NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Government
to provide 30% financial support for Green Shipping promotion: Union Minister of Ports, Sarbananda Sonowal has informed that
the government will provide financial support of 30% for the promotion of
Green Shipping. In addition, Green Hydrogen hubs will be
developed at the Deendayal Port (Kandla) and Chidambaranar Port
(Tuticorin). Under the Green Tug Transition program, two tugs each will be
procured for the Jawaharlal Nehru, VO Chidambaranar, Paradip, and Deendayal
ports. A portal will be designed for cruise bookings.
2. Assam
Governor releases book ‘Partitioned Freedom’: Assam
Governor, Gulab Chand Kataria has released a book titled ‘Partitioned
Freedom’ at an event in Guwahati. This book was written by Ram
Madhav and published by Prabhat Prakashan Pvt. Ltd. This book offers
great insights into the events that unfolded during 1905 and the
pre-independence era. Ram Madhav is an Indian Politician, Author, and thinker. His
other books: Uneasy Neighbours: India and China After 50 Years of the War
and Asahaj Pados
3. Vizag
dist launched health insurance scheme for special children: In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the District Collector of Visakhapatnam
district, Dr. A Mallikharjuna has launched the Niramaya Health
Insurance scheme. Beneficiary: Children suffering from autism, cerebral
palsy, mental retardation, multiple disabilities, and others The money for
the scheme was arranged from Sanjivani Nidhi (funds for which were donated
by government employees on New Year's Day). The insured person would get 1
lakh a year for health-related issues
4. MP
becomes first state in country to provide free air travel to pilgrims: Madhya Pradesh has become the first state in the country
to conduct pilgrimage by air on government expenditure, under
the Mukhya Mantri Teerth-Darshan Yojana. Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh
Chouhan has flagged off a regular Indigo flight carrying a batch of 32
senior citizens on pilgrimage to Prayagraj (UP) from Bhopal (MP) via flight. A help
center was also set up at the airport for the convenience of the
passengers.
5. GRSE’s
launched ‘GAINS’ Startup Challenge:
Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd launched GRSE
Accelerated Innovation Nurturing Scheme (GAINS) 2023 in Kolkata. Aim: To
identify and encourage the development of innovative solutions toward
technological advances in shipbuilding by Startups Focus: AI,
Renewable/Green Energy, Energy Efficiency, and Efficiency Enhancement It was
launched by G Surya Prakash, Assistant Manager (Finance) of GRSE. GRSE
was established as a Category 1 Mini Ratna Company.
6. Himachal
Pradesh govt to formulate Green Hydrogen policy:
The Himachal Pradesh government has formulated the ‘Green Hydrogen’
policy to promote the use of green hydrogen and establish the
state as a leading hub for its production. It aims to attract investments
in large-scale renewable energy projects, ensuring a consistent and sustainable
supply of green electricity for electrolysis. The government has
already signed an MoU with Oil India Limited to enable the production
of green hydrogen and green ammonia on a pilot basis.
7. India to host 44th ISO COPOLCO Plenary: India will host the 44th edition of the annual ISO COPOLCO
Plenary from 23-26 May 2023, by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and
Public Distribution. The event to be held in New Delhi will be inaugurated by
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. Organized by the Bureau of Indian
Standards (BIS), the grand event will include interactive sessions and
workshops on relevant topics, apart from various activities aimed at enhancing
consumer engagement in the standardization process. It will also feature a
distinguished presence of leaders from government and business sectors, as well
as an international delegation of eminent global stakeholders.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Arab
League Summit in Jeddah adopts Jeddah Declaration:
The 32nd Arab League Summit has been concluded in Jeddah, Saudi
Arabia with the adoption of the Jeddah Declaration This
declaration focuses on fostering Arab unity and addressing various
regional challenges. Highlights: The unanimous decision to readmit Syria
to the Arab League The declaration emphasizes the need for increased pan-Arab
efforts to assist Syria in resolving its ongoing crisis It also proclaims
the Arab League's commitment to the Arab Peace Initiative
2. India-US
Working Group on Education and Skill Development launched: Ministry of Education and the US Department of State launched
the India-US Working Group on Education and Skill Development. Aim: To
enhance cooperation and collaboration between the two countries in the field of
education and skill development The working group exchanged perspectives
on skill development and vocational education, certification and
recognition, partnerships between US and Indian higher educational
institutions, and engaging with the private sector.
3. TCS
announces Generative AI partnership with Google Cloud: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has expanded its partnership
with Google Cloud to launch TCS Generative AI. It leverages
Google Cloud’s generative AI services. It is designed and deployed for
custom-tailored business solutions that help clients harness the power of
this new technology to accelerate their growth. It is powered by Google
Cloud’s Generative AI tools – Vertex AI, Generative AI Application Builder
and Model Garden, and TCS’ own solutions.
4. World
Turtle Day 2023: 23rd May: The non-profit organization, American
Tortoise Rescue (ATR) celebrates World Turtle Day on May
23 every year. Reason: To raise public awareness regarding the need
to protect turtles, tortoises, and their rapidly diminishing habitats 2023
theme: I love Turtles The theme highlights the critical need to conserve
these species and their future in the face of dwindling habitats. According
to ATR, around 61% of turtles worldwide are threatened or already extinct.
5. Financial
Times global ranking puts IIMK among top four schools in India: According to the Financial Times Ranking 2023, IIM
Kozhikode has been placed among the top 4 schools in India
and among the top 75 schools worldwide for its Open Enrolment Executive
Education Programme. IIM Kozhikode has been ranked 72 among the top
75 providers of open-enrolment executive programs globally. While IIM
Ahmedabad ranked 45, IIM Bangalore at 47, and Indian School of Business at
65. Topped by: Iese Business School, Spain, followed by HEC Paris.
6. PM Modi addresses 76th Session of the World Health
Assembly in Geneva: The Prime Minister, Narendra
Modi has addressed the 76th Session of the World Health Assembly in
Geneva, Switzerland. India shipped almost 300 million doses of COVID-19
vaccines to over 100 countries including many countries from the Global South. India’s
commitment to international cooperation and informed that the country shipped
almost 300 million doses of covid-19 vaccines to over 100 countries including
many countries from the Global South. India’s vision for good health is ‘One
Earth One Health’, which extends to the entire ecosystem including animals and
plants.
7. India & Saudi Arabia to conduct Naval Exercise AL
MOHED AL HINDI 2023: INS TARKASH and INS SUBHADRA have arrived in Saudi Arabia to participate
in the AL MOHED AL HINDI 2023 naval exercise. The exercise will involve the
participation of naval forces from both countries and focus on joint operations
and training. The inaugural edition of the exercise was successfully conducted
in 2021. The exercise encompasses a series of exercises conducted on land and
at sea by the two friendly navies. Accompanying INS TARKASH is the INS
SUBHADRA, a patrol vessel of the Sukanya class. This vessel has served as a
test bed for the Dhanush ship-launched ballistic missile, as well as associated
stabilization and launch platforms.
8. 22 May – International Day for Biological Diversity: International Day for Biological
Diversity is observed every year on 22 May. Objective – To raise
awareness and understanding of biodiversity issues with the urgent need for its
conservation. Theme 2023 – From Agreement to Action: Building Back
Biodiversity The day provides an opportunity to educate people worldwide about
the importance of biodiversity. It highlights the value of diverse ecosystems,
species, and genetic resources for the well-being of humanity and the planet. The
day falls within the scope of the UN Post-2015 Development Agenda’s Sustainable
Development Goals. The United Nations designated 22 May as the International
Day for Biodiversity (IDB) to promote understanding and awareness of
biodiversity issues.
9. 23 May – World Turtle Day: World Turtle Day is observed annually
on May 23. Objective – To raise awareness about the need to protect
turtles and tortoises and their nesting sites around the world. The day also
urges citizens, law enforcement agencies, policy members and governments to
stop the illegal turtle trade. The celebration of World Turtle Day was
initiated by the non-profit American Tortoise Rescue organization in the year
2000. The organization was founded in Malibu, California in 1990 by Susan
Tellem and Marshall Thompson.
10. 23 May – International Day to End Obstetric Fistula: International Day to End Obstetric
Fistula is observed every year on May 23. Objective – To raise
awareness about this preventable and treatable condition and to mobilize
support for affected women. The day provides an opportunity to advocate for
increased investment in maternal healthcare, access to quality obstetric care,
and the eradication of obstetric fistula. It is an international holiday for
gathering support and spreading awareness about obstetric fistula, a
childbirth-related injury that majorly affects women in poor economic regions. The
International Day to End Obstetric Fistula was first observed on May 23rd,
2013. It was designated by the United Nations General Assembly to raise
awareness about obstetric fistula and to promote actions towards its
prevention, treatment, and eventual elimination.
OTHER UPDATES:
SPORTS
1. Neeraj
Chopra becomes World Number 1 in Men's Javelin Throw rankings: As per the latest rankings released by World
Athletics, Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra has become
the new world number one in the men’s javelin throw with 1455 points. Anderson
Peters from Grenadian ranked second, followed by Jakub Vadlejch, and Julian
Weber. Neeraj Chopra also became the first Indian to win a gold medal in a
track and field event at the Tokyo Olympics. In 2023,
he won the Diamond League in Doha with a
world-leading effort of 88.67m.
2. Daniil Medvedev wins maiden clay court title at
Italian Open 2023: In the Italian Open final, world number three
tennis star Daniil Medvedev defeated Holger Roon to win his first
claycourt title. In the men’s singles final, the Russian player defeated
the 20-year-old Danish player 7-5, 7-5. This is Medvedev’s fifth title of 2023
and the win has lifted him above Novak Djokovic to the second spot in the world
rankings. Overall, he captured 20 career titles. He will also be the second
seed at the French Open, which starts at Roland Garros on 28th of this month. Hugo
Nieves and Jan Zielinski have captured the men’s doubles title in Rome. The
Monegasque-Polish pair won their first ATP Masters 1000 title by defeating Robin
Haase and Bottic van de Zandschulp 7-5, 6-1 in the men’s doubles final. The
Australian-Belgian pair of Storm Hunter and Elise Mertens defeated top-seeded
Americans Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula 6-4 6-4 to become the women’s doubles
champions.
3. China claims record 13th Sudirman Cup title: China has claimed a record 13th
Sudirman Cup title defeating South Korea 3-0 at Suzhou. Chen Yufei defeated
World Number two An Se Young 21-16,22-20, in the women’s singles to seal the
victory. In the men’s singles, Korea’s Lee Yun Gyu was easily outmatched by Shi
Yuqi. The tournament is one of badminton’s most important because performances
will count towards qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
4. BCCI announces Adidas as Team India’s kit sponsor: The Board of Control for Cricket in
India (BCCI) announced that the Indian national cricket team had
secured a new kit sponsorship deal with the renowned German sportswear
powerhouse, Following the termination of the three-year agreement between the
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and global sportswear giant Nike
in 2020, a new era commenced with the signing of a partnership between the BCCI
and MPL Sports, the sports merchandise brand of Mobile Premier League. This
partnership aims at facilitating access to high-quality Indian cricket fan
merchandise, including the coveted Indian cricket team jersey for cricket fans
not just in the country but globally. India will be hosting the ICC Cricket
World Cup this year from October-November.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. Paytm
Money launches bond investing: Paytm Money has
launched the most advanced bond platform for retail investors in India. This
platform will simplify debt investing for individuals. Investors
can invest in three types of bonds – government, corporate, and
tax-free on Paytm Money. It provides all relevant information on one
platform to investors. Investors can find all information related to
coupon vs yield, clean price vs dirty price, coupon frequency, and coupon
record dates on one dashboard.
2. RBI approved Rs 87,416 crore dividend payout to Centre
for FY23: The Reserve Bank of
India has approved Rs 87,416 crore dividend payout to the
central government for 2022-23, nearly triple of what it paid in the
previous year. The dividend payout was Rs 30,307 crore for the accounting
year 2021-22. The decision was taken at the 602nd meeting of the Central Board
of Directors of RBI held under the chairmanship of Governor Shaktikanta Das. The
board approved the transfer of Rs 87,416 crore as surplus to the central
government for accounting year 2022-23, while deciding to keep the Contingency
Risk Buffer at 6 percent. The board also reviewed the global and domestic
economic situation and associated challenges, including the impact of current
global geopolitical developments.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Thalapathy
Vijay wins Best Actor Award at Osaka Tamil Film Festival, Japan: Thalapathy Vijay received the Best Actor Award at the Osaka
Tamil International Film Festival held in Japan.
He was
awarded for his performance in 'Master' (directed by Lokesh
Kanagaraj), released in 2021 While Kangana Ranaut has bagged
the Best Actress Award for her performance in Thalaivii.
Other
winners:
· Best Tamil Film: Sarpatta Parambarai
· Best Director: Pa. Ranjith (Sarpatta Parambarai)
· Best Supporting Actor: K. Manikandan
· Best Supporting Actress: Lijomol Jose
2. Chandigarh bags first rank in National Water Award
2022: Chandigarh has received the first
rank in the best Urban Local Body category of the National Water
Award 2022. The Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, River
Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation declared the 4th National Water Award in
2022. The Ground Water Augmentation Awards and National Water Awards were
launched in 2007 to encourage all stakeholders for adopting innovative
practices of groundwater augmentation through rainwater harvesting.
OBITUARIES
1. Actor
Sarath Babu passes away: Veteran actor Sarath Babu has passed
away at 71 from Multi-Organ failure. He has primarily worked in Tamil and
Telugu films and was known for his roles in 'Annamalai' and 'Muthu'. He
has appeared in more than 200 films, including Kannada, Malayalam, and
Hindi films. He started his career in 1973 through a Telugu film and
later became popular through the Tamil film 'Nizhal Nijamagiradhu',
directed by K Balachander.
He was honored with eight state Nandi Awards.
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