09th May, 2024

1. India’s exports of medical consumables and disposables have surged by about 60 percent to USD 1.6 billion in the fiscal year 2022-23 from USD 1.08 billion in 2019-20, according to data shared at the Meditech Stackathon 2024 conference held in Delhi by Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP).
2. The Maharashtra Forest Department plans to relocate eight tigers from the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) in Chandrapur to the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR).
3. Kerala health officials confirmed cases of West Nile fever in Kozhikode, Thrissur and Malappuram districts of Kerala.
4. AstraZeneca announced the global withdrawal of its Covid-19 vaccine, Vaxzevria.
5. The Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB) India and the International Financial Services Centre Authority (IFSCA) have recently signed a MoU
6. 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.
7. Infosys has been certified with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 42001:2023, the world’s first international standard on AI management systems, by TUV India, a leading independent provider of technical quality and safety services.
8. Google has launched its wallet service in India, which can be used as a digital wallet to store boarding passes, loyalty cards, tickets, public transport tickets, and gift cards.
9. SEBI has extended the settlement scheme period for illiquid stock options (ISO) till June 10.
10. Telefonica Germany is making a significant move by transitioning one million 5G customers to the Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud.
11. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has issued guidelines for verifying merchant details on acquiring banks for BHIM Aadhaar Pay.
12. The Indian Army’s Kharga Corps, part of the Army’s Western Command, recently concluded a three-day joint military exercise Gagan Strike-II with the Indian Air Force (IAF) in Punjab.
13. The Pulitzer Board announced the winners of the 108th Pulitzer Prize (2024) under categories such as Journalism, Books, Drama and Music, and Special Citations.
14. The Border Roads Organization (BRO) has celebrated its 65th Raising Day on May 07, 2024
15. World Athletics Day is annually celebrated across the globe on 7th May to promote the participation of youths in athletics.
16. World Asthma Day (WAD) is annually observed on the 1st Tuesday of May,
17. International Thalassemia Day is observed annually on May 8th to raise awareness about thalassemia, a severe blood disorder, and to honor the resilience of those affected by it.
18. Anandana, (name of the Coca-Cola India Foundation) announced its first-ever partnership with Hockey India, for the National Women’s Hockey League 2024 the inaugural edition of the tournament.
19. The government of Sri Lanka has signed a 20-year power purchase agreement with Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) for the development of 484-megawatt wind power stations in the northeast region of Sri Lanka

National News

1. India is now a net exporter of medical consumables and disposables
   • What: India’s exports of medical consumables and disposables have surged by about 60 percent to USD 1.6 billion in the fiscal year 2022-23 from USD 1.08 billion in 2019-20, according to data shared at the Meditech Stackathon 2024 conference held in Delhi by Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP).
     • The event was organized by the DoP, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII),
     • Aim: The event aims to decrease medical related import dependence from the current 75 percent to 50 percent within the next five years.
   • Tell me more:
     • According to the DoP exports surpassed imports in consumables and disposables last year, yet the overall MedTech sector experienced an import surge.
       • The import was driven primarily by countries like the US, China, and Germany.
     • The data also indicates a reduction in imports of medical consumables and durables to USD 1.09 billion in 2022-23 from USD 1.47 billion in 2020-21.
     • India currently ranks as the 4th largest market for medical devices in Asia and among the top 20 globally.
       Source: Economic Times

State News

1. Maharashtra to translocate Eight tigers to Sahyadri Tiger Reserve
   • What: The Maharashtra Forest Department plans to relocate eight tigers from the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) in Chandrapur to the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR).
   • Why: To boost the tiger population, the State Forest Department aims to introduce tigers from other forests.
     • The tiger population in this region has been low due to factors such as poaching, a poor prey base, and habitat changes.
       Source: Indian Express

2. Cases of West Nile fever reported in Kerala
   • What: Kerala health officials confirmed cases of West Nile fever in Kozhikode, Thrissur and Malappuram districts of Kerala.
     • Kerala reported the first case of West Nile fever in 2011
   • West Nile fever is a mosquito-borne disease caused by the West Nile virus (WNV).
   • First found in 1937 in the West Nile district of Uganda, hence named so.
     Source: India Today

International News

1. AstraZeneca withdraws Covid vaccine globally
   • What: AstraZeneca announced the global withdrawal of its Covid-19 vaccine, Vaxzevria.
   • Why: The firm has accepted in the British High Court, that the vaccine can cause rare side effects like blood clots and low platelet counts.
     • However, AstraZeneca has said that the withdrawal is not related to the vaccine’s safety profile. However, the UK court litigation is the main reason for the withdrawal.
   • Tell me more:
     • Developed by: AstraZeneca and Oxford University
       • In India it was produced by the Serum Institute of India (SII) as Covishield
     • The company will begin the withdrawal of the marketing authorization for the vaccine from Europe.
       Source: Live Mint

Banking and Economy

1. FPSB India, IFSCA sign pact to promote GIFT IFSC as ‘Global Finance Hub’
   • What: The Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB) India and the International Financial Services Centre Authority (IFSCA) have recently signed a MoU
   • Why: The MoU has been signed to promote GIFT-IFSC as a “Global Finance Hub”
     • Talent development: It aims to improve the financial market ecosystem and nurture skilled professionals to cater to the needs of the expanding financial workforce of GIFT City.
       Source: Times of India

2. Canara HSBC Life Insurance launched the Promise4Growth plan
   • What: 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.
     • ULIPS or Unit Linked Insurance Plans help you to serve two goals in a single product: investment and insurance. It provides you with a life cover and also lets you reap the benefits of the stock market, debt funds, or both, as the case may be.
   • Tell me more:
     • The product offers 3 plan options: Promise4Wealth, Promise4Care, and Promise4Life, each aligned with different savings goals and life stages.
       Source: Canara HSBC
3. Infosys Receives ISO 42001:2023 Certification for Artificial Intelligence Management System
   • What: Infosys has been certified with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 42001:2023, the world’s first international standard on AI management systems, by TUV India, a leading independent provider of technical quality and safety services.
   • Tell me more:
     • Infosys is among the first IT services companies globally to have earned the certification for implementing an Artificial Intelligence Management System (AIMS) framework
       • It fosters responsible AI practices and adherence to regulatory requirements for enhanced efficiency and accountability in AI initiatives.
     • Infosys implemented the AIMS framework as part of its Topaz Responsible AI Suite, ensuring responsible AI practices and regulatory compliance.
       • The Infosys Topaz Responsible AI Suite aims to monitor and safeguard AI models and systems while promoting responsible AI adoption across enterprises.
         Source: Infosys
4. Google launches wallet app in India
   • What: Google has launched its wallet service in India, which can be used as a digital wallet to store boarding passes, loyalty cards, tickets, public transport tickets, and gift cards.
   • Tell me more:
     • The Google Wallet app won’t allow users to store payment cards and access the tap-and-pay feature in stores.
     • India will be the only country where Google Pay and Wallet will work separately.
     • Promotional steps: To promote the Google wallet, the company has partnered with 20 brands including PVR & INOX, Air India, Flipkart, Kochi Metro, and Abhibus, among others.
       Source: The New Indian Express
5. Sebi extends settlement scheme period till June 10 in illiquid stock option cases
   • What: SEBI has extended the settlement scheme period for illiquid stock options (ISO) till June 10.
     • ISO Settlement Scheme is a settlement opportunity to those entities that have executed trade reversals in the stock options segment and against whom adjudication proceedings have been initiated and are pending before any forum or authority.
       • A trade reversal refers to the cancellation or reversal of a previously executed trade.
     • Tell me more:
       • Extended date: The scheme began on March 11, was scheduled to conclude on May 10.
         • However, due to significant interest from entities, it has been extended until June 10, 2024.
       • Target area: The scheme specifically targets entities involved in reversal trades in the stock options segment on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) during the period from April 1, 2014, to September 30, 2015.
       • Benefits to the participating entities: By participating in the scheme, these entities can settle the legal proceedings and avoid further delays in legal processes or expenses.
         Source: Economic Times

     
     

6. AWS breaks into Europe 5G networks with Telefonica deal
   • What: Telefonica Germany is making a significant move by transitioning one million 5G customers to the Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud.
     • It is a global first move, where an existing mobile operator (Telefonica Germany) will switch its core network to a public Cloud (AWS).
   • Tell me more:
     • Telefonica Germany is a subsidiary of the Spanish group Telefonica.
     • The benefit of this transition: A public Cloud will cut costs, increase scale, and allow repairs to be done without service disruption.
     • Sectoral growth: Global telecom Cloud market is expected to reach $108.7 billion by 2030 from $19.7 billion in 2021
       Source: Business standard
7. Banks to verify details for BHIM Aadhaar Pay
   • What: The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has issued guidelines for verifying merchant details on acquiring banks for BHIM Aadhaar Pay.
     • BHIM Aadhaar pay is an Aadhaar based payments interface which allows real time payments to Merchants using Aadhaar number of Customer & authenticating him/her through his/her biometrics
   • Why: The NPCI wants to stop fraud in payment systems that use Aadhaar for making payments.
   • Tell me more:
     • Who’s Responsible for Verifying Merchants: The NPCI says it’s up to the banks that allow businesses to use BHIM Aadhaar Pay to make sure those businesses are legit. This means the banks need to check and keep an eye on the merchants they sign up.
     • What BHIM Aadhaar Pay Does: BHIM Aadhaar Pay lets businesses take digital payments from customers by using Aadhaar (a unique identification number for Indian residents). So, customers can pay without cash, just using their Aadhaar info.
       Source: Business Standard

Defence News

1. Gagan Strike-II: Indian Army, IAF Conduct Joint Exercise in Punjab
   • What: The Indian Army’s Kharga Corps, part of the Army’s Western Command, recently concluded a three-day joint military exercise Gagan Strike-II with the Indian Air Force (IAF) in Punjab.
   • Why: The primary goal of Gagan Strike-II was to refine the processes involving the Indian Army’s mechanized units and to validate the employment of attack helicopters in developed terrain.
     • The exercise focused on integrating Apache and ALH-WSI helicopters, Unarmed Aerial Vehicles, and the Army’s special forces.
       Source: Economic Times

Awards

1. Highlights of Pulitzer Prize – 2024
   • What: The Pulitzer Board announced the winners of the 108th Pulitzer Prize (2024) under categories such as Journalism, Books, Drama and Music, and Special Citations.
     • The Pulitzer Prize is the highest national honor in the United States of America (USA).
   • Tell me more:
     • Under Journalism: ProPublica won the 2024 Pulitzer Prize in Journalism under the Public Service category.
     • Winners of the 2024 Pulitzer Prize in Books, Drama, and Music

• 2024 Pulitzer: Special citations

Important Days

1. May 7: 65th Raising Day of Border Roads Organization (BRO)
   • What: The Border Roads Organization (BRO) has celebrated its 65th Raising Day on May 07, 2024.
   • Role: To develop and maintain the operational road infrastructure of roads in the border areas.
     Source: PIB

2. May 7: World Athletics Day
   • What: World Athletics Day is annually celebrated across the globe on 7th May to promote the participation of youths in athletics.
   • Organized by: World Athletics (an Athletics Body)
   • Theme for 2024: “World Mile Challenge”
   • Also, the Kids’ Athletics Day is annually observed across the globe on 7th May to encourage children and young people to play sports, especially athletics. Kids’
     Source: News 18

3. May 7: World Asthma Day
   • What: World Asthma Day (WAD) is annually observed on the 1st Tuesday of May,
   • this year it was observed on 7th May 2024.
   • Organized by: Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA)
   • The theme for 2024: “Asthma Education Empowers”.
     • The theme underscores the significance of empowering asthma patients through education that enables individuals to effectively manage their condition and make informed decisions regarding their health.
       Source: India TV
4. May 8: International Thalassemia Day
   • What: International Thalassemia Day is observed annually on May 8th to raise awareness about thalassemia, a severe blood disorder, and to honor the resilience of those affected by it.
   • The theme for 2024 is: “Empowering Lives, Embracing Progress: Equitable and Accessible Thalassemia Treatment for All”
     Source: India Today

Sports

1. Coca-Cola India announces its first-ever partnership with Hockey India,
   • What: Anandana, (name of the Coca-Cola India Foundation) announced its first-ever partnership with Hockey India, for the National Women’s Hockey League 2024 the inaugural edition of the tournament.
   • Why: To improve women’s hockey by offering specialized coaching, training equipment, nutritional support, and the organization of camps and competitions to foster growth.
   • Tell me more:
     • The partnership also aligns with Coca-Cola India’s #SheTheDifference campaign, an initiative to celebrate, uplift, and support women.
     • Duration of partnership: 3 years
     • About National Women’s Hockey League 2024-2025
       • It is the first phase of the tournament that commenced on 30th April 2024, and it will conclude on 9th May 2024, in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
       • It features the 8 teams: Haryana, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Bengal, Mizoram, Manipur, and Odisha, which secured top-eight positions in the 14th Hockey India Senior Women National Championship 2024, held in Pune, Maharashtra.
         Source: ANI

Memorandum of Understanding

1. Sri Lanka signed a 20-year power purchase agreement with Adani Green Energy
   • What: The government of Sri Lanka has signed a 20-year power purchase agreement with Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) for the development of 484-megawatt wind power stations in the northeast region of Sri Lanka
   • Under this agreement, the AGEL will set up the Wind Power Stations in Mannar and Poonerin in Sri Lanka.
   • Tell me more:
     • Total cost: $442 million
     • The approval was given in 2023
       • Now in the year 2024, the agreement has been signed
         Source: The Hindu Business Line

Appointment

1. John Swinney sworn in as Scotland’s first minister
   • What: John Swinney has recently been appointed as the first minister of Scotland.
     • The first minister is the Head of the Scottish Government, like the Prime Minister in India
     • He is the 7th First Minister of Scotland.
   • Why: He has been appointed because Mr. Humza Haroon Yousaf (6th first minister, he was also the first Muslim first minister of Scotland) has resigned from his post.
     Source: BBC

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