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- Which medal has Neeraj Chopra won in Doha Diamond League?
- Gold medal
- Silver medal
- Bronze medal
- No medal
Show The Answer 2. Silver medal
2. Which country’s parliament has been dissolved recently?
- Kuwait
- Saudi Arab
- Iran
- Iraq
Show The Answer
3. Who has passed the proposal to make whom a permanent member in the Assembly of the United Nations (UN)?
- Gambia
- Syria
- Jordan
- Palestine
Show The Answer 4. Palestine
4. Mahamat Idris Deby has become the President of which country?
- Chad
- Somalia
- Yugoslavia
- Argentina
Show The Answer
5. Which Indian wrestler has been suspended by United World Wrestling (UWW)?
- Ravi Dahiya
- Yogeshwar Dutt
- Sakshi Malik
- Bajrang Punia
Show The Answer 4. Bajrang Punia
6. International Dance Day is celebrated every year on 29 April on the occasion of the birth anniversary of the “Father” of modern ballet. What is his name?
- George balanchine
- Mikhail Baryshnikov
- Rudolf nureyev
- Jean-Georges Noverre
Show The Answer 4. Jean-Georges Noverre
7. Who recently achieved a hat-trick of gold medals at the Archery World Cup Stage 1 in Shanghai in April, 2024?
- Preneet Kaur
- Aditi Swami
- Jyoti Surekha Vennam
- Andrea becerra
Show The Answer 3. Jyoti Surekha Vennam
8. When is International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day celebrated?
- 25 April
- 26 April
- 27 April
- 28 April
Show The Answer 2. 26 April
9. Which country has recently appointed Abhay Sharma as the head coach before the T20 World Cup?
- Netherlands
- India
- Morocco
- Uganda
Show The Answer 4. Uganda
10. Who has recently been appointed as the ambassador of ‘ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier’?
- Sana Mir
- Sarabjeet Singh
- Deepti Sharma
- Pragya Mishra
Show The Answer
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Some lines of current affairs 15 May 2024 news
National
India and France Kick Off 7th Joint Military Exercise “Ex-SHAKTI” 2024 in Meghalaya
The 7th India-France joint military exercise, “Exercise SHAKTI 2024,” started on May 13, 2024, at the modern Foreign Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya. This biennial event, alternating between India and France, runs from May 13 to May 26, 2024.
Exercise Details
- Focus: Semi-urban and mountainous operations.
- Duration: 14 days (May 13-26, 2024).
- Indian Contingent: Led by the RAJPUT Regiment with 90 personnel, including observers from the Indian Air Force and Navy.
- French Contingent: Represented by the 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade (13th DBLE), also with 90 personnel.
Key Highlights
- Objective: Enhance joint military capabilities for multi-domain operations under Chapter VII of the UN mandate.
- Tactical Drills: Include responses to terrorist activities, establishing a Joint Command Post, and setting up an Intelligence and Surveillance Centre.
Significance
Exercise SHAKTI 2024 promotes the exchange of best practices in joint operations, tactics, techniques, and procedures, fostering interoperability between Indian and French armed forces.
Historical Context
- Previous Edition: Held at the Military School of Draguignan, France, in November 2021.
- Other Biennial Exercises with France:
- GARUDA: Between the air forces of India and France.
- VARUNA: Between the navies of India and France.
About the Indian Army
- Chief of Army Staff: Manoj Pande
- Headquarters: New Delhi, India
- Established: April 1, 1895
About France
- President: Emmanuel Macron
- Capital: Paris
- Currency: Euro
International
19th United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF19) Review and Outcomes
The 19th session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF19) took place from May 6 to May 10, 2024, at the UN headquarters in New York, USA. Organized by the UNFF Secretariat, the forum was chaired by Zéphyrin Maniratanga from Burundi.
Key Highlights of UNFF19
- Midterm Review: The forum conducted its midterm review of the International Arrangement on Forests.
- Key Outcomes: Major outcomes included a High-Level Segment declaration and an omnibus resolution, featuring the midterm review results and the new Quadrennial Programme of Work for 2025-2028.
- Indian Delegation: The Indian delegation was led by Jitendra Kumar, Director General of Forests and Special Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
About the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF)
The UNFF is a functional commission of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) with universal membership. It has achieved significant milestones, including:
- First UN Forest Instrument (2007): Establishing a comprehensive framework for sustainable forest management.
- Global Forest Financing Facilitation Network (2015): Enhancing financing for sustainable forest management.
- UN Strategic Plan for Forests 2030 (2017): Setting six Global Forest Goals to promote sustainable forest management globally.
- Established: 2000
- Headquarters: New York, USA
This overview captures the essence and significance of UNFF19, highlighting its contributions to global forest management and sustainability.
India and Iran have signed a long-term agreement to operate the Chabahar Port in Iran.
On May 13, 2024, India and Iran finalized a significant 10-year contract to manage the Shahid Beheshti Port Terminal at Chabahar Port, Iran. This agreement aims to enhance regional connectivity and strengthen trade relations.
Key Details of the Contract:
- Signatories: India Ports Global Limited (IPGL), a subsidiary of India Ports Global Chabahar Free Zone (IPGCFZ), and Iran’s Port and Maritime Organisation (PMO).
- Witnesses: The signing ceremony was attended by Sarbananda Sonowal, India’s Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, and Mehrdad Bazrpash, Iran’s Minister of Roads and Urban Development.
Investment and Financial Commitments:
- Investment IPGL will invest around USD 120 million to equip the port.
- Credit Line: India has offered a USD 250 million credit window for projects enhancing Chabahar’s infrastructure.
Background and Historical Context:
- Initial Agreements: An MoU for Chabahar’s development was signed in May 2015, followed by a contract in May 2016 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Iran.
- Tripartite Agreement: In May 2016, India agreed to develop the Shahid Beheshti terminal under a tripartite agreement with Iran and Afghanistan. However, Afghanistan is no longer part of the arrangements following the Taliban takeover in 2021.
Significance of Chabahar Port Project:
- Location: Chabahar Port, located in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchistan province, comprises Shahid Kalantari and Shahid Beheshti ports.
- Strategic Importance: The port serves as a crucial transit hub for trade with Afghanistan and Central Asia, offering India a strategic route bypassing Pakistan.
- INSTC Hub: Chabahar is a key node in the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a 7,200 km-long multi-modal network connecting India, Iran, Afghanistan, Russia, Central Asia, and Europe.
About Iran:
- President: Ebrahim Raisi
- Currency: Iranian Rial
- Capital: Tehran
Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, and Sahṛdayāloka –Locana from India Added to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register
UNESCO Adds Indian Classics to Memory of the World Register
Key Highlights:
- UNESCO Recognition:
- The Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, and Sahṛdayāloka-Locana have been added to UNESCO’s Memory of the World (MOW) Asia-Pacific Regional Register.
- This decision was made during the 10th MOWCAP meeting in Ulaanbatar, Mongolia.
- Details of the Works:
- Ramcharitmanas by Goswami Tulsidas
- Panchatantra by Pt. Vishnu Sharma
- Sahṛdayāloka-Locana by Acharya Anandvardhan
- IGNCA’s Role:
- The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) played a crucial role in the nomination process.
- Prof. Ramesh Chandra Gaur, Dean and Head of the Kala Nidhi Division, successfully represented these works.
- MOWCAP Insights:
- MOWCAP is a regional forum for UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme, established in 1998.
- It aims to preserve and increase awareness of the Asia-Pacific documentary heritage.
- The forum includes 43 countries and holds biennial meetings to update the register.
Event Participation:
The event saw participation from 38 member state representatives and 40 observers.
-
About UNESCO:
- Director-General: Audrey Azoulay
- Headquarters: Paris, France
- Established: 1945
Note: This marks the first time IGNCA has submitted nominations to the Regional Register since its inception in 2008.
These additions highlight the rich cultural heritage of India and its significant contributions to global literature and education.
Illegal Wildlife Trafficking Still Widespread: UNODC’s 3rd World Wildlife Crime Report
Key Highlights:
- Seizure Trends: Seizures in 2020 and 2021 were about half of previous years, likely due to COVID-19 disruptions.
- Illegal Trade Data: Between 2015 and 2021, 13 million items were seized, involving around 4,000 species across 162 countries.
- About 3,250 of these species are listed in the CITES Appendices.
- Most Trafficked Species: Corals (16%), crocodilians (9%), and elephants (6%).
- Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Indicator: For the first time, progress toward SDG target 15.7, which aims to end trafficking in protected species, was included.
- Positive Trends: Decreases in elephant ivory and rhinoceros horn trafficking were noted.
- Recommendations: The report emphasizes the need for better enforcement, anti-corruption measures, and stronger legislation to combat wildlife crime and prevent extinctions.
This report underscores the urgent need for global action to protect endangered species and combat illegal wildlife trafficking.
Banking & Finance
SBI Achieves Milestone as First Bank to Join IIBX as Trading-cum-Clearing Member
On May 13, 2024, State Bank of India (SBI), India’s largest Public Sector Bank (PSB), made history by becoming India’s first bank to serve as a Trading-cum-Clearing Member (TCM) at India International Bullion Exchange IFSC Limited (IIBX), located in GIFT City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
This milestone allows SBI’s International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) Banking Unit (IBU) to engage in trading activities on the IIBX platform.
Background:
- In February 2024, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) granted permission to Indian Banks’ branches in GIFT-IFSC to act as Trading Members (TM)/ Trading and Clearing Members (TCM) of IIBX.
- This permission enables authorized Indian Banks to function as Special Category Clients (SCCs) for importing Gold or Silver through IIBX.
About India International Bullion Exchange IFSC Limited (IIBX):
- Launched on June 29, 2022, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at GIFT-IFSC in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
- Regulated by the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA).
- Eligible entities for membership include Registered Partnership Firms, Private Limited Companies, Public Limited Companies, IBU Branches at GIFT City, and others.
Trading and Clearing Member (TCM):
This membership category allows members to execute trades on their own behalf and on behalf of clients, as well as clear and settle trades conducted by themselves and other trading members utilizing their clearing services.
About State Bank of India (SBI):
- Chairman: Dinesh Kumar Khara
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Tagline: The Banker to Every Indian
- Founded in: 1955
Bajaj Finserv introduces India’s inaugural Multi Asset Allocation Fund featuring a Dividend Yield Strategy.
Introducing Bajaj Finserv’s new Multi Asset Allocation Fund, offering investors a diversified approach to various asset classes in a single investment. This open-ended scheme aims for stability and growth with a unique dividend yield strategy.
Key Details:
- NFO opens on May 13, 2024, and closes on May 27, 2024, with subscription available until June 6, 2024.
- Minimum application amount during NFO: Rs. 500, in multiples of Re. 1.
Investment Objectives:
- Generate income from fixed income instruments and capital appreciation from equity, derivatives, Gold and Silver ETFs, commodity derivatives, and REITs/InvITs.
- Note: Investment objectives are not guaranteed.
Key Features:
- Benchmark: 65% Nifty 50 TRI + 25% NIFTY Short Duration Debt Index + 10% Domestic Gold Prices.
- Fund Managers: Nimesh Chandan, Sorbh Gupta (equity), Nimesh Chandan, Siddharth Chaudhary (debt), Vinay Bafna (commodities).
Investment Strategy:
- Focus on high dividend-yield companies for compounding growth.
- Asset allocation ranges: 35-80% equity, 10-55% fixed-income, 10-55% commodities, 0-10% REITs/InvITs.
- Prioritize quality portfolios with a safety-first approach.
- Adjust fixed-income allocations based on macroeconomic factors.
Exit Load Structure:
- Within 1 Year: No exit load on up to 30% redeemed/switched; 1% NAV for redemption/switch-out over 30%.
- After 1 Year: No exit load on units redeemed/switched after 1 year.
About Bajaj Finserv Asset Management Ltd:
- Wholly-owned subsidiary of Bajaj Finserv Limited.
- CEO: Ganesh Mohan.
- Established in 2021.
- Headquarters: Pune, Maharashtra.
Economy & Business
Greenko Zeroc, headquartered in Hyderabad, seals Green Ammonia Supply Deal with Norway’s Yara.
Greenko Zeroc, based in Hyderabad, has inked a deal with Norway’s Yara Clean Ammonia, the world’s leading ammonia trader and distributor. This agreement entails Greenko Zeroc, a production arm of the renewable energy firm AM Green, supplying up to 50% green ammonia to Yara from Phase 1 of its ammonia production facility in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. Yara will utilize this ammonia for the production of low-emission fertilizers and for reducing carbon emissions in sectors such as shipping and power. Initially, the Kakinada facility will have a production capacity of 1 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA), which will expand to 5 MTPA by 2030. The plant is anticipated to commence renewable ammonia production and exports by 2027.
Appointments & Resignations
IIFL Securities Limited appoints Nemkumar as new Managing Director (MD)
IIFL Securities Limited, formerly known as India Infoline Limited, has named Nemkumar H as its new Managing Director (MD) for a 5-year term starting May 15, 2024. Nemkumar H, currently a Whole-time Director on the company’s board, takes over from R. Venkataraman, whose term as MD ended on May 14, 2024. Additionally, Narendra Jain has been appointed as Whole-Time Director for another 5-year period.
About Nemkumar H:
- Professional Chartered Accountant (CA) with nearly a decade of experience at CLSA Limited, where he served as Equity Analyst and held roles including head of research and country head.
- Started career at Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), spending 8 years in corporate treasury and pricing departments.
- Joined IIFL in 2007 and was a founding member of IIFL’s Institutional Equities Business.
Acquisitions & Mergers
IHHL, a Hinduja Group company, gains IRDAI approval for acquiring Reliance Capital.
“IndusInd International Holdings Limited (IIHL), a Hinduja Group company, has secured approval from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) for acquiring Reliance Capital. This acquisition encompasses Reliance General Insurance and Reliance Nippon Life Insurance.
Completion of the deal is contingent upon various regulatory, statutory, and judicial clearances/compliances. IIHL aims to finalize the acquisition of Reliance Capital (RCap) by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT)’s deadline of May 27, 2024.
NCLT endorsed IIHL’s resolution plan worth Rs 9,650 crore for Reliance Capital on February 27, 2024. However, the Hinduja Group awaits approvals from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Competition Commission of India (CCI) before concluding the deal.”
Sports
Magnus Carlsen triumphs at 2024 Superbet Poland Rapid & Blitz; Praggnanandhaa takes fourth place.
Magnus Carlsen, the five-time World Champion and current World No. 1, secured victory at the 2024 Superbet Poland Rapid & Blitz held in Warsaw from May 7th to 12th.
Carlsen dominated with 26 points, triumphing with 10 consecutive wins and claiming the championship.
Highlights:
- Wei Yi of China secured second place with 25.5 points.
- Jan-Krzysztof Duda of Poland took third with 19.5 points, while Praggnanandhaa claimed fourth with 19 points.
- Erigaisi Arjun secured fifth place, and Dommaraju Gukesh finished in tenth.
Prize Fund:
Each tournament offered a prize fund of USD 350,000 for rapid and USD 175,000 for blitz, with an additional bonus prize pool of USD 275,000.
Magnus Carlsen received USD 40,000 as his prize money.
About Magnus Carlsen:
- Carlsen also won the GRENKE Chess Classic 2024 in March & April for the third time, having previously won it in 2015 and 2019.
- He claimed the 2024 Champions Chess Tour Chessable Masters title in February.
About Grand Chess Tour 2024:
- The Grand Chess Tour is a premier chess competition held throughout the year in various formats, featuring the world’s top players.
- Originating in 2015, the tour has expanded and evolved, with Magnus Carlsen emerging as the inaugural champion.
Neeraj Chopra, Indian javelin thrower, secured the second position at the Doha Diamond League 2024.
Neeraj Chopra, Olympic and World Champion javelin thrower, secured second place at the Doha Diamond League 2024 on May 10th at Qatar Sports Club, Doha, Qatar. Czech Republic’s Jakub Vadlejch claimed the top spot with an 88.38 meters throw, while Neeraj Chopra narrowly missed first place by just 2 centimeters (88.36 meters).
Highlights:
- Former world champion Anderson Peters of Grenada secured third place with an 86.62m throw.
- India’s Kishore Jena, silver medalist at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games, finished ninth in his Diamond League debut.
Next men’s javelin Diamond League meeting is scheduled in Paris on July 7, 2024.
About Neeraj Chopra:
- Neeraj Chopra previously won the 2023 Doha Diamond League.
- He secured a gold medal at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
- Additionally, he claimed gold in the men’s javelin throw event at the World Athletics Championships 2023 in Budapest, Hungary.
- He is also the 2020 Tokyo Olympic gold medalist.
About the Diamond League:
- The Diamond League comprises high-level track & field meets under World Athletics.
- The 2024 Diamond League marks the fifteenth season of the annual outdoor track and field series.
Obituary
Birubala Rabha, Padma Shri Awardee and Anti-Witch Hunting Advocate, Passes Away
Renowned anti-witch hunting advocate Dr. Birubala Rabha, honored with the Padma Shri in 2021, has passed away at 75. Born in 1954 in Goalpara, Assam, she founded ‘Mission Birubala’ in 2012 to combat superstitions, saving 55 lives across various districts. Her efforts led to the Assam Witch Hunting Act of 2015, imposing fines and imprisonment for witch accusations. Dr. Rabha’s impactful work garnered her a Nobel Peace Prize nomination in 2005 and an Honorary Doctorate from Gauhati University in 2015.
State
The IAF performed a ‘Bambi Bucket’ operation to tackle forest fires in Uttarakhand.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) collaborated with the Uttarakhand government to tackle forest fires in Nainital, Uttarakhand, using the Mi-17 V5 helicopter for Bambi Bucket operations.
During 23 sorties totaling 11.5 hours, the IAF deployed 44,600 liters of water to combat the mountain fires efficiently. Bambi Bucket, introduced in 1983 by Canadian Don Arney, revolutionized aerial firefighting, allowing helicopters to transport large water volumes beneath them to swiftly extinguish wildfires. The Uttarakhand government initiated the “Pirul Lao-Paisa Pao” campaign to address forest fires and devastation.
Key points about the campaign:
- Inaugurated by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on May 8, 2024, in Rudraprayag district.
- Managed by the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board.
- Involves locals and youth collecting dry pirul (pine tree leaves) from forests and delivering them to designated centers.
- Participants receive Rs 50 per kilogram deposited directly into their bank accounts.
- The initiative mitigates fire risks in pine forests and utilizes pirul for productive purposes like electricity generation.
Pirul, or Chaita, denotes pine tree leaves traditionally used for various purposes such as animal bedding, fertilizer, and fruit packaging. Due to their high flammability, they pose a significant fire threat in pine forests.
The Uttarakhand government has established a 25-kilowatt power plant in Chakori Dhanari village, Uttarkashi district, utilizing pirul as a raw material for electricity generation.
Quick facts about Uttarakhand:
- Chief Minister: Pushkar Singh Dhami
- Governor: Gurmit Singh
- Capital: Dehradun
- Wildlife Sanctuaries: Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Benog Wildlife Sanctuary
- Festivals: Kangdali Festival, Uttarayani Mela or Uttarayani Fair
Important Days
Celebrate International Day of Plant Health 2024 on May 12!
The International Day of Plant Health (IDPH), designated by the United Nations (UN), is celebrated annually on May 12th worldwide. It aims to raise awareness about safeguarding plant health to combat hunger, poverty, preserve biodiversity, protect the environment, and stimulate economic growth.
In 2024, May 12th marks the third observance of IDPH, focusing on “Plant Health, Safe Trade, and Digital Technology.”
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) leads the yearly commemoration of IDPH in partnership with the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).
Background:
1. On March 29, 2022, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed resolution A/RES/76/256, officially declaring May 12th as the International Day of Plant Health.
This resolution acknowledges the pivotal role of plant health in achieving sustainable agriculture to feed the expanding global population by 2050.
2. The inaugural International Day of Plant Health was observed on May 12, 2022.
About the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO):
- Director-General: Dr. Qu Dongyu
- Headquarters: Rome, Italy
- Established: 1945
International Nurses Day 2024 – May 12
International Nurses Day (IND) is an annual global observance on May 12th, celebrating nurses’ vital contributions to healthcare.
It honors Florence Nightingale, the pioneer of modern nursing, on her birth anniversary.
The theme for International Nurses Day 2024 is “Our Nurses. Our Future. The economic power of care.”
The International Council of Nurses (ICN) leads the annual commemoration.
Background:
- In 1953, Dorothy Sutherland proposed “Nurses Day” to President Eisenhower.
- ICN has celebrated International Nurses Day since 1965.
- ICN declared May 12th as International Nurse Day in 1974, marking Nightingale’s birthday.
About the International Council of Nurses (ICN):
- Founded in 1899, ICN is the world’s foremost international healthcare organization.
- President: Dr. Pamela Cipriano
- Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
International Sun Day 2024 – Celebrated on May 3rd
International Sun Day, also known as World Sun Day, occurs annually on May 3rd to promote awareness about the benefits of solar energy for a greener planet. In 2024, India hosted events to celebrate this day, including a ‘Run for Sun’ Marathon organized by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi. Additionally, six cities featured Solar Stops, interactive kiosks highlighting solar energy’s importance.
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