14th May, 2024

1. Researchers from Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Banaras Hindu University found that 12% of India’s eligible children received no dose of measles vaccine.
2. India and Iran recently signed a 10-year agreement to develop and manage the Chabahar port (Iran).
3. Malaysia plans to give orangutans as gifts to countries that buy its palm oil as part of an “orangutan diplomacy” strategy to ease concerns over the environmental impact of the commodity.
4. The United States and Japan have confirmed plans to jointly develop a counter-hypersonic missile system known as the Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) Cooperative Development program.
5. Cambodia has deposited its instrument of acceptance of the World Trade Organization (WTO) agreement on fisheries subsidies.
6. The Government India has provided a budget support of $50 million to the Maldives.
7. The Bank of India, has signed an MOU with the Indian Coast Guard, to offer a Defence service Salary Package under its “BOI Rakshak Salary/ Pension Savings Scheme”.
8. HDFC Bank, in partnership with Atal Innovation Mission(AIM), under the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog), supports social sector startups with grants worth Rs 19.6 crore in FY24 (FY 2023-24).
9. Global Tech-giant Apple has unveiled M4 chip which is a 16-core Neural Engine, termed as NPU.
10. The Indian government is taking steps to address fake reviews on e-commerce platforms.
11. International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO), a non-profit organisation has released report titled International Forest Governance: A Critical Review of Trends, Drawbacks, and New Approaches.
12. The report titled, Employment Generative Impact of ModiNomics: The Paradigm Shifts has been released by the SKOCH.
13. To boost its surveillance capabilities along the Pakistan border, the Indian Army is set to receive the first Hermes-900 Starliner drone.
14. The seventh edition of the ‘Exercise Shakti’ between India and France began in Meghalaya with an aim to enhance joint military capability of both sides to undertake multi-domain operations in a sub-conventional scenario.
15. 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) has discovered the presence of Iron fingerprints in the galaxy NGC 4151.
16. The Defence Materials and Stores Research and Development Establishment (DMSRDE) Kanpur, a lab of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), tested a domestically developed liquid ramjet fuel that can power air-breathing engines.
17. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully tested a liquid rocket engine made with the help of additive manufacturing technology — commonly known as 3D printing.
18. In a first-ever human clinical trial, an mRNA cancer vaccine developed at the University of Florida quickly reprogrammed the immune system to attack glioblastoma, the most aggressive and lethal brain tumor.
19. The commercial arm of the ISRO, New Space India Limited (NSIL), has called on private players to manufacture its largest launch vehicle LVM3.
20. Scientists of CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) have found out that the invasive Armoured Sailfin Catfish has spread to 60% in the water bodies of Eastern Ghats, causing damage to fishing nets and the ecosystem.
21. The prestigious Sahitya Akademi Fellowship has been given to Ruskin Bond, a renowned British-Indian author.
22. World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD), the United Nations (UN)-backed campaign is biannually observed across the globe on the 2nd Saturday in May and October,
23. May 11: National Technology Day
24. The Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) has elected Dileep Sanghani as its Chairman during the 15th Representative General Body (RGB) elections for its Board of Directors.
25. Nepal’s Deputy Prime Minister Upendra Yadav has resigned from his post.
26. Surjit Patar, a renowned Punjabi poet, writer, and Padma Shri recipient, passed away.
27. Roger William Corman, an American film producer, director, and actor passed away
28. A renowned chess trainer and Kerala’s first International Master, Varugeese Koshy, has passed away.
29. Deadbots (also referred to as Griefbots) are AI chatbots that simulate the language patterns and personality traits of the dead using the digital footprints they leave behind.
30. Kaziranga National Park (KNP)
31. Social activist and Padma Shri awardee Birubala Rabha passed away due to oesophageal cancer. She was known for her fight against witch-hunting and her significant contributions to social reform in Assam.
32. Sushil Kumar Modi, a prominent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, passed away.

National News

1. 12% of India’s eligible children received no dose of measles vaccine: Study
   • What: Researchers from Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Banaras Hindu University found that 12% of India’s eligible children received no dose of measles vaccine.
   • They analysed data of over 43,000 children aged 2-3 years, collected through the National Family Health Survey 2019-21 (NFHS-5).
   • Tell me more:
     • The team found that close to 30 per cent of the eligible children have received only one measles-containing vaccine (MCV1), while about 60 per cent have been fully immunised (MCV2).
     • In 2017, India adopted the National Strategic Plan for Achieving and Sustaining Measles and Rubella Elimination.
     • The researchers acknowledged that disruptions due to the Covid-19 pandemic heightened the risk of measles in vulnerable populations.
       Source: Business Standard

2. India, and Iran sign deal for Chabahar port
   • What: India and Iran recently signed a 10-year agreement to develop and manage the Chabahar port (Iran).
   • Why: The port serves as an alternative trade route for India, bypassing Pakistan’s Karachi and Gwadar ports. It facilitates India’s connectivity with Afghanistan and Central Asia.

• Tell me more:
  • Parties to agreement: Indian Ports Global Limited (IPGL) and Iran’s Port & Maritime Organisation.
  • Investment: IPGL will invest approximately $120 million into the port’s development, alongside an additional $250 million line of credit, taking the total value of the contract to $370 million.
  • Duration of agreement: 10 years
  • Trade Conduit: The intention is to link Chabahar with the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), creating a pathway from India to Russia via Iran.
  • There are two terminals in Chabahar Port project i.e. Shahid Beheshti and Shahid Kalantari.
    Port is part of proposed International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
    • INSTC is a 7,200-km-long multi-mode transport project linking Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf to Caspian Sea via Iran and onward to northern Europe via Saint Petersburg in Russia.
  • In the first year, IGPL is expected to bring in 30,000 twenty-foot equivalent units
    (TEUs) or containers worth of traffic. This number is projected to increase to 140,000 containers in the fifth year, and 300,000 TEUs in the tenth year of the bilateral agreement.
    • These targets will be revised after five years, depending on market conditions and other factors.
• Background
  • A formal 10-year agreement was signed in 2016, but sanctions against Iran hindered
    progress. As a result, India had been operating the port through short-term agreements, which were periodically renewed.
    Source: Business Standard

International News

1. Malaysia plans to give orangutans to countries that buy palm oil
   • What: Malaysia plans to give orangutans as gifts to countries that buy its palm oil as part of an “orangutan diplomacy” strategy to ease concerns over the environmental impact of the commodity.
     Source: The Guardian
2. Japan and U.S collaborate for a hypersonic missile-intercepting system called GPI Project.
   • What: The United States and Japan have confirmed plans to jointly develop a counter-hypersonic missile system known as the Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) Cooperative Development program.
   • Why: The GPI program aims to neutralize incoming hypersonic missiles.
     Source: Defense Post
3. Cambodia formally accepts WTO agreement on fisheries subsidies
   • What: Cambodia has deposited its instrument of acceptance of the World Trade Organization (WTO) agreement on fisheries subsidies.
   • Cambodia’s instrument of acceptance has brought the total number of WTO members that have formally accepted the agreement to 73.
     Source: WTO

4. India to extend $50 million budgetary support to Maldives 
   • What: The Government India has provided a budget support of $50 million to the Maldives.
     • The support was in the form of a rollover of $50 million Treasury Bill, for one year, through the State Bank of India, Male.
   • Why: The support came following a request made by Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer to India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, during the official bilateral visit to India from 8-10 May 2024.
   • Tell me more:
     • These Government Treasury Bills are subscribed by SBI under government-to-government, a unique arrangement at zero cost (interest-free) to the Government of Maldives.
       Source: India Today

Banking and Economy

1. Bank of India Signs MOU with Indian Coast Guard for BOI Rakshak Package
   • What: The Bank of India, has signed an MOU with the Indian Coast Guard, to offer a Defence service Salary Package under its “BOI Rakshak Salary/ Pension Savings Scheme”.
   • Tell me more:
     • BOI Rakshak Salary/ Pension Savings Scheme:
     • The scheme will cover all the ranks of ICG, veterans, recruits and agniveers are also eligible under the scheme along with ex-servicemen.
     • BOI will offer various benefits such as:
       • Personal Accidental Insurance coverage up to Rs 1.5 crore Air Accidental cover up to Rs 1 crore
       • Permanent Total Disability covers up to Rs 50 lakhs
       • Partial Disability cover up to Rs 25 lakhs
         Source: Economic Times

   
   

2. HDFC Bank partners with AIM to support social sector startups
   • What: HDFC Bank, in partnership with Atal Innovation Mission(AIM), under the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog), supports social sector startups with grants worth Rs 19.6 crore in FY24 (FY 2023-24).
     • Under the 7th “HDFC Bank Parivartan Start-up Grants Programme”, 170 social start-ups received grants worth a total of Rs 19.6 crore, through 41 incubators.

   • Tell me more:
     • HDFC Parivartan Start-up Grants Programme:
       • It is the annual grants programme for social startups launched by HDFC Bank in 2017. So far, the initiative has supported more than 120 incubators from around 400 start-ups across India.
       • Aim: To identify startups that are working towards social impact and to support them through monetary grants to incubators.
         Source: Zee News
       
       
       
       
     
     
     
     

3. Apple introduces M4 chip
   • What: Global Tech-giant Apple has unveiled M4 chip which is a 16-core Neural Engine, termed as NPU.
   • About NPU
     • It is a dedicated processor designed specifically for accelerating neural network processes.
       • Neural network is a type of machine learning algorithm that mimics human brain for data processing.
     • It powers the all-new iPad Pro, offering remarkable performance and efficiency.
       Source: Apple

4. Govt plans to make anti-fake review rules mandatory for e-commerce firms
   • What: The Indian government is taking steps to address fake reviews on e-commerce platforms.
   • Why: As India’s online retail sector continues to grow, ensuring accurate and reliable reviews becomes crucial for consumer trust and informed purchasing decisions. The sector is projected to surge to USD 325 billion by 2030 from USD 70 billion in 2022.
   • Tell me more:
     • After a voluntary mechanism failed to effectively curb fake reviews, the government is now considering making quality norms for consumer reviews mandatory for e-commerce companies.
     • These norms were issued a year ago and prohibit e-tailers from publishing paid reviews and require disclosure of promotional content.
     • The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) formulated these standards, aiming to prevent reviews “purchased and/or written by individuals employed for that purpose by the supplier or third party concerned”
       Source: Business Standard

     
     
   
   

Report and Indices

1. Report on International Forest Governance (IFG) Released
   • What: International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO), a non-profit organisation has released report titled International Forest Governance: A Critical Review of Trends, Drawbacks, and New Approaches.
   • It is the first global synthesis report on IFG (refer to box) since 2010, summarises the most significant developments on IFG after 2010.
   • Report has been released in the backdrop of the 19th session of the UN Forum on Forests (UNFF19).
   • Tell me more (Key Concerns related to IFG)
     • IFG has had limited success in reducing deforestation.
     • Rate of deforestation is about 10 million hectares per year as of 2020 (Food and Agriculture Organization).
     • It is more crowded and fragmented than ever due to the proliferation of new actors and instruments.
     • Increasing urgency of the climate crisis has influenced the commodification of forests for their carbon sequestration potential.
     • This has led to the rise of new markets for carbon and biodiversity that often focus on short-term economic gains over long-term sustainability and justice.
     • Phenomenon is also referred to as climatisation of forests.
     • Role of Community-led and philanthropic financing mechanisms is limited.
     • Recommendations
       • Setting prices on environmental and social externalities, recognition and management of public goods, and establishing alternative funding schemes.
       • Adopting a Polycentric governance approach in an interdependent system.
         Source: IUFRO

2. Employment Generative Impact of ModiNomics: The Paradigm Shifts released by SKOCH
   • What: The report titled, Employment Generative Impact of ModiNomics: The Paradigm Shifts has been released by the SKOCH.
   • Tell me more:
     • The report claimed that 51.40 crore person-years of employment were generated between 2014 and 2024 during the Modi government regime.
       • A man-year or person-year is a unit of measurement for the amount of work done by an individual throughout the entire year expressed in hours.

     • Out of 51.40 crore employment generated, 19.79 crore employment has been generated by governance-led interventions. The rest, 31.61 crore, has been contributed by credit-led interventions.
       • While credit-led interventions added on average 3.16 crore employment per year, government-led interventions have added 1.98 crore employment

     • Also, the Credit Gap has fallen 12.1% during the past nine years.
       • The credit gap refers to the difference between the total amount of credit borrowed in an economy and the long-term trend of that borrowing. In other words, it reflects how much credit is being extended compared to what’s normal over a longer period.

     • According to the release this is a part of SKOCH’s ongoing study on employment generation titled A Hundred Voices, A Billion Dreams.
     • The current study takes into account 12 central schemes, viz., MGNREGS, PMGSY, PMAY-G, PMAY-U, DAY-NULM, RSETI, ABRY, PMEGP, SBM-G, PLI’s, PM SVANidhi.
       Source: Economic Times

Defence News

1. Indian Army to get first Hermes-900 drone, to boost surveillance on Pakistan border
   • What: To boost its surveillance capabilities along the Pakistan border, the Indian Army is set to receive the first Hermes-900 Starliner drone.
   • Tell me more:
     • The Indian Army will deploy the drones at its Bhatinda base from where it can keep an eye on the entire western border with Pakistan.
       Source: ANI

2. 7th edition of Exercise ‘Shakti’
   • What: The seventh edition of the ‘Exercise Shakti’ between India and France began in Meghalaya with an aim to enhance joint military capability of both sides to undertake multi-domain operations in a sub-conventional scenario.
   • Exercise Shakti is a biennial training event conducted alternatively in India and France.
   • The last edition (6th) was conducted in France in November 2021.
     Source: PIB

Science and Technology

1. Nasa-JAXA XRISM mission discovers iron fingerprints in active galaxy NGC 4151
   • What: 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) has discovered the presence of Iron fingerprints in the galaxy NGC 4151.
   • About NGC 4151:
     • NGC 4151 is a spiral galaxy, around 43 million light-years away in the northern constellation Canes Venatici.
       Source: Times of India
2. DRDO Makes India’s Very Own ‘BrahMos-like’ Supersonic Cruise Missile, Tests Its Liquid Ramjet Fuel
   • What: The Defence Materials and Stores Research and Development Establishment (DMSRDE) Kanpur, a lab of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), tested a domestically developed liquid ramjet fuel that can power air-breathing engines.
   • Tell me more:
     • This liquid fuel will not only replace the Russian-imported fuel in the BrahMos missile but is also an important component in developing a completely indigenous long-range supersonic cruise missile.
     • The ramjet fuel has been tested successfully for the first time at the Ramjet Testbed at the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL).
     • Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Mineral Oil Company Private Limited are the industry partners in this development.
       Source: Swarajya

   
   
3. ISRO Successfully Tests New Liquid Rocket Engine “ AM PS4 engine” in Tamil Nadu
   • What: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully tested a liquid rocket engine made with the help of additive manufacturing technology — commonly known as 3D printing.
   • Tell me more:
     • Tested at: ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu (TN).
     • The AM PS4 Engine is the redesigned version of the PS4 engine of PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) upper stage.
     • This new redesigned engine will be used for the fourth stage of PSLV launch vehicle and also in the Reaction Control System of the First Stage in PSLV
       Source: AIR

4. New mRNA vaccine for brain cancer
   • What: In a first-ever human clinical trial, an mRNA cancer vaccine developed at the University of Florida quickly reprogrammed the immune system to attack glioblastoma, the most aggressive and lethal brain tumor.
     Source: Science Daily
5. NSIL partners with private sector to boost LVM3 production
   • What: The commercial arm of the ISRO, New Space India Limited (NSIL), has called on private players to manufacture its largest launch vehicle LVM3.
     • The LVM3 (previously GSLV Mk III) is the new heavy lift launch vehicle of ISRO
   • Why: This move aligns with the space sector reforms announced by the Centre in June 2020, aiming to bolster private sector participation in space-related activities.
   • Tell me more:
     • This is the same launch vehicle that carried Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3 to the moon, and it will also be utilised for the Gaganyaan (human spaceflight) mission.
       Source: India Today

Agriculture and Rural Development

1. Armoured Sailfin Catfish (ASC) has spread to 60% of water bodies of Eastern Ghats: CCMB
   • What: Scientists of CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) have found out that the invasive Armoured Sailfin Catfish has spread to 60% in the water bodies of Eastern Ghats, causing damage to fishing nets and the ecosystem.

• Tell me more:
  • ASC (Rakashi or devil fish) was introduced in India for its unique appearance and its ability to clean algal growth in tanks and aquaria, however, now they have grown exponentially.
    • It is native to South America, and belongs to the largest catfish family.

  • Threats
    • Their presence can lead to changes in food chains, disturbances in ecological balances, and competition with native species for resources.
    • Put human health, food security and livelihoods at risk.
    • 1 in 10 species on the IUCN Red List species are threatened by IS (IUCN).
    • Resulted in loss of at least USD 1.288 trillion from 1970 to 2017 (IUCN).
      Source: The Hindu

Awards

1. Ruskin Bond was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship
   • What: The prestigious Sahitya Akademi Fellowship has been given to Ruskin Bond, a renowned British-Indian author.
   • Tell me more:
     • At first, Bond was named the winner of this prestigious award in September 2021. The official presentation had to be pushed back because of health problems, but it was finally done recently.
     • The Sahitya Akademi Fellowship is the top award that India’s National Academy of Letters, the Sahitya Akademi, gives out.
     • The winner of this award has made “exceptional contributions towards enriching Indian literature.
     • Other awards
       • He has also been honoured with Padma Shri in 1999 and Padma Bhushan in 2019, and the Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar in 2012.
         Source: Indian Express

Important Days

1. May 11: World Migratory Bird Day 2024
   • What: World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD), the United Nations (UN)-backed campaign is biannually observed across the globe on the 2nd Saturday in May and October,
   • Why: To raise awareness of migratory birds and the need for international cooperation to conserve them and their habitats.
   • Tell me more:
     • WMBD 2024 falls on 11th May 2024 and 12th October 2024.
     • Theme: “Protect Insects, Protect Birds”
     • Why May and October?
       • WMBD annually celebrated on the 2nd Saturday in May and October aligns with the cyclic nature of bird migration in different hemispheres.
       • 2nd Saturday of May is celebrated in Canada and the United States of America (USA) and the 2nd Saturday of October is celebrated in Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.
         Source: CBD
2. May 11: National Technology Day
   • What: The Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science and Technology has celebrated National Technology Day, 2024 on 11th May.
   • Theme: ‘Promoting Clean and Green Technologies for a Sustainable Future’
     Source: Hindustan Times

Appointments

1. Dileep Sanghani Elected As Chairman Of IFFCO
   • What: The Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) has elected Dileep Sanghani as its Chairman during the 15th Representative General Body (RGB) elections for its Board of Directors.
     • He will be the 17th Chairman of IFFO.
     • He was earlier serving as Vice Chairman of IFFCO

   • Balvir Singh has been retained as the Vice Chairman of IFFCO.
   • Additionally, 21 Directors were elected to represent their respective constituencies on the Board.
     Source: IFFCO

2. Nepal’s Deputy PM Resigns
   • What: Nepal’s Deputy Prime Minister Upendra Yadav has resigned from his post.
   • Along with him, Minister of State for Forest and Environment Dipak Karki has also submitted his resignation.
     Source: NDTV

Miscellaneous

1. Punjabi Poet and Writer Surjit Patar Passes Away
   • What:  Surjit Patar, a renowned Punjabi poet, writer, and Padma Shri recipient, passed away.
   •  He has received the Sahitya Akademi Award for his exceptional work in regional language writing.
   • He was also conferred the Padma Shri in 2012, for his contributions to Punjabi literature.
     Source: Times of India
2. Roger William Corman, an American film producer, director, and actor passed away
   • What: Roger William Corman, an American film producer, director, and actor passed away.
   • He was awarded an Honorary Lifetime Academy Award (Oscar) for his unparalleled contribution to nurturing aspiring filmmakers, surpassing the impact of any film school.
   • He holds the record for the fastest professional 35mm feature film shoot.
     Source: The Guardian
3. Renowned Chess trainer & Kerala’s 1st International Master Varugeese Koshy Passed Away
   • A renowned chess trainer and Kerala’s first International Master, Varugeese Koshy, has passed away.
   • He secured the Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE) title – International Master (IM) in 1993.
   • He also served as the President of Chess Players Forum India (formed in 2020-21).
     Source: The Hindu
4. Deadbots
   • Deadbots (also referred to as Griefbots) are AI chatbots that simulate the language patterns and personality traits of the dead using the digital footprints they leave behind.
   • Concerns:
     • People might develop strong emotional bonds with such simulations, which will make them particularly vulnerable to manipulation.
     • It can cause lasting psychological harm and fundamentally disrespect the rights of the deceased.
     • It could be used by companies to spam surviving family and friends with unsolicited notifications, reminders, etc.
5. Kaziranga National Park (KNP)
   • Location: Golaghat and Nagaon districts (Assam) in the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspots.
   • Situated between the river Brahmaputra in the North and the Karbi Anglong hills in the South.
   • UNESCO recognition: Declares as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

6. Padma Shri awardee Birubala Rabha passes away
   • What: Social activist and Padma Shri awardee Birubala Rabha passed away due to oesophageal cancer. She was known for her fight against witch-hunting and her significant contributions to social reform in Assam.
   • In 2015, the Assam Legislative Assembly unanimously passed the Assam Witch Hunting (Prohibition, Prevention and Protection) Act, 2015.
   • In 2021, her significant contributions to social work were recognised by the government of India, which conferred upon her the prestigious Padma Shri award.
   • She has also been nominated for Nobel Peace Prize in 2005.
     Source: ANI
7. Ex-Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi passed away
   • What: Sushil Kumar Modi, a prominent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, passed away.
   • He had been battling cancer for over six months.
   • Sushil Modi served as the Deputy CM of Bihar from 2005 to 2013 and again between 2017 and 2020.
     Source: India Today

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