Amalgamation, of
Insurers, 2024”.

IFSCA Permits Foreign Portfolio Investors(FPIs) to Issue Derivative Instruments with

Indian Securities
The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) has permitted IFSC Banking
Unit registered as Foreign Portfolio Investors(FPIs) with Security Exchange Board of
India(SEBI), to issue derivative instruments with Indian securities as underlying assets in the
Gujarat International Finance Tec-City- International Financial Services Centre (GIFT-IFSC).

NPCI issues Guidelines for Merchant Acquisition on BHIM Aadhar Pay

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has issued Guidelines shifting the responsibility of
verifying merchant details onto acquiring banks for Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM) Aadhaar Pay
(BAP), where merchants receive digital payments through Aadhaar Authentication.

REC Limited Receives NOC from RBI to Establish Wholly-owned Subsidiary in IFSC, GIFT
City
On 3rd May 2024, REC Limited(formerly Rural Electrification Corporation Limited), has received a No
Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for establishing a wholly-owned
subsidiary in the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in Gujarat International Finance Tec-
City (GIFT City), Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
Bajaj Finserv Launches India's 1st Multi Asset Allocation Fund with Dividend Yield
Strategy
Bajaj Finserv Asset Management Limited launched the Bajaj Finserv Multi Asset Allocation Fund,
an open-ended investment scheme designed to offer investors a unique avenue to access multiple asset
classes through a single investment.
It is India’s 1st Multi Asset Fund with a dividend yield strategy that aims to provide stability
and growth by diversifying across asset classes.

Mirae AMF Launched Nifty Mid Small-Cap 400 Momentum Quality 100 ETF
On 6th May 2024, Mirae Asset Mutual Fund(AMF) launched Mirae Asset Nifty MidSmallCap400
Momentum Quality 100 Exchange Traded Fund(ETF), India’s 1st mutual fund scheme with 50 Mid-Cap
and 50 Small-Cap stocks.

Canara HSBC Life Insurance Introduces Promise4Growth Plan

Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company Limited introduced Promise4Growth, a new Unit Linked
Insurance Plan (ULIP), designed for customers embarking on a journey towards financial prosperity
and security. The product offers 3 plan options: Promise4Wealth, Promise4Care, and Promise4Life,
each aligned with different savings goals and life stages.
ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Launches its First ICICI Pru Platinum Plan
ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Limited, a leading private insurer in India, launched its first
new ULIP called ICICI Pru Platinum.
The plan offer choice to choose between two life cover variants:
✓ Growth Plus variant entitles the nominee to receive either the sum assured or the fund value,
whichever is higher.
✓ Protect Plus variant offers the nominee both the sum assured and the fund value.

TATA AIG General Insurance unveils India’s 1st Satellite In-Orbit Third-Party Liability
Insurance policy
TATA AIG General Insurance Company Limited has introduced India’s first ‘Satellite In-Orbit
Third-Party Liability Insurance’ policy which provides critical financial protection to meet the needs
of satellite manufacturers and operators in the Indian space sector.
With this, TATA AIG General Insurance becomes the first private insurer in India to offer a
Satellite Insurance cover

LIC Received Approval from SEBI for Additional 3 years to meet MPS norms
Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has received the approval from Securities and Exchange
Board of India (SEBI) for additional 3 years to comply with the Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS)
norms.
✓ SEBI granted this additional 3 years to LIC to achieve 10% Public shareholding under Rule 19(2)
(b) (iv) of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rules, 1957 i.e. within a time period of 5 years
from the date of listing.
✓ Now, the revised timeline for LIC to achieve is on or before 16th May, 2027.
TReDS Platform RXIL Crosses Rs 1 lakh crore in MSME Invoice Financing
India’s 1st Trade Receivables electronic Discounting System (TReDS) exchange platform, Receivables
Exchange of India Limited (RXIL), has financed over 50 lakh Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises
(MSME) invoices totalling Rs 1 lakh crore.
RXIL is a joint venture (JV) promoted by the Small Industries Development Bank of India
(SIDBI), NSE India (National Stock Exchange of India Ltd), State Bank of India (SBI), ICICI Bank,
and YES Bank Limited.

SBI Mutual Fund Launches SBI Automotive Opportunities Fund

SBI Mutual Fund, India's largest fund house, launched SBI Automotive Opportunities Fund,
an open-ended equity scheme following the automotive and allied business activities theme.
This first-of-its-kind active mutual fund will invest in stocks of automobile companies and
allied businesses, both domestic and international.

IFSCA Sets up Committee Chaired by Rajeev Kher to Position GIFT City as “Global
Trading Hub”
The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) has constituted an expert committee
to position Gujarat International Finance Tec-City- International Financial Services Centre (GIFT-
IFSC) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat as “Global Commodity Trading Hub”.
The 21-member expert committee will be chaired by Rajeev Kher, Former Secretary,
Ministry of Commerce and Industry(MoCI).

Mahindra Finance Receives IRDAI Approval to Sell Insurance Products as Corporate

Agent
Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Limited (MMFSL) has received the Certificate of
Registration (Corporate Agency License) from Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority
(IRDAI), an insurance regulator to act as a ‘Corporate Agent (Composite)’ under the Insurance Act,
1938.

NIMF Launches Industry First Sonic Identity: ‘The Sound of Freedom’

Nippon Life India Asset Management Limited (NAM India), the asset manager of Nippon India Mutual
Fund (NIMF), has announced the launch of the sonic identity ‘The Sound of Freedom’, a powerful
soundscape symbolising financial freedom.
NIMF has became the first asset management company (AMC) in India to launch its own brand
sound.

NSE Lowered Tick Size to 1 Paisa for Stock Price Below Rs 250
National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE) announced that it has lowered the tick size for all
stocks from 5paisa (at present) to 1 paisa for securities priced below Rs 250 in the cash segment. The
main objective for this new tick size is to enhance liquidity and improve price discovery by allowing
more granular price adjustments.
The tick size for T+1 settlement securities will also be applicable to T+0 (T0) settlement
securities.
Poonawalla Fincorp & IndusInd Bank Jointly Launch Co-branded Poonawalla Fincorp
IndusInd Bank eLITE RuPay Credit Card
Poonawalla Fincorp Limited, a Cyrus Poonawalla group Non-Banking Finance Company
(NBFC) in collaboration with IndusInd Bank, launched the co-branded, Poonawalla Fincorp
IndusInd Bank eLITE RuPay Credit Card, to redefine and elevate the banking experience of
customers by offering various rewards and benefits.

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

GDP & GROWTH RATE
ORGANIZATION YEAR RATE
Moody’s Ratings FY25 6.6%
Moody’s Ratings has projected that India’ Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) to grow at 6.6% in
FY25 (2024-25) and 6.2% in FY26 (2025-26).
It also mentioned that strong credit demand
fuelled by robust economic growth will give
boost to the profitability of Non-Banking
Financial Companies (NBFCs). It also estimated
that India’s GDP growth 8% in FY24(2023-
24).
National Council of 2024-2025 (FY25) 7%
Applied Economic The New Delhi, Delhi-based National Council of
Research (NCAER) Applied Economic Research (NCAER) in its Monthly
Economic Review (MER) April 2024 projected Indian
economy to grow faster than 7% in financial year
2024-2025 (FY25).
✓ Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) inflation
slows to 8.5% in March 2024 from 8.7% in
February 2024.
The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation
accelerates to 0.5% (Provisional Estimates) in
March 2024 from 0.2% in February 2024.
Organisation for Economic FY25 6.6%
Co-operation and According to “OECD Economic Outlook, Volume 2024
Development (OECD) Issue 1”, Paris(France) based Organisation for
Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
has raised India’s GDP (Gross domestic product)
growth forecast for FY25 (2024-25) by 40 basis
points (bps) to 6.6% from 6.2% projected earlier.
Global GDP growth is projected at 3.1% in 2024
and 3.2% in 2025 supported by factors including
stronger real income growth and lower policy
interest rates.
India Ratings and 2024-2025 (FY25) 7.1%
Research (Ind-Ra) Private The India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) Private
Limited Limited , a wholly owned subsidiary of Fitch
group, raised India’s Gross Domestic Product
(GDP) growth forecast for fiscal year 2024-2025
(FY25) to 7.1% from 6.5%. Ind-Ra expects
average retail and wholesale inflation at 4.6%
and 2.9%, respectively, in FY25.
Rating agency ICRA Q4 of FY2024 6.7%
Limited Rating agency ICRA Limited (formerly Investment
Information and Credit Rating Agency of India
Limited) has projected India’s Gross Domestic
Product (GDP) growth to moderate to a four-quarter
low of 6.7% in 4th Quarter (Q4) of FY2024 from
8.4% in Q3 of FY24.
For FY24 (full fiscal year), ICRA has expects GDP
and Gross Value Added (GVA) growth of 7.8%
and 7.0% respectively.
Goldman Sachs Group Inc 2024 (CY24) 6.7%
Goldman Sachs Group Inc has revised its
projection for India’s Growth Domestic Product
(GDP) for Calendar Year 2024 (CY24), upwards
by 10 Basis Points (bps) to 6.7% from 6.6%. It
has also estimated that Reserve Bank of India
(RBI) will cut the interest rates in the 4th
Quarter (Q4) of current Calendar Year (CY24) or
Q3FY25(2024-25).
State Bank of India FY24 8%
According to State Bank of India (SBI’s) Economic
Research Department report, overall India’s Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) growth is expected to touch
8% for FY24. While, SBI’s Artificial Neural Network
(ANN) model with 30 high frequency indicators
projected that India’s GDP growth will be 7.4% for
4th Quarter (Q4) of FY24(2023-24).
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has estimated
India’s GDP growth will be 7.3%, 7.5% and
7.0% for Q4FY24, Q1FY25 and for full FY25
respectively.

ECONOMY NEWS
Retail inflation eases to 4.83% in April 2024, surge in Food Prices Continues
As per the data from Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), The annual Retail
inflation rate based on all India Consumer Price Index (CPI) number is 4.83% (Provisional) in April
2024, slightly down from 4.85% in March 2024, despite a continued surge in food prices. This decrease
is attributed mainly to lower fuel prices.
Logistics Startup Porter’s becomes India’s 3rd Unicorn in 2024
Bengaluru(Karnataka)-based logistics services platform, Porter has become 3rd Unicorn of India in
2024, with valuation of around USD 1 billion. Porter became unicorn after completing a fresh internal
round, where individuals bought shares from the employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) pool at a
valuation of USD 1 billion.
So far, Ola’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) startup Krutrim and Fintech-focussed Software as a
Service (SaaS) firm Perfios are the other two Indian startups that emerged as Unicorn in 2024.

BUSINESS NEWS
MSCI Announced Changes in MSCI Global Standard Index: 13 Indian Firms Added & 3
Removed
MSCI Inc.(formerly known as Morgan Stanley Capital International Inc.) has announced changes in
constituents for the MSCI Global Standard Indexes, which will take place as of close of 31st May 2024.
As per the May 2024 review, 13 Securities will be added to and 3 Securities will be deleted from the
India Index.
The 3 companies removed from MSCI India Index are Berger Paints India Limited;
Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) and Paytm (One97 Communications Limited)

BEML Secured Order Worth Rs 250 Cr from NCL to Supply BH100 Rear Dump Trucks
BEML Limited (formerly Bharat Earth Movers Limited) has secured an order worth Rs 250
crore from Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL) for supplying 28 units of BH100 rear dump
trucks.

BSE: Market Capitalisation to GDP Ratio Records 15-year High of 140.2%

According to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) data, India’s market capitalization to Gross
Domestic Product ratio (mcap-to-GDP) has recorded growth of 15-year high of 140.2%. This
increase is significantly higher compared to 95.8% at the end of March 2023.

IOCL Exports 1st consignment of India’s 1st Premium Fuel "XP100" to Sri Lanka
Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), a leading energy company in India, exported its first-ever parcel
of XP100, India’s 1st superior 100-octane premium fuel, from Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT),
Nava Sheva, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra to Lanka IOC, a subsidiary of IOCL in Sri Lanka.

Bank Credit Growth to Slip 200 bps to 14% in FY25: CRISIL Ratings
According to the domestic rating agency, CRISIL Ratings Limited, a subsidiary of CRISIL Limited, Bank
credit growth is expected to moderate by ~200 basis points (bps) (2%) to ~14% in the financial year
2024-2025, following robust growth of ~16% in the last financial year 2023-2024.

Radisys Forms Consortium To Set Up Telecom Network in Ghana

The Reliance backed Radisys India Limited has formed a consortium called Next-Gen
Infrastructure Company (NGIC) for the Government of Ghana in collaboration with Nokia
Corporation, Tech Mahindra Limited, Ascend Digital Solutions Limited, K-NET Private Limited
and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), AT Ghana and Telecel Ghana.
 MoU’s & AGREEMENTS
MoU’s WITH COUNTRY
COUNTRY MoU’s WITH FIELD / PURPOSE
India Iran Signed a long-term contract of 10 years to operate the
Shahid Beheshti Port Terminal at Chabahar Port, Iran.
This will boost regional connectivity and trade ties. The
contract was signed by India Ports
Global Limited(IPGL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of
India Ports Global Chabahar Free Zone (IPGCFZ) and
by Port and Maritime Organisation (PMO), Iran.
As per the contract, IPGL is committed to invest
approximately USD 120 million in equipping the
port. India has also offered a credit window of USD
250 million for mutually identified projects aimed
at enhancing Chabahar-related infrastructure.
Comptroller and Toyam Raya, To enhance collaboration and exchange of expertise in
Auditor General(CAG) Auditor General of the field of auditing between Supreme Auditing
of India, Girish Nepal Institutions (SAIs) of India and Nepal.
Chandra Murmu The MoU was signed on the sideline of Girish
Chandra Murmu’s official visit to Nepal on 2nd May,
2024.
India Ghana India and Ghana have agreed to operationalise the
Unified Payment Interface (UPI) of National Payments
Corporation of India (NPCI) on Ghana Interbank
Payment and Settlement Systems (GHIPSS) within a
period of 6 months.
This was discussed during the 4th session of
India-Ghana Joint Trade Committee (JTC) held
from 2nd to 3rd May 2024 in Accra, Ghana.

MoU’s BETWEEN ORGANIZATION

ORGANIZATION MoU’s WITH FIELD / PURPOSE
Indian Institute of Tata Consultancy To develop India’s 1st Quantum Diamond Microchip
Technology, Services (TCS), a Imager.
Bombay (IIT- global leader in
Bombay) Information
Technology (IT)
services, consulting,
and business solutions
Ministry of Mines Shakti Sustainable During the opening ceremony of Critical Minerals
Energy Foundation summit held in New Delhi, Delhi. Key Partners in the
MoU are: Ministry of Mines, Shakti Sustainable
Energy Foundation (Shakti), Council on Energy,
 Environment and Water (CEEW) and The Energy and
Resources Institute (TERI).
Indian National GalaxEye Space Which grants GalaxEye access to world-class
Space Promotion laboratories and testing facilities operated by the
and Authorization Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Center (IN-SPACe)
RailTel Corporation Mohali (Punjab)-based To explore and deliver train collision avoidance
of India Limited Quadrant Future Tek system ‘KAVACH’ implementation projects in India
(RailTel) Limited and other countries.
Fship Logistics, a India Post To enhance last-mile delivery services for e-
tech-driven commerce products, benefiting Direct-to-Consumer
logistics platform (D2C) startups, small and medium businesses
(SMBs), and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises
(MSMEs) across India.
THDCIL - UJVNL Nagar Nigam To establish a waste-to-green energy plant worth Rs
Energy Company (municipal 140 crores. This initiative aims to convert 400 tonnes
Limited (TUECO) corporation) per day of municipal solid waste into 140 tonnes of
Haridwar, green charcoal.
Uttarakhand
NHPC Limited Norway based Ocean To explore various facets of cooperation to
Sun AS demonstrate Ocean Sun’s floating solar energy
technology based on photovoltaic panels which
would be mounted on hydro-elastic membranes, at
sites identified by NHPC.
Tata Steel Special HHP Five Private To establish a green hydrogen and green ammonia
Economic Zone Limited (Hygenco) project at TSSEZL’s Gopalpur Industrial Park (GIP) in
Limited (TSSEZL) Odisha’s Ganjam district
Indian Coast Jindal Steel & Power To ensure the supply of indigenous marine grade
Guard(ICG) Limited (JSPL), a part steel to enhance the indigenous content in
of OP Jindal Group shipbuilding.
Springer Nature Department of Atomic Signed a Transformative Agreement (TA) to promote
Group, a German- Energy (DAE), open access principles and remove barriers to the
British academic Government of dissemination of scholarly research.
publishing India(GoI)
company
UAE-India CEPA Indian Chamber of To enhance economic and trade relations between the
Council (UICC) Commerce (ICC) United Arab Emirates (UAE) and India.
AIM: To promote awareness of the UAE-India
bilateral economic partnership and the benefits of
the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership
Agreement (CEPA).
Ministry of Skill Mahindra & Mahindra To initiate two Pilot Projects under the Drone
Development and Ltd. (M&M) Didi Yojana.
Entrepreneurship 2 Centres of National Skill Training Institute (NSTI)
(MSDE) in Hyderabad, Telangana and Noida, Uttar Pradesh
(UP) were selected for the Pilot Projects, focusing on
empowering rural women in agriculture.
Indian Coast Guard Hindalco Industries For the manufacturing and supply of indigenous
(ICG) Limited marine-grade aluminium to Indian public and
private shipyards for ship construction.
Adani Green Energy Government of Sri Signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for 20
Limited(AGEL), Lanka years to develop wind power stations in Sri Lanka. As
part of Adani Group per the agreement, AGEL will be paid 8.26 cents per
kilowatt-hours(kWh). Company will establish wind
power stations in Mannar and Poonerin in Sri Lanka.
Hyderabad-based Norway’s Yara Clean To supply renewable ammonia to Norwegian firm.
Greenko Zeroc Ammonia which is the
largest trader and
distributor company
of ammonia in the
world
Federation of India Electronics and To promote innovation, bolster the semiconductor and
Indian Chambers of Semiconductor electronics industry and fortify supply chains.
Commerce and Association (IESA)
Industry (FICCI)
Department of United Nations To enhance the Digitalization of Vaccine Cold Chain
Animal Husbandry Development Management, Capacity Building, and Communication
& Dairying (DAHD), Programme (UNDP) Planning at UNDP Country office in New Delhi, Delhi.
Ministry of India To enhance animal health and husbandry practices
leveraging UNDP's expertise and DAHD's mandate for a
Fisheries, Animal
robust framework in India
Husbandry &
Dairying (MoFAHD)
RITES Limited, Bangladesh Railways Signed a USD 111.26 million (approximately Rs 915
export arm of crore) contract agreement to supply 200 Broad-Gauge
Indian Railways (BG) passenger carriages to Bangladesh Railways. The
contract is funded by Luxembourg-based European
Investment Bank (EIB).
This contract underscores RITES' commitment to
exporting indigenously developed railway stock, aligning
with the 'Make in India, for the World' vision.
Tata Steel Limited National Grid Plc's Signed a grid agreement to build the power infrastructure
Electricity System required to switch its Port Talbot site in Wales, the United
Operator (ESO) Kingdom(UK), to a green steel project.
IndianOil Indian Army Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IndianOil) has handed over a
state-of-the-art green hydrogen fuel cell bus to the
Indian Army at the National War Memorial, India Gate,
New Delhi, Delhi. This will promote sustainable, eco-
friendly transportation solutions.
 IndianOil and the Indian Army also signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to pioneer the
deployment of hydrogen fuel cell technology for heavy-
duty e-mobility.
National Skill International Labour To advance skill development and lifelong learning in
Development Organization (ILO) India and globally.
Corporation
(NSDC)
Ministry of External CSC eGovernance To provide the eMigrate services through Common
Affairs (MEA), Services India Limited, Services Centres (CSCs) in India.
Ministry of a Special Purpose Under this MoU, eMigrate Portal of MEA would be
Electronics and Vehicle (SPV) integrated with CSC’s portal, to provide eMigrate services
to the citizens through CSCs.
Information
Technology
(MeitY)
Reliance Industries Norway based Nel Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has entered into a
Limited (RIL) Hydrogen Electrolyser technology licensing agreement with Norway based Nel
AS Hydrogen Electrolyser AS, a fully-owned subsidiary of
Norway-based Nel ASA, aimed at accelerating its
investments to make electrolysers, particularly for
production of green hydrogen.
✓ The agreement provides the RIL with an exclusive
licence for Nel's alkaline electrolysers in India
and also allows it to manufacture the alkaline
electrolysers for internal use globally.

Bharat Heavy Bhabha Atomic Signed a Technology Transfer Agreement (TTA) for a 50
Electricals Limited Research Centre Kilowatt (KW) alkaline electrolyser system for
(BHEL) (BARC) hydrogen production.
Under this partnership, BHEL aims to scale up Indigenous
Alkaline Electrolyser Technology and commercialise it for
application in sectors such as refineries, fertiliser, steel,
transportation, etc.
 APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS
APPOINTMENTS
NATIONAL
PERSON NAME APPOINTED ENTITY / KEY NOTES
AS PLACE
Lakshmi Kanth Rao Executive Reserve Bank With effect from 10th May 2024. Before this, he
Director (ED) of India (RBI) served as Chief General Manager-in-Charge in
the Department of Regulation, RBI.
Sanjeev Nautiyal Managing Ujjivan Small The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved
Director Finance Bank the appointment of Sanjeev Nautiyal as the
(MD) & Chief Limited Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive
Executive (Ujjivan SFB) Officer (CEO) of the Ujjivan Small Finance Bank
Limited (Ujjivan SFB) for 3 years with effect
Officer (CEO)
from 1 July 2024. He will join the Bank before
taking charge as the MD and CEO and will be
designated as the President in the interim.
The current MD and CEO, Ittira Davis, was re-
appointed for 2 years, starting January 14,
2023.
Atanu Chakraborty Part-Time HDFC Bank The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved
Chairman Limited the reappointment of Atanu Chakraborty as
Part-Time Chairman of HDFC Bank Limited
for 3 years with effect from 5th May 2024 to 4
May 2027. He has been serving as the Part-time
Chairman and Independent Director of HDFC
Bank Limited since 2021.
Following this, the Board of Directors of
HDFC Bank has also approved the
reappointment of Atanu Chakraborty as
Part-Time Chairman and Independent
Director of HDFC Bank for 3 years.
Dr. Mohammad Director National Dr. Mohammad Rihan, a Professor from
Rihan General Institute of the Electrical Engineering Department at
Solar Energy Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) in
(NISE) Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh has assumed the role
of Director General (DG) at the National
Institute of Solar Energy (NISE). He will
serve at NISE on deputation for an initial
term of 3 years, with the potential for an
extension of up to 2 years.
Hitesh Kumar Sethia Managing Jio Financial Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has
Director(MD) Services approved the appointment of Hitesh Kumar
and Chief Limited (JFSL) Sethia as Managing Director(MD) and Chief
Executive Officer(CEO) of Jio Financial
 Executive Services Limited (JFSL) for a period of 3
Officer(CEO) years(with effect from 15th November, 2023).
The approval for the appointment is in
accordance of various provisions of the
Companies Act(2013).
Sanjaya Kumar President Goods and The Appointment Committee of the Cabinet
Mishra Services Tax (ACC) has approved the appointment
Appellate of Sanjaya Kumar Mishra, the former Chief
Tribunal Justice (CJ) of the High Court (HC) of
Jharkhand, as the President of Goods and
(GSTAT)
Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT).
He will hold the post for 4 years from the
date of his assuming charge or till attaining
the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier.
Dr. Mallika Nadda Chairperson Special Dr. Mallika Nadda, President of Special
Olympics Asia- Olympics(SO) Bharat(India), has been
Pacific appointed as Chairperson of Special
Advisory Olympics Asia-Pacific Advisory
Council(APAC) Council(APAC) for 3 years with effect from
1st May 2024 till 31st March 2027. As the
chairperson of APAC, Mallika Nadda will
represent the entire Special Olympics Asia
Pacific (SOAP) region which includes 34
countries.
Dr. Subhransu Sekhar Chairman- National Small A Mini Ratna (category-II) Government of India
Acharya cum- Industries Enterprise under Ministry of Micro Small and
Managing Corporation Medium Enterprises(MoMSME).
Director Limited He replaced Vipul Goel, Joint Secretary of
(CMD) (NSIC) the MoMSME, who has been serving as CMD
(additional charge) since July 2023.
Vice Admiral Krishna Vice Chief Naval Staff He previously served as Chief of Personnel
Swaminathan at the Naval Headquarters (NHQ) in New
Delhi, Delhi. He replaced Admiral Dinesh K
Tripathi who assumed charge as Chief of
Naval Staff (CNS).
Rakesh Singh Chief Paytm Money Bengaluru (Karnataka)-based Paytm
Executive Ltd Money Ltd, the wholly-owned subsidiary
Officer (CEO) of One97 Communications Limited, has
appointed Rakesh Singh as its new Chief
Executive Officer (CEO). He was appointed
following the resignation of Varun
Sridhar, who has been serving as CEO of
Paytm Money since 2020.
Rizwan Koita Chairperson National Rizwan Koita, an entrepreneur, philanthropist,
Accreditation and Director of the Koita Foundation (KF) has
 Board for been appointed Chairperson of the National
Hospitals and Accreditation Board for Hospitals and
Healthcare Healthcare Providers (NABH).
Providers He replaced Padma Shri Dr. Mahesh Verma,
(NABH) Vice Chancellor of Guru Gobind Singh
Indraprastha University (IPU) in Delhi, who
assumed the role of Chairperson NABH in
2022.
Dileep Sanghani Chairman Indian The Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative
Farmers Limited (IFFCO) has re-elected
Fertiliser Dileep Sanghani as its Chairman during
Cooperative the 15th Representative General Body
Limited (RGB) elections for its Board of Directors at
(IFFCO) IFFCO Sadan, New Delhi, Delhi. Balvir Singh
has been retained as the Vice Chairman of
IFFCO. In 2022, Dileep Sanghani was
elected as the 17th Chairman of IFFCO. He
was elected as Vice Chairman of IFFCO in
2019.
Nemkumar H Managing IIFL Securities IIFL Securities Limited (formerly known as
Director Limited India Infoline Limited), a leading financial
(formerly services company has appointed
known as Nemkumar H as its new Managing
India Infoline Director (MD) for a period of 5 years, with
Limited) effect from 15th May, 2024. He has
succeeded R. Venkataraman who served
as Chairman and MD of the company. His
term as MD of company expired on 14th
May, 2024. The company has also
appointed Narendra Jain as Whole-Time
Director for another 5-year term.
Sanjay Bhalla Chief of Indian Navy Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, assumed charge
Personnel as the Chief of Personnel of the Indian Navy
(IN). He will succeed Vice Admiral
Krishna Swaminathan who assumed
charge as Vice Chief of The Naval Staff.
Kapil Sibal President Supreme Kapil Sibal, senior advocate and former Union
Court Bar Minister of Law and Justice has been elected as
Association the President of Supreme Court Bar
(SCBA) Association (SCBA) for the fourth time.
Kapil Sibal won the election by securing 1,066
votes, defeating Pradeep Kumar Rai, a senior
advocate who secured 689 votes. Sibal would
take over from the incumbent, senior advocate
Adish C. Aggarwala.
 Other Appointments: Rachna Srivastava,
senior advocate has been elected as the
Vice President and Vikrant Yadav,
advocate as Secretary of SCBA.
Rushabh Gandhi Managing Board of For a period of 5 years, with effect from (w.e.f)
Director IndiaFirst Life 1st July, 2024 or the date of regulatory
(MD) and Insurance approvals, whichever is earlier.
Chief Company He will succeed R.M. Vishakha who is
Executive Limited currently serving as MD and CEO of the
Officer (CEO) company. Her term will expire on 30th
June, 2024.
Sanjiv Puri President Confederation Sanjiv Puri, Chairman and Managing Director
of Indian (CMD) of ITC Limited, formally took charge as
Industry (CII) President of the Confederation of Indian
Industry (CII) for the years 2024–25. He has
succeeded R.Dinesh, Chairman of TVS Supply
Chain Solution (TVS SCS), who served as
President of CII for 2023-24.
Rajiv Memani, Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) of Ernst &Young
(EY), India has been named as President-
designate for 2024-25. R.Mukundan, CEO
and MD of Tata Chemicals Ltd. named as
Vice-President of CII for 2024-25.
Pradeep Natarajan Executive IDFC First The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has
Director Bank Limited approved the appointment of
Pradeep Natarajan as whole time
Executive Director of IDFC First Bank
Limited for a period of 3 years
Justice Najmi Waziri Chairperson Ad-Hoc To supervise the administration of the
Administrative Equestrian Federation of India (EFI), the
Committee governing body for equestrian sports in India.
(AAC) 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.
Pradeep Kumar Non- ICICI Bank The former Cabinet Secretary Pradeep Kumar
Sinha Executive Limited Sinha has been appointed as the Non-
Part-time Executive Part-time Chairman of ICICI Bank
Chairman Limited. He will succeed Girish Chandra
Chaturvedi who is set to retire from the post
on 30th June 2024. He will take over the
position with effect from July 1, 2024, for a
three-year term as per Reserve Bank of India
(RBI) approval.
 Note: Pradeep Kumar Sinha has also been
approved as an Additional Independent
Director by the Board of Directors of ICICI
Bank for a five-year term (2024 to 2029)
during the meeting held from February 15-17,
2024.
Gurcharan Singh Commandant National Vice Admiral Gurcharan Singh, AVSM, NM an
Defence alumnus of the National Defence Academy
Academy (NDA) assumed the role of Commandant,
NDA (Khadakwasla) on 25 May 2024, in Pune,
Maharashtra. He succeeded Vice Admiral
Ajay Kocchar, AVSM, NM, who assumed the
appointment of Commandant, NDA on 01 April
2022.
Jethabhai Bharvad Chairman NAFED Jethabhai Bharvad (Ahir) of Bharatiya Janata
(Ahir) Party (BJP), a Member of the Legislative
Assembly (MLA) from Shehra constituency
(Gujarat) has been elected unopposed as the
chairman of the National Agricultural
Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd
(NAFED) in the election held in Delhi. He
replaces Bijender Singh who held the position
as NAFED Chairman since 2007.
Sheel Nagu Acting Chief Madhya Government of India (GoI) appointed Justice
Justice (ACJ) Pradesh HC Sheel Nagu as the Acting Chief Justice (ACJ) of
Madhya Pradesh (MP) High Court (HC) in
Jabalpur, MP. He will succeed Justice Ravi Vijay
Kumar Malimath, CJ of MP HC, who is set to
retire on 23rd May 2024.
R Mahadevan Acting Chief Madras HC
GoI has appointed Justice R Mahadevan, the
Justice (ACJ) senior-most puisne judge of the Madras HC, as
the ACJ of Madras HC in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
He succeeds Justice Sanjay V. Gangapurwala,
CJ of Madras HC, who retired from service on
23rd May 2024

INTERNATIONAL
PERSON NAME APPOINTED ENTITY / KEY NOTES
AS PLACE
Jeremiah Manele Prime Solomon Jeremiah Manele, former Foreign Minister of the
Minister Islands Solomon Islands was sworn in as the new Prime
Minister (PM) of the Solomon Islands by
winning the PM vote in the secret ballot after the
results of the 2024 national election failed to
deliver a majority to any political party.
Jeremiah Manele replaced Manasseh
Sogavare, who served as PM of Solomon
Islands for 4 terms.
José Raúl Mulino President Republic José Raúl Mulino (64 years old), former
of Panama Minister of Public Security, was elected as the
New President of the Republic of Panama. He
won the 2024 Presidential election by
securing 34% of the total votes. He will
succeed Laurentino Cortizo Cohen, who has
been serving as the President of Panama
since 2019.
Mikhail Vladimirovich Prime Russia Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed
Mishustin Minister the reappointment of Mikhail Vladimirovich
Mishustin(58) as Prime Minister (PM) of Russia.
He proposed his name for State Duma, lower
house of the Federal Assembly of Russia.
Mishustin who held the post of Russia’s PM
for last 4 years, submitted his resignation to
the Cabinet on 7th May 2024, when Vladimir
Putin officially sworn-in as President of
Russia for the 5th term during a ceremony
held at Kremlin Palace, Moscow, Russia.
Lawrence Wong Shyun Prime Singapore Lawrence Wong Shyun Tsai, a United States
Tsai Minister (US) trained economist and a former civil
servant, was sworn in as the fourth Prime
Minister (PM) of Singapore since independence.
The President of Singapore, Tharman
Shanmugaratnam, administered the oath to
Wong on May 15, 2024.
Wong succeeded Lee Hsien Loong who
relinquished his position after 20 years (2004-
2024).
Andrej Plenkovic PM- Republic Andrej Plenkovic (54 years), incumbent
designate of Croatia Croatian Prime Minister(PM) and President of the
Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) party, has been
appointed as PM-designate of the Republic of
Croatia for 3rd consecutive term. He has been
serving as the PM of Croatia since 19th October
2016.
Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno President Republic He has been serving as the head of the state of
of Chad Chad since April 2021. He won the 2024
presidential election of Chad with 61% of the
total votes.
Presidential elections of Chad was held on 6 May
2024. This followed a constitutional referendum
held on 17 December 2023, following the death
of President Idriss Déby in 2021.
Dr William Lai Ching-te President Taiwan Dr William Lai Ching-te, a doctor turned
politician was sworn in as the 16th President of
Taiwan (Republic of China (ROC)) in a ceremony
 held at the presidential office in Taipei. The First
Lady and Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao also
attended the inaugural celebrations.
William Lai Ching-te succeeded Tsai Ing-wen,
the 1st female head of state of Taiwan and Asia,
who served as president for 2 consecutive 4-year
terms since 2016. Bi-khim Hsiao succeeded Lai
Ching-te as the 16th Vice President of Taiwan.
Luis Rodolfo Abinader President Dominican Luis Rodolfo Abinader Corona has been re-
Corona Republic elected as the President of the Dominican
Republic for 2nd four-year term from 2024 to
2028. He has been serving as the President of the
Dominican Republic since 2020. n 2020, he has
been elected as the 54th President of Dominican
Republic for the period 2020-2024.
To Lam President Socialist 15th National Assembly of Viet Nam has elected
Republic General To Lam as the New President of the
of Viet Socialist Republic of Viet Nam for the 2021-
Nam 2026 tenure. He takes over from Vice President
Vo Thi Anh Xua, who has been serving as the
Interim President since 21st March 2024
following the resignation of President Vo Van
Thuong on 20th March 2024.
Tran Thanh Man, vice chairman of Viet Nam’s
National Assembly, has been named as the
Chairman of the National Assembly.
Allamaye Halina Prime Republic The Chadian
Minister of Chad President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno has
appointed Chad's former ambassador
Allamaye Halina as the new Prime
Minister(PM) of the Republic of Chad.
Allamaye Halina replaced the opposition leader
Succes Masra, who resigned from the post on
22nd May 2024. Succes Masra was appointed as
the PM of Chad in January 2024.
Gitanas Nauseda President Republic For the 2nd five year term from 2024 to 2029.
of He has been serving as the President of Lithuania
Lithuania since 2019.
Gitanas Nauseda(60) is a Lithuanian economist,
banker and politician. He has served as a director
of monetary policy at the Bank of Lithuania from
1996 to 2000.
John Ramsay Swinney First Scotland Scotland Parliament elected John Ramsay
Minister Swinney, the leader of Scottish National Party
(SNP) as the 7th First Minister of Scotland. He
succeeds Humza Haroon Yousaf, who formally
resigned from the role on May 7 2024.
 Scotland is a country within the United
Kingdom (UK). UK is made up of four
constituent states: England, Wales, Scotland,
and Northern Ireland.
Alain Noudéhou Executive UN Multi – The United Nations Development Programme
Director Partner has appointed Alain Noudéhou of Benin as
Trust the new Executive Director of the UN Multi –
Fund Partner Trust Fund Office (MPTFO). He will
Office succeed Jennifer Topping of Canada, who will
(MPTFO) complete her tenure by the end of May 2024.
Dr.Emmanuelle Director WOAH The World Organisation for Animal Health
Soubeyran General (WOAH) has elected
Dr.Emmanuelle Soubeyran, head of France's
veterinary services, as its 8th Director General
(DG) for a 5-year term (2024-2029) during its
91st annual general session was held from 26th
to 30th May 2024 in Paris, France. 2024 marks
the 100th anniversary of WOAH.
Emmanuelle Soubeyran succeeded
Dr Monique Eloit, who completed her eight -
year tenure from 2016 to 2024 at WOAH.

BRAND & CAMPAIGN AMBASSADORS

PERSON NAME BRAND / CAMPAIGN KEY NOTES
Kareena Kapoor National celebrity UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund) India named
Khan Ambassador Bollywood Actress Kareena Kapoor Khan as its National
celebrity Ambassador. In this role, she will advocate for
children's rights to early development, health, education,
and gender equality.
UNICEF India appointed its first-ever Youth
Advocates
UNICEF India also announced its inaugural Youth
Advocates, distinguished as peer leaders addressing key
issues like climate action, mental health, innovation, and
Girls in STEM (Science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics).
✓ Gauranshi Sharma (aged 16 from
Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh/MP): She will focus on
right to play and disability inclusion.
✓ Kartik Verma (aged 18 from Bhadohi, Uttar
Pradesh/UP): He will advocate for climate action
and child rights.
✓ Nahid Afrin (aged 22 from Guwahati, Assam): A
singer, she will addresses mental health and early
childhood development.
 Vinisha Umashankar (aged 17 from Chennai, Tamil
Nadu): Excels as an innovator, she will advocate as a
STEM pioneer, climate change, and innovation.
Shahid Afridi Tournament Shahid Afridi, Pakistan cricketer has been named as a
Ambassador 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.
Shah Rukh Khan Brand Ambassador Muthoot Pappachan Group (MPG), popularly known as
Muthoot Blue, has named Bollywood Actor Shah Rukh
Khan as its brand ambassador.
MPG is the promoter of leading Non-Banking
Financial Companies (NBFCs) in India including
Muthoot FinCorp Limited, Muthoot Microfin Limited,
Muthoot Capital Services Limited, and Muthoot
Housing Finance Company Limited.

OTHER APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

WEF Founder Klaus Schwab To Step Back From Executive Role
Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF), will be
stepping down from executive role and transition to non-executive role by January 2025. Klaus Martin
Schwab is a German mechanical engineer and economist who founded World Economic Forum
(WEF)(formerly known as European Management Forum), non-profit organisation which aims to
improve the states of the world, in 1971.

ACC Approves Five Secretary Level Appointments

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) of the Department of Personnel and Training
(DoPT) under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (MoPP&P) approved five
Secretary level appointments.
✓ Pradip Kumar Tripathi appointed as the Secretary to the Lokpal of India till the date of his
superannuation (30th June 2024).
✓ Raj Kumar Goyal appointed as the Secretary in the Department of Justice
✓ Rajendra Kumar appointed as the Secretary in the Department of Border Management
✓ Amit Yadav appointed as the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Department of Social Justice
& Empowerment
✓ Rakesh Ranjan appointed as the Chairman of Staff Selection Commission (SSC).

ACC Approves One Month Extension of Tenure of COAS Manoj Pande

On 26th May 2024, Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) has approved the extension in service of
Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Manoj C Pande for a period of one month beyond his normal age
of superannuation (31st May 2024) up to 30th June 2024. It was approved under Rule 16 A (4) of the
Army Rules 1954.
DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat Gets One Year Extension in Service
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the proposal of the Ministry of
Defence(MoD) to extend the tenure of Dr. Samir Venkatapathy Kamat, Secretary, Department of
Defence Research and Development (DDR&D), and Chairman of Defence Research Development
Organisation (DRDO) by one year beyond the age of superannuation(31st May 2024). He will continue
in his present position till 31st May 2025.

AWARDS
AWARDS IN THE FIELD OF ARTS & CULTURE FILMS
AWARD NAME AWARD FIELD KEY NOTES
WINNER
Palme d’Or Sean Baker Film The 77th annual Cannes International Film
Festival was held from May 14 to May 25,
2024, in Cannes, France. American comedy-
drama film ‘Anora’ directed by Sean Baker
won the Palme d’Or, the highest honour of the
Cannes festival. Click here for the complete list
of winners
✓ Indian film ‘All We Imagine as Light’
directed by Payal Kapadia won the
Grand Prix, the 2nd highest award of
the festival. She became the first
Indian to win this award.
✓ Santosh Sivan, an Indian
cinematographer and film director,
was honoured with the Pierre
Angénieux Tribute Award in
recognition of his career and
exceptional quality of work. He
became the first Asian to win this
award.
✓ Indian actress Anasuya Sengupta won
the Best Actress award for her
performance in ‘The Shameless’ in the
‘Un Certain Regard’ category.
Winners 2024 – Feature Films:
Award
Catego Winner Director
ry
Palme Sean
Anora
d’Or Baker
Grand All We Imagine Payal
Prix As Light Kapadia
Special Mohammad
Award Rasoulof
 for The Seed of
the Sacred Fig
Best
Miguel Gomes
Directo
For Grand Tour
r
Best
Perfor Jesse Plemons Yorgos
mance For Kinds Of Lanthimo
By An Kindness s
Actor
Adriana Paz;
Best Zoe Saldaña;
Perfor Karla Sofía
Jacques
mance Gascón; and
Audiard
By An Selena Gomez
Actress For Emilia
Pérez
Best Coralie Fargeat
Screenp For The
lay Substance
Jury L’histoire De Boris
Prize Souleymane Lojkine

OTHER IMPORTANT AWARDS

AWARD NAME AWARD FIELD KEY NOTES
WINNER
Sahitya Akademi Ruskin Bond English The renowned English Author Ruskin Bond received
Fellowship Author the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship.
Madhav Kaushik, President of Sahitya Akademi and
Dr. K. Sreenivasarao, Secretary of Sahitya Akademi
handed over the plaque to Bond at his home
(Mussoorie, Uttarakhand).
✓ Note: Ruskin Bond was named a recipient of
Akademi’s highest honour in September
2021. Due to his illness, he was unable to
receive the honour in person.
✓ Bond received the Sahitya Akademi Award
(1992) for his story collection “Our Trees Still
Grow in Dehra”. He also received Padma Shri
(1999), Padma Bhushan (2019), Sahitya
Akademi’s Bal Sahitya Puraskar (2012)
Whitley Gold Dr Purnima - On May 1, 2024, a wildlife biologist from Assam, Dr
Award 2024 aka Devi Barman Purnima Devi Barman has been honoured with
'Green Oscar' Whitley Gold Award 2024 aka 'Green Oscar' by the
Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN) at a Royal
Geographical Society awards ceremony in London,
United Kingdom (UK).
 ✓ The award acknowledged her conservation
efforts of the endangered Greater Adjutant
Stork (known locally as 'Hargila' in
Assamese) and its wetland habitat.
Other Winners:
Winner Country Project Type
Papua New
Naomi Longa Marine
Guinea
Raju Sharma Nepal Terrestrial
Wetland and
Aristide Kamla Cameroon
Freshwater
Kuenzang Dorji Bhutan Terrestrial
Fernanda Abra Brazil Terrestrial
Leroy Ignacio Guyana Terrestrial
Cambridge Gina Justus - Indian-origin teacher Gina Justus in the United
Dedicated Arab Emirates (UAE) has been named the
Teacher Awards regional winner 2024 Cambridge Dedicated
Teacher Awards from Middle East and North
Africa (MENA) region. India’s Meena Mishra,
was named the winner of award from South Asia
region. She works as a teacher at Dr.Sarvepalli
Radhakrishnan International School in Mumbai,
Maharashtra.
Oxford Bhavi Mehta The Book Designer Bhavi Mehta won the 9th edition of the
Bookstore Book Beautiful Oxford Bookstore Book Cover Prize (2024) for
Cover Prize creating the book jacket of Pradeep Sebastian’s
(2024) “The Book Beautiful.” The award comprises of a
trophy, a certificate, and a one lakh rupee cash
prize. The Book Beautiful was published by
Hachette India.
Geospatial Indian Enabling Geospatial Leadership Awards was presented
World National Public Policy during the Geospatial World Forum (GWF) 2024
Leadership Space held in Rotterdam, The Netherlands on 14th May
Award 2024 Promotion 2024.
and
Authorisation
Centre (IN-
SPACe),
under the
Department
of Space
(DOS),
Government
of India
International Jenny For the book German author Jenny Erpenback and translator
Booker Prize Erpenback & “Kairos” Michael Hofmann have been named the winner of
2024 Michael the International Booker Prize 2024 for the book
Hofmann ‘Kairos’. The announcement was made by Eleanor
Wachtel, Chair of the 2024 judges, 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.
Kairos became the 1st
book translated from German to English to
win the International Booker Prize
Shaw Prize 2024 Shrinivas Astronomy Indian-Origin American Scientist Shrinivas
Ramchandra Ramchandra Kulkarni has been conferred the
Kulkarni prestigious 2024 Shaw Prize in the category of
Astronomy.
✓ The award is given in recognition of his
contributions to time-domain astronomy
culminated in the conception, construction
and leadership of the Palomar Transient
Facility (PTF) and its successor, the Zwicky
Transient Facility (ZTF). These discoveries
help to better understand time-variable
optical sky.
Winners of 2024 Shaw Prize:
SNO. Winner Category Work
For his
ground-
breaking
discoveries
Shrinivas
about
R.
1 Astronomy milliseconds
Kulkarni
(ms) pulsars,
(India)
gamma-ray
bursts,
supernovae
etc.
For their
Swee Lay
discovery of
Thein
the genetic
(Malaysia)
Life Science and molecular
2 And
and Medicine mechanisms
Stuart
underlying the
Orkin
fetal-to-adult
(U.S.A.)
hemoglobin
 switch,
making it
possible to
treat sickle
anemia and
Beta
thalassemia.
For his
development
of the
arithmetic
theory of thin
groups and
the affine
Peter sieve, by
Mathematical
3 Sarnak bringing
Sciences
(U.S.A.) together
number
theory,
analysis,
combinatorics,
geometry and
spectral
theory.
Amal Clooney Arti Arti(18), a rickshaw driver from Uttar Pradesh
Women's (UP) has won the prestigious Amal Clooney
Empowerment Women's Empowerment Award at the Prince's
Award - Trust Awards, an event that celebrates the
achievements of young people from around the world
in London, United Kingdom (UK).
The award is given in recognition for her role in
inspiring other young girls through her
involvement in the Indian government's Pink E-
rickshaw initiative.

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS IN CONTENT FORMAT

2024 Pulitzer Prizes in Journalism, Books, Drama and Music: ProPublica won Prize
under Public Service
The Pulitzer Board announced the winners of 108th Pulitzer Prize (2024) under the categories such
as: Journalism, Books, Drama and Music, and Special Citations.
Winners of 2024 Pulitzer Prize – Books, Drama and Music
Category Winner
Fiction Night Watch, by Jayne Anne Phillips (Knopf)
Drama Primary Trust by Eboni Booth
No Right to an Honest Living: The Struggle of Boston’s Black
History Workers in the Civil War Era, by Jacqueline Jones(Basic Books)
 King: A Life, by Jonathan Eig (Farrar, Straus and Giroux)
Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to
Biography Freedom by Ilyon Woo(Simon & Schuster)
Liliana’s Invincible Summer: A Sister’s Search for Justice by
Memoir or Autobiography Cristina Rivera Garze (Hogarth)
Poetry Tripas: Poems by Brandon Som (Georgia Review Books)
A Day in Life of Abed Salama: Anatomy of a Jerusalem Tragedy by
General Nonfiction Nathan Thrall (Metropolitan Books)
Music Adagio (For Wadada Leo Smith) by Tyshawn Sorey
Click here to read full News

Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2024 features 86 Indians; includes Akshit Bansal, Raghav
Arora & Bhagya Shree Jain
The 9th edition of the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list (2024) featured 86 entries from India which
includes Akshit Bansal (29) and Raghav Arora (28), co-founders of Statiq-India and Bhagya Shree
Jain (29), founder of The Disposal Company.
✓ The 2024 list features 300 entries from 21 countries and territories. India had the most entries
followed by China and Japan (32 each), Singapore (27), Australia (26) and Indonesia (18).
Notable Indian Entries on the 2024 List:
Category Name Age Title/Company
Industry,
Akshit Bansal,
Manufacturing 29 ; 28 Cofounders, Statiq – India
Raghav Arora
& Energy
Founder, The Disposal
Social Impact Bhagya Shree Jain 29
Company
Pratyush Rai,
Consumer Siddhartha Saxena 26;
Cofounders, Merlin
Technology and Sirsendu 27;26
Sarkar
Ankit Bansal, Ishan
Rakshit and Priy 29;29;27 Cofounders, Shopflo
Enterprise
Ranjan
Technology
Aryan Sharma and
18,19 Co-founders, Induced.ai
Ayush Pathak
Entertainment
Pavithra Chari 29 Songwriter
and Sports
Finance and
Venture Aniket Damle 29 Principal, Blackstone
Capital
Healthcare
Shobhita Narain 29 Founder, Veera Health
and Science
Media,
Marketing and Kavan Antani 27 Cofounder, Indiefolio
Advertising
Retail and E-
Parul Aggarwal 27 Founder, Kabbish
Commerce
 The Arts (Art
& Style, Food Jash Shah 28 Founder, Get-A-Way
& Drink)

35th Goldman Environmental Prize: Chhattisgarh Alok Shukla received it for Asia
Continent
Goldman Environmental Foundation announced the winners of the 35th Goldman Environmental
Prize(2024), which is also known as “Green Nobel Prize”. Alok Shukla, convenor of the Chhattisgarh
Bachao Andolan and founding member of the Hasdeo Aranya Bachao Sangharsh Samiti,won the 2024
Goldman Prize from Asia for his efforts to save the forests of Hasdeo Aranya in Chhattisgarh.
Winners of 35th Goldman Environmental Prize (2024):
Region Winner Country Category
Asia Alok Shukla India Forest
Nonhle
Mbuthuma South Oceans &
Africa
and Sinegugu Africa Coasts
Zukulu
Teresa Oceans &
Europe Spain
Vicente Coasts
Islands Murrawah
Climate &
& Island Maroochy Australia
Energy
Nations Johnson
North Andrea Climate &
USA
America Vidaurre Energy
South &
Marcel Food &
Central Brazil
Gomes Agriculture
America

Sela Tunnel of Arunachal Pradesh Recognised as India's Highest Tunnel by

International Book of Honour
Arunachal Pradesh's Sela Tunnel, an engineering marvel has been recognised as India's Highest
Tunnel by the International Book of Honour (IBH), England, United Kingdom (UK). This recognition
underscores the achievement of the Border Road Organisation (BRO) in constructing the tunnel at an
altitude of 13,000 feet through Project VARTAK with construction carried out by Patel Engineering
Limited.
✓ Sela Tunnel is the world’s longest bi-lane tunnel constructed on the road connecting Tezpur,
Assam to Tawang in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh.

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport Becomes the 1st Airport to achieve ZWL

Accolade
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala has become the first
airport in India to achieve Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWL) accolade awarded by the CII-ITC CESD
(Centre for Excellence for Sustainable Development).
This recognition signifies the airport’s commitment towards sustainable waste management practices.
ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East GAR Awards 2024; 3 Indian Airports Bagged ‘Silver’
Award
Airport Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific and Middle East announced 8th Green Airports
Recognition (GAR) awards for 2024. Three Indian Airports have been awarded under Silver category.
They are,
✓ Indira Gandhi International Airport (New Delhi, Delhi) under ‘Over 35 million passengers per
annum’ category
✓ Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) (Bengaluru, Karnataka) under ‘Between 15-35
million passengers per annum’ category.
✓ Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh-UP) under ‘less than 8
million passengers per annum’ category.

POWERGRID Receives ATD BEST Awards 2024 for the 3rd time in L&D Field; NTPC
Secures 3rd Rank Globally
Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID), a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise
(CPSE) under the Ministry of Power has been awarded the ATD BEST Awards 2024, by the Association
for Talent Development (ATD), the United States of America (USA) for leveraging talent development
as a strategic business tool.
NTPC Limited (formerly National Thermal Power Corporation), a Maharatna company and India’s
largest power utility secured the 3rd rank globally at the ATD BEST Awards 2024, making it the
highest-ranking among all Indian companies.

SUMMITS, EVENTS & CONFERENCE

SUMMITS
SUMMITS VENUE KEY POINTS
World Hydrogen 2024 Netherlands World Hydrogen 2024 Summit & Exhibition, World's
Summit & Exhibition Largest Dedicated Hydrogen Event, was held in Rotterdam
Ahoy, the Netherlands from 13th to 15th May 2024. The
summit featured the maiden India pavilion, set up by the
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE),
government of India(GoI), showcasing National Green
Hydrogen Mission (NGHM).
The summit was organised by the Sustainable Energy
Council (SEC) in partnership with the Government of
the Netherlands. India launched its National Green
Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) in January 2023 with a
budget of Rs 19,744 crores, targeting a production
capacity of 5 MMT (Million Metric Tonnes) by 2030.

EVENTS
EVENTS VENUE KEY POINTS
ONDC Startup Delhi Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal
Mahotsav Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and
Industry, organised the “ONDC Startup Mahotsav”, a
 1st of its kind event held at Vanijya Bhawan, New
Delhi, Delhi. ONDC Startup Mahotsav is a unique
collaboration between Startup India initiative and
Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), both are
flagship initiatives of DPIIT.

CONFERENCE
CONFERENCE VENUE KEY POINTS
Citizen Stack: Digital New York, United The first United Nations (UN) Conference on 'Citizen Stack:
Public Infrastructure, States (US) Digital Public Infrastructure, Transformative Technology
Transformative for Citizens' was held at UN headquarters in New York,
Technology for United States (US) under India’s leadership to harness the
technology to propel Sustainable Development Goals
Citizens
(SDGs) and foster inclusivity.
✓ The conference introduced India's Digital Public
Infrastructure (DPI) framework as a global
standard. India shared its 'Citizen Stack' initiative,
encouraging other nations to understand and
develop their own DPI.
It was hosted by the Permanent Mission of India
and the Ministry of Electronics and Information
Technology (MeitY), in collaboration with iSPIRT
(Indian Software Product Industry Roundtable).

COMMITTEES & MEETINGS

COMMITTEES
COMMITTEES HEAD KEY POINTS
High-Powered VSK Kaumudi Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) constituted a inter-
Committee ministerial committee of various law enforcement and
intelligence agencies to tackle the increasing organised
cybercrimes originating from South-East (SE) Asian countries
like: Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos PDR.
✓ The high-powered committee is chaired by VSK
Kaumudi, Special Secretary (internal security) in the
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Other members in the committee are officers from
Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Department of Financial
Services, Banks, Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU),
Department of Telecommunication (DoT) and financial
technology companies, among others as its members.
 INDEX
RANKING
INDEX / SURVEY NAME RELEASED BY / KEY NOTES
CONDUCTED BY
World Press Freedom Reporters Without According to the 22nd edition, India is ranked 159th out
Index (WPFI 2024) Borders (RSF – of 180 countries with a score of 31.28.
Reporters sans Norway tops the 2024 index for the 8th consecutive year
frontières in followed by Denmark (2nd) and Sweden (3rd).
Top 5 in WPFI 2024:
French)
Rank Country Global Score
Norway 1 91.89
Denmark 2 89.6
Sweden 3 88.32
Netherlands 4 87.73
Finland 5 86.55
India 159 31.28
✓ The last 3 places are occupied by: Eritrea (180th);
Syria (179th), and Afghanistan (178th).
✓ On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day
2024 (3rd May 2024), The United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) released a report titled “Press and
Planet in Danger:safety of environmental
journalists; trends, challenges and
recommendations”.
✓ The report highlighted that a total of 44
journalists reporting on environmental issues
were killed in 15 different countries between
2009 and 2023,
Click here to read full News
Times Higher Times Higher Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU) in Kottayam, Kerala,
Education (THE) Education ranked 81(globally) has emerged as the highest-ranking
Young University Indian university. Nanyang Technological
Rankings 2024 University(NTU), Singapore has topped the global ranking
for the 2nd consecutive year. The 2024 ranking includes
673 universities, up from 605 in 2023. India is
represented by 55 institutions in the 2024 ranking, up
from 45 in 2023 and 26 in 2020.
Top 5 Universities on 2024 ranking
Global
University Country/Region
Rank
Nanyang
1 Technological Singapore
University
Paris Sciences et
2 France
Lettres – PSL
 Research University
Paris
The Hong Kong
University of
3 Hong Kong
Science and
Technology
City University of
4 Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Université Paris-
5 France
Saclay
Top 5 Indian Universities:
Global
University (State) Region/State
rank
Mahatma Gandhi
81 Kerala
University
96 Anna University Chennai, TN
Bharathiar Coimbatore,
113
University TN
Indian Institute of
117 Technology (IIT) Patna, Bihar
Patna
Shoolini University
Solan,
of Biotechnology
121 Himachal
and Management
Pradesh
Sciences
2024 World’s International New York City, New York, the United States of America
Wealthiest Cities wealth migration (USA) has retained its title as the Wealthiest City in the
Report specialists Henley & World.
Partners ✓ California’s The Bay Area (USA) is ranked 2nd
followed by Tokyo(Japan); Singapore(Singapore)
and London(The United Kingdom-UK) at 3rd, 4th
and 5th position respectively.
Mumbai(Maharashtra) (24th) and Delhi (37th) were
the only Indian cities featured among the top 50 of
the 2024 World’s Wealthiest Cities Report.
World Migration International The report revealed that India received over USD111
Report 2024 Organization for billion in remittances in 2022. Thus, India becomes the
Migration (IOM) 1st country to surpass the USD 100 billion mark.
✓ After India, Mexico is the 2nd highest
recipient of remittance in the world and
received USD 61.10 billion as remittance in 2022.
✓ International remittances surged by 650%, from
USD 128 billion to USD 831 billion between 2000
and 2022.
✓ As per the report, only 3 Southern Asian countries
i.e. India, Pakistan (6th position with USD 30
billion) and Bangladesh (8th position with USD
 21.5 billion) are among the top 10 recipients of
international remittances in the world.
As per the report, India is the largest source of migrants
globally as nearly 18 million people, accounts to 1.3% of
India’s population are international migrants.
2nd edition of the World Economic India is ranked 39th among 119 economies with a TTDI
Travel & Tourism Forum (WEF) score of 4.25. India is ranked highest in South Asia and
Development Index among the lower-middle-income economies. India was
(TTDI 2024) ranked 54th in TTDI 2021 with a score of 4.1.
✓ The United States of America (USA) has topped
the list with a TTDI score of 5.24 followed by
Spain (5.18) and Japan (5.09) at 2nd and 3rd
rank respectively. The index was compiled in
collaboration with the University of Surrey in
United Kingdom (UK).
Top 5 countries on TTDI 2024:
Rank Economy Score
39 India 4.25
1 USA 5.24
2 Spain 5.18
3 Japan 5.09
4 France 5.07
5 Australia 5
World's Highest-Paid Forbes Forbes’ released the list of World's Highest-Paid
Athletes 2024 Athletes 2024 featuring top 50 highest paid athletes.
Soccer Player Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) topped the
list with a total earnings of USD 260 million, which
includes USD 200 million on the field earnings and USD 60
million off the field earnings.
Spanish golfer Jon Rahm stands 2nd with a total earning
of USD 218 million and Argentine Soccer player Lionel
Messi stands 3rd with USD 135 million.
Bloomberg Bloomberg News According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index (daily
Billionaires Index ranking index as of 20th May 2024), Mukesh Ambani,
(daily ranking index Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Reliance
as of 20th May 2024) Industries Limited (RIL); and Gautam Adani, Founder and
Chairman of the Adani Group, are featured among the top
15 of world’s richest people.
✓ Mukesh Ambani is ranked 12th with a total net
worth of USD 110 billion and Gautam Adani is
ranked 14th with a net worth of USD 100 billion.
✓ Bernard Arnault, the founder and Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) of LVMH Moët Hennessy
Louis Vuitton, tops the world’s richest list with a
net worth of USD 220 billion.
 List of Top 5 super rich in the world as of May 20,
2024:
Net
Worth
Rank Person Country
(USD in
Billion)
Bernard
1 220 France
Arnault
United
States of
2 Jeff Bezos 207
America
(USA)
3 Elon Musk 190 USA
Mark
4 168 USA
Zuckerberg
5 Larry Page 156 USA
Mukesh
12 110 India
Ambani
Gautam
14 100 India
Adani
Asia University Times Higher According to the 12th edition Indian Institute of
Rankings (2024) Education (THE) Science(IISc), Bengaluru (Karnataka), ranked 32nd on the
list, is the highest ranked Indian institution. The 2024 list
features a total of 91 Indian institutions.
✓ Tsinghua University (China) has topped the list
for the 6th consecutive year, followed by Peking
University (China) and National University of
Singapore (NUS) (Singapore) at 2nd and 3rd rank
respectively.
Top 5 on THE Asia University Ranking 2024:

Name of the Overall

Rank Country or Region
Institution Score

Tsinghua
1 China 92.8
University
Peking
2 China 92.6
University
National
3 University of Singapore 91.2
Singapore

Nanyang
4 Technological Singapore 85.7
University
 The
5 University of Japan 84.6
Tokyo
Top 5 Indian Institutes
Name of the Overall
Rank State
Institute Score

Indian Institute Bengaluru,

32 66.1
of Science(IISc) Karnataka
Chennai,
Anna
119 Tamil 48
University
Nadu
Mahatma
Kottayam,
134 Gandhi 46.4
Kerala
University
Jamia Millia New Delhi,
148 44.8
Islamia Delhi
Shoolini
University of Bajhol,
Biotechnology Himachal
150 44.6
and Pradesh
Management (HP)
Sciences
6th edition of Hurun Hurun Research On 28th May 2024, British Indian sculptor Anish Kapoor
India Art List (2024) Institute topped the list for the 6th consecutive year.
✓ Arpita Singh, 87 year old (ranked 3rd ) topped
among the female artists in the list.
Raghav Babbar(27) from Rohtak, Haryana, ranked at
8th spot, is the youngest Indian artist in the Hurun India
Artist List 2024 with total sales of Rs 12.1 crore.

REPORTS
REPORT NAME SUBMITTED BY KEY NOTES
Recipe for a Livable World Bank The annual investments has to increase by an estimated 18
Planet: Achieving Net times, to USD 260 billion a year to halve current agrifood
Zero Emissions in the emissions by 2030 and achieve the target of net zero
Agrifood System emission by 2050.
✓ This is the 1st comprehensive global strategic
framework for mitigating the agrifood system's
contribution to climate change.

Aging Well in Asia: Asian India has the lowest health insurance coverage among older
Asian Development Development people standing at only 21%. While, South Korea and
Policy Report Bank (ADB) Thailand, have already achieved universal health coverage.
✓ The aging population in Asia and the Pacific is set to
nearly double by 2050 to 1.2 billion or 25.2% of
the regional population from 13.5% in 2022,
 emphasizing the need for pension, welfare, and
healthcare programs. Click here to read full News
Indian Space ISRO Sreedhara Panicker Somanath, Chairman of Indian Space
Situational Research Organisation(ISRO) released the Indian Space
Assessment Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR) for 2023 compiled
Report(ISSAR) for by ISRO System for Safe and Sustainable Space Operations
Management (IS4OM).
2023
A total of 3143 objects originating from 212 launches and
on-orbit break-up events were added to the space
object population in 2023, compared to 2,533 objects
from 179 launches in 2022.
“Global Electricity International In 2023, India surpassed Japan to become the world's
Review 2024” energy analytics third-largest producer of solar power, generating 113
agency Ember Terawatt-hour (TWh) compared to Japan's 110 Terawatt-
hour (TWh).
✓ India's solar generation increased 17 times from
0.5% in 2015 to reaching 5.8% in 2023. India’s wind
generation increased slightly from 2.5% to 4.2% in
2023.
India witnessed the world's fourth-largest increase in
solar generation in 2023, with a growth of 18 terawatt
hours (TWh), following China (+156 TWh), the United
States (+33 TWh), and Brazil (+22 TWh).
Guidelines for the World Health To combat bloodstream, and other infections stemming from
prevention of Organization catheter usage in minor blood vessels during medical
bloodstream (WHO) procedures.
infections and other ✓ The guidelines encompass 14 good practice
statements and 23 recommendations on key areas
infections associated
for health workers. Up to 70% of inpatients require
with the use of
use of a catheter inserted into a peripheral vein or
intravascular artery, also known as peripherally inserted catheters
catheters: part I: (PIVCs) during hospital stays.
peripheral catheters
World Wildlife Crime United Nations The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has
Report 2024: Office on Drugs released the 3rd edition of its World Wildlife Crime Report
Trafficking in and Crime titled ‘World Wildlife Crime Report 2024: Trafficking in
Protected Species (UNODC) Protected Species’, which highlights the persistent issue of
illegal trafficking in plant and animal wildlife.
✓ The report, prepared by the Research and Trend
Analysis Branch of the UNODC, presents recent
trends in the illicit trafficking of protected species,
providing a comprehensive assessment of the causes
and global implications of wildlife crime.
The most trafficked species were corals (16%),
crocodilians (9%), and elephants (6%).
22nd quarterly NSSO National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), Ministry of Statistics
Periodic Labour Force and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released its 22nd
Survey (PLFS) quarterly Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) bulletin for
January-March 2024 (Q4FY24).
✓ India’s Urban Unemployment Rate (UR) in Current
Weekly Status (CWS) terms for persons aged 15
years and above declined by 10 basis points
to 6.7% in Q4FY24 from 6.8% in Q4FY23.
✓ UR in CWS among male population increased to
6.1% as compared to 6% in Q4FY23. UR in CWS
among females saw a decline during Q4FY23 to 8.5%
from 9.2% in Q4FY23.
✓ All India level, Labour Force Participation Rate
(LFPR) in CWS increased to 50.2% from 48.5% in
Q4FY23. For male, it was 74.4% as compared to
73.5% in Q4FY23. For females, LFPR increased to
25.6% from 22.7% in Q4FY23.

Water for Shared World Bank and The global flagship report titled “Water for Shared
Prosperity the Government Prosperity”, co-published by the World Bank and the
of Indonesia Government of Indonesia, was released during the 10th
World Water Forum held in Bali, Indonesia. The 10th World
Water Forum is being held from 18th to 25th May 2024 with
the theme “Water for Shared Prosperity”.
➢ As per the report, 2.2 billion people lacked
access to safe drinking water services and 3.5
billion are deprived of safely managed
sanitation in 2022.
Global Land Outlook United Nations Up to 50% of world’s vast rangelands are degraded and is
Thematic Report on Convention to nearly double the previous estimates that ranged from 20%
Rangelands and Combat to 35%.
Pastoralists Desertification’s ✓ The report was released by UNCCD in
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
(UNCCD)
✓ These lands cover 80 million square kilometer of
land i.e. 54% of all land on earth, account
for 1/6th of global food production and represent
nearly 33% of carbon reservoir on earth.
Rangelands occupy about 121 million hectares in
India and a large part (around 100 million hectares) of
these is considered underutilized.
State and Trends of World Bank 11th annual report titled “State and Trends of Carbon Pricing
Carbon Pricing 2024 2024”, total revenues from carbon taxes and Emissions
Trading Systems (ETSs) in 2023 have reached a record high
of USD 104 billion.
✓ For the first time, the carbon pricing revenues have
crossed the threshold of USD 100 billion. As per the
report, Large Middle-Income countries including
India, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Türkiye have made
 positive progress towards carbon pricing
implementation.
At present, there are 75 carbon pricing instruments in
operation worldwide, increased by 2 instruments
compared to 73 instruments mentioned by World Bank
in its last year report (2023)
World Economic United Nations India's economy is estimated to expand by 6.9% in 2024.
Situation and Department of This is an upward revision from the 6.2% Gross domestic
Prospects (WESP) Economic and product (GDP) forecast made by the UN in January 2024.
2024 - Mid Year Social Affairs India’s GDP Growth projection for 2025 remains unchanged
at 6.6%. The report also anticipates a deceleration of
Update (UN-DESA)
consumer price inflation in India from 5.6% in 2023 to 4.5%
in 2024.

RANKING & REPORTS IN CONTENT FORMAT

Oxford Economics' Global Cities Index 2024: Delhi ranks 350th & tops among Indian
City; New York Tops 2024 Index
According to the Oxford Economics’ Global Cities Index 2024, Delhi has ranked 350th among the
world’s largest 1,000 cities and emerged as the highest-ranked Indian city. New York City, the United
States of America(USA) has topped the 2024 Index followed by London, The United Kingdom(UK)
and San Jose, USA at 2nd and 3rd rank.
Note: As per the index, 1000 largest cities in the world accounted for 60% of global Gross Domestic
Product (GDP) in 2023.
Top 5 Cities in the World in Global Cities Index 2024
Rank City Country Overall Score
New York
1 USA 100
City
2 London UK 99.4
3 San Jose USA 98.5
4 Tokyo Japan 97.8
5 Paris France 96.3
Top 5 Indian Cities
Ranking
City Human Quality
Overall Economics Environment Governance
Capital of Life

Delhi
350 108 51 838 973 380
(Delhi)

Bengaluru
411 171 179 847 727 380
(Karnataka)

Mumbai
427 169 126 915 812 380
(Maharashtra)
 Chennai
472 244 189 879 763 380
(Tamil Nadu)

Kochi
521 259 560 765 790 380
(Kerala)

China emerged as Largest Trading Partner of India in FY24 with USD 118.4 Billion: GTRI
Report
As per the data published by think tank Global Trade Research Initiative(GTRI), China emerged as
the largest trading partner of India with USD 118.4 billion two way commerce in FY24 (2023-24).
While, The United States of America (U.S.A.) with USD 118.3 billion was the 2nd largest trading
partner of India in 2023-24.
✓ For FY24, China replaced the U.S.A. to become India’s largest trading partner after a gap of 2 years.
The U.S.A. was India’s top trading partner during FY22 and FY23.
✓ For FY24, India’s imports to China increased by 3.24% to USD101.7 billion. Data showed
some critical products for India’s dependence on China are: telecom and Smartphone
parts, advanced technology components, among others.

Kerala Topped Unemployment Rate; Delhi Recorded Lowest for Q4 FY24: PLFS Survey
Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the latest Periodic Labour
Force Survey (PLFS) for 15-29 year age group for January-March, 2024 Quarter for FY24(2023-24).
As per PLFS, Kerala topped youth unemployment rate among 15-29 age group at 31.8% for Q4 (Jan-
March) FY24.
✓ Other than Kerala, states which topped in youth unemployment among 15-29 age group for
Q4FY24: Jammu & Kashmir (28.2%), Telangana(26.1%), Rajasthan (24%) and Odisha (23.3%).
✓ While, Delhi registered the lowest unemployment rate among 15-29 age group at 3.1% for Q4
FY24, followed by Gujarat(9%), Haryana (9.5%), among others.
✓ Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) registered the highest unemployment rate for women at 48.6% for
Q4 FY24.

SEBI Mandates Social Enterprises on SSE to Submit Annual Impact Report for FY24
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has instructed the social enterprises who have
registered or raised funds through Social Stock Exchange (SSE) to submit an ‘Annual Impact Report’
for the fiscal year 2023-24 to the exchange by the end of October 2024.
✓ SEBI has appointed two additional agencies - ICMAI Social Auditors Organisation under the
Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI) and ICSI Institute of Social Auditors under the
Institute of Company Secretaries of India as Self-Regulatory Organisations (SROs) to assess the
societal impacts of social activities carried out by social enterprises.

WSJ Report: Indian-Origin Nikesh Arora Became the 2nd Highest-Paid CEO in the US for
2023
According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ)’s list of the highest-paid Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) in
the United States of America (USA) for 2023. Indian-origin Nikesh Arora, chairman and CEO of Palo
Alto Networks became the world's 2nd highest-paid CEO in 2023 with a substantial remuneration of
USD 151.43 million (approximately Rs 1,260 crore).
 ✓ Hock E. Tan, President and CEO of Broadcom Inc., is the world's highest-paid CEO with a pay
package of USD 161.83 million in 2023. Stephen A. Schwarzman, Chairman, CEO, and Co-Founder
of Blackstone, secured the 3rd spot with a package of USD 119.78 million in 2023.

ACQUISITION & MERGERS

CCI Approves Acquisition of Sanyo Special Steel's 15.43% Stake in SSMI
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of 15.43% shareholding by
Sanyo Special Steel Co. Ltd (Sanyo) in Sanyo Special Steel Manufacturing India Private Limited (SSMI)
from Mitsui & Co. Ltd.

Carlyle Group Sells 2% Stake in Yes Bank for Rs 1,441 crore

Carlyle Group Inc., through its affiliate CA Basque Investments, divested 2% stake in
Mumbai(Maharashtra) based Yes Bank Limited for Rs 1,441 crore through an open market
transaction. The shares were offloaded through a bulk deal on the National Stock Exchange
(NSE).

CCI Approves the Acquisition Of Additional Shares In Sikkim Urja Limited

On 7th May 2024, The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the acquisition of additional
shares in Sikkim Urja Limited (formerly Teesta Urja Limited) by Greenko Energies Private Limited.
Sikkim Urja, a special purpose vehicle was established with the intention of carrying out the
1200 MegaWatt (MW)(6 Units of 200 MW each) hydro power project in North Sikkim, India.

Piramal Enterprises Approves To Merge with Unlisted Housing Finance Arm for Listing
Norms
The board of directors of Piramal Enterprises Limited, a Non-banking finance company (NBFC), has
approved its merger with its wholly owned subsidiary, Piramal Capital & Housing Finance (PCHFL).
Following the merger, PCHFL will be renamed as Piramal Finance Limited (PFL).

Hinduja Group Firm IIHL Receives Approval From IRDAI For Reliance Capital
Acquisition
The Hinduja Group firm IndusInd International Holdings Limited (IIHL) has received the approval
from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) for the acquisition of
Reliance Capital. The acquisition will include the takeover Reliance General Insurance and Reliance
Nippon Life Insurance by IIHL.
On February 27 2024, NCLT approved Hinduja Group firm IndusInd International Holdings
Limited's Rs 9,650 crore resolution plan for Reliance Capital.

Quant Money Managers Receives RBI Nod to Acquire Stake Up to 9.98% in RBL Bank
Quant Money Managers Limited has received Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approval to acquire its
stake up to 9.98% of the paid-up share capital or voting rights in RBL Bank Limited by May 12, 2025,
subject to certain conditions and provisions under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
✓ As of May 10 2024, Quant Mutual Fund (MF), an arm of Quant Money Managers, holds around
4.68% stake in RBL Bank.
Warburg Pincus Acquires Shriram Housing Finance for Rs 4,630 Crore
Chennai, Tamil Nadu-based Shriram Finance Ltd (SFL) has approved the sale of its housing-finance
subsidiary, Shriram Housing Finance Ltd (SHFL), to New York, United States (US)-based equity
firm Warburg Pincus, for Rs 4,630 crore.
✓ Warburg Pincus will acquire the stake through its affiliate Mango Crest Investment, and will
infuse Rs 1,000 crore in equity.

IDFC First Bank Gets Shareholders Approval To Merge With IDFC Limited
Shareholders and Non-Convertible Debenture (NCD) holders of IDFC First Bank Limited have
approved the scheme of merger of IDFC Limited with IDFC First Bank. On May 17 2024,
National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) convened a meeting to consider and approve the
composite scheme of amalgamation for IDFC FIRST Bank.

CCI Approved De-Merger of Hotel Business of ITC Limited to Separate Entity

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the de-merger of all businesses,
undertakings, activities, operations and properties of ITC Limited related to Hotels Business to its
newly incorporated wholly owned subsidiary, ITC Hotels Limited.
✓ ITC will retain 40% of stake in ITC Hotels Limited and remaining 60% will be held by the
shareholders of ITC(proportionate to their stake in ITC).

Disney Sells 30% Stake in Tata Play, Valuing Company at USD1 billion
The Walt Disney Company has entered an agreement to sell its 30% minority stake in a
satellite TV service provider Tata Play Limited to Tata Group, valuing the company at
approximately USD1 billion. The Tata Group takes full control of Tata Play after buying the
29.8% stake from Disney.

DEFENCE
EXERCISE
EXERCISE NAME VENUE / KEY NOTES
PARTICIPATING
COUNTRIES
Gagan Strike-II Multiple locations in The Ambala, Haryana-based Kharga Corps,
Punjab under the Indian Army (IA)'s Western
Command, and the Indian Air Force (IAF)
concluded Gagan Strike-II, a three-day Joint
Exercise across multiple locations in Punjab.
Gagan Strike-II involved Apache and Advanced
Light Helicopter-Weapon System
Integrated (ALH-WSI), unarmed aerial vehicles,
and Army Special Forces.
Exercise SHAKTI 2024 Umroi, Meghalaya & The 7th India-France joint military “Exercise
India-France SHAKTI 2024” commenced on 13th May, 2024 at
Umroi, in a fully developed and modern Foreign
 Training Node in Meghalaya. Ex-SHAKTI is a
biennial training exercise which is conducted
alternatively in India and France.
The 14-day joint exercise is scheduled to be
conducted from 13th May to 26th May, 2024.
Tarkash West Bengal, India- The 7th edition of the India-U.S. joint counter-
U.S. terrorism exercise 'Tarkash' was held between
the National Security Guard (NSG) and United
States (US) Special Operations Forces (SOF)
from April 22 to May 15, 2024 in Kolkata, West
Bengal(WB).
Exercise Cyber Suraksha New Delhi Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Anil Chauhan
2024 attended ‘Exercise Cyber Suraksha 2024’,
highlighting the critical importance of
enhancing India’s cyber defence capabilities.
The exercise has been conducted by the Defence
Cyber Agency from 20th to 24th May 2024 in
New Delhi (Delhi), aiming to develop Cyber
Defence Capability of all Cyber security
organisations and promote cooperation
amongst all stakeholders.

TESTING
MISSILES NAME TESTING LOCATION FEATURES
Supersonic Missile- Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Defence Research and Development Organisation
Assisted Release of Island off the coast of (DRDO) successfully flight-tested a long range
Torpedo (SMART) Chandipur in Balasore, Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo
Odisha (SMART) system from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off
the coast of Chandipur in Balasore, Odisha using a
ground mobile launcher.
The system includes a long-range supersonic
missile carrier with a range of up to 643 km and a
lightweight torpedo with a 20 km range and a 50
kg high explosive warhead.
Semi Cryogenic Semi Cryo Integrated Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
Pre-Burner Engine Test Facility successfully conducted the first ignition test on the
Ignition Test (SIET) at ISRO Propulsion Semi Cryogenic Pre-Burner Ignition Test Article
Article (PITA) Complex (IPRC) in (PITA) at Semi Cryo Integrated Engine Test Facility
(SIET) at ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) in
Mahendragiri, Tamil
Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu (TN).
Nadu
ISRO is developing a 2,000 kN (kilonewton) thrust
semi-cryogenic engine utilizing a LOX (Liquid Oxygen)
Kerosene propellant combination to enhance the
payload capability of Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (LVM3)
rocket and future launch vehicles including the Next
Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV).
RudraM-II Integrated Test Defence Research and Development Organisation
Range (ITR), Balasore, Off (DRDO) successfully conducted the fight-test of
the Coast of Odisha RudraM-II, Next Generation Anti-Radiation
Missile(NGARM) from Su-30 MK-I fighter jet of the
Indian Air Force (IAF). This air-to-surface missile was
tested at Integrated Test Range (ITR), Balasore, Off the
Coast of Odisha.
✓ It is the latest version of RudraM - 1 missile,
1st indigenously developed anti radiation air-
to-surface missile was test-fired from Su-
30MKI fighter jet in 2020.
Indian Army unveiled Tractor-Mounted ATGM
System in “Jugaad Innovation”
Indian Army has unveiled an Anti-Tank Guided
Missile(ATGM) system mounted on a farm tractor. This
"Jugaad” (Hindi for ingenious improvisation)
innovation is named as Improvised Tractor Mounted
ATGM.

ARMY, NAVY & AIR FORCE NEWS

Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace unveiled FWD-200B, India’s 1st Indigenous
Bomber UAV
Bengaluru (Karnataka) based Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace Technologies Private Limited
launched its Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) - Flying Wedge Defence 200B (FWD-200B),
India's first indigenous military grade bomber drones.
✓ FWD-200B is a Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE) UCAV entirely designed and
manufactured in India. It boasts a 12-20 hour endurance and can achieve a maximum speed of 200
knot (kts)/370 kilometre per hour(kmph). It holds a ground control station (GCS) range of 200
km. The FWD-200B has a payload capacity of 100 kgs and can carry a maximum takeoff weight of
498 Kg.

SPPL launched 6th ACTCM Barge - LSAM 20 (Yard 130) in Thane

On 29th April 2024, LSAM 20 (Yard 130), the 6th Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile(ACTCM)
Barge built by Suryadipta Projects Private Limited(SPPL) for Indian Navy was launched at the SPPL
launch site in Thane, Maharashtra.
✓ It is indigenously designed and built under relevant Naval Rules and Regulation of Indian Register
of Shipping. Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Vishakapatnam (Andhra
Pradesh) undertakes the model testing of the barge during design stage.

IAF Received 2nd C-295 Transport Aircraft from Airbus Defence and Space
The Indian Air Force (IAF) received its second C-295 transport aircraft from Airbus Defence and Space
S.A., Spain. C-295 aircraft will replace Avro Hawker Siddeley HS-748 aircraft in IAF service since 1960.
1st C-295transport aircraft was formally inducted into IAF in September, 2023.

Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Act, 2023 Enforced

The Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Act, 2023enforced by the Ministry
of Defence (MoD) from May 10, 2024, aligns with the Government's theaterisation plan, aiming to
integrate the Indian Army (IA), Indian Air Force (IAF), and Indian Navy (IN) capabilities.
 ✓ This legislation grants disciplinary and administrative powers to the heads of Inter-Services
Organisations (ISOs) to ensure efficient resource utilization during wars and operations.
✓ The central government can establish ISOs with personnel from at least two of the three services
(IA, IAF and IN), led by an OIC. ISOs may include Joint Services Commands, headed by a
Commander-in-Chief.

Indian Army & IAF to Jointly Deploy MQ-9B Predator Drones at Gorakhpur & Sarsawa
Air Bases in UP
The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Army plan to jointly deploy MQ-9B Predator
drones made by the United States of America (USA) at air bases in Gorakhpur and Sarsawa, Uttar
Pradesh (UP), for upgrading surveillance capabilities along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China
from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh.
MQ-9B, manufactured by the USA-based General Atomics Aeronautical, has 2 variants – Sky
Guardian and Sea Guardian.

Kadet Defence Systems Introduced India’s 1st Loitering Aerial Munitions for Armed
Forces
Kadet Defence Systems(P) Limited (KDS) has introduced India’s 1st pioneering Loitering Aerial
Munitions (LAM) for the Indian Armed Forces. It was developed under a unique Development cum
Production Partner(DCPP) model with the Defence Research and Development Organisation(DRDO).
LAM system encompasses cutting-edge technologies such as: Canister Aerial Loitering
Munition (CALM), Combat Unmanned Aerial Vehicles(UAVs) with stand-off capabilities and
Tactical Vertical Takeoff & Landing (VTOL) UAVs.

DMSRDE Developed Liquid Ramjet Fuel For Advanced Air-Breathing Engine

On May 9 2024, The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) announced that one of
its labs, Defence Materials and Stores Research and Development Establishment (DMSRDE) has made a
‘Landmark Achievement’ by developing liquid Ramjet fuel for an advanced air-breathing engine.
The ramjet fuel has been tested successfully for the first time at the Ramjet Testbed at the
Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) on May 8 2024. Bharat Petroleum
Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Mineral Oil Company Private Limited are the industry
partners in this development.

IAF Conducts Maiden Airdrop Test of BHISHM, World’s 1st Air-Lifted Portable Hospital
in Agra
The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted maiden air drop test of BHISHM portable cubes, World’s 1st air-
lifted portable hospital in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. BHISHM portable cubes are part of broader initiative
named “Project BHISHM- Bharat health initiative for Sahyog, Hita and Maitri”.
✓ Indian Army introduced its latest innovation named “Hexacopter Drone” mounted by Machine
Gun. Sirin Hexadrones were developed by Ikran Aerospace and Technologies Private Limited
(IAATPL).

IRRPL Handed Over 27,000 AK-203 Assault Rifles to Indian Army

Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) based in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, handed over 27,000 AK-
203 assault rifles to Indian Army. These assault rifles achieved 25% of localization.
 ✓ These assault rifles will be manufactured through special purpose Joint Venture (JV) called Indo-
Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) at Korwa Ordnance factory in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh.
These rifles will replace India’s indigenously developed Indian Small Arms Systems (INSAS)
rifles inducted in Indian Army more than 3 decades ago.

IAF Conducted Night Vision Goggles-aided Landing of C-130J Aircraft in Eastern Sector
Indian Air Force (IAF)’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).
✓ The IAF has for the first time landed an aircraft using NVG. C-130J was manufactured by Lockheed
Martin.

Azad Engineering Bagged Contract to Provide Advanced Turbo Gas Generator Engine
for GTRE-DRDO Defence Programmes
Hyderabad (Telangana)-based, Precision Engineering and Manufacturing Company, Azad Engineering
Limited has bagged contract from the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), an Research and
Development (R&D) organisation of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and
Ministry of Defence (MoD), Government of India (GoI), to provide end-to-end manufacturing, assembly
and integration of completely-assembled advanced turbo gas generator engine for Defence
programmes of India.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

SATELLITES LAUNCHES
SATELLITE NAME COUNTRY PURPOSE
Chang'e-6 China China National Space Administration (CNSA) successfully
launched an uncrewed lunar probe, namely "Chang'e-6,”
through Long March- 5 Y8 carrier rocket from the
Wenchang Space Launch Center in the southern province of
Hainan, China.
✓ Aim: It is the world's first mission to collect and
bring back samples from the far side of the moon.
It also carries a miniature satellite named “ICUBE-
QAMAR cubesat” from Pakistan.
SR75 South Australia German private space company HyImpulse successfully test
launched a candle wax-powered rocket “SR75” from a
launch site in Koonibba, South Australia. It is for the 1st-time
a rocket carrying commercial satellites on a test suborbital
flight into space.
✓ It is fuelled by paraffin (candle wax) and liquid
oxygen. The rocket has the capacity of carrying
satellites which weighs up to 250 kg to an altitude of
up to 250 kilometers.

PREFIRE (Polar NASA, USA National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Radiant Energy in successfully launched the first pair of small climate
the Far-InfraRed satellites atop the Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket from
Experiment) mission Launch Complex 1 in Māhia, New Zealand. The mission,
dubbed PREFIRE (Polar Radiant Energy in the Far-
InfraRed Experiment) mission, aims to study heat
emissions at the Earth’s poles for NASA.
1st batch of SpaceX, USA American aerospace company, SpaceX launched 1st batch of
operational spy operational spy satellites. These satellites were built by
satellites SpaceX as part of a new United States of America (U.S.A.)
intelligence network, to enhance the country’s space-based
surveillance powers.
✓ The mission called NROL-146, was launched aboard
the Falcon 9 Rocket which lifted off from the
Vandenberg Space Force Base in South California,
U.S.A.
SpaceX in collaboration with Northrop Grumman
Corporation (Northrop Grumman) is developing
hundreds of satellites for U.S. National Reconnaissance
Office (NRO), an intelligence agency.

NATIONAL
ISRO successfully tests AM PS4 Engine, a 3D Printed Rocket Engine at Mahendragiri, TN
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully tested a liquid rocket engine, ‘AM PS4
Engine’, produced using Additive Manufacturing (AM) technology, commonly known as 3D printing at
ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu (TN).
✓ Notably, AM PS4 Engine is the redesigned version of the PS4 engine of PSLV (Polar Satellite
Launch Vehicle) upper stage. The engine underwent hot testing for 665 seconds, and
demonstrating expected performance parameters.

ISRO Chief S. Somanath Launched Zero Emission Initiative of SFO Technologies

Sreedhara Panicker Somanath, Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Secretary,
Department of Space, Government of India (GoI) launched the carbon reduction initiative of
Kochi(Kerala)-based SFO Technologies, the flagship company of the NeST Group.
✓ This initiative is in line with the objective of United Nation(UN) i.e. achieving 50% carbon
reduction by 2035 and Zero emission by 2040.

ISRO’s Mangalyaan-2 Mission to Include Helicopter, Sky Crane, Rover for Navigation on
Mars
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has unveiled comprehensive strategy for its next Mars
mission “Mangalyaan-2”. It was unveiled during special presentation held at the Space Application
Centre (SAC) on the eve of National Technology Day (May 11th , 2024).
✓ ISRO plans to use a Rover and helicopter for Mars exploration which is similar to the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Perseverance Rover.
✓ The Mangalyaan-2 mission will be launched aboard the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle
Mk III (LVM3).
3AI Holding & SML Launched India's GenAI Platform ‘Hanooman’
Abu Dhabi(United Arab Emirates (UAE))-based AI investment firm 3AI Holding and Seetha
Mahalaxmi Healthcare (SML) India have launched India's homegrown generative artificial
intelligence (GenAI) platform ‘Hanooman AI’, an Indian large language model (LLM) in 98
global languages, including 12 Indian languages, along with text translation capabilities.

GalaxEye Tests SAR Technology on NAL’s High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite

GalaxEye Space Solutions Pvt Ltd, has successfully tested its Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)
technology on a subscale High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS) developed by the Council of Scientific
and Industrial Research (CSIR) - National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL).
✓ GalaxEye becomes the world's 1st private entity to conduct SAR trials on the HAPS platform.

Tata Communications Partners With Cisco To Launch Webex Calling in India

Tata Communications Limited, a global communications technology player, has partnered with Cisco
Systems, Inc to launch Webex Calling with cloud Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) for
enterprises doing business in India.
✓ The ‘Webex Calling’ by Tata Communications will be a first-of-its-kind service in India that will be
offered by integrating Cisco’s Webex Calling with the cloud voice services of Tata Communications
GlobalRapide platform.

Agnikul Cosmos launched Agnibaan SOrTeD powerd by World’s 1st 3D Printed

Semicryogenic Rocket Engine
AgniKul Cosmos Private Limited launched Agnibaan SOrTeD (SubOrbital Technological
Demonstrator), powered by the world's first single piece 3D printed semi-cryogenic engine.
✓ The rocket was launched from Agnikul Launch Pad 1 (ALP-1), India’s first & only private
Launchpad within Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC)-SHAR at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
✓ The indigenously designed and built Agnibaan SOrTeD is India’s second privately built rocket
with world’s first 3D printed engine. Agnibaan SOrTeD is a single stage launch vehicle powered by
Agnikul's Agnilet engine.

India Develops First Research Testbed Facility to Study Norwesters

India is set to develop the first of its kind research testbed facility to study Norwesters, that affect
the east and northeast regions of India every summer. The facility will help meteorologists to deploy
drones, mobile vans and high-end instruments to track the Norwesters.
✓ It aims to study thunderstorms from the formation stage, growth, and propagation over eastern
parts of India.

Krish and Bhoomi: DD Kisan Launches its First AI Anchors in 50 Languages

Doordarshan Kisan (DD Kisan), a Doordarshan channel has become the first Indian Government TV
channel to launch two Artificial intelligence (AI) Anchors AI Krish and AI Bhoomi, which can speak in
50 different languages and provide information about agricultural research. It was launched
marking DD Kisan’s 9th anniversary on May 26th 2024.
INTERNATIONAL
Japan Launches World’s First 6G Device, 20 Times Faster Than 5G
Japan has launched the world’s first high-speed 6G prototype device, with data
transmission rate of 100 gigabits per second (Gbps), 20 times faster than the Gold Standard
5G technology. The 6G technology has the potential to provide real-time holographic
communication as well as immersive virtual and mixed reality experiences.

Astronomers Detect Rocky Planet “55 Cancri e” with Atmosphere

Astronomers using the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) James Webb Space
Telescope (JWST) have detected atmospheric gases surrounding 55 Cancri e, also known as Janssen, a
hot rocky exoplanet 41 light-years from Earth.
This is one of the 5 known planets orbiting the 55 Cancri, Sun-like star in the constellation
Cancer. The planet is classified as a super-Earth: larger than Earth, smaller than Neptune, and
likely similar in composition to the rocky planets in our solar system.

NASA-JAXA XRISM Mission Discovered Iron Fingerprints in NGC 4151

XRISM (X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission), an X-ray space telescope mission of the Japan
Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have
discovered the presence of Iron fingerprints in the active galaxy NGC 4151.

Blue Origin’s NS-25 mission Lifted off with 6 Crew Members Including One Indian
New Shepard rocket system built by Blue Origin, the company owned by Jeff Bezos, Founder of
Amazon, under the space tourism mission named New Shepard-25 (NS-25) lifted off with 6 crew
members including one Indian from Launch site one in West Texas, United States of America (U.S.A).
✓ Among the 6 crew members, Gopi Thotakura, commercial jet pilot and entrepreneur from
Andhra Pradesh(India), is the only Indian on this human space flight.
✓ He is the 1st Indian space tourist and the 2nd Indian to venture into space after Wing Commander
Rakesh Sharma of Indian Army (1984).
✓ Captain Ed Dwight is the 1st Black astronaut on the space flight. He was selected by former
President of United States of America (U.S.A.), John F Kennedy in 1961.

NASA Plans to Build ‘FLOAT’, the 1st Railway System on Moon

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has announced its plan to build 1st Railway
System on Moon, and named as “Flexible Levitation on a Track (FLOAT)”. This Railway system is part
of NASA’s Moon to Mars mission i.e. Robotic Lunar Surface Operations 2 (RLSO2).
✓ The FLOAT system will be developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California,
United States of America(U.S.A.). It will use unpowered robots which would levitate a 3-layer
flexible film track to prevent abrasion from dust on lunar surface.
Name of these 3-layers are:
✓ A Graphite Layer that enables robots to float over tracks using diamagnetic levitation passively.
✓ A Flex-Circuit Layer generates electromagnetic thrust to controllably propel robots along tracks.
✓ An Optional thin-film solar panel Layer generates power for the base when in sunlight.
Pakistan Conducted Training Launch of ‘Fatah-II’, an Indigenous Rocket System
Pakistan conducted a successful training launch of the indigenously developed “Fatah-II”, the guided
Multi-Launch Rocket System (MLRS). It is being inducted in Artillery Divisions of Pakistan Army for
stand-off, precision engagement of deep targets.
✓ The rocket system is capable of engaging targets with high precision up to range of 400 kilometers
(km).

Researchers Discovered “Super fluffy” Exoplanet with Cotton candy-like Density

Researchers have discovered a “super fluffy” exoplanet named as “WASP-193b”.The size of exoplanet is
50% larger than Jupiter and its weighs only 1/7th of Jupiter. Therefore, it has cotton candy-like
density. The exoplanet was initially spotted by the Wide Angle Search for Planets(WASP).

South Korea Completes Development of Long-Range SAM System

South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has completed the
development of its Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (L-SAM) system and received the
combat readiness certification. L-SAM is expected to begin production by 2025 and be
deployed for operations by 2028.

Microsoft introduces ‘Copilot+ PCs’ featuring advance AI

Microsoft introduced “Copilot+ PCs”, a new category of personal computers (PCs) designed
for Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities. Copilot+ PCs are the fastest, most intelligent
Windows PCs ever built. This was developed in collaboration with manufacturers like Acer and
ASUSTek Computer.

SPORTS
CRICKET
Indian Premier League 2024: Kolkata Knight Riders won the championship defeating
Sunrisers Hyderabad
Kolkata Knight Riders(KKR) captained by Shreyas Iyer(Indian cricketer) has won the champions title of
the 17th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) by defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad(SRH)
captained by Pat Cummins(Australian cricketer) by eight wickets in the finals held at the MA
Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, Tamil Nadu(TN).
✓ This marks KKR’s 3rd IPL title. The team has previously won the title in 2012 and 2014 under the
captaincy of Gautam Gambhir.
✓ TATA Group has secured the title sponsorship rights of IPL for 5 years (2024 to 2028) for Rs 2500
crore.
✓ Virat Kohli (RCB) has become the first batsman to reach 8000 runs in IPL. Virat Kohli became
the first Indian to score 12000 runs in T20 cricket.
✓ PBKS broke South Africa’s record to record the highest successful run chase in T20 cricket after
scoring 262 runs during IPL 2024 match against KKR. In 2023, South Africa chased down West
Indies’ 258-run score.
✓ Sunrisers Hyderabad broke the record for the highest score in the Indian Premier League after
scoring 277/3 against Mumbai Indians. Click here to read full News
BADMINTON & TENNIS
China defeats Indonesia to win BWF Thomas and Uber Cup 2024 Finals
The People’s Republic of China’s men’s team won the 33rd edition of Badminton World Federation
(BWF) Thomas Cup 2024 after defeating Indonesia men team 3-1. It is China’s 11th Thomas cup title.
The BWF 2024 Championship was held in Chengdu, China from 29th April to 5th May 2024.
✓ China’s women’s team has clinched the 30th edition of Badminton World Federation (BWF) Uber
Cup 2024 after defeating Indonesia by 3-0.
Results:
Category Winner Runner
First Men’s Singles Shi Yuqi (China) Anthony Ginting (Indonesia)
Liang Weikeng (China) & Wang Chang Fajar Alfian (Indonesia) & Muhammad
First Men’s Doubles (China) Rian Ardianto (Indonesia)
Second Men’s
Singles Jonatan Christie (Indonesia) Li Shifeng (China)
Second Men’s Muhammad Shohibul Fikri and Bagas
Doubles He Ji Ting and Ren Xiangyu (China) Maulana (Indonesia)
Category Winner Runner
First Women’s
Singles Chen Yufei (China) Gregoria Mariska Tunjung (Indonesia)
First Women’s Chen Qing chen (China) & Jia Yifan Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti (Indonesia) &
Doubles (China) Ribka Sugiarto(Indonesia)
Second Women’s
Singles He Bing jiao (China) Ester Nurumi (Indonesia)

India to host BWF World Junior Badminton Championships 2025 in Guwahati

India is set to host the Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Junior Championships 2025 at the
Badminton Association of India’s (BAI) National Centres of Excellence (NCOE) in Guwahati, Assam. This
marks the return of the World Junior Championships to India for the first time since 2008. Previously,
the 2008 World Junior Championships was held in Pune, Maharashtra.

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty won the doubles title in BWF Thailand Open
2024
Indian shuttlers Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty have won the men’s doubles title in the
Badminton World Federation (BWF) Thailand Open Super 500 badminton tournament 2024 which
was held from 14th to 19th May 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand.
✓ The world No. 3 Indian pair clinched the title by defeating the 29th-ranked Chen Bo Yang and Liu
Yi of China.
✓ This was their second tournament win of 2024 and second Thailand Open title after winning it in
2019.
Results:
Category Winner Runner-Up
Men’s Lee Zii Jia Ng Ka Long Angus
Singles (Malaysia) (Hong Kong,China)
 Supanida
Women’s
Katethong Han Yue (China)
Singles
(Thailand)
Satwiksairaj
Rankireddy
Men’s Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi
and Chirag
Doubles (China)
Shetty
(India)
Jongkolphan
Kititharakul Febriana Dwipuj
Women’s and Kusuma and Amallia
Doubles Rawinda Cahaya Pratiwi
Prajongjai (Indonesia)
(Thailand)
GUO Xin Wa Dechapol
Mixed and Chen Puavaranukroh and
Doubles Fang hui Sapsiree Taerattanachai
(China) (Thailand)

Malaysia Masters 2024 - PV Sindhu finishes runner-up in the Women’s Singles; Viktor
Axelsen wins the Men’s Singles title
Two-time Olympic gold medalist and World number 15, Pusarla Venkata (P.V) Sindhu settles as
runner-up in the Women’s Singles category after losing the match to World number 7, Wang Zhi Yi of
China in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Malaysia Masters 2024 held from 21st to 26th May
2024 in Axiata Arena, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
✓ Meanwhile, World number 1 Viktor Axelsen won his first World Tour title of 2024 in the Men’s
Singles category after defeating Malaysian badminton player Lee Zii Jia.
Category Winner Runner-up
Men’s Viktor Axelsen
Lee Zii Jia (Malaysia)
Singles (Denmark)
Women’s Wang Zhi Yi
P. V. Sindhu (India)
Singles (China)
Kim Astrup and
Men’s Anders Skaarup Jin Yong and Na Sung-
Doubles Rasmussen seung (South Korea)
(Denmark)
Rin Iwanaga and Lee Yu-lim and Shin
Women’s
Kie Nakanishi Seung-chan (South
Doubles
(Japan) Korea)
Goh Soon
Rinov Rivaldy and
Mixed Huat and
Pitha Haningtyas Mentari
Doubles Shevon Jemie
(Indonesia)
Lai (Malaysia)
BOXING, WRESTLING & WEIGHTLIFTING
Indian Boxers clinch 43 Medals at the ASBC Asian U-22 and Youth Boxing
Championships 2024
The Indian boxing team bagged a total of 43 medals at the Asian Boxing Confederation (ASBC) Asian U-
22 and Youth Boxing Championships 2024, held in Astana, Kazakhstan, from April 25 to May 8, 2024.
✓ The Indian boxers secured 12 gold, 14 silver, and 17 bronze medals from both the youth and U-22
categories and ranked second in terms of the medal count, only behind the host Kazakhstan,
which won 48 medals in total.
✓ The Indian Under -22 (U-22) team finished with 21 medals, including seven gold, five silver, and
nine bronze medals, while the youthcategory bagged 22 medals, including five gold, nine silver,
and eight bronze medals. Click here to read full News

India Finishes Third, Kazakhstan Tops the Medal Tally of the Elorda Cup Astana 2024
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 (International Boxing Tournament) 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).
Indian Medal Winners:
Category Winner
Gold Minakshi (48kg); Nikhat Zareen (52kg)
Silver Anamika (50kg) and Manisha (60kg)
Men- Yaiphaba Singh Soibam (48kg),
Abhishek Yadav (67kg), Vishal (86kg)
and Gaurav Chauhan (92+kg)
Bronze
Women – Sonu (63kg), Manju
Bamboriya (66kg), Shalakha Singh
Sansanwal (70kg) and Monika (81+kg)

Indian Arm Wrestlers won 7 medals at the Asian Arm-wrestling Championship 2024
The Indian Arm-Wrestling team won a total of 7 medals (1 gold and 6 bronze) at the 22nd Asian Arm-
Wrestling Championship and 21st Asian Para Arm-Wrestling Championship 2024 held from 20th May
to 27th May 2024 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Chattisgarh’s para-arm wrestler Shrimant Jha won a gold medal in the left-hand +85 kg para category
and a bronze medal in the right-hand para-senior category.

ATHLETIC & FOOTBALL

Mumbai City Beats Mohun Bagan 3-1 to Win the Indian Super League 2023-24 Final
Mumbai City Football Club (MCFC) beat Mohun Bagan SuperGiants (MBSG) 3-1 to win the
10th edition of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 final at the Vivekananda Yuba
Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium) in Kolkata, West Bengal(WB). This is the second ISL title
for Mumbai City Football Club, it previously won the 2020-21 season against Atlético de
Kolkata Mohun Bagan.
Australia & Uzbekistan Confirmed as Host of AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 & 2029
Australia and Uzbekistan have been confirmed as the hosts of the 2026 and 2029 editions of the
Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women's Asian Cup, respectively. Uzbekistan will become the first
Central Asian nation to organize the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. Uzbekistan was the host country of the
AFC Under 20(U20)Women's Asian Cup 2024, held from 2 to 16 March 2024.
Australia, the co-host of FIFA (Fédération Internationale De Football Association) Women's
World Cup 2023, is set to host the AFC Women's Asian Cup for a 2nd time. Australia has
previously hosted the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in 2006.

PUMA India signed with AFI to Become Official Kit Sponsor of Indian Athletes
PUMA India has signed a multi-year deal with the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) to
become its official kit sponsor, aiming to enhance athlete performance and create excellence
within India's sporting community.

Brazil Declared Host of FIFA Women's World Cup 2027

International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) President Gianni Infantino announced
Brazil as the host for the 10th edition of FIFA Women's World Cup (FIFAWWC) 2027 during
the 74th FIFA Congress in Bangkok, Thailand. Brazil became the 1st South American country to
hold the Women's World Cup, beating the joint bid of Belgium, Netherlands and Germany
(BNG).

Asian Relay Championships 2024 - Indian mixed 4x400m team wins gold and men's and
women's 4x400m teams win silver medals
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 first Asian Relay Championship was held from 20th May to 21st May 2024 in Bangkok,
Thailand.
The Indian team of Muhammed Ajmal, Jyothika Sri Dandi, Amoj Jacob and Subha Venkatesan
won the gold medal and finished the race in 3 minutes(m):14.12Seconds(s). Sri Lanka clocked
3m:17.00s to clinch the silver medal while Vietnam with 3m:18.45s. bagged the bronze
medal.

ARCHERY & SHOOTING

Archery World Cup 2024: Indian Women’s Compound Team Wins Gold & Mixed Team
Wins Silver
India won 2 medals (1 gold and 1 silver) in the Archery World Cup 2024 Stage 2 held from 21st to
26th May 2024 in Yecheon, Republic of Korea(South Korea).
✓ The Indian women’s compound team of Aditi Gopichand Swami, Jyothi Surekha Vennam and
Parneet Kaur won the gold medal defeating the Turkish team of Hazal Burun, Ayse Bera Suzer and
Begum Yuva.
✓ India’s mixed archery team of Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Priyansh won the silver medal. They
were defeated by Olivia Dean and Sawyer Sullivan of the United States of America (USA) in the
finals.
✓ India won a total of eight medals including five gold medals, two silver and one bronze in the
Archery World Cup Stage 1 in Shanghai, China.
OTHER SPORTS NEWS
Lando Norris marks his first victory in F1 career after winning Miami Grand Prix 2024
McLaren’s Lando Norris won the first Formula One race of his career after defeating the world
champion Max Verstappen in the Miami Grand Prix (GP) 2024 held on May 5, 2024 in Miami
International Autodrome circuit, Miami, United States.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen finished 2nd in the race, followed by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in 3rd.

P.Shyam Nikhil Becomes India’s 85th Chess Grand Master (GM)

Indian Chess Player P.Shyam Nikhil (Tamil Nadu) has become India’s 85th Grand Master (GM).
He achieved this feat after earning 3rd norm which is required for GM title at Dubai Police
Masters 2024 which held from 3rd May to 13th May 2024 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
(UAE).

Indian Javelin Thrower Neeraj Chopra finished second at the Doha Diamond League
2024
The Olympic and World Champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra claimed the second spot
with 88.36 meters in the Doha Diamond League 2024 that was held on 10th May 2024 at the
Qatar Sports Club, Doha, Qatar. The three-time Olympian for Czech Republic Jakub Vadlejch
claimed the top spot with 88.38 meters. The former world champion Anderson Peters of
Grenada claimed the third spot with an 86.62m throw.

FIDE Bestows Grandmaster(GM) Title to Indian Chess Player Vaishali Rameshbabu

Indian Chess Player Vaishali Rameshbabu has officially bestowed with title of GrandMaster(GM) by
International Chess Federation(FIDE). Now, She and her brother GM Rameshbabu Pragnanandhaa are
the world’s 1st GrandMaster(GM) Brother-Sister duo.
After this GM title, she becomes the 84th Indian GM and 42nd woman from any country to hold
the GM title. Now, She is the 3rd Indian woman after Koneru Humpy (2002) and Harika
Dronavalli (2011) to become a GM.

Neeraj Chopra Wins Gold Medal in 27th National Federation Senior Athletics
Competition 2024
2020 Tokyo Olympics Gold medalist Neeraj Chopra won the Gold medal in the men’s Javelin with
82.27 meter(m) throw in 27th National Federation Senior Athletics Competition 2024. The
tournament held at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
✓ DP Manu from Karnataka won the Silver medal with 82.06m throw and Uttam Balasaheb Patil
from Maharashtra won the Bronze medal with 78.39m.

Formula 1: Ferrari's Charles Leclerc wins Monaco F1 GP 2024

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, a racing driver from Monaco won the Monaco Grand Prix (GP) 2024
(officially Formula 1 (F1) Grand Prix de Monaco 2024) held at Circuit de Monaco in Monte Carlo. This
victory is Charles Leclerc's 1st win since the 2022 Austrian GP, breaking a 39-race winless line.
✓ With this victory, Charles became the 1st Monegasque driver to win the Monaco GP since Louis
Chiron in 1931.
✓ McLaren's Oscar Piastri of Australia finished 2nd and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz of Spain finished
3rd in the Monaco GP 2024.
Coca-Cola India Announces First Ever Partnership with Hockey India for National
Women's Hockey League
Anandana, The Coca-Cola India Foundation, announced its first ever partnership with Hockey India,
for the National Women’s Hockey League 2024-2025, the inaugural edition of the tournament. The
partnership also aligns with the Coca-Cola India’s #SheTheDifference campaign, an initiative to
celebrate, uplift, and support women.

Magnus Carlsen Wins the 2024 Superbet Poland Rapid & Blitz; Praggnanandhaa
Finishes Fourth
The Five-time World Champion & World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen emerged as the winner of the 2024
Superbet Poland Rapid & Blitz, a part of World Chess Tour that was held from 7th to 12th May 2024
in Warsaw, Poland. Wei Yi of China clinched the second spot with 25.5 points.
Jan-Krzysztof Duda of Poland finished third with 19.5 points and Praggnanandhaa claimed the
fourth position in the tournament with 19 points.

Max Verstappen beats Lando Norris to win the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix 2024
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen won the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix 2024 defeating McLaren’s Lando Norris
who finished on the second spot. The Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix was held on 19th May 2024 in Imola,
Italy. This was the 59th Formula 1 win of his career and third consecutive win in Imola, Italy.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc clinched the third position while McLaren’s Oscar Piastri finished
fourth in the race.

Magnus Carlsen Won the Casablanca Chess Tournament 2024; Anand Secured 3rd
Position
Five-time World Champion & 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.
✓ The tournament featured 4 distinguished players who represented 4 different continents i.e.
Vishwanathan Anand (Asia), Bassem Amin (Africa), Hikaru Nakamura (America) and Magnus
Carlsen (Europe).
✓ Hikaru Nakamura from United States of America (U.S.A.) secured 2nd position with 3.5 points. 5-
time World Champion and Indian Chess Player, Vishwanathan Anand secured the 3rd position
with 3 points.

IOC Launched “Let’s Move India” Campaign to inspire people to celebrate Athletes at
Paris Olympics
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) in partnership with Reliance Foundation and
Abhinav Bindra Foundation has launched “Let’s Move India” campaign, inviting everyone to
embrace the joy of movement and to celebrate athletes participating at the 2024 Olympic
Games scheduled to be held in Paris, France.

Iran’s Bardiya Daneshwar won Sharjah Masters 2024; India's Divya Deshmukh won
Challengers 2024 Title
Bardiya Daneshwar, a 17-year-old Iranian chess grandmaster(GM), won the Masters title at the
Sharjah Masters 2024, the 7th edition of the International Chess tournament, held in Sharjah, the
United Arab Emirates(UAE) from 14th to 22nd May 2024.
 ✓ Divya Deshmukh, an 18-year-old Indian Chess International Master (IM), won the Challengers
title at the Sharjah Masters 2024. Leya Garifullina (Russia) and Sina Movahed (Iran) finished at
the 2nd and 3rd respectively.

Dipa Karmakar Becomes 1st Indian Gymnast to Win Gold Medal at Asian Gymnastics
Championships 2024
Dipa Karmakar (from Tripura) has become the first Indian gymnast to win a gold medal in the
women’s vault apparatus at the Asian Gymnastics Championships 2024 (11th Senior Women Artistic
Gymnastics Asian Championships) held from 24th to 26th May 2024 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
✓ Kim Son-hyang and Jo Kyong-byol of North Korea finished with the silver and bronze medals
respectively.

BOOKS & AUTHORS

BOOK NAME AUTHOR KEY NOTES
Just A Mercenary? : Dr. Duvvuri Subbarao Dr. Duvvuri Subbarao, former Governor of the
Notes from My Life Reserve Bank of India (RBI), launched his
and Career memoir titled ‘Just A Mercenary? : Notes from
My Life and Career’. The book was published by
Penguin Random House India and narrates
about Dr Subbarao's career.
At The Wheel of Anuradha Mascarenhas Anuradha Mascarenhas, Senior Assistant Editor,
Research: An The Indian Express, has penned a new book titled “At
Exclusive The Wheel of Research: An Exclusive Biography
Biography of Dr. of Dr. Soumya Swaminathan”. The book is
published by Bloomsbury Publishing India Pvt. Ltd.
Soumya
✓ This book outlines the life journey of
Swaminathan
Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, the inaugural
Chief Scientist at the World Health
Organisation (WHO) (2019 to 2022) and the
former Director General(DG) of the Indian
Council of Medical Research (ICMR) (2015 to
2017).
She is the daughter of
Dr. Monkumbu Sambasivan (MS) Swaminathan,
the agricultural scientist popularly known as the
“Father of the Green Revolution in India”.
 OBITUARY
NATIONAL
PERSON NAME FIELD BORN PLACE KEY NOTES
Shaikh Renowned Urdu Maharashtra Passed away at the age of 83. He was
Abdussalam Abdurrazzaq litterateur and born in 1941 at Panvel, Raigad
known by his pen name Sahitya Akademi district, Maharashtra.
Salam Bin Razzaq Award winner He won the Sahitya Akademi
(2004) Award for his Urdu short stories
collection, ‘Shikasta Buton Ke
Darmiyan’, in 2004.
Moosa Raza Padma Bhushan Tamil Nadu Who served as Chief Secretary of
Awardee Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) from 1988
to 1990, passed away at the age of
87 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu(TN). He
was born on 27th February 1937 in
Villupuram district in TN. He was
honoured with Padma Bhushan for
Civil service in 2010.
He penned his autobiography
titled “Of Giants and Windmills:
An Autobiography” in 2023.
Surjit Singh Hunjan Padma Shri Punjab A renowned Punjabi poet known by
Awardee his pen name ‘Surjit Patar’ passed
away at the age of 79 in Ludhiana,
Punjab. He was born on 14th
January 1945 in Pattar Kalan village,
Jalandhar, Punjab.
He received Padma Shri in 2012 for
his contributions to literature and
education. He also received other
prestigious awards like
Saraswati Samman by K.K. Birla
foundation (2009),
Panchnad Puruskar by
Bhartiya Bhasha Parishad (1999),
Kusumagraj Literary Award
(2014).
Varugeese Koshy Chess trainer Kerala Passed away at the age of 66 in
and Kerala's Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN). He was
first International born 3rd October 1958 in Adoor,
Master Pathanamthitta district, Kerala.
Varugeese secured the
Fédération Internationale des
Échecs (FIDE) title - International
Master (IM) in 1993.
Dr. Birubala Rabha Padma Shri Assam A renowned Anti-witch hunting
Awardee crusader, passed away at the age of
75 in the State Cancer Institute (SCI)
at Guwahati Medical College
Hospital (GMCH), Guwahati,
Assam. She was born in 1954 at
Thakurvila village in Goalpara,
Assam.
✓ Birubala Rabha formed an
organisation, 'Mission
Birubala' in 2012 to create
awareness among people
against the social evil and all
forms of superstitious
beliefs, which saved lives of
55 victims in Majuli,
Kokrajhar, Goalpara and
Tinsukia districts.
Rabha was awarded Padma Shri in
2021, recognising her work to
protect lives in rural India. She was
nominated for the Nobel Peace
Prize in 2005 by The Swiss Peace,
Switzerland under the project '1000
Women'.
Sushil Kumar Modi Senior Bharatiya Bihar Passed away at the age of 72 in New
Janata Party Delhi, Delhi. He was born on 5th
(BJP) leader and January 1952 in Patna, Bihar. He
former Bihar also served as finance minister of
Bihar from 2005-2013 and 2017-
Deputy Chief
2020 and as Deputy CM of Bihar for
Minister (CM)
over 11 years across 2 stints, the 1st
from 2005 to 2013, and then from
2017 to 2020
Malti Joshi Padma Shri Maharashtra A renowned author, storyteller
awardee passed away at the age of 90. Joshi
was awarded the prestigious ‘Padma
Shri’ in 2018, recognising her
contributions to literature and
education.
Malti Joshi was born on 4th June,
1934 in Aurangabad, Maharashtra.
She was Popularly known as ‘Malwa
ki Meera’.
Dr Kamla Beniwal A veteran Rajasthan Passed away at the age of 97 at a
Congress leader private hospital in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
and former She was born on 12th January 1927
Gujarat Governor in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan.
 ✓ She served as the Governor
of Tripura from October
2009 to November 2009. She
became the first female
governor of any state in
Northeast India.
She has also served as the
Governor of Gujarat (2009
to 2014) and Mizoram (July
2014 to August 2014) and as
Deputy Chief minister of
Rajasthan.
At the age of 27, she became the
first woman minister in
Rajasthan. Beniwal was awarded
the ‘Tamra Patra Award’ by then
Prime Minister of India, Indira
Gandhi.
Narayanan Vaghul Renowned Indian Madras, British Passed away at the age of 88 in
Banker and India Chennai, Tamil Nadu (T.N.). He was
Former Chairman awarded the Padma Bhushan,
of ICICI Bank India’s 3rd highest civilian honour,
in 2010 in the Trade and Industry
category.
He was the youngest person to
became the chairman of Bank of
India (BOI) in 1981. He was the
Chairman of ICICI (then ICICI
Limited) from September 1985 to
April 2009. He became Chairman of
ICICI Bank in 2002 following the
merger of ICICI with the Bank.

INTERNATIONAL
PERSON NAME FIELD BORN PLACE KEY NOTES
Ebrahim Raisi Iran's 8th Iran Died in a helicopter crash in northwestern Iran
President (Iran-Azerbaijan border), Following his death
Iran's 1st Vice President Mohammad Mokhber
was appointed as Interim President of Iran for
50 days (before mandatory presidential
elections).
✓ Iran’s government cabinet also appoints
Deputy Foreign Minister Ali
Bagheri Kani as acting foreign minister
after the death of Hossein Amir-
Abdollahian in the crash.
Mohammad Mokhber's elevation to
presidential office will be subject to the
 approval of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali
Khamenei
Frank Anderson Chairman USA Frank Anderson Shrontz, Chairman
Shrontz Emeritus of The Emeritus of The Boeing Company, the
Boeing Company global aerospace manufacturers based in
the United States of America (USA), passed
away at the age of 92. He was Born in 1931
and raised in Boise, Idaho, USA.
Roger William American film USA Passed away at 98 in Santa Monica,
Corman producer, California, the United States of America
director, and (USA). He was born on 5 April 1926 in
actor Detroit, Michigan, USA. In 2009, he was
awarded an Honorary Lifetime Academy
Award (Oscar) for his unparalleled
contribution to nurturing aspiring
filmmakers, surpassing the impact of any
film school.
Alice Laidlaw Canadian writer Ontario Who won the Nobel Prize in Literature
Munro passed away at 92 in Port Hope, Ontario,
Canada. She was born on 10 July 1931 in
Wingham, Ontario. In 2013, she was
awarded The Nobel Prize in Literature as
a "Master of the contemporary short story."
In 2009, Alice Munro received the Man
Booker International award at Trinity
College Dublin, in Dublin, Ireland.
Fred Roos Oscar- California Passed away at 89 in Beverly Hills,
winning American California, the United States of America
Film Producer (USA). He was born on 22 May 1934, in
and Casting Santa Monica, California. Fred Roos(co-
Director producer) received the Academy Award
(Oscar) for Best Picture at the 47th
Academy Award in 1975 for producing the
film “The Godfather Part II”
Jan Andrzej Oscar-winning Poland Passed away at the age of 71 in Krakow in
Paweł Kaczmarek Polish music southern Poland. He was born on 29th April
composer 1953 in Konin, Poland. Kaczmarek won the
Academy Awards (Oscar) for the best
original musical score for the movie
‘Finding Neverland’ during the 77th
Academy Awards (2005).
Richard M. Oscar winning USA Passed away at the age of 95 in Beverly hills,
Sherman American California, United States of America (USA). He
Songwriter was born on 12th June 1928, in New York City,
USA.
 He has partnered with his brother Robert B.
Sherman, and won two Academy Awards
(Oscar) for the best music score and best
original song for ‘Chim Chim Cher-ee’ in the
Disney film 'Mary Poppins’ in 1965.
Albert Stotland Renowned Oscar Canada Passed away at the age of 94 at the UCLA
Ruddy winning Canadian Medical Center in Los Angeles, United States of
Film Producer America (USA). He was born on 28th March
1930 in Montreal, Canada.
✓ In 1973, he won the Academy Award
(Oscar) for the Best Picture for the film
‘The Godfather’ (1972) at the 45th
Academy Awards.
He also won an Oscar for the Best Picture
for the film ‘Million Dollar Baby’ (2004) at
the 77th Annual Academy Awards held in
2005

IMPORTANT DAYS
OBSERVED DATE / DAYS KEY NOTES
WEEK
April 19, 2024 Satellite Technology Annually observed across India on 19 April to
Day highlight the achievements made in satellite
technology. The Day commemorates the successful
launch of India's first satellite 'Aryabhata' into space
on 19 April 1975. STD-2024 marks the beginning of
the 50th year of the Aryabhata Launch.
On April 19, 1975, India’s first indigenously
developed satellite, Aryabhata, was launched by a
Soviet Kosmos-3M rocket from Kapustin Yar,
Russia.
April 24 to 30, 2024 World Immunization Annually observed across the globe in the last week
Week (WIW) of April to highlight the crucial efforts required to
protect individuals from vaccine-preventable diseases.
World Immunization Week 2024 was observed from
24 to 30 April 2024.
WIW 2024 commemorates the 50th anniversary of
the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Essential
Programme on Immunization (EPI). The theme of
World Immunization Week 2024 is “Humanly
Possible: Immunization for All”.
April 30, 2024 Ayushman Bharat Annually observed across India on 30th April to raise
Diwas awareness about the objectives of the Ayushman
Bharat, a flagship scheme of the Ministry of Health
and Family Welfare(MoHFW), Government of India.
 About Ayushman Bharat
✓ Ayushman Bharat was launched as
recommended by the National Health Policy
2017, to achieve the vision of Universal Health
Coverage (UHC).
✓ Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi launched
the scheme in Ranchi, Jharkhand on 23rd
September 2018.
✓ The scheme has 2 inter-related components:
• Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs);
and
• Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
(PM-JAY)
April 30, 2024 United Nations (UN)’s Annually observed across the globe on 30th April to
International Jazz Day highlight jazz and its role in diplomatic relations of
uniting people around the world. The Global Host of
2024 International Jazz Day celebration is the city of
Tangier,
The 1st ever International Jazz Day was observed
on 30 April 2012.
May 1, 2024 International Workers' Annually observed across the globe on 1 May to
Day (also known as promote worker's rights and honour the
International Labour contribution of workers in every industry and
Day) field to society. In 1889, The Second International,
an organisation of socialist and labour parties,
announced that May 1 would be marked as
International Workers' Day.
May 2, 2024 World Tuna Day The United Nations (UN)’s World Tuna Day is
annually observed across the globe on 2nd May to
spread awareness of the importance of tuna, one of the
most economically important fish species. It play a
vital roles in food composition and nutrition of
humans.
✓ The 1st ever World Tuna Day was observed on
2nd May 2017.
May 3, 2024 United Nations (UN)’s Annually observed across the globe on 3rd May to
World Press Freedom celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom
Day and evaluate press freedom worldwide. 3rd May 2024
marks the 31st anniversary of World Press Freedom
Day.
2024 theme: “A Press for the Planet: Journalism is
the Face of the environmental crisis”.
UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press
Freedom Prize 2024
The Palestinian journalist covering Gaza have
been named the laureates of the 2024
UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press
 Freedom Prize. The Award Ceremony was held
on 2 May 2024 during the World Press Freedom
Conference in Santiago, Chile.
May 3, 2024 International Leopard Annually observed across the globe on 3rd May to
Day raise awareness about the conservation and
protection of leopards, the most adaptable of the big
cats, and their habitats worldwide.
✓ Leopards are listed as “Vulnerable” in the
International Union for the Conservation of
Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species,
with some subspecies classified as Critically
Endangered.
India is home to 13,874 leopards, Madhya Pradesh
leads with 3,907 leopards, followed by Maharashtra,
Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
May 3, 2024 International Sun Annually observed across the globe on 3rd May to
Day (also known as raise awareness about the significant benefits of solar
World Sun Day) energy in fostering a greener and healthier planet and
promoting eco-friendly energy. Sun Day was proposed
by Denis Hayes, an American environmental advocate
and proponent of solar power.
To commemorate International Sun Day 2024, The
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE),
Government of India (GoI), organised a ‘Run for Sun’
Marathon at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi,
Delhi on 3rd May 2024
May 4, 2024 International Annually observed across the globe on 4 May to
Firefighters' Day acknowledge the sacrifices of firefighters and
honour their dedication to keeping communities
and environments safe. May 4 also marks St
Florian’s Day, named after St Florian (250-
304AD), the patron saint of firefighters and a
high-ranking Roman Army officer. The first IFFD
was observed on 4 May 1999.
May 5, 2024 World Laughter Day World Laughter Day (WLD) is annually observed
across the globe on the 1st Sunday of May to raise
awareness about the significance of laughter, a
universal language transcending barriers, and its
various health benefits. World Laughter Day 2024 falls
on 5 May 2024.
The theme for World Laughter Day 2024 is
“Laughter Unites Us All.”
May 5, 2024 International Day of the Annually observed across the globe on 5 May to
Midwife recognise and acknowledge the contribution of
midwives, the healthcare professionals worldwide.
International Day of the Midwives was 1st celebrated
 on 5 May 1991 and has since been observed in over 50
nations globally.
The 2024 theme of International Day of the
Midwife is, "Midwives: A Vital Climate
Solution."
May 5, 2024 World Hand Hygiene Annually observed across the globe on 5 May to
Day spread awareness about the importance of knowledge
and learning about hand hygiene at the right times to
prevent a range of infectious diseases.
The theme of WHHD 2024 is “Promoting
knowledge and capacity building of health and
care workers through innovative and impactful
training and education, on infection prevention
and control, including hand hygiene.”
May 5, 2024 World Portuguese Annually observed across the globe on 5 May to raise
Language Day awareness of the Portuguese language, one of the most
widely used languages of the Indo-European family,
and its role in and contribution to the preservation
and dissemination of human civilization and culture.
UNESCO celebrated the 1st World Portuguese
Language Day on 5th May 2020.
May 5, 2024 African World Heritage Annually observed across the globe on 5 May to
Day celebrate African culture and heritage by raising
awareness of the benefits of its promotion and
preservation and the related challenges faced by the
African continent.
✓ 5th May 2024 marks the observance of the
9th edition of African World Heritage Day.
The theme of AWHD 2024 is “Safeguarding
Africa’s Heritage through Education”.
The observance of AWHD is led by the United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO) in collaboration with the
African World Heritage Fund (AWHF) and its
partners.
May 5, 2024 World Cartoonist Day Annually observed across the globe on 5 May to
celebrate and honour cartoonists worldwide and
recognise their contributions to society. World
Cartoonist Day was established by the National
Cartoonist Society (NCS) in 1990, to highlight the
significance of cartooning in society.
May 6, 2024 International No Diet Annually observed across the globe on 6th May to
Day promote body positivity, self-acceptance, and the
acceptance of all body shapes and sizes, as well as
raise awareness about the dangers of extreme dieting.
✓ The symbol of International No Diet Day is a
light blue ribbon.
 The theme of INDD 2024 is "Embrace Yourself:
Reject Diet Culture, Love You”
May 7, 2024 World Asthma Day World Asthma Day (WAD) is annually observed
across the globe on the 1st Tuesday of May to raise
awareness of Asthma, one of the most common
chronic non-communicable diseases (NCD), affecting
both children and adults. World Asthma Day 2024 was
observed on 7th May 2024. The theme of WAD 2024 is
“Asthma Education Empowers”.
The 1st World Asthma Day was observed by GINA
in 1998. The annual observance of WAD is led by
Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA).
May 7, 2024 65th Border Roads The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) annually
Organisation Raising celebrates its Raising Day on 7 May to commemorate
Day the establishment of the BRO in 1960. The Day aims to
recognise the organisations' personnel and invite all
ranks to continue to excel in constructing and
maintaining roads and bridges in the border area. 7th
May 2024 marks the observance of the 65th Raising
Day of BRO.
The Union Cabinet decided to constitute the
BorderRoads Development Board (BRDB), under
the chairmanship of the Prime Minister. The
BRDB was re-constituted in 1985 with the
Defence Minister as the chairman.
May 7, 2024 World Athletics Day Annually celebrated across the globe on 7th May to
promote the participation of youths in athletics. The
day aims to raise awareness about the benefits of
physical activity and encourage young and school
children to take up athletics.
✓ The theme for World Athletics Day 2024 is
“World Mile Challenge”.
The 1st ever World Athletics Day was observed on
15th May 1996. The annual observance is led by
the World Athletics.
May 8, 2024 World Red Cross and Annually observed across the globe on 8th May to
Red Crescent Day honour and thank the volunteers and staff of the
International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
The day also celebrates the principles of the
International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
The theme of World Red Cross and Red Crescent
Day 2024 is “Keeping Humanity Alive”. The 1st
'International Red Cross Day,’ was celebrated on
May 8, 1948.
May 8, 2024 International Annually observed across the globe on 8 May to raise
Thalassaemia Day (also awareness about Thalassaemia, an inherited blood
 known as World disorder that causes your body to have less
Thalassaemia Day) hemoglobin than normal.
The theme of International Thalassaemia Day
2024 is “Empowering Lives, Embracing
Progress: Equitable and Accessible
Thalassaemia Treatment for All”. The
observance is led by the Thalassaemia
International Federation (ΤΙF).
May 8 to 9, 2024 Time of Remembrance The United Nations (UN) annually marks the 8th and
and Reconciliation for 9th of May as the Time of Remembrance and
Those Who Lost Their Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives
Lives during the Second during the Second World War, to pay tribute to all
victims of the Second World War (WWII) (from 1939
World War
to 1945).
✓ 2024 marks the 79th anniversary of the end
of the Second World War.

May 10, 2024 United Nations (UN) Annually observed across the globe on 10 May to
International Day of create awareness and promote the major role of the
Argania Argan tree (Argania spinosa), a native species of the
sub-Saharan region of Morocco, which grows in arid
and semiarid areas.
✓ The 2024 theme of International Day of
Argania is, "The Argan Tree facing the
challenges of climate change."
10 May 2024 marks the observance of the 4th
International Day of Argania. The 1st ever
International Day of Argania was observed on
10th May 2021.
May 11, 2024 National Technology Annually observed across India on 11 May to honour
Day the remarkable achievements of the nation’s scientists,
engineers, innovators, and others involved in the field
of Science and Technology, and celebrate and
recognise the major technological advancements of
India.
✓ This Day also commemorates the anniversary
of the successful nuclear test (Pokhran II) in
Pokhran, Rajasthan under the assigned code
name Operation Shakti in 1998. 11 May 2024
marks the 26th year of National Technology
Day.
✓ Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2024: The
Government of India (GoI) has introduced the
prestigious “Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar” (RVP)
to honour remarkable contributions to Science,
Technology, and Innovation.
 Award Categories: Vigyan Ratna (VR); ii.Vigyan
Shri (VS); iii.Vigyan Yuva: Shanti Swarup
Bhatnagar (VY-SSB) Award; and iv.Vigyan Team
(VT) Award.
May 11, 2024 World Migratory Bird World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD), the United
Day Nations (UN)-backed campaign is biannually
observed across the globe on the 2nd Saturday in
May and October, to raise awareness of migratory
birds and the need for international cooperation to
conserve them and their habitats.
✓ The theme of WMBD 2024 is, "Protect
Insects, Protect Birds".
WMBD 2024 falls on 11th May 2024 and 12th
October 2024.
May 12, 2024 United Nations (UN)’s Annually observed across the globe on 12 May to raise
International Day of global awareness of the importance of protecting plant
Plant Health (IDPH) health to end hunger and reduce poverty, protect
biodiversity and the environment, and boost economic
development.
✓ The theme of IDPH 2024 is “Plant Health, Safe
Trade, and Digital Technology”.
12th May 2024 marks the observance of the 3rd IDPH.
The 1st ever International Day of Plant Health was
observed on 12 May 2022.
May 12, 2024 International Nurses Annually observed across the globe on 12th May to
Day (IND) honour the contributions of nurses to society and
recognise their role in the overall healthcare system.
IND commemorates the birth anniversary of a English
nurse, social reformer, and statistician Florence
Nightingale (also known as the founder of modern
nursing).
The theme of International Nurses Day 2024 is “Our
Nurses. Our Future. The economic power of care”.
May 15, 2024 United Nations (UN)’s Annually observed across the globe on 15th May to
International Day of raise awareness and highlight issues relating to
Families families and to increase the knowledge of the social,
economic, and demographic processes affecting
families.
✓ 15th May 2024 marks the observance of the
International Day of Families 2024. The theme
of International Day of Families 2024 is
“Families and Climate Change”.
The year 2024 marks the 30th anniversary of the
International Year of the Family (1994). The 1st
ever International Day of Families was observed
on 15 May 1994.
May 16, 2024 United Nations Annually observed across the globe on 16 May to
(UN) International Day mobilise the efforts of global communities to promote
of Living Together in peace, tolerance, inclusion, understanding, and
Peace solidarity.
The first-ever International Day of Living
Together in Peace was observed on 16 May 2018.
May 16, 2024 International Day of The International Day of Light (IDL) is a global
Light initiative annually observed across the globe on 16
May to acknowledge the pivotal role of light in science,
culture, art, education, and sustainable development
and impact diverse fields including medicine,
communications, and energy.
16th May 2024 marks the 7th edition of the
UNESCO’s International Day of Light. The first-
ever International Day of Light was observed on
16 May 2018.
May 16, 2024 National Dengue Day Annually observed across India on 16 May to spread
awareness about Dengue, a mosquito-borne viral
infectious disease, and to promote preventive
measures to combat Dengue.
✓ The 2024 theme of the National Dengue Day
is, “Connect with Community, Control
Dengue.”
The annual observance of National Dengue Day is
led by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
(MoH&FW).
May 17, 2024 United Nations (UN) Annually observed across the globe on 17 May to raise
World awareness of the benefits of the Internet and other
Telecommunication and information and communication technologies (ICT).
Information Society Day WTISD 2024 was observed under the theme:
(WTISD) "Digital Innovation for Sustainable
Development."
May 17, 2024 World Health Annually observes the World Hypertension Day
Organization (WHO) (WHD) on 17 May to increase awareness of
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure (BP),
and stimulate global action to combat high blood
pressure.
The 2024 theme of WHD is, "Measure Your Blood
Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer."
WHL 2024 Excellence Awards:
✓ On WHD 2024, the WHL recognised the WHL
2024 Excellence Award Winners for their
contributions to global hypertension
prevention and control.
✓ Indian Recognitions in the WHL 2024
Excellence Awards are:
 Norman Campbell Excellence Award in
Population Hypertension Prevention and
Control: Professor (Dr) Balram Bhargava, Chief of
Cardiothoracic Centre, All India Institute of
Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, and
President, National Academy of Sciences.
May 17, 2024 Endangered Species Annually observed across the globe on the 3rd Friday
Day (ESD) in May, to raise awareness about the endangered
species, an animal or plant that is considered at risk of
extinction. ESD 2024 was observed on 17th May
2024. This marks the 19th annual observance of the
day.
✓ The theme of ESD 2024 is “Celebrate Saving
Species”.
ESD 2023 was observed on 19 May 2023 and
ESD 2025 will be observed on 16 May 2025.
May 17, 2024 International Day Annually observed across the globe on 17 May to
Against Homophobia, commemorate the day on which the World Health
Transphobia, and Organization(WHO) decided to declassify
Biphobia homosexuality as a mental disorder.
The theme of International Day Against
Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia 2024 is
“No One Left Behind: equality, freedom and
justice for all”.
May 18, 2024 International Museum Annually observed across the globe on 18 May, to
Day (IMD) increase public awareness of the role of museums in
the development of society and recognise their role in
education, and heritage preservation.
The 2024 theme of IMD is, “Museums for Education
and Research.”

May 18, 2024 World AIDS Vaccine Annually observed across the globe on 18th May to
Day (WAVD), also raise awareness about the significance of Human
known as HIV Vaccine immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) infections in
Awareness Day (HVAD) preventing Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
(AIDS).
✓ 18th May 2024 marks the observance of the
27th annual HIV Vaccine Awareness Day
(HVAD).
The red ribbon is the universal symbol of
awareness and support for people living with HIV.
May 20, 2024 United Nations (UN) Annually observed across the globe on 20 May to raise
World Bee Day awareness about the importance of bees and
beekeeping globally and the significance of pollinators,
the threats they face, and their contribution to
sustainable development.
 World Bee Day 2024 was focused on the theme
"Bee Engaged with Youth." The 1st World Bee
Day was observed on 20 May 2018.
May 20, 2024 World Metrology Day Annually observed across the globe on 20 May to raise
(WMD) awareness about Metrology, the science of
measurement, and its application and to highlight the
importance of measurement science in our daily lives.
20 May 2024 marks the official recognition of WMD
by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The theme for World Metrology Day 2024 is
"Sustainability." The 1st celebration of WMD
took place on 20 May 2000.
May 21, 2024 United Nations (UN)’s Annually observed across the globe on 21st May to
World Day for Cultural celebrate the richness of the world's culture and
Diversity for Dialogue underscore the importance of its diversity.
and Development The UNGA resolution follows the Universal
Declaration on Cultural Diversity adopted by
UNESCO in 2001. The 1st ever World Day for
Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
was observed on 21st May 2003.
May 21, 2024 United Nations (UN)’s Annually observed across the globe on 21st May to
International Tea Day promote sustainable production and consumption of
(ITD) tea and highlight the role of tea cultivation in
combating hunger and poverty.
21st May 2024 marks the observance of the 5th
ITD. The 1st UN-recognised International Tea
Day was observed on 21 May 2020. ITD is
observed by the Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.
May 21, 2024 National Anti-Terrorism Annually observed across India on 21 May to mark the
Day death anniversary of former Prime Minister (PM)
Rajiv Gandhi, who was assassinated in 1991 at
Sriperumbudur, a village near Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
21 May 2024 marks the 33rd death
anniversary of the 6th PM of India, Rajiv Gandhi
(1984 to 1989). In 1992, the Government of India
(GoI) decided to observe 21 May as National
Anti-Terrorism Day to honour the memory of
Rajiv Gandhi.
May 22, 2024 United Nations (UN) Annually observed across the globe on 22nd May to
International Day for increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity
Biological Diversity issues and to promote the conservation of biological
(IDB) diversity.
 The theme of IDB 2024 is “Be part of the Plan”.
The first ever International Day for Biological
Diversity was observed on 22nd May 2002
May 18, 2024 International Day for Annually observed across the globe on 18 May to
Women in Maritime celebrate and honour the contributions of women in
(IDWIM) the maritime industry and promote women's
recruitment, retention, and sustained employment in
the sector.
✓ The annual event of IDWIM is initiated by the
International Maritime Organization (IMO) of
the United Nations (UN).
✓ The 2024 theme of IDWIM is, "Safe
Horizons: Women Shaping the Future of
Maritime Safety."
IMO has presented the inaugural IMO Gender
Equality Award 2024 to Ms. Despina
Panayiotou Theodosiou (Cyprus), during an
event.
May 23, 2024 United Nations (UN) Observed across the globe on 23 May to raise
International Day to awareness about obstetric fistula, one of the most
End Obstetric Fistula serious and tragic childbirth injuries that can affect
both the mother and the child.
The 2024 theme of International Day to End
Obstetric Fistula is “Breaking the Cycle:
Preventing Fistula Worldwide”. The first-ever
International Day to End Fistula was marked on
23 May 2013.
May 23, 2024 World Turtle Day World Turtle Day is annually observed across the
globe on 23 May to celebrate and protect turtles and
tortoises, one of the world’s oldest creatures, and their
disappearing habitats worldwide.
The theme of World Turtle Day 2024 is "Let's
Party" with rescue favourites Bunkl, Spinner, and
Evil waking up from hibernation.
May 23, 2024 United Nations (UN) Annually observed across the globe on the Day of the
International Day of Full Moon in May. It is the most sacred day for
Vesak, (also known as millions of Buddhists globally.
Buddha Purnima or ✓ In 2024, the International Vesak Day, or
Buddha Purnima was observed on 23 May
Buddha Jayanti in India)
2024.
✓ Buddha Purnima 2024 marks the 2586th
birth anniversary of Gautam Buddha.
✓ The first-ever UN-recognized International
Day of Vesak Day was observed in 2000.
The 2024 event marked the 25th anniversary of
the UNGA resolution, which internationally
recognised Vesak Day.
May 24, 2024 United Nations (UN) Observed across the globe on 24th May 2024 to raise
International Day of the awareness and promote the conservation of Markhor
Markhor (Capra falconeri), an iconic and ecologically significant
species, and its natural habitat.
The Markhor is the largest of the wild goat species
in the world with broad hooves and spiral horns.
It is the national animal of Pakistan since 1972
May 24, 2024 Commonwealth Day Annually observed by people all over the
(formerly Empire Day) Commonwealth in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and
Americas, the Pacific, and Europe on the 2nd
Monday of March. But, India and certain other
Commonwealth nations observes the
Commonwealth Day on 24th May.
May 24, 2024 World Schizophrenia Annually observed across the globe on 24 May to
Awareness Day raise awareness about Schizophrenia, a serious
mental illness affecting 24 million people
worldwide. World Schizophrenia Awareness
Day also known as Pinel Day, was established
by the National Schizophrenia Foundation
(NSF), a not-for-profit agency, in honour of
French physician Dr. Philippe Pinel.
May 25, 2024 United Nations (UN)’s Observed across the globe on 25th May 2024 to
World Football Day 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.
On 7th May 2024, the United Nations General
Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution
A/RES/78/281, proclaiming the 25th May of
every year as World Football Day. The resolution
was initiated by Bahrain, Libya and Tajikistan and
was subsequently unanimously adopted by 170
nations at the UNGA.
May 25, 2024 International Day of Annually observed across the globe on 25 May to
Missing Children or commemorate the missing children, including those
International Missing who have subsequently been found, and to raise
Children's Day (IMCD) awareness about the issue of missing children.
This Day is now widely known as Missing
Children’s Day, with the “forget-me-not flower”
as its emblem.
May 25, 2024 World Thyroid Day Annually observed across the globe on 25 May to raise
(WTD) awareness about the significance of the thyroid gland,
a vital endocrine (hormone-producing) gland, and to
 educate people on thyroid diseases and their
symptoms.
✓ WTD forms part of International Thyroid
Awareness Week (ITAW) (25-31 May 2024),
supported by the global, non-profit network of
patient organisations known as Thyroid
Federation International (TFI).
The theme of the ITAW-WTD 2024 is "Non-
Communicable Diseases (NCDs)". The Blue
Paisley Ribbons are used as the symbol for
Thyroid Awareness.
May 28, 2024 World Hunger Day Annually observed across the globe on 28th May to
raise awareness about the condition of millions of
people, who do not have access to proper food. The
2024 campaign theme of World Hunger Day is,
“Thriving Mothers. Thriving World.” The 1st ever
World Hunger Day was observed on 28th May 2011.
✓ The GRFC 2024 report, Published by the Food
Security Information Network (FSIN),
highlights the significant challenge of ending
hunger by 2030. According to the report:
In 2023, 281.6 million people (21.5% of the
analysed population) in 59 countries/territories
faced high levels of acute food insecurity.
May 28, 2024 International Day of Annually observed across the globe on 28 May to
Action for Women's ensure women’s health and well-being worldwide,
Health (also known as particularly in terms of their Sexual and Reproductive
International Women’s Health and Rights (SRHR).
The 2024 observance focussed on “Mobilising in
Health Day)
Critical Times of Threats and Opportunities”.
May 28, 2024 World Menstrual World Menstrual Hygiene(MH) Day is a global
Hygiene(MH) Day campaign annually observed across the globe on 28th
May to raise awareness about the importance of good
Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) and address
the issues women and girls encounter during
menstruation.
✓ On the occasion of World MH Day, the World
Health Organisation (WHO)/UNICEF Joint
Monitoring Programme (JMP) for WASH,
launched a report titled “Progress on
drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene in
schools 2000-2023: special focus on
menstrual health.”
✓ Only 2 out of 5 schools (39%) worldwide
provide menstrual health education, with
higher rates in secondary schools.
Globally, less than 1 in 3 schools (31%) have bins for
menstrual waste, dropping to 17% in the least
 developed countries, and only 1 in 10 schools (11%) in
sub-Saharan Africa.
May 29, 2024 International Day Annually observed across the globe on 29th May to
of United Nations (UN) pay tribute to the professionalism, dedication, and
Peacekeepers courage of UN peacekeepers, the uniformed civilian,
military, and police personnel all working together to
protect civilians.
✓ 29 May 2024 marks the 76th anniversary of
UN Peacekeeping, which began in 1948 when
the UN Security Council (UNSC) authorised the
deployment of UN military observers to the
Middle East.
✓ The theme of International Day of UN
Peacekeepers 2024 is “Fit for the Future:
Building Better Together”.
✓ Indian Military Naik, Dhananjay Kumar
Singh, who served with the UN Stabilisation
Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo
(MONUSCO), was honoured
posthumously with the UN Dag Hammarskjöld
Medal for 2024.
Indian Army peacekeeper, Major Radhika Sen, was
conferred with the 2023 Military Gender Advocate of
the Year Award.
May 29, 2024 World Digestive Health World Digestive Health Day (WDHD) is a public
Day (WDHD) advocacy and awareness campaign, annually observed
across the globe on 29 May to raise awareness of the
prevention, prevalence, diagnosis, management, and
treatment of digestive diseases or disorders
worldwide.
✓ The 2024 theme of WDHD is, "Your Digestive
Health: Make It A Priority".
29 May 2024 marks the 66th anniversary of the
foundation of WGO. The 1st ever WDHD was
observed on 29 May 2004.
May 29, 2024 International Everest Annually observed across the globe on 29th May to
Day commemorate the first-ever successful summit of
Mount (Mt) Everest in 1953 by Sir Edmund Hillary,
a mountaineer from New Zealand, and Tenzing
Norgay, a Sherpa from Nepal.
✓ 29th May 2024 marks the 71st anniversary
of the 1953 Mt Everest Summit.

May 30, 2024 United Nations (UN)’s Observed across the globe on 30th May 2024 to raise
first-ever International awareness of the various nutritional, economic,
Day of Potato environmental, and cultural values of the Potato
(Solanum tuberosum), the 3rd most consumed food
crop globally.
 ✓ The annual observance of the day is
facilitated by the Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
The theme of the inaugural International Day of Potato
2024 is “Harvesting diversity, feeding hope”.
May 30, 2024 World Vape Day (WVD) Annually observed across the globe on 30th May to
raise awareness about the alternatives to tobacco
products, and emphasise the safety of e-cigarettes and
vaping as a harm reduction tool for smokers.
The theme of 2024 WVD is “Misperception
Epidemic”.
WVD on 30 May falls just a day before "World No
Tobacco Day" (May 31), proclaimed by the World
Health Organisation (WHO).

APPS & WEB PORTAL

APP & WEB NAME LAUNCHED BY PURPOSE
Google Wallet Google Google has launched Google Wallet, a secure and
private digital wallet for all Android users in India to
store cards, passes, tickets, keys, or IDs. Google Wallet in
India will not support payment-related features. Google
Pay, Google’s mobile payment app, will continue to serve
the payment needs of users in India.
The Google Wallet application was first launched in
2011. In 2015, it was succeeded by Android Pay as a
replacement for Google Wallet. In 2018, Google
announced a merger between Google Wallet and
Android Pay application creating Google Pay.
TCPay Thomas Cook Mumbai(Maharashtra) based Thomas Cook (India)
(India) Limited Limited (TCIL) has introduced the ‘TCPay’, a new
(TCIL) digital service designed to simplify the
international money transfers. 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
Disaster Reporting Assam A digital platform for accurate reporting and
and Information assessment of damages caused by disasters. The
Management System digital platform was developed in collaboration with
(DRIMS) United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) which
captures critical impact indicators of damages
during disasters and assists in providing relief and
rehabilitation grants to the impacted beneficiaries.
National Health Claim Ministry of Health To simplify the process of filing health insurance claims.
Exchange (NHCX) and Family Welfare It aims to foster transparency and ensure
(MoHFW) interoperability of health insurance claims and help to
enhance the efficiency of the health insurance sector.
The NHCX is developed by the National Health
Authority (NHA) and it has been developed as part
of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).
PRAVAAH portal, RBI Shaktikanta Das Governor of Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Shaktikanta
Retail Direct Mobile Das launched 3 major initiatives namely - Platform for
Application and a Regulatory Application, Validation and Authorisation
Fintech Repository (PRAVAAH) portal, RBI Retail Direct Mobile
Application and a Fintech Repository. The main
objective of these initiatives is to enhance regulatory
processes, facilitate retail investment and to provide
comprehensive data on the fintech sector.
✓ These 3 initiatives were announced by RBI in its
bi-monthly statement on Development and
Regulatory Policies in April 2023, April 2024 and
December 2024 respectively.
RBI has also launched a related repository “Emtech
Repository” only for RBI Regulated Entities (REs)
i.e. Banks and Non-Banking Financial Companies
(NBFCs) on their adoption of emerging technologies
such as: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine
Language (ML), Cloud Computing etc.

ENVIRONMENT
Batillipes Chandrayaani: New Tardigrade Species Discovered from Coast of TN; Named
After Chandrayaan-3 Mission
Researchers from the Department of Marine Biology, Cochin University of Science and Technology
(CUSAT) in Kochi, Kerala, have discovered a new species of marine tardigrade
“Batillipes Chandrayaani”, named after the Chandrayaan-3, in the intertidal beach sediments at
Mandapam Coast, Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu(TN).
✓ Batillipes Chandrayaani marks the 39th species, described under the Batillipes genus and
belongs to the phylum tardigrade.

Peucetia chhaparajnirvin: New Green Lynx Spider Discovered from Rajasthan

Atul Bodkhe, Daryapur-based arachnologist has identified a new green lynx spider species named
Peucetia chhaparajnirvin from Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary in Churu District, Rajasthan.The new
species was named “chhaparajnirvin “ after the Tal Chhapar where it was discovered by Nirmala
Kumari and Vinod Kumari.
Ablennes joseberchmansis & Ablennes gracalii: ICAR-CMFRI Kochi Identifies 2 New
Needlefish Species from Indian Waters
Researchers at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Central Marine Fisheries Research
Institute (CMFRI) in Kochi (Kerala) have identified 2 new species of needlefish named “Ablennes
joseberchmansis” and “Ablennes gracalii” from Indian waters.
✓ Ablennes joseberchmansis is named after Toji Thomas’s Alma mater -St. Berchamn’s College
(Kerala) and his teacher.
✓ Ablennes gracalii has been named after Toji Thomas' mother Grace and his friend Alina.
Glyptothorax punyabratai: ICAR-NBFGR Discovers New Catfish Species in Arunachal Pradesh
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)- National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR),
the apex institute for fish genetic resources in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, discovered a new catfish
species named Glyptothorax punyabratai from the Brahmaputra River drainage in Arunachal
Pradesh.
The species is named after Dr. Punyabarata Das, the founding director of ICAR-NBFGR, to commemorate
his substantial contributions to fisheries research.

Ligdus Garvale: New Spider Species Identified in Karnataka

A team of naturalists have discovered Ligdus Garvale, a new species of jumping spider which was
found in Garvale village of the Kodagu district, Karnataka. It marks the second recorded instance of
the Ligdus genus in 129 years whereas the first, Ligdus Chelifer, was reported from Myanmar by Thorell
in 1895.

Emblica chakrabartyi: New Plant Species Discovered in Kerala

A team of scientists has discovered the new plant species ‘Emblica chakrabartyi’ from Adichilthotti
within the Edamalayar forest range of Kerala. 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.

Oedocladium sahyadricum: New Algal Species Discovered in Western Ghats

Phycologists from the Department of Botany, Catholicate College in Pathanamthitta, Kerala, has
discovered Oedocladium sahyadricum, a new algal species in the natural forests (Western Ghats) of
Kumbhavurutty region in Kollam district, Kerala. The name ‘sahyadricum’ refers to the ‘Western
Ghats’, also known as Sahyadri.

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