Daily GK Update- 1st Jun, 2024

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. NSE Indices launches India’s first EV index to facilitate: Index provider NSE Indices launched a new thematic index called Nifty EV & New Age Automotive index. The 33-stock index will track the performance of companies which form a part of the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem or are involved in the development of new-age automotive vehicles or related technology. Bajaj Auto, Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra and Maruti Suzuki are the top four components of the index.

 

2. India Endures Second-Hottest Year on Record in 2023:
India’s temperatures rose incredibly quickly in 2023, making it the second-hottest year on record since records started 122 years ago. All four seasons, including winter and summer, had unusually high temperatures during this time. Record-Breaking Temperatures Across the Nation A ..

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Adani Ports signs 30-year concession pact to operate Tanzania Port Terminal: Marking its third foray into international ports, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) will operate and manage Container Terminal 2 at the Dar es Salaam Port, Tanzania, through its subsidiary Adani International Ports Holdings Pte Ltd. The concession agreement for 30 years has been signed with the Tanzania Ports Authority. Through a joint venture formed with Abu Dhabi Ports Group and East Harbour Terminals Ltd last year, India’s largest port operator has also bought the Hong Kong-base

 

2. 1 June – Global Day of Parents: The Global Day of Parents is observed on 1 June every year. The United Nations General Assembly established this day in 2012 to express international awareness about the importance of parenthood and to promote the healthy development of children by their parents. The day was established to highlight the parents’ significant role in their children’s development and promote their healthy growth and development. The General Assembly also emphasized the importance of parental support and involvement in the education and development of children.

 

3. 1 June – World Milk Day: World Milk Day is celebrated every year on 1 June. This day is dedicated to the dairy industry and the products they sell. It is a day to start a conversation about how accessible, affordable, and nutritious milk is around the world. World Milk Day, established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, has been observed across the world since its inception in 2001. Milk is a staple of many cultures, and it is used in a variety of ways, including drinking, cooking, and making ice cream. It is also a significant source of calcium, vitamin D, and potassium, which are essential nutrients for human health.

 

4. World Health Assembly Approves Global Organ Transplant Strategy: The 77th World Health Assembly made news when it approved a draft resolution to make organ donations, including those using tissues and human cells, more available around the world. This project is aware of the differences in the number of.

 

5. Zelenskyy Secures Military Pacts With Sweden, Norway: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine recently signed long-term security agreements with Sweden and Norway. These agreements show that Western countries are committed to helping Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia. At the time of this event, Western partners were

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. England’s Brydon Carse banned for three months for betting violations: England paceman Brydon Carse has been banned from all cricket for three months for betting violations. Brydon Carse, who signed an England central contract in October, accepted the charges of placing 303 bets on various cricket matches between 2017 and 2019. Carse, who signed an England central contract in October, accepted the charges of placing 303 bets on various cricket matches between 2017 and 2019, though not on games in which he was playing.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. NASA, ESA Develop Standardized Lunar Time System: Under the Artemis program, NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) are working together to set up a regular time system for the moon. The goal of this new idea is to help people go back to the Moon soon, ..

 

2. OpenAI Unveils ChatGPT Edu for Universities: OpenAI recently announced the release of ChatGPT Edu, a more advanced version of its AI-powered robot designed to work in school settings. Their newest technology, GPT-4o, is at the heart of this project, which started on May 30. Its goal ..

 

3. DoT Plans Drone, Balloon Trials for 5G Emergency Connectivity: Currently, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is looking into new ways to use drones and tethered balloons to quickly restore 5G connection after emergencies and natural disasters. In these kinds of situations, normal internet services can get interrupted, and this

 

 

 

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. India’s fiscal deficit in FY24 improved to 5.6% of GDP: Govt data: India’s fiscal deficit stood at Rs 16.54 lakh crore in FY24 as against the budgetary target of Rs 17.86 lakh crore. With this, the fiscal gap has reached 95.3 per cent of the budgetary target, data from the Comptroller General of Accounts showed. The central government’s fiscal deficit stood at 5.6 per cent of GDP in FY24, below the revised estimate of 5.8 per cent. The centre’s net tax receipts for FY24 were higher than projected at Rs 23.27 lakh crore, and 100.1 per cent of the year’s target.

 

2. Canara Bank gives approval to dilute 14.50% stake in insurance unit: Canara Bank has granted an approval for initiating the process of diluting its 14.50 per cent stake in its subsidiary Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company Ltd. The bank has accorded approval for initiating the process of diluting 14.50 per cent stake of the Bank in its subsidiary Canara HSBC Life Insurance by listing the company in Stock Exchanges (BSE/NSE) through initial public offer (IPO). Earlier in the day, the lender’s Board approved the raising of Rs 8,500 crore via debt instruments (Additional Tier I / Tier II Bonds) for the financial year 2024-25.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. NIMHANS awarded Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion for 2024
: The National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru has been awarded the Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion for 2024 by the World Health Organization (WHO). The institute is an Institute of National Importance under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya congratulated the institute, highlighting that it is a recognition of India’s efforts in inclusive healthcare. The Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion, established by WHO in 2019, recognizes individuals, institutions, governmental or non-governmental organizations that have demonstrated remarkable contributions to health promotion.

 

Daily GK Update- 31st May, 2024

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Mines Ministry organizes Workshop on Granites and Marble Mining: Ministry of Mines organized a workshop on Granite and Marble mining in Bengaluru. V L Kantha Rao addressed the inaugural session of workshop. Additional Chief Secretary & Development Commissioner, Government of Karnataka, Dr. Shalini Rajneesh delivered the keynote address on the occasion. This initiative, driven by data collected from central agencies, aims to enhance transparency and efficiency in the mining sector.

 

2. Sourav Ganguly became Chief Guest for Supply Chain Conference 2024: Sourav Ganguly, ex-BCCI President, has been named the Chief Guest for the International Procurement and Supply Chain Conference in Mumbai, 2024. The conference will host 400+ delegates, focusing on “India Tomorrow: Economic Supremacy” to enhance India’s economy. The prestigious IPSC Awards 2024 will be presented, recognizing excellence in supply chain management.

 

3. Government raises Retirement & Death Gratuity Limits to 25 Lakh: The maximum limit of retirement gratuity and death gratuity has been revised by the government from 20 lakh to 25 lakh rupees. Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions has issued an official memorandum in this regard. The revised limit will come into effect from 1st January 2024.

 

4. Shah Rukh Khan appoints brand ambassador of Muthoot Pappachan Group: Muthoot Pappachan Group (MPG), popularly known as Muthoot Blue, has roped in Shah Rukh Khan as its brand ambassador. This strategic collaboration represents a significant milestone for MPG, reinforcing its brand presence, and a new way of connecting with a diverse audience across the country. Muthoot Pappachan Group is the promoter of leading NBFCs including Muthoot FinCorp Limited (flagship Company of the Group), Muthoot Microfin Limited, Muthoot Capital Services Limited and Muthoot Housing Finance Company Limited. Chairman of the Muthoot Pappachan Group – Thomas John

 

5. IRDAI approves Sandeep Batra as ICICI Prudential Board chairman: The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has approved the appointment of Sandeep Batra, as Chairman of the Board of Directors of ICICI Prudential. The appointment of Batra will be effective from June 30, 2024. Batra has been associated with ICICI group since September 2000 and is currently an Executive Director on the Board of ICICI Bank since July 2018, incharge of Corporate Centre. Batra has also served as Executive Director, CFO at ICICI Prudential life and Group Compliance officer at ICICI Bank.

 

 

 

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. NHAI launches initiative to attract the UAE’s investments for India’s highway expansion: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched an initiative to monetize its infrastructure, seeking investments from the UAE to sustain and enhance India’s expanding national highway network. NHAI’s delegation is conducting high-level meetings and roadshows in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to attract foreign investment via NHAI Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InVITs). At a Dubai roadshow with the Consulate General of India and SBICAPS UAE, Yadav highlighted India’s highway expansion from 70,000 to 140,000 kilometres in a decade, driven by significant government investment.

 

2. 31 May – World No-Tobacco Day: World No-Tobacco Day is observed every year on 31 May. Objective – To raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and advocate for effective policies to reduce consumption. Theme 2024 – Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference In 1987, Member States of the World Health Organization designated 31 May as World No Tobacco Day. This was done to draw attention to the global tobacco epidemic, and the preventable death and disease it causes.

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Armed Forces Medical Services & IIT Hyderabad ink MoU for Collaborative Research and Training: The Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) has signed an MoU with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad to collaborate on research and training. The MoU aims to foster innovation and research in developing novel medical devices and addressing health issues specific to soldiers serving in varied terrains. IIT Hyderabad, with its departments of Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, and Bioinformatics, will provide the necessary technical expertise to tackle the diverse medical challenges faced by the Armed Forces.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. South Korea launches its First Space Agency: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has sanctioned $6 billion in sovereign lending to India in the calendar year 2023. The loan sanctioned by ADB in 2023 will be used to finance urban development projects, promote the power sector, support industrial corridor development, support horticulture, enhance connectivity and build India’s climate resilience. Sovereign means supreme power, and in India the government of India is sovereign. Thus, a sovereign loan means a loan given to the government of India. It includes a loan the ADB gives for a project in a particular state.

 

2. Agnikul launches Agnibaan with India’s first 3D-printed rocket engine: India’s private space industry, Agnikul Cosmos successfully launched its SOrTeD mission, a single-stage launch vehicle demonstration powered by a semi-cryogenic 3D-printed engine. The mission, which lasted approximately two minutes, marked a major achievement for the company and the country in the development of indigenous space technology. The mission featured a 6.2-meter-tall single-stage launch vehicle with an elliptical nose cone and was equipped with advanced avionics architecture and autopilot software developed in-house. The Agnilet engine, the world’s first single-piece 3D-printed semi-cryogenic rocket engine, powered the vehicle.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI imposes Rs 36.38 lakh penalty on HSBC for violating Fema regulations: The Reserve Bank has imposed a fine of Rs 36.38 lakh on foreign lender HSBC for Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) violations. The central bank said reporting requirements under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme of FEMA, 1999 were not followed by HSBC.

 

2. ADB approves $2.6 billion in Sovereign lending to India in 2023: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has sanctioned $6 billion in sovereign lending to India in the calendar year 2023. The loan sanctioned by ADB in 2023 will be used to finance urban development projects, promote the power sector, support industrial corridor development, support horticulture, enhance connectivity and build India’s climate resilience. Sovereign means supreme power, and in India the government of India is sovereign. Thus, a sovereign loan means a loan given to the government of India. It includes a loan the ADB gives for a project in a particular state.

 

3. Capital Small Finance Bank, ICICI Lombard enter into bancassurance tie-up: Capital Small Finance Bank (CSFB) has forged a bancassurance tie-up with ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Ltd.(ICICI Lombard), a private general insurer. Through this collaboration, CSFB will leverage its network and customer base to distribute ICICI Lombard’s suite of general insurance products, including health, motor, home, travel and rural insurance. This partnership will empower the bank’s customers to be adequately risk covered and access our wide suite of innovative and tech-driven insurance solutions. Currently, CSFB has 177 branches spread over 5 States and 1 Union Territory.

 

4. RBI projects 7% Real GDP growth in current financial year: The Reserve Bank of India has projected a 7 percent GDP growth in the current financial year. In its annual report, RBI said the real GDP growth for 2024-25 is projected to grow at 7 per cent with risks evenly balanced.

The Indian economy expanded at a robust pace in fiscal 2024, with real GDP growth accelerating to 7.6 percent from 7 percent in previous year. On May 22, the RBI’s Central Board of Directors approved the transfer of Rs 2.11 lakh crore as surplus to the government for FY 2023-2024.

 

 

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. PFC receives CSR Champion Award 2024: Power Finance Corporation Limited (PFC) has been honoured with the Corporate Social Responsibility award in the Non-Fossil Fuel (NF) business category at the Outlook Planet Sustainability Summit & Awards 2024 held in Goa. PFC’s Chairperson & Managing Director (CMD) Parminder Chopra received the award from the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances’ Secretary V Srinivas in presence of officials from Department of Public Enterprises, IIT Goa and Outlook. The Outlook Planet Sustainability Summit & Awards 2024 brought together senior government policymakers and top management of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) to discuss and showcase exemplary initiatives in sustainability.

 

 

Daily GK Update- 30th May, 2024

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Sanjay Kumar inaugurates Summer Fiesta 2024: Secretary of Department of School Education and Literacy, Sanjay Kumar has inaugurated the month-long “Summer Fiesta 2024” at the National Bal Bhavan, New Delhi. Summer Fiesta is a month-long camp comprising over 30 types of different activities for children aged between 5 to 16 years.It promises a myriad of engaging and innovative activities in the fields of Creative and Performing Arts, Science, and more, ensuring that every child finds something intriguing to explore and learn.The event will also feature eminent artists and guests who will participate in these special programmes, sharing their experiences and delivering captivating performances to inspire the children.

 

2. FICCI organized India Cold Chain and Logistics Summit in New Delhi: Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) organized a summit in New Delhi to enhance India’s cold chain and logistics sector. The summit’s aims to promote collaboration and innovation to develop an integrated, sustainable, and efficient cold chain ecosystem for India’s perishable goods industry. The discussions aim to redefine logistics mechanisms across various sectors, including Pharma, Food, Oil, and Flowers.

 

3. Rakesh Ranjan appointed as Chairman of SSC: IAS Pradip Kumar Tripathi has been appointed as Secretary to Lokpal till 30th June. The Appointment Committee of the Cabinet has also approved the appointment of IAS Rakesh Ranjan as Chairman of Staff Selection Commission (SSC). IAS Amit Yadav of 1991 batch has been appointed as Officer on Special Duty in the department of Social Justice and Empowerment department. He will take over as Secretary after superannuation of incumbent secretary Saurabh Garg on 31st of July.

 

4. Vijay Khanduja appointed as India’s next High Commissioner to Cameroon: Diplomat Vijay Khanduja has been appointed as India’s next High Commissioner to Cameroon. Khanduja is presently posted as the Ambassador of India to Zimbabwe.

 

5. NARCL board recommends P Santhosh as MD & CEO: The board of National Asset Reconstruction Company (NARCL) has recommended P Santhosh for the post of managing director and chief executive officer of the state-owned bad bank. Santhosh has been interim CEO of NARCL since January, soon after N Sundar abruptly resigned as the CEO ahead of his term. Santhosh has been recommended for a three-year term by the NARCL board.

 

6. 30 May – Hindi Journalism Day: Hindi Journalism Day is observed every year on 30 May to honour the start of Hindi journalism that has enabled each person of the country to have access to proper information. The journey of Hindi journalism began on May 30, 1826, with publication of the first Hindi newspaper, ‘Udant Martand,’ started by Pt. Jugal Kishore Shukla. This day is dedicated to the special contribution of Hindi journalists working for public welfare, imbued with truth & courage. The Hindi publication of Udant Martand was a milestone in the history of Indian journalism. Udant Martand was published in Calcutta. The date of publication was May 30, 1826. Hindi Journalism has existed in the country for about 198 years.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Indian mountaineer Satyadeep Gupta becomes first person to scale Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse twice in one season: Indian mountaineer Satyadeep Gupta has scripted history by becoming the first person to scale Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse twice in one season. He also set another record by being the first Indian to traverse from Mt. Everest to Mt. Lhotse in 11 hours and 15 minutes.

Gupta conquered the 8,516 metre-high Mt. Lhotse, followed by towering 8,849 metre-high Mt. Everest. This historic achievement marks the first Double Dual Ascent of the world’s highest and the fourth highest peaks in a single season. Gupta had previously summited Mt Everest on May 21 and Mt Lhotse on May 22.

 

2. India offers $1 million aid to disaster-hit Papua New Guinea: The Government of India has granted $1 million as immediate assistance for Papua New Guinea, which has been hit by a devastating flood and landslip that has so far killed 2,000 people. As a close friend and partner under the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) and as a gesture of solidarity with the friendly people of Papua New Guinea, GoI extends an immediate relief assistance of $1 million to support relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts.

 

3. India assumes Chair of Colombo Process for 2024-26: India assumed the Chair of Colombo Process for 2024-26, for the first time since its inception. India looks to promote safe, orderly and legal migration. Colombo Process is a Regional Consultative Process of migrant worker origin countries from South and South East Asia. It serves as a forum for exchange of best practices on overseas employment.

 

4. 30 May – International Day of Potato: The first ever International Potato Day is observed this year. In December 2023, General Assembly announced that May 30 will be observed as International Potato Day every year. Theme 2024 – Harvesting Diversity, Feeding Hope Potatoes rank among the top five staple food items used throughout the world. The day will be celebrated to highlight the significance of potatoes from the Andean region to the world. The first ever International Potato Day will be observed this year on May 30.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. DRDO Successfully Tests RudraM-II Missile: The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully flight-tested the RudraM-II air-to-surface missile. The missile was fired from a Su-30 MK-I aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) off the coast of Odisha. The missile’s performance was validated through data captured by various range tracking instruments, including electro-optical systems, radar, and telemetry stations set up by the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur and on an on-board ship. RudraM-II is a solid-propelled air-launched missile designed for air-to-surface operations, capable of neutralizing various enemy assets. It incorporates advanced technologies developed by several DRDO laboratories.

 

SPORTS

 

1. India bags seven medals at the Asian Armwrestling Championship 2024: In Arm Wrestling, the Indian contingent has clinched a total of seven medals including one gold and six bronze at the Asian Championship, 2024 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Shrimant Jha, who participated in two categories, was the top performer for India. He won the gold medal in the left-hand para category, while he won the bronze medal in the right-hand para category. In the Masters category, Laxman Singh Bhandari secured two bronze medals, while Sachin Goyal won the bronze medal in the competitive right-hand Senior category. Meanwhile, in the Women’s Right and Left-hand categories, Ibi Lollen from Arunachal Pradesh clinched two bronze medals.

 

2. ICC Players of the Month for April 2024 announced: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the winners of the ICC Player of the Month awards for April 2024. West Indies’s Captain Hayley Matthews has been named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for her exceptional all-round performances that spearheaded the West Indies’ success in Pakistan across both ODI and T20I series. It is the third time that Matthews has claimed the monthly ICC award, with the star all-rounder adding the success in April to previous wins in November 2021 and October 2023. Ash Gardner (four times) is the only player to have won the women’s monthly award on more occasions than Matthews.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. NASA Launches Small Climate Satellite to Study Earth’s Poles: NASA has successfully launched the first of two climate satellites into orbit, designed to study heat emissions at Earth’s poles. The satellite, part of the PREFIRE (Polar Radiant Energy in the Far-InfraRed Experiment) mission, was carried by Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket from the company’s Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand. The PREFIRE mission consists of two shoebox-size cube satellites, or CubeSats, that will measure the amount of heat Earth radiates into space from the coldest and most remote regions on the planet.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. HDFC Bank to stop SMS alerts for small UPI payments: HDFC Bank will stop sending SMS alerts for UPI transitions up to Rs 100 from June 25. The private lender said that SMS alerts won’t be pushed for incoming payments up to Rs 500 from the said date either. UPI transactions require the authorisation of a Personal Identification Number (PIN), a 4-6 digit pass code set by the customers as a security measure to ensure safe and approved transactions. For normal UPI the transaction limit is up to Rs 1 Lakh per transaction. India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions reached an all-time high in 2023, with a total volume of 117.6 billion transactions and a value of Rs 183 trillion.

 

 

Daily GK Update- 29th May, 2024

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Fischer Medical Ventures makes India’s first indigenous MRI system: Chennai-headquartered Fischer Medical Ventures (FMVL) has manufactured its magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems domestically, claiming to be the first company in the country to achieve this. The company is developing its MRI systems at a production facility in the Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ) in Visakhapatnam. AMTZ, India’s premier medical technology park, provides a conducive environment for production, with access to facilities and a skilled workforce.

 

2. Sterlite Technologies partners with Connexin for gigabit broadband: Sterlite Technologies Ltd partnered with UK-based Connexin to help deliver gigabit broadband connectivity in Nottinghamshire. This partnership is part of a £58 million government contract awarded to Connexin under Project Gigabit, aimed at bringing ultrafast broadband to rural areas. The company will utilise its smart fibre deployment services to connect approximately 12,000 hard-to-reach premises in Nottinghamshire, including areas such as Kirkby in Ashfield, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Annesley, and Newark on Trent. The initiative is expected to provide residents with broadband speeds of up to 1 Gbps, per the company.

 

3. Reliance Industries to begin construction on India’s first multimodal logistics park near Chennai: Conceptualised 12 years ago, India’s first Multimodal Logistics Park at Mappedu near Chennai will see the limelight as Reliance Industries starts construction in June. In 2022, the company beat Adani Group to win the bid for the Rs 1,424 crore project on 184.27 acres of land in Tiruvallur district. The project aims to facilitate efficient, cost-effective and value-added logistics services such as cargo aggregation and disaggregation, distribution, intermodal transfer, sorting, packing, and repacking. In 2022, the Centre awarded the contract to Reliance with Prime Minister Narendra Modi laying the foundation stone on May 26, 2022.

 

4. Apurva Chandra appointed as chairperson of Committee A Of 77TH WHA Event: Apurva Chandra, Union health secretary, Government of India, has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Committee A at the 77th World Health Assembly (WHA) by the WHO. Committee A is tasked with facilitating crucial discussions on a range of programmatic topics. These include universal health coverage, public health emergency preparedness and response, antimicrobial resistance, climate change, and sustainable financing for the World Health Organization (WHO).

India’s leadership in Committee A underscores its growing influence in global health governance. The World Health Assembly features sessions from three main committees: Plenary, Committee A, and Committee B.

 

 

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. WHO Organizes ‘Walk The Talk’ Yoga Session Event: For the upcoming occasion of International Yoga Day, Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in Geneva and World Health Organization (WHO) yesterday organised a ‘Walk the Talk’ Yoga session event at Place des Nations. Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra joined by Director General of WHO Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and other senior officers of India delegation joined the event and re-energised themselves with yoga aasanas.

 

2. Purnima Shrestha conquers Mount Everest thrice in a single season: A 32-year-old mountaineer from Gorkha, Nepal, Purnima Shrestha has made history as the first woman in the world to climb Mount Everest three times in the same season, all in just 13 days. Her exceptional triple ascent beats the previous record of any woman summiteer to climb Everest thrice in a single season. She has climbed Everest four times, with a prior summit in 2018.

 

3. Nepal celebrated Its 17th Republic Day: Nepal has celebrated Its 17th Republic Day on 28 May.

Republic Day is associated with people’s movement and aspiration for change from monarchy to make Nepal a republic nation. The Nepal Army, Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force conducted march-past and cultural pageants on the occasion. A Nepal Army helicopter displayed a banner reading ‘Republic Day, 2081’ and cascaded flowers in Tundikhel. After then CPN Maoist’s armed conflict and seven parties’ peaceful movement, then King Gyanendra Shah had restored the House of Representatives on April 24, 2006, thereby returning the rule to the people’s representatives.

 

4. Gaurav Banerjee appoints as new CEO of Sony India: Japan’s Sony has appointed a Walt Disney executive, Gaurav Banerjee, as its new India chief executive to lead its television and other media businesses. Banerjee has resigned from Disney’s India unit where he was the head of content for its streaming service, Hotstar, and head of business for the company’s TV channels in Hindi-speaking markets. Last week, Sony said it was looking for a successor to its current India chief executive, N.P. Singh, who had decided to move on. Sony runs 26 channels in India, from general entertainment to sports and movies, and also a streaming service.

 

5. 29 May – International Day of the UN Peacekeepers: International Day of the UN Peacekeepers is observed every year in 29 May. This day is observed to acknowledge the service and sacrifice of over 4000 peacekeepers who have lost their lives while trying to bring peace in strife-torn areas of the world. Theme 2024 – Fit for the future, building better together. The day also urges the global community to join and strengthen the global movement for peace. The first International Day of the UN Peacekeepers was observed on 29 May 2003.

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. France successfully test fired ASMPA Missile: The French General Directorate of Armaments (DGA) conducted a successful test firing of the enhanced medium-range air-to-surface strategic missile (ASMPA-R). The Air-Sol Medium Range (ASMP/ASMP-A) is an air-launched land-attack supersonic cruise missile that carries a nuclear payload. ASMP-A, an upgraded version of the ASMP, arrived into French service in 2009. This version had an extended range of up to 500 km, and supported a new 300 kt thermonuclear warhead.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Wipro to develop AI driven tech to reduce risks of cardiovascular disease: Wipro has partnered with the Centre for Brain Research (CBR) at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru to develop a personal care engine to reduce and manage the risk of cardiovascular disease by utilizing AI. The collaboration will develop new technologies for prevention and management of long-term health disorders and to provide precision support for these diseases. The personal care engine will focus on reducing and managing the risk of cardiovascular disease and correlated neurodegenerative disorders, by using AI to personalize its interaction with users, optimizing for their long-term health and wellbeing.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI unveils Pravaah portal, Retail Direct Mobile App and FinTech Repository: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched three major initiatives: PRAVAAH portal, Retail Direct mobile app and a Fintech Repository. These initiatives are aimed at enhancing regulatory processes, facilitating retail investment, and providing comprehensive data on the fintech sector.

 

2. Poonawalla Fincorp launches Co-Branded Credit Card with IndusInd Bank: Poonawalla Fincorp Limited, in collaboration with IndusInd Bank, has launched the co-branded ‘IndusInd Bank Poonawalla Fincorp eLITE RuPay Platinum Credit Card’, a card designed to redefine and elevate the banking experience of customers. With this co-branded credit card launch, Poonawalla Fincorp marks a significant milestone in their ongoing commitment to providing tailored financial solutions to meet the evolving needs of their valued customers. Objective – To enhance engagement with our existing customers digitally while also extending our reach to new customers.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Major Radhika Sen receives UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award: Major Radhika Sen, an Indian peacekeeper deployed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has been named the United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year for 2023. The prestigious award recognizes her outstanding service and efforts to empower local communities, especially women and girls, during her tour of duty from March 2023 to April 2024. Serving with the UN peacekeeping mission MONUSCO as the Commander of the Engagement Platoon for the Indian Rapid Deployment Battalion i