17th May, 2024
TAK-03, ADB loan to Sikkim, Soil Nailing, BIMA Central, Adani ports, ASOS, FIN ONE, IDMC, Lunar railway station, lead, FORBES list, GWF, May 16: National Dengue Day, May 16: International Day of Light, May 16: International Day of Living Together in Peace, Sunil Chettri, Kapil Sibbal, At the wheel of research, Malti Joshi, Kanwar lake, Digital arrest, Naresh Mohan, Vineet Nayyar
- A new vaccine for dengue received prequalification from the World Health Organization (WHO).
- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved USD 148.5 million loan to Sikkim.
- The State highways department of Tamil Nadu is implementing a project called “Slope Stabilization using Soil Nailing and Hydroseeding method” around the Nilgiris’ major roads.
- State Bank of India (SBI) General Insurance Company Limited introduced Bima Central, India’s 1st insurance portfolio management platform
- Norway’s central bank, Norges Bank, has excluded Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) from its Government Pension Fund Global (GPFG)
- Reliance Retail has partnered with UK-based online fashion retailer ASOS to enter the Indian market
- Angel One Limited, a fintech brokerage in India, has recently announced the launch of Fin One, a digital-first initiative aimed at transforming financial literacy for a billion Indians.
- Recently the 2024 Global Report on Internal Displacement (GRID) has been released by Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC).
- NASA announced plans to build the first railway station on the moon
- Engineers at MIT, Nanyang Technological University, and several companies have created a compact and inexpensive technology for detecting and measuring lead concentrations in water.
- The 9th edition of the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list (2024) has been released recently by the FORBES
- The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) has been honoured with the Geospatial World Forum (GWF) Leadership Award for “Public Policy: Enabling Industry Development.”
- May 16: National Dengue Day
- May 16: International Day of Light
- May 16: International Day of Living Together in Peace
- Indian football team captain Sunil Chhetri announced his retirement from international football after the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier against Kuwait on June 6 in Kolkata.
- Kapil Sibal, a senior advocate, has been elected as the President of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) in the recent elections
- Anuradha Mascarenhas (from the Indian Express) has written a book titled “At The Wheel of Research: An Exclusive Biography of Dr. Soumya Swaminathan”.
- Padma Shri awardee Malti Joshi, a renowned author, storyteller passed away.
- Kanwar Lake (also known as Kabartal Wetland or Jheel)
- A ‘digital arrest’ is a deceptive tactic used by cybercriminals who pose as law enforcement or investigative agencies.
- Media veteran Naresh Mohan passes away
- Vineet Nayyar, former Vice-Chairman of Tech Mahindra passed away
Table of Content
State News
- Asian Development Bank Approves USD 148 Million Loan To Improve Power Supply In Sikkim
- What: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved USD 148.5 million loan to Sikkim.
- Why: It is aimed to bolster, modernize and climate-proof distribution system to enhance reliability, quality and resilience of electricity supply in Sikkim, India
- Tell me more:
- The loan is in alignment with Power for All initiative led by Sikkim government which aims to ensure uninterrupted access to high-quality electricity for households, industries, among others.
- The Project will upgrade and modernize Power Distribution System (PDS) of Sikkim, with installation of approximately 770 Kilometers (Kms) of climate-resilient medium – voltage underground or covered conductors.
- The project will enhance the livelihoods of a minimum of 1,100 women, comprising self-help groups, producer groups and individual businesses through the installation of tailored renewable energy systems and improving their vocational skills.
- Additionally, it will deploy solar energy systems and energy-efficient electrical equipment in 24 primary healthcare subcenters to enhance the capacity of rural healthcare facilities.
Source: Economic Times
- Tamil Nadu is using Soil Nailing to ensure the stabilization of slopes around the Nilgiris
- What: The State highways department of Tamil Nadu is implementing a project called “Slope Stabilization using Soil Nailing and Hydroseeding method” around the Nilgiris’ major roads.
- Why: This initiative aims to prevent soil erosion and landslips in five locations: Ketti, Kattabettu, Perar, Kudah, and Udhagamandalam.
Source: The Hindu
| Knowledge Nuggets - |
|---|
| Soil Nailing - It is a geotechnical engineering technique that involves the insertion of reinforcing elements into the soil in a specified area to strengthen it. - This is followed by ‘hydroseeding’ wherein mixture of seeds, fertilizer, organic materials and water are applied onto the soil. - It facilitates the growth of grass and plant life, that will help hold the topsoil together and prevent erosion. |
International News
- WHO prequalifies new dengue vaccine TAK-003
- What: A new vaccine for dengue received prequalification from the World Health Organization (WHO).
- Named as TAK-003 is the second dengue vaccine to be prequalified by WHO following the CYD-TDV vaccine.
- Developed by Takeda, it is a live-attenuated vaccine containing weakened versions of the four serotypes of the virus that cause dengue.
- Recommended age group: WHO recommends the use of TAK-003 in children aged 6–16 years
Source: WHO
| Knowledge Nuggets - |
|---|
| About WHO Vaccine prequalification - It was created in 1987 to assure the quality of vaccines distributed by UN purchasing agencies. - Vaccines showing positive outcomes after evaluation of relevant data, testing of samples and WHO inspection of relevant manufacturing sites are included in the list. - However, inclusion in the list does not imply approval of vaccines and manufacturing sites by the WHO. - Such approval is a prerogative of the National Regulatory Authorities |
Banking and Economy
- SBI General Unveils Bima Central: India’s first insurance portfolio management platform
- What: State Bank of India (SBI) General Insurance Company Limited introduced Bima Central, India’s 1st insurance portfolio management platform
- Why: To transform customer experience with innovation.
- Tell me more:
- Bima Central, formerly known as Policy Genie, is India’s first Insurance Portfolio Management platform developed by (CAMSRep).
- Now SBI has collaborated with CAMSRep to avail the services of Bima Central, due to this collaboration it has become the 1st General Insurance Company which is using this facility.
- This platform enables consumers to aggregate their insurance portfolios via an electronic Insurance Account (eIA) and manage them effortlessly through a single digital portal, BIMA Central.
- The platform offers eIA policyholders a single window, integrated access to their aggregated insurance benefits.
Source: CNBC TV18
| Knowledge Nuggets - |
|---|
| - As of April 1, 2024, it is
mandatory for new policyholders to hold insurance policies in electronic format. This process is similar to how investors hold shares in a demat account. Here’s what you need to know: - e-Insurance Account (eIA): You must buy electronic insurance policies, which will be held in a demat account called an e-Insurance Account. You can open an eIA with any of the four repositories: CAMS Insurance Repository, Karvy, NSDL Database Management (NDML), or Central Insurance Repository of India. Benefits: - Reduced paperwork: Holding policies electronically streamlines processes for both insurers and customers. Centralized management: All your insurance policies (life, health, and general) will be kept in one place. You can view, maintain, and update policy details through your e-Insurance Account. - Cost: The insurer covers the cost of opening an e-Insurance Account on your behalf. - Physical Format Option: While policies are issued electronically, you still have the option to receive policy documents in physical format if desired |
- Norway excludes Adani Ports from govt pension fund over ethical concerns
- What: Norway’s central bank, Norges Bank, has excluded Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) from its Government Pension Fund Global (GPFG)
- Why: It has been removed due to ethical considerations.
- The decision is based on a recommendation from the Council on Ethics, which cited an “unacceptable risk” that APSEZ contributes to serious violations of individuals’ rights during war or conflict situations.
- Tell me more:
- APSEZ, a logistics company that operates ports and port services, is part of the Adani Group.
- The GPFG is one of the world’s largest funds.
- Additionally, two other companies—Weichai Power Co Ltd and L3Harris Technologies Inc—have also been excluded from GPFG investments.
- The fund considers environmental and social issues while investing in companies and may divest from those imposing substantial costs on other companies and society.
Source: Business Standard
| Knowledge Nuggets - |
|---|
| - The Government Pension Fund Global was established to manage Norway's oil wealth, providing financial stability and long-term savings for current and future generations.
Originating from the discovery of oil in the North Sea in 1969, the fund was created to manage oil revenues responsibly and avoid economic imbalances. - In 1990, legislation was passed to establish the fund, with the first deposits made in 1996. As one of the world's largest sovereign wealth funds, it exclusively invests abroad to safeguard the Norwegian economy's future. With holdings in approximately 9,000 companies globally, the fund owns almost 1.5 per cent of all shares in the world’s listed companies. |
- Reliance Retail partners with UK’s ASOS to bring online fashion retailer to India
- What: Reliance Retail has partnered with UK-based online fashion retailer ASOS to enter the Indian market.
- ASOS could set up shop in India via Reliance’s online shopping platform Ajio.
Source: Live Mint
- Angel One launches financial content platform Fin One
- What: Angel One Limited, a fintech brokerage in India, has recently announced the launch of Fin One, a digital-first initiative aimed at transforming financial literacy for a billion Indians.
- Fin One integrates engagement and entertainment to empower young Indians, enabling them to make informed financial decisions and develop resilient investing habits.
Source: Business Standard
Reports and Indices
- Global Report on Internal Displacement 2024
- What: Recently the 2024 Global Report on Internal Displacement (GRID) has been released by Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC).
- Why: It provides valuable insights into the scale and impact of internal displacement worldwide.
- The internal displacements refers to the number of forced movements of people within the borders of their country recorded during the year.
- Tell me more:
- According to this report, an unprecedented 75.9 million individuals were living in internal displacement at the end of 2023. (71.1 million in 2022).
- 68.3 million people were IDP due to conflict and violence and 7.7 million by disasters.
- Sudan, Syria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Colombia and Yemen host nearly half of such IDPs. In South Asia, Manipur has major contribution to such IDPs
- Most of the disasters linked to internal displacement happened in China and Türkiye due to severe weather and high-magnitude earthquakes.
- Key displacement situations
- 3.4 million people displaced by conflict in Palestine, its highest figure since data became available in 2008.
- 6 million people displaced by conflict in Sudan, the second-highest figure ever recorded after Ukraine in 2022.
- 707,000 people displaced in Burkina Faso, the highest figure since the escalation of conflict in 2019.
Source: IDMC
Science and Tech
- NASA plans to develop first railway systems on moon
- What: NASA announced plans to build the first railway station on the moon
- The name of the project is: Flexible Levitation on a Track (FLOAT)
- Why: It will provide reliable, autonomous, and efficient payload transport on the Moon’s surface.
- What: NASA announced plans to build the first railway station on the moon
- Tell me more:
- Launched under: This railway system is part of NASA’s Moon to Mars initiative, i.e., Robotic Lunar Surface Operations 2 (RLSO2).
- This durable robotic transport system is critical for daily operations of a sustainable lunar base in the 2030s.
- Developed by: Engineers of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), in California are developing the FLOAT system
- About FLOAT system
- It will use unpowered robots which would levitate a 3-layer flexible film track to prevent abrasion from dust on lunar surface.
- Name of these 3-layers are:
- A Graphite Layer that enables robots to float over tracks using diamagnetic levitation passively.
- A Flex-Circuit Layer generates electromagnetic thrust to controllably propel robots along tracks.
- An Optional thin-film solar panel Layer generates power for the base when in sunlight.
- Carts will be mounted on these robots and will move at the speed of 1.61 kilometer per hour (Km/hr).
- The system aims to transport approximately 100 tons of material per day to and from NASA’s future lunar base.
- Note: The FLOAT system will be integrated with NASA’s Artemis program. It aims to land astronauts on moon and bring them back on earth.
- Regarding Phase 2 of the program: As the work progresses, phase 2 of the development will see the design, manufacture, and test a series of sub-scale robot, track prototypes, culminating with a demonstration in a lunar-analogue testbed and investigating the impact of environmental effects on system performance and longevity.
Source: India Today
- Scientists developed a sensor for detecting and measuring lead concentrations in water
- What: Engineers at MIT, Nanyang Technological University, and several companies have created a compact and inexpensive technology for detecting and measuring lead concentrations in water.
- Why: This advancement could significantly address the global health issue of lead contamination.
- Tell me more:
- The World Health Organization estimates that 240 million people worldwide are exposed to drinking water containing unsafe levels of toxic lead,
- Negatives of Lead consumption: Lead exposure causes damage to child’s brain and nervous system, anaemia, hypertension, toxicity to reproductive organs etc
- About the new system:
- The new system utilizes a chip-based detector housed in a handheld device, capable of detecting lead concentrations as low as 1 part per billion with high accuracy.
- Unlike existing methods, this technology provides nearly instant quantitative measurements and requires only a droplet of water.
Source: MIT News
Awards
- FORBES 30 UNDER 30 ASIA 2024 LIST
- What: The 9th edition of the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list (2024) has been released recently by the FORBES
- The “30 Under 30 Asia” list by Forbes showcases young entrepreneurs, leaders, and trailblazers under 30 who are driving innovation and transforming industries across the Asia- Pacific region
- Tell me more:
- Total entries received: 300 entries from 21 countries and territories.
- Entries from India: 86 (highest by any country)
- China and Japan (32 each), Singapore (27), Australia (26) and Indonesia (18).
- The entries are grouped under 10 Categories:
- Covering Entertainment & Sports; Consumer Technology to Healthcare and Social Impact
- Other facts
- $1B+Total funding raised by Asia Under 30s
- 48% of the 2024 listees are Founders or Cofounders
- 26.7: The average age of Under 30s (the youngest is 15)
Source: Forbes
| Knowledge Nuggets - |
|---|
| About Forbes - Forbes champions success by celebrating those who have made it, and those who aspire to make it. Forbes convenes and curates the most influential leaders and entrepreneurs who are driving change, transforming business and making a significant impact on the world. |
- IN-SPACe honoured with “Public Policy: Enabling Industry Development” by the GWF
- What: The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) has been honoured with the Geospatial World Forum (GWF) Leadership Award for “Public Policy: Enabling Industry Development.”
- Why: The award recognizes IN-SPACe’s contributions to the global geospatial industry through its ground-breaking work in fostering the growth and development of India’s space sector and support to non-government entities working in the space economy,
- Tell me more:
- Presented at: 2024 Geospatial World Forum in Rotterdam
- The GWF Leadership Awards, presented annually at the Geospatial World Forum, acknowledge individuals and organizations that have made exceptional contributions to the geospatial field and demonstrated innovation in addressing global challenges
Source: The Hindu Business Line
| Knowledge Nuggets - |
|---|
| IN-SPACe - Headquarters: Ahmedabad(Gujarat) - Genesis: Establishment in 2020 as a part of space sector reform. - Nodal department: An autonomous agency in the Department of Space (DOS). - Aim: To facilitate the participation of private players in India’s space sector. Key roles: Enable and nurture non-government entities (NGEs) to accomplish their ventures in space sector and supervise their activities. Authorize space operations and services in the country through well defined framework. |
Important Days
- May 16: National Dengue Day
- What: National Dengue Day is annually observed across India on 16 May to spread awareness about Dengue, a mosquito-borne viral infectious disease, and to promote preventive measures to combat Dengue.
- Organized by: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW).
- Theme of 2024: Dengue Prevention: Our Responsibility for a Safer Tomorrow’.
- Anti Dengue Month is observed in July for community awareness to keep the houses and surroundings free from mosquito breeding.
Source: Business Standard
- May 16: International Day of Light
- What: May 16th is annually observed as International Day of Light, which commemorates the first successful operation of the laser by physicist and engineer Theodore Maiman in 1960.
- Theme for 2024: Light in Our Lives, to let the light guide us the way forward.
Source: Indian Express
- May 16: International Day of Living Together in Peace
- What: The UN’s International Day of Living Together in Peace is annually observed across the globe on 16 May to mobilize the efforts of global communities to promote peace, tolerance, inclusion, understanding, and solidarity.
Source: UNESCO
- What: The UN’s International Day of Living Together in Peace is annually observed across the globe on 16 May to mobilize the efforts of global communities to promote peace, tolerance, inclusion, understanding, and solidarity.
| Knowledge Nuggets - |
|---|
| United Nations (UN): - Secretary-General- António Guterres Headquarters- New York, United States of America (USA) - Established in- 1945 |
Sports
- Sunil Chettri announces retirement
- What: Indian football team captain Sunil Chhetri announced his retirement from international football after the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier against Kuwait on June 6 in Kolkata.
- Tell me more:
- Matches played: He is India’s most capped (150 matches) player and also the country’s top goal-scorer (94).
- Third-highest active goal scorer: Among active goal scorers, Sunil Chhettri is just behind Cristiano Ronaldo (128) and Lionel Messi(108) in the goal-scoring. He has scored 94 goals for Indian team.
- He has debut at 20 years of age (currently his age is 39) has played for the country for 19 years, having scored his first goal during his debut match in 2005 against Pakistan.
- Chhetri has won AIFF Player of the Year award seven times (latest in 2022)
- Only footballer to receive Khel Ratna Award (in 2021)
- In 2018, the continental governing body of football in Asia, the Asian Football Federation (AIFF) awarded the title “Asian Icon” to Sunil Chhetri.
- Chhetri’s England Chance: Sunil Chhetri had signed for English club Queens Park Rangers back in 2009. However, the contract did not go through and he was denied a work permit because India were not in the Top 70 of the FIFA Rankings
- First Indian to Play in Major League Soccer: Sunil Chhetri became the first Indian to play Major League Soccer after Kansas City Wizards acquired his services back in 2010.
Source: WION
Appointment
- Kapil Sibal Elected President of Supreme Court Bar Association
- What: Kapil Sibal, a senior advocate, has been elected as the President of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) in the recent elections.
- He secured over 1,000 votes, defeating his nearest rival, senior advocate Pradeep Kumar Rai.
Source: Live mint
Miscellaneous
- Book titled “At The Wheel of Research”, biography of former WHO Chief Scientist Soumya
- What: Anuradha Mascarenhas (from the Indian Express) has written a book titled “At The Wheel of Research: An Exclusive Biography of Dr. Soumya Swaminathan”.
- This book outlines the life journey of Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, the inaugural Chief Scientist at the World Health Organisation (WHO) (2019 to 2022)
- She has also served as the Director General (DG) of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) (2015 to 2017).
- She is the daughter of Dr. Monkumbu Sambasivan (MS) Swaminathan, the agricultural scientist popularly known as the “Father of the Green Revolution in India”.
Source: Scroll
- Renowned Author Malti Joshi passed away
- What: Padma Shri awardee Malti Joshi, a renowned author, storyteller passed away.
- She was awarded by ‘Padma Shri’ in 2018, recognising her contributions to literature.
- She was Popularly known as ‘Malwa ki Meera’.
- Some of her works includes: ‘Madhayantar’, ‘Pataakshep’, `Parajay’, ‘Ek Ghar Sapno Ka.
Source: Times of India
- Kanwar Lake (also known as Kabartal Wetland or Jheel)
- Located in Begusarai district, Bihar, it is a freshwater natural wetland.
- Draws water from confluence of Gandak, Bia and Kareh river.
- Bihar’s first Ramsar site recognised as wetland of international importance in 2020
- Digital Arrest
- What: A ‘digital arrest’ is a deceptive tactic used by cybercriminals who pose as law enforcement or investigative agencies.
- In this fraudster impersonate law enforcement officials and deceive their targets into believing that their Aadhaar card, SIM card, debit card or bank account has been used for criminal activities.
- These fraudsters impersonate government officials, using fake uniforms and mock police stations.
- Recently: I4C, in collaboration with Microsoft, has blocked over 1,000 Skype accounts linked to intimidation, blackmail, extortion and digital arrests of citizens by cybercriminals posing as personnel of police, CBI, Narcotics Department, RBI etc.
- Indian Cyber Coordination Centre (I4C): Under MHA, it coordinates activities related to combating cybercrime in country.
- It facilitates blocking of SIM cards, Mobile devices and Mule accounts used by such fraudsters.
Source: Times of India
- Media veteran Naresh Mohan passes away
- What: Former President of the Indian Newspaper Society (INS), Naresh Mohan, passed away.
- He was associated with several prominent media organisations, including Hindustan Times, The Tribune.
- He was the president of the Indian Newspaper Society during 1990-91.
- He has also served as the member of Press Council of India.
Source: Financial Express
- Vineet Nayyar, former Vice-Chairman of Tech Mahindra passed away
- What: Vineet Nayyar, former Vice-Chairman of Tech Mahindra, passed away.
- He was a former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer,
- Nayyar also worked with the World Bank for over 10 years in a series of senior assignments, including the Chief for the Energy, Infrastructure, and Finance Divisions for East Asia and Pacific.
- He was the first Chairman of state-owned GAIL (India) Ltd from 1986 to 1991.
Source: Indian Express
About Anuj Jindal
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Anuj Jindal, the founder, is an ex-manager from SBI, with an M.Com from Delhi School of Economics. He also has a JRF in Commerce & Management and NET in HRM, along with more than 5 years of experience in the field of Education.
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