16th May, 2024

1. Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla physically handed over the first set of citizenship certificates to 14 applicants.
2. The Tea Board of India has reported a decline in tea production in both Assam and West Bengal due to adverse weather conditions.
3. Tamil Nadu Coastal Zone Management Authority has recommended the Injambakkam-Akkarai stretch development project with the condition to explore blue flag certification.
4. Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP), the flagship unit of Steel Authority of India (SAIL), has decided to install the first 15-megawatt (MW) floating solar project in its Maroda-1 reservoir located in Durg district, Chhattisgarh to improve its carbon footprint.
5. For the second time in a decade, the U.N.-recognised Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) deferred the accreditation of (NHRC-India)
6. Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of Sahul, a lost supercontinent that facilitated human migration from Asia to Australia about 70,000 years ago. This finding hints towards the likelihood of many yet-undiscovered historic sites across the globe.
7. Japan Launched World’s First 6G Device, which is 20 Times Faster Than 5G
8. India has requested the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH), an international organization, to establish limits on the use of ethylene oxide in spices.
9. Wholesale Price Index (WPI)-based inflation hardened to a 13-month high of 1.26 per cent in April 2024 from a level of 0.5 per cent in March 2024.
10. HDFC Bank Limited launched PIXEL, India’s first virtual credit card, which allows users to design their cards with personalised benefits and offers.
11. TATA AIG General Insurance Company Limited has introduced India’s first ‘Satellite In-Orbit Third-Party Liability Insurance’ policy which provides critical financial protection to meet the needs of satellite manufacturers and operators in the Indian space sector.
12. The Times Higher Education (THE) Young University Rankings 2024 list the world’s best universities that are 50 years old or younger.
13. The seventh edition of the Indo-U.S. joint counter-terrorism exercise ‘Tarkash’ was recently held in Kolkata.
14. Indian Air Force has tested Bheeshma portable cubes in Agra for airdrop from aircraft. This is the first time that the Indian Air Force has tested this portable hospital.
15. Indian Army has introduced Hexacopter Drone mounted by Machine Gun.
16. Infosys Science Foundation (ISF) has brought down the upper age limit for Infosys Prize winners to 40 years,
17. May 15: International Day of Families
18. Indian Chess Player P.Shyam Nikhil (31-year-old) has become India’s 85th Grand Master (GM).
19. Energy firm ReNew has signed an MoU with European bank Societe Generale for up to $1 billion financing
20. The United Nations Development Programme has appointed Alain Noudéhou of Benin as the new Executive Director of the UN Multi – Partner Trust Fund Office (MPTFO).
21. Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla assumed charge as the Chief of Personnel of the Indian Navy(IN).
22. Lawrence Wong, Singapore’s fourth Prime Minister, was sworn in on May 15, 2024.

vSupreme Court overruled National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (2007) judgment which ruled services rendered by lawyers are covered under CPA 1986 (re-enacted in 2019).

23. US State Department warned India of sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) after India-Iran deal on Chabahar port.
24. Canadian writer Alice Laidlaw Munro, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature passed away.
25. Former Governor Kamla Beniwal passed away
26. The Supreme Court has rejected the plea for termination of over 27-week pregnancy, says foetus has fundamental right to live.

National News

1. Centre hands over first set of CAA certificates to 14 applicants
   • What: Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla physically handed over the first set of citizenship certificates to 14 applicants.
     • This significant step comes after the rules for CAA implementation were notified by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
     • The Centre had notified Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024 on March 11.
   • Tell me more:
     • “The Empowered Committee, Delhi headed by Director (Census Operation), Delhi, after due scrutiny, have decided to grant citizenship to 14 applicants. Accordingly, Director (Census operation) granted certificates to these applicants.
     • Verification process:
   • About the verification process for CAA
     • Scrutiny by: District Level Committee (DLC)
       • After processing as per rules, DLCs have forwarded the applications to the State Level Empowered Committee headed by Director (Census operation)
     • Grant of citizenship by State Level Empowered Committee (EC).
     • Whole process is online
   • About the CAA act
     • Eligibility: A person belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Parsi and Christian communities from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan who have entered India up to December 31, 2014, on account of persecution on grounds of religion or fear of such persecution.
     • Aim of the act: The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, which sought to fast-track the process of granting Indian citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians—but not Muslims—who migrated to India owing to religious persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.
     • Act passed on: 2019
     • President signed the act in 2019, but the rules have been notified on March 11, 2024.
       Source: Indian Express

State News

1. Tea body fears 50% crop loss ahead
   • What: The Tea Board of India has reported a decline in tea production in both Assam and West Bengal due to adverse weather conditions.
   • Why: Specifically, insufficient rainfall and high temperatures have led to substantial wilting of tea bushes, signaling further crop losses in the upcoming months.
   • Tell me more:
     • The data from the Tea Board of India indicates a 40% reduction in production in Assam and a 23% reduction in West Bengal compared to the previous year.
     • If the two states do not receive sufficient and well-distributed rainfall immediately, the crop loss could be in excess of 50% in the coming month.
       Source: The Hindu

2. Blue flag certification recommended for Injambakkam beach
   • What: Tamil Nadu Coastal Zone Management Authority has recommended the Injambakkam-Akkarai stretch development project with the condition to explore blue flag certification.
     Source: The Hindu

3. SAIL-Bhilai To Install a 15 MW Floating Solar Plant in Chhattisgarh
   • What: Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP), the flagship unit of Steel Authority of India (SAIL), has decided to install the first 15-megawatt (MW) floating solar project in its Maroda-1 reservoir located in Durg district, Chhattisgarh to improve its carbon footprint.
   • Implemented by: NTPC-SAIL Power Supply (NSPCL), a 50:50 joint venture (JV) between National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and SAIL.
   • Completed by the year: 2025.
   • The proposed plan shall generate about 2 MW of electricity
     Source: Business Standard

   
   

International News

1. GANHRI deferred accreditation of the National Human Rights Commission-India (NHRC)
   • What: For the second time in a decade, the U.N.-recognised Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) deferred the accreditation of (NHRC-India)
   • Why: It has given the reasons like political interference in appointments, involving the police in probes into human rights violations, and poor cooperation with civil society.
     • Also there is a lack of diversity in staff and leadership, and insufficient action to protect marginalised groups, as reasons for the deferment of the accreditation.
   • Tell me more:
     • NHRC has been accredited as ‘A’ by Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) since the beginning of the accreditation process for NHRIs in 1999.
     • Past instance: The NHRC’s “A-status” has only been deferred once before, in 2016, but it was restored in 2017.
     • Impact: The deferment will affect India’s ability to vote at the Human Rights Council and some United Nation General Assembly bodies.
   • U.N.’s principles on the status of national institutions (the ‘Paris Principles’).
     • The United Nations’ Paris Principles, adopted in 1993 by the U.N. General Assembly, provide the international benchmarks against which National Human Rights Institutions (NHRI) can be accredited.
     • The Paris Principles set out six main criteria that NHRIs are required to meet.
       • mandate and competence;
       • autonomy from government;
       • independence guaranteed by a statute or Constitution;
       • pluralism;
       • adequate resources;
       • and adequate powers of investigation.
         Source: The Hindu

2. Archaeologists Discover Ancient Supercontinent Sahul, Linked Asia to Australia
   • What: Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of Sahul, a lost supercontinent that facilitated human migration from Asia to Australia about 70,000 years ago. This finding hints towards the likelihood of many yet-undiscovered historic sites across the globe.
   • What is Sahul?
     • Sahul was a supercontinent exposed during the last ice age due to glaciation, which lowered global sea levels. This landmass connected present-day Australia with Papua New Guinea to the north and Tasmania to the south.
     • It comprised present-day Australia, New Guinea, and Tasmania.
       Source: Economic Times
3. Japan Launches World’s First 6G Device
   • What: Japan Launched World’s First 6G Device, which is 20 Times Faster Than 5G
   • It has a data transmission rate of 100 gigabits per second (Gbps), 20 times faster than the Gold Standard 5G technology.
   • The 6G device offers services covering an impressive range of 300 feet,
   • Developed by: NTT DOCOMO, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT) Corporation, NEC Corporation India Private Limited, and Fujitsu.
     Source: Live Science
4. India asks international committee to set limits on ethylene oxide in spices
   • What: India has requested the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH), an international organization, to establish limits on the use of ethylene oxide in spices.
   • Why: The development comes after sales ban on Everest and MDH
   • Tell me more:
     • CCSCH, Head Office: Kerala, India
       • It has been established under Codex Alimentarius Committee, Rome – the international organisation – for developing international food standards, guidelines and codes of practice to protect the health of consumers and ensuring fair practices in the trade.
       • The Codex Alimentarius Commission (commonly referred to as Codex) is the body established to develop food standards under the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme. The Codex Alimentarius Commission. has its headquarters in Rome.
     • About Ethylene oxide: It is generally used as a disinfectant, sterilising agent, as well as an insecticide to reduce microbial contamination in spices.
     • However, its use is considered carcinogenic, beyond permissible limits.
     • Different countries have different limits for the usage of ethylene oxide in spices. Therefore, India has also proposed finalising standards for ethylene oxide testing.
       Source: Business standard

Banking and Economy

1. WPI inflation hits 13-month high of 1.26% in April
   • What: Wholesale Price Index (WPI)-based inflation hardened to a 13-month high of 1.26 per cent in April 2024 from a level of 0.5 per cent in March 2024.
     • WPI is measured at the producers level.
   • Why: This spike was due to both food and fuel inflation.
     • In April last year, WPI inflation stood at (-) 0.8 per cent.
       Source: Hindu Business Line

2. HDFC Bank PIXEL: India’s first virtual credit card 
   • What: HDFC Bank Limited launched PIXEL, India’s first virtual credit card, which allows users to design their cards with personalised benefits and offers.
   • The card, currently on Visa Network, is available in 2 variants:
     • PIXEL Play and PIXEL Go.
     • This marks HDFC Bank’s debut in the end-to-end mobile app-based customisable credit card range.
     • Mumbai based banking tech company Zeta is the technology provider for Pixel.
       Source: Financial Express
3. Tata AIG introduces insurance for Indian space industry 
   • What: TATA AIG General Insurance Company Limited has introduced India’s first ‘Satellite In-Orbit Third-Party Liability Insurance’ policy which provides critical financial protection to meet the needs of satellite manufacturers and operators in the Indian space sector.
   • With this, TATA AIG General Insurance becomes the first private insurer in India to offer a Satellite Insurance cover.
   • Tell me more:
     • For private enterprises in the satellite space, 3rd-party liability insurance is a key requirement.
     • TATA AIG’s Satellite In-Orbit Third-Party Liability Insurance offers comprehensive coverage for Third-Party Bodily Injury and Third-Party Property Damage.
     • It will also protect the satellite owner from legal claims arising from 3rd party bodily injury and property damage involving the satellite in orbit.
     • In-orbit covers vs. launch covers: In-orbit covers are different from launch covers. The launch covers focus on the success or failure of the launch vehicle in injecting the satellites into orbit. they do not cover the operations of the satellite which are typically owned by a third-party.
       Source: TATA AIG

Report and Indices

1. Young University Rankings 2024
   • What: The Times Higher Education (THE) Young University Rankings 2024 list the world’s best universities that are 50 years old or younger.
   • Global Rankings:

• Indian Rankings

Source: THE

Defence News

1. The seventh edition of exercise ‘Tarkash’ was recently held in Kolkata.
   • What: The seventh edition of the Indo-U.S. joint counter-terrorism exercise ‘Tarkash’ was recently held in Kolkata.
   • Why: The exercise focused on intense training and mock drills in urban counter terrorism scenarios.
   • Parties: India’s National Security Guard (NSG) and U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) of USA.
   • The 6th edition of the exercise was conducted at Chennai in January 2023.
     Source: The Hindu
2. Indian Air Force tests BHISHM portable hospital for airdrop in Agra
   • What: Indian Air Force has tested Bheeshma portable cubes in Agra for airdrop from aircraft. This is the first time that the Indian Air Force has tested this portable hospital.
     • There official name is ‘Aarogya Maitri Cube’.
     • It is world’s first portable hospital

• Why: This test was done so that the portable hospital could be deployed anywhere to deal with emergencies.
• Tell me more:
  • Bheeshma Portable Cubes are part of a broader initiative called “Project Bheeshma” – India Health Initiative for Cooperation, Interest and Friendship.
  • It is designed to treat up to 200 casualties with an emphasis on quick response.
  • It also integrates Artificial Intelligence and data analysis to facilitate effective coordination, real-time monitoring and efficient management of medical services in the field.
    Source: Economic Times

3. Indian Army introduces Hexacopter Drone mounted with machine gun
   • What: Indian Army has introduced Hexacopter Drone mounted by Machine Gun.
   • It is developed indigenously under the “Make in India” initiative.
   • Sirin Hexadrones were developed by Ikran Aerospace and Technologies Private Limited

• Significance: It ushers a new era in tactical operations and has potential to revolutionize soldier safety and strengthen the national security of India.
  Source: ANI

Awards

1. Infosys Prize age limit reduced to under 40
   • What:  Infosys Science Foundation (ISF) has brought down the upper age limit for Infosys Prize winners to 40 years,
   • Why: To attract more young research talents
   • Past norms: The foundation has, since the inception of the prize, been awarding researchers aged 50 years or below and having awarded 92 researchers so far.
   • Further, the foundation has also created a separate prize category for Economics, which was earlier part of Social Sciences.
     • From 2024, the six categories that the Infosys Prize will be awarded in are:
       • Economics,
       • Engineering & Computer Science,
       • Humanities & Social Sciences,
       • Life Sciences,
       • Mathematical Sciences
       • Physical Sciences.
         Source: Indian Express

Important Days

1. May 15: International Day of Families
   • What: The International Day of Families is an annual observance that takes place on May 15th to celebrate the importance of families and their role in society.
   • Theme ‘Families and Climate Change.‘
     Source: Indian Express

Sports

1. Shyam Nikhil becomes India’s 85th GM
   • What: Indian Chess Player P.Shyam Nikhil (31-year-old) has become India’s 85th Grand Master (GM).
   • He achieved this feat after earning 3rd norm which is required for GM title
   • He drew with GM Bai Jinshi (China) in the final round.
   • He won the Gold medal at Commonwealth Chess Championship which held in Sri Lanka in 2022.
     Source: Indian Express

Memorandum of Understanding

1. ReNew, Société Générale sign $1 bn MoU
   • What: Energy firm ReNew has signed an MoU with European bank Societe Generale for up to $1 billion financing
   • Why: To support the financing and development of the company’s various strategic energy transition projects both in India and globally.
   • Duration: 3 years
     Source: Business Standard

Appointment

1. UNDP APPOINTS ALAIN W. NOUDÉHOU AS THE NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR of UN-MPTFO
   • What: The United Nations Development Programme has appointed Alain Noudéhou of Benin as the new Executive Director of the UN Multi – Partner Trust Fund Office (MPTFO).
   • He will succeed Jennifer Topping of Canada, who will complete her tenure by the end of May 2024.
   • About United Nations Development Programme UNDP was established in 1966 by the General Assembly of the United Nations. It works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. Administrator – Achim Steiner Headquarters- New York, United States
     Source: UNDP

2. Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla assumes charge as Chief of Personnel of Indian Navy
   • What: Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla assumed charge as the Chief of Personnel of the Indian Navy(IN).
   • He will succeed Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan who assumed charge as Vice Chief of The Naval Staff.
     Source: PIB
3. Singapore’s new PM takes office pledging to lead his own way
   • What: Lawrence Wong, Singapore’s fourth Prime Minister, was sworn in on May 15, 2024.
   • Wong will continue serving as the finance minister while charting a course that differs from previous generations.
     Source: Reuters

Miscellaneous

1. Advocates not liable under Consumer Protection Act (CPA) for deficiency of services: SC
   • What: Supreme Court overruled National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (2007) judgment which ruled services rendered by lawyers are covered under CPA 1986 (re-enacted in 2019).
   • Professionals have to be treated differently from persons carrying out business and trade and are not under the purview of the CPA.
     Source: Live Law

2. CAATSA
   • What: US State Department warned India of sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) after India-Iran deal on Chabahar port.
   • About CAATSA
     • It is a US federal law, enacted in 2017, which aims to punish countries having deep engagements with Russia, North Korea, and Iran using economic sanction.
     • It entails economic & financial penalties for any nation that have significant transactions with Russian intelligence and military agents.
     • In 2018, US House of Representatives passed an amendment to exempt India from economic sanctions under CAATSA for purchasing S-400 missile defence system from Russia.
       Source: Hindu Business Line
3. Alice Munro, Nobel Laureate and Master of the Short Story passed away
   • What: Canadian writer Alice Laidlaw Munro, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature passed away.
   • Major awards received:
     • In 2009, Alice Munro received the Man Booker International award.
     • In 2013, she was awarded The Nobel Prize in Literature.
     • She was also featured on a silver coin from the Royal Canadian Mint and a postage stamp in Canada.
   • Notable works
     • The Moons of Jupiter (1978); Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage (2001); The View From Castle Rock (2006); and Dear Life (2012), among others.
       Source: New York Times
4. Former Governor Kamla Beniwal passed away
   • What: Veteran Congress leader and former governor of Gujarat Kamla Beniwal passed away.
   • Apart from Gujarat, she also served as governor of Tripura and Mizoram.
   • She was also the deputy chief minister of Rajasthan (2003), apart from holding other positions in the state government and the Congress party.
   • She was Rajasthan’s first women Cabinet minister.
     Source: India Today

5. SC rejects plea for termination of over 27-week pregnancy
   • What: The Supreme Court has rejected the plea for termination of over 27-week pregnancy, says foetus has fundamental right to live.
   • About Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Amendment Act, 2021
     • Original act passed in: The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971 (“MTP Act”)
     • Amended in: 2021
     • The new Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act 2021 expands the access to safe and legal abortion services on therapeutic, eugenic, humanitarian and social grounds to ensure universal access to comprehensive care.

Source: Times of India

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