30th May, 2024

1. India announces $1 million relief aid for landslide-hit Papua New Guinea
2. FSSAI warns against sale of human milk and products in India
3. (CCRAS) has launched PRAGATI-2024 to Boost Research and Innovation in Ayurveda
4. Varanasi, Detroit, and Venice set to host Toyota sustainability initiative
5. Djibouti releases Genetically Modified (GM) Mosquitoes to fight Malaria
6. Zimbabwe launched the gold-backed currency called ZiG
7. Ongoing Venus Volcanic Activity Discovered With NASA’s Magellan Data
8. Philippines Court blocks GMO ‘golden rice’ production over safety fears
9. 6th edition of Hurun India Art List 2024
10. May 29: International Day of UN Peacekeepers
11. May 29: World Digestive Health Day
12. May 29: World Everest Day
13. Jethabhai Bharwad, has been elected as the Chairman of NAFED
14. Emmanuelle Soubeyran, elected director general of the WOAH
15. NSDC, ILO ink pact to advance skill development and learning outcomes
16. SAMEER exchanges MoU with private industry players
17. El Niño and La Niña

National News

1. India announces $1 million relief aid for landslide-hit Papua New Guinea
   • What: The Government of India has announced USD 1 Million as Immediate Relief Aid for Papua New Guinea.
   • Why: The support has been announced in the wake of the devastating landslide in the Enga Province of Papua New Guinea.
     Source: Times of India

2. FSSAI warns against sale of human milk and products in India
   • What: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) restated that the commercialization of human milk (Mother’s milk) and its products is not permitted under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
     • It also directed state licensing authorities to refrain from granting licenses for the same.
       Source: Hindustan Times

3. (CCRAS) has launched PRAGATI-2024 to Boost Research and Innovation in Ayurveda
   • What: The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) has launched the Pharma Research in AyurGyan And Techno Innovation (PRAGATI-2024) initiative
   • Why: To promote research and innovation in the field of Ayurveda.
   • Tell me more:
     • This initiative aims to provide an opportunity for collaborative research between CCRAS and the ayurveda drug industry.
     • Also, it will showcase the vast potential of the Ayurveda and herbal industry.
       Source: PIB

4. Varanasi, Detroit, and Venice set to host Toyotas sustainability initiative
   • What: Detroit, Varanasi, and Venice have been selected to host innovation challenges as part of the Toyota Mobility Foundation’s Sustainable Cities Challenge.
   • Why: This initiative represents a significant step toward creating more sustainable and efficient transportation systems in these cities.
   • Tell me more:
     • Overall budget of the program: $9 million ($3 million for each city)
     • All three cities were chosen from a shortlist of 10 cities announced in November 2023.
       • Why these three cities were selected: The final 3 cities were selected based on the intensity of the mobility challenges they faced and their potential for impactful solutions.
         • 10 Initial Shortlisted Cities in November 2023: Bengaluru (India), Detroit (USA), Fortaleza (Brazil), Medellín (Colombia), Mexico City (Mexico), New Orleans (USA), Seberang Perai (Malaysia), Varanasi (India), Venice (Italy), York (UK)
       • Over 150 cities from 46 countries entered the challenge after the call to cities was first launched in June last year.
       • Selection parameters: Intensity of problems faced, geographical diversity, government and civic department participation, global innovation potential, and the commitment to sustainable solutions.
       • The three cities have been working with Toyota Mobility Foundation alongside Challenge Works and World Resources Institute (WRI) to finalize their Challenges
     • About the cities:
       • Detroit, Michigan, USA:
         • Known worldwide as the “Motor City,”
         • The challenge for the city: The Challenge is focused on Eastern Market, the nation’s largest food production and distribution center, where the city wants to explore solutions that help preserve the health and well-being of the Eastern Market community as it carries through with expansion plans.
           • More specifically, the Detroit City Challenge will seek solutions that reduce fossil fuel use and cut costs of freight operations in the Eastern Market, by increasing efficiencies and unlocking opportunities for clean freight technologies.
         • The Detroit City Challenge has been launched on May 29, 2024.
       • Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India:
         • Located on the banks of the Ganges River, Varanasi is the “spiritual capital” of India.
         • Challenge of Varanasi: Varanasi faces challenges managing the influx of pilgrims and tourists, particularly regarding safety and accessibility in crowded areas.
           • Varanasi will focus on creating data-driven solutions that improve mobility in the old city
         • The Varanasi City Challenge is set to launch in late June 2024.
       • Venice, Italy:
         • Venice, is famous for its picturesque canals and historic architecture.
         • The challenge for Venice: The city seeks solutions to encourage residents to utilise existing sustainable transportation options, like cycling and electric public transport.
         • The Venice City Challenge will launch on Tuesday, June 11, 2024.
           Source: Toyota

International News

1. Djibouti releases Genetically Modified (GM) Mosquitoes to fight Malaria
   • What: Djibouti has released the Genetically Modified (GM) Mosquitoes to fight Malaria.
     • The release is part of the ‘Djibouti Friendly Mosquito Programme’ to stop the spread of Anopheles stephensi (the scientific name of Malaria causing Mosquito)
   • Tell me more (About the technique):
     • Targeting Female Mosquitoes: The technique involves releasing these genetically engineered male mosquitoes into the wild.
       • When they mate with wild female mosquitoes, their offspring carry a “self-limiting” gene.
         • This gene prevents female mosquito offspring from surviving to adulthood.
       • Since only female mosquitoes bite and transmit malaria, this approach effectively reduces the mosquito population
         Source: BBC

2. Zimbabwe launched the gold-backed currency called ZiG
   • What: Zimbabwe introduced a new currency called the ZiG (short for Zimbabwe Gold).
     • The ZiG, now the sixth currency used by Zimbabwe.
     • Banks in Zimbabwe have started converting the previous national currency, the Zimbabwe dollar, into ZiGs

   • Why: To address the currency instability and hyperinflation that has plagued the country for decades.
   • Tell me more (Background)
     • Zimbabwe has grappled with high inflation, with rates surpassing 500% in recent years.
     • Consequently, the Zimbabwean dollar, introduced in 1980, lost its value due to hyperinflation.
     • Following this, the country relied on various currencies, primarily the US dollar, leading to limited control over its economy.
     • About the ZiG.
       • ZiG notes and coins will be available and issued in denominations: 1ZiG, 2ZiG, 5ZiG, 10ZiG, 20Zig, 50ZiG, 100ZiG, and 200ZiG, with the gold backing aims to provide stability and prevent currency devaluation.
         Source: Indian Express

Science and Technology

1. Ongoing Venus Volcanic Activity Discovered With NASA’s Magellan Data
   • What: A fresh look at 30-year-old radar images captured by the Magellan spacecraft suggests the planet Venus may currently be volcanically active.
     Source: NASA

Agriculture and Rural Development

1. Philippines Court blocks GMO ‘golden rice’ production over safety fears
   • What: The Court in Philippines has recently revoked biosafety permits for the commercial propagation of genetically modified golden rice.
   • Why: The decision was based on concerns related to safety, health, and legal issues.
     • The court emphasized the need for proof of safety and compliance with legal requirements from the concerned authoroties before allowing commercial propagation
   • Tell me more (About Golden Rice):
     • Golden rice, aptly named for its rich yellow color, was genetically engineered to contain higher levels of micronutrients such as iron, zinc, and beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A, it also gives a yellow or golden colour to the rice) in the grains.
       • The goal was to address vitamin A deficiency, which is a serious health issue in many regions, including the Philippines.
     • In 2021, the Philippines became the first country to approve the commercial production of golden rice.
     • Developed by: Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice).
       Source: Firstpost

Awards

1. 6th edition of Hurun India Art List 2024
   • What: The 6th edition of Hurun India Art List (2024) was released by Hurun Research Institute.
   • Tell me more:
     • About Hurun India Art List 2024:
       • The list featured India’s Top 50 most successful artists alive according to the sales of their work sold at public auction as of 1st January 2024.
       • According to the list, the cumulative sales of the most successful Indian artists reached Rs 301 crore which marked 19% Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y) growth.
     • Rankings:

• Other important awardees
  • Youngest Indian entrant: Raghav Babbar (rank 8, age 27)
  • Oldest Indian entrant: Krishen Khanna (rank 5, age 99)

• Women in the list
  • The list featured 10 female artists and the number of female artists increased by 1 (9 last year) compared to the previous year.
  • The cumulative sales of all female artists reached 41 crores which increased by 19%.
  • Arpita Singh, 87-year-old (ranked 3rd ) topped among the female artists in the list
    Source: Hurun India

Important Days

1. May 29: International Day of UN Peacekeepers
   • What:  The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is observed annually on May 29.
   • Why: To honor the soldiers who have served in UN peacekeeping missions around the world.
   • The 2024 theme: ‘Fit for the future, building better together
     Source: UN

2. May 29: World Digestive Health Day
   • What: World Digestive Health Day (WDHD) is annually observed globally on 29 May
   • Why: To raise awareness of the prevention, prevalence, diagnosis, management, and treatment of digestive diseases or disorders worldwide.
   • The 2024 theme of WDHD is, “Your Digestive Health: Make It A Priority”
     Source: WDHD

3. May 29: World Everest Day
   • What: International Everest Day is annually observed across the globe on 29th May
   • Why: To commemorate the first-ever successful summit of Mount (Mt) Everest in 1953 by Sir Edmund Hillary, a mountaineer from New Zealand, and Tenzing Norgay, a Sherpa from Nepal.
     Source: Business Standard

Appointments

1. Jethabhai Bharwad, has been elected as the Chairman of NAFED
   • What: Jethabhai Bharvad, the Deputy Speaker of the Gujarat Assembly has been elected unopposed as the chairman of the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED).
   • He replaces Bijender Singh who held the position as NAFED Chairman since 2007.
     Source: Indian Express

2. Emmanuelle Soubeyran, elected director general of the WOAH
   • What: Dr. Emmanuelle Soubeyran has been elected as the 8th Director General of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) for a 5-year term from 2024 to 2029.
   • The appointment was made during the 91st annual general session, which marks the 100th anniversary of WOAH.
     • The 91st annual general session of WOAH was held in Paris, France.
   • Emmanuelle Soubeyran succeeded Dr Monique Eloit.
     Source: Reuters

Memorandum of Understanding

1. NSDC, ILO ink pact to advance skill development and learning outcomes
   • What: The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) have signed an MoU.
   • Why: Together, the NSDC and ILO aim to build a pool of skilled Indian youth for global opportunities, aligning and benchmarking Indian qualifications with global skills standards.
   • Tell me more (About the MoU):
     • Use of Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH): A significant aspect of this collaboration is the implementation of the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH).
       • This digital transformation will streamline skill development initiatives, making them more efficient, accessible, and impactful globally.
     • Creation of a Global Knowledge-Sharing Platform: Through a global knowledge-sharing platform, skills and qualifications will be strengthened, allowing for better assessment and comparison of Indian workers’ skills with those required in potential destination countries.
       • This will improve mobility and global employability prospects for Indian workers.
         Source: PIB

2. SAMEER exchanges MoU with private industry players
   • What: The Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering & Research (SAMEER) exchanged MoU on Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and technology transfer of Linear Accelerator with private industry players.
   • Why: This move aims to make these costly technologies more accessible by providing these technologies to the private health industry and reducing expenses for the public.
   • Tell me more:
     • Names of the devices: 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner and 6 MEV Linear Accelerator.
     • Devices developed by: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
     • Implementing agencies: SAMEER in collaboration with Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Trivandrum & Kolkata, Inter University Accelerator Centre (IUAC) and Dayanand Sagar Institute (DSI).
       • SAMEER is an autonomous Research & Development laboratory at Mumbai under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
         Source: PIB

     
     
   
   
   
   

Miscellaneous

1. El Niño and La Niña
   • El Niño and La Niña are opposite phases of a recurring climate pattern called the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle. This cycle is all about changes in temperature and wind patterns across the tropical Pacific Ocean, and it has a big impact on weather around the world.
     • El Niño: This is the warm phase. During El Niño, trade winds weaken and warm surface water.
       • This disrupts normal weather patterns, bringing wetter conditions to some areas and drier conditions to others.
     • La Niña: This is the cool phase. La Niña is basically the opposite of El Niño.
       • Trade winds strengthen, pushing warm surface water westward and causing cooler water to rise up from the deep ocean in the eastern Pacific.
       • This also disrupts weather patterns, but in a different way than El Niño.
     • Impact on Mansoon in India
       • El nino- drought
       • La Nina- excess Monsoon

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