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Daily G.K. - Top Stories

08 May 2024

DAILY G.K. TEST

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INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

India May Get New Chinese Envoy after LS Election

  • China is likely to send one of its senior-most diplomats Xu Feihong as the envoy to India after the Lok Sabha elections are over.
  • Though there was a false alarm about his appointment as the envoy to Indian in January, Xu will fill the post that has been vacant for 19 months if he does take over in June.
  • In late January as well, the Beijing grapevine had suggested that the 60-year-old Xu, presently Assistant Minister for Financial and Administrative Affairs, will assume charge as the Ambassador to India.
  • The veteran diplomat has more experience serving in Europe and Latin America though he has had a three-year stint as the Ambassador in Kabul. This is in contrast to his predecessors Sun Weidong and Lui Zhaohui, who had served more in Asia.

26th ASEAN-India Senior Officials' Meeting in New Delhi

  • The 26th ASEAN-India Senior Officials' Meeting took place in New Delhi, co-chaired by Secretary (East) Jaideep Mazumdar and Permanent Secretary Albert Chua of Singapore. Discussions encompassed the three pillars of engagement—political-security, economic, and socio-cultural—reviewing ASEAN-India relations as outlined in the ASEAN-India Plan of Action (2021-2025). Key topics included the implementation of the Prime Ministers' 12-Point Proposal and preparations for the upcoming ASEAN-India Summit in Vientiane.
  • Headquartered in Jakarta (Indonesia), the 10 ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member states are – Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
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BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

Lanka Inks Pact with Adani for Wind Energy

  • After months of procrastination, the Sri Lankan Government signed a 20-year power purchase agreement with Adani Green Energy to construct two wind power stations. Under the terms of the agreement, the company will receive compensation of 8.26 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
  • Adani Green Energy had secured approval to invest $442 million in February last year. The power plants are located in Mannar town and Pooneryn village in Northern Province.
  • The Adani Group is already engaged in the construction of a $700 million terminal project at Colombo, Sri Lanka's largest port.
  • Adani Green Energy currently has an operating renewable portfolio of 8.4 GW, the largest in India, spread across 12 states, offsetting over 41 million tonnes of CO2 emissions cumulatively. The company has set a target of 45 GW by 2030 aligned to India's decarbonisation goals.

Paytm President and COO Bhavesh Gupta Resigns

  • One97 Communications (OCL), which owns brand Paytm, said the company's president and chief operating officer (COO) Bhavesh Gupta has resigned from his position. Gupta, whose resignation comes amid a series of recent top level exits at the Noida-based fintech, will however move to an advisory role in the CEO office.
  • Gupta quit citing personal reasons and his last day with the organisation—which has come under regulatory scrutiny due to non-compliance at its banking unit—will be on May 31.
  • The Company has accepted his resignation and he will be relieved from the services of the Company w.e.f. close of business hours on May 31, 2024.
  • Varun Sridhar has been appointed as CEO of Paytm Services Pvt Limited.
  • The firm also welcomed Rakesh Singh as CEO of Paytm Money.
  • Vijay Shekhar Sharma - Founder & CEO, of Paytm
  • Parent organization: One97 Communications
  • According to the filing, Gupta in a letter said that his resignation would be effective as of the close of business hours on May 31, 2024. He, however, expressed his intention to continue supporting the company in an advisory capacity within the chief executive's office.

ICICI Bank Introduces UPI for NRIs Using International Mobile Numbers

  • ICICI Bank has unveiled a groundbreaking feature allowing non-resident Indian (NRI) customers to utilize Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions in India through their international mobile numbers. This innovation aims to simplify daily payments for NRIs by eliminating the need to register an Indian mobile number with their NRE/NRO accounts, thereby enhancing convenience.
  • Previously, NRIs had to link an Indian mobile number to their NRE/NRO accounts to use UPI, restricting their payment capabilities. With ICICI Bank's new offering, NRIs can now leverage their international mobile numbers registered with their accounts for seamless UPI transactions, transforming their payment experience.
  • To activate UPI on their international mobile numbers, customers can follow a straightforward process through the iMobile Pay app. By verifying their mobile number, creating a UPI ID, and selecting their account number, NRIs can easily initiate UPI transactions without switching to an Indian mobile number.
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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Bajaj Auto Set to Revolutionize Transportation with World's First CNG Motorcycle

  • Bajaj Auto, led by Managing Director Rajiv Bajaj, is all set to introduce a groundbreaking innovation in the world of motorcycles. Amidst soaring petrol prices, the company is gearing up to launch the world's first CNG-powered motorcycle on June 18, 2024. This move aims to provide consumers with a cost-effective alternative for daily commuting, promising lower running costs compared to traditional petrol-powered bikes.
  • The prototype of Bajaj's CNG motorcycle, which has been spotted multiple times during testing, resembles a typical commuter bike. It features halogen turn indicators, telescopic forks, and a monoshock unit for suspension.

Goldene: Swedish Scientists Create First Freestanding 2D Gold Sheet

  • Scientists at Sweden's Linköping University have recently made a significant scientific breakthrough by creating the first free-standing sheet made of gold, which is only one atom thick. This 2D sheet, named "goldene," is similar to graphene and marks the first time a metal has been transformed into a 2D sheet.
  • Production Process:
  • To create goldene, the scientists first sandwiched a silicon atomic layer between layers of titanium carbide. Gold was then deposited onto this structure, allowing gold atoms to replace the silicon atoms. Finally, the titanium carbide layers were removed through a chemical process, resulting in an extremely thin, free-standing layer of gold.
  • Potential Benefits:
  • Electronics Industry Gold is widely used in the electronics industry due to its high electrical conductivity. The development of goldene could revolutionize this industry by significantly reducing the amount of gold required in devices.
  • Energy-Efficient Catalysis Goldene could also be used in energy-efficient catalysis processes, such as carbon dioxide conversion, hydrogen production, and water purification.
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SPORTS

Paris-bound Preeti Leads India's Golden Run at Asian Boxing

  • Paris Olympics-bound Preeti was among seven Indian boxers to have clinched the gold medal as the country's medals tally hit a high of 43 at the conclusion of the Asian U-22 & Youth Boxing Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan.
  • Preeti (54kg) made a remarkable comeback after going down 0-5 in the first round to register a 3-0 win in the final against Kazakhstan's Bazarova Elina.
  • The Indian boxers won 12 gold, 14 silver and 17 bronze medals to finish second behind hosts Kazakhstan, who bagged a total of 48 medals. The U-22 team grabbed a total of 21 medals, including seven gold, five silver and nine bronze.

India Clinches 3 Gold, And 2 Bronze Medals at Asian Open Pickleball Championships in Vietnam

  • India clinched three gold and two bronze medals at the Asian Open Pickleball Championships in Vietnam yesterday. Sachin Pahwa and Priyanka Chabbra led India to its first gold medal, defeating Ruben Hellberg and Chitlada Hemasee 11-9, 5-11, 11-9, in the mixed doubles intermediate 35+ category final.
  • While in the women's doubles open category, the pair of Isha Lakhani and Pei Chuan Kao bagged the gold medal with a dominating 15-7, 15-3 win against Dang Kim Ngan and Tyak K.
  • In the men's doubles, India's Aniket Patel and Rohit Patil claimed the yellow metal despite losing the opening game. The duo defeated Nik Alessandro Isagan and Lester Ga 5-11, 11-6, and 11-8 in the final. In the men's singles advance 35+ category, Vijay Menon defeated Yu Hsuan Cher to secure the bronze, while in the women's singles intermediate 35+ event, Priyanka Chhabra defeated Marissa Phongsirikul, earning India another bronze medal.

Indian Contingent Bags 43 Medals At ASBC Asian U-22 And Youth Boxing Championships In Astana, Kazakhstan

  • In boxing, the Indian contingent wrapped up their electrifying journey at the ASBC Asian U-22 and Youth Boxing Championships with a remarkable haul of 43 medals in Astana, Kazakhstan. This includes 12 gold, 14 silver, and 17 bronze medals from both categories.
  • The Indian U-22 team finished with 21 medals, including seven gold, five silver, and nine bronze medals, yesterday, while the youth section bagged 22 medals, including five gold, nine silver, and eight bronze medals, on Monday. India finished with the second-highest medal count, only behind the hosts, Kazakhstan, who have won 48 medals.
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NATIONAL AFFAIRS

DSLSA Launches 'Project Saksham' to Help Undertrials Reintegrate with Society

  • Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA) launched a programme to reshape the lives of undertrials and help them reintegrate with society.
  • DSLSA collaborated with Max Healthcare Foundation for 'Project Saksham' to provide skills training to individuals within Tihar Jail, marking the largest initiative of its kind in India, said Manmohan, acting chief justice of Delhi High Court and executive chairperson of DSLSA.

Jyoti Malhotra Appointed First Woman Editor-in-Chief of The Tribune Group

  • The Tribune Trust appointed senior journalist Jyoti Malhotra, who has vast experience across print, TV and digital media, as the Editor-in-Chief of The Tribune Group.
  • Ms. Malhotra has held senior editorial positions in various news organisations such as India Today, Indian Express, The Print and Star News and has been a regular contributor to BBC Radio. She writes widely on the intersection between politics, diplomacy and culture across the Indian subcontinent with special focus on Pakistan and Afghanistan. She takes over from Rajesh Ramachandran, who leaves office after a six-year stint with the region's premier newspaper.
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DAYS AND EVENTS

World Thalassaemia Day 2024

  • Observed annually on May 8, World Thalassaemia Day aims to raise global awareness about this genetic disorder, support those affected and their caregivers, promote research for a cure, and dispel myths surrounding the disease. This year's theme is: "Empowering Lives, Embracing Progress: Equitable and Accessible Thalassaemia Treatment for All''.
  • Thalassaemia is a genetic disorder that affects the production of haemoglobin, leading to a shortage of red blood cells and anaemia. While carriers of the thalassaemia gene may lead normal lives, those with thalassaemia major require repeated blood transfusions and are susceptible to various infections, organ complications, and potential organ failure.
  • In 1994, the Founder of the Thalassemia International Federation (TIF), Panos Englezos, established World Thalassaemia Day in memory of his son George, who lost his life to the disease. The day was created to unite efforts in fighting thalassaemia, remembering those who succumbed to it, and finding a cure.

World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day 2024

  • May 8 is observed as World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, a global day to celebrate the uniqueness and unity of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. This day is a time to recognize the spirit of humanitarianism and the individuals who make a difference in their communities.
  • World Red Cross Day originates from the significant events following World War I, when the Red Cross made significant contributions to fostering peace. The day was implemented in 1946 and has been observed annually on May 8th since 1948, commemorating the birth anniversary of Henry Dunant, the founder of the Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti 2024

  • Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti 2024, also known as Rabindra Jayanti, falls on May 8th to commemorate the birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore. Born on May 7, 1861, in Kolkata to Debendranath Tagore and Sarada Devi, Tagore's influence extends far beyond his birthplace, resonating across literature, music, and art worldwide.
  • He was a revered Bengali polymath, poet, writer, philosopher, and Nobel laureate. Known as the "Bard of Bengal" and affectionately addressed as Gurudev, Tagore's literary and artistic genius traversed poetry, literature, music, and visual arts. His timeless works, including the poetry collection "Geetanjali," earned him the distinction of being the first non-European to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913, cementing his legacy as a cultural icon of global significance.
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AWARDS AND HONOURS

2024 Pulitzer Prize Winners Announced

  • The prestigious Pulitzer Prizes for 2024 were announced on May 7, 2024, by Columbia University in the United States of America. The awards, considered the most prestigious in the fields of journalism and arts, were conferred by Columbia University on the recommendation of the Pulitzer Prize Board. The winners will be formally recognized at a ceremony later, presided over by the president of Columbia University.
  • The winners in Journalism Category:
  • Public Service - Pro Publica (Joshua Kaplan, Justin Elliott, Brett Murphy, Alex Mierjeski, and Kirsten Berg)
  • Investigative Reporting - Hannah Dreier (The New York Times)
  • International Reporting - Staff of The New York Times
  • Editorial Writing - David E. Hoffman (The Washington Post)
  • Breaking News Photography - Photography Staff of Reuters
  • Feature Photography - Photography Staff of Associated Press
  • Audio Reporting - Staff of the Invisible Institute and USG Audio
  • The winners in Book, Drama, and Music Category:
  • Fiction - Night Watch by Jayne Anne Phillips
  • Drama - Primary Trust by Eboni Booth
  • History - No Right to an Honest Living: The Struggles of Boston's Black Workers in the Civil War Era by Jacqueline Jones
  • Biography - King: A Life by Jonathan Eig<br>Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom by Ilyon Woo
  • Memoir and Autobiography - Liliana's Invincible Summer: A Sister's Search for Justice by Cristina Rivera Garza
  • Poetry - Tripas: Poems by Brandon Som
  • Music - Adagio (For Wadada Leo Smith) by Tyshawn Sorey
  • General Nonfiction - A Day in the Life of Abed Salama: Anatomy of a Jerusalem Tragedy by Nathan Thrall
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TOURISM AND HOTEL INDUSTRY AWARENESS

Indian Airlines to Serve Half of Country's International Air Passenger Traffic by 2027-28

  • CRISIL anticipates Indian airlines' share in international passenger traffic to increase to around 50% by 2027-28, up from 43% in the previous fiscal year.
  • The growth will be propelled by Indian carriers expanding their fleets, opening new international routes, and benefiting from their robust domestic connectivity compared to foreign airlines.
  • With a higher share in international traffic, Indian airlines are expected to enhance their business profiles, as international routes tend to be more profitable than domestic ones.
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LAW AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

Supreme Court Stays Order Quashing 25K West Bengal Appointments

  • The Supreme Court stayed a Calcutta High Court order quashing the appointment of 25,753 teachers and non-teaching staff in West Bengal in state-run and state-aided schools even as it allowed the CBI to go ahead with its probe, even against state officials.
  • A three-judge Bench led by Chief Justice of India D. Y. Chandrachud, however, asked the CBI not to take any coercive action such as arresting a suspect during the probe into the appointments of teachers and non-teaching staff made by the School Service Commission (SSC).
  • The top court directed that the interim protection would continue provided that those found to have been appointed illegally and had continued as a consequence of its order shall undertake to refund the salary drawn by them, if the final decision went against them.
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