- National:
- Fship Logistics has partnered with India Post to enhance last-mile delivery services for e-commerce products. This partnership will benefit Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) startups, small and medium businesses (SMBs), and MSMEs across India. Fship will offer comprehensive shipping solutions, including pick-up and delivery services.
- On May 2, 2024, the thermal smart camera developed by C-DAC was transferred to CP Plus. The next day, May 3, 2024, MeitY launched the ITS Technology/Product Booklet. These technologies are part of the InTranSE program, aimed at fostering innovation and self-sufficiency in technology.
- The Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) received approval from the Fertilizer Control Order (FCO) for its Nano Zinc Liquid and Nano Copper Liquid fertilisers. These products are designed to address zinc and copper deficiencies in agriculture, enhancing crop health and yield.
- The Supreme Court of India ruled that a Hindu marriage is not recognized without a valid ceremony like saptapadi. Registration alone doesn’t provide legitimacy to the marriage. The traditional ceremonies are crucial for a marriage to be recognized under Hindu law.
- The ‘Nakshatra Sabha’ is India’s first astro-tourism campaign launched by Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board and Starscapes. It offers activities like stargazing, solar observations, astrophotography contests, and camping under the stars. The campaign will start on 31st May 2024 at George Everest in Mussoorie.
- Banking:
- A 16.3% increase in bank loans to businesses in March indicates that businesses are borrowing more, potentially for expansion or investment. This could signal business confidence and economic growth. However, factors like interest rates, economic conditions, and the sectors receiving these loans must also be considered.
- Science & Technology:
- The German company HyImpulse launched a candle wax-powered rocket, SR75, on a test flight into space on May 3, 2024. The rocket can carry small satellites up to 250 kg to an altitude of 250 km. This innovative approach could reduce satellite transportation costs by up to 50%.
- Committees:
- The 57th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) took place in Tbilisi, Georgia from 2 to 5 May 2024. The theme was “Bridge to the Future”. The ADB and donors agreed to replenish the Asian Development Fund (ADF) 14 and the Technical Assistance Special Fund (TASF) 8 with USD 5 billion, a 22% increase from the previous fund. This will support grant operations from 2025 to 2028. The meeting was attended by ADB Governors, government officials, private sector participants, development partners, observers, and media personalities.
- Sports:
- Japan’s under-23 football team won a big tournament called the AFC U-23 Asian Cup. They scored a goal in the final match and their goalkeeper saved a penalty. This win also means they get to play in the 2024 Olympics in Paris. They are the first team to win this tournament twice and one of their players, Joel Fujita, was named the best player of the tournament.
- In the Thomas and Uber Cup 2024, China clinched both the men’s and women’s titles. In the Thomas Cup, China’s men’s team beat Indonesia to capture their 11th title. In the Uber Cup, China’s women’s team won an unprecedented 16th title by defeating Indonesia.
- On May 5, 2024, Lando Norris, the McLaren driver, achieved his first Formula 1 victory at the Miami Grand Prix. Norris, who was running sixth in the race's early stages, capitalized on a safety car period following a crash between Logan Sargeant and Kevin Magnussen.
- Important Days:
- World Laughter Day 2024, celebrated on Sunday, May 5th, is dedicated to raising awareness about the healing benefits of laughter. The theme for this year revolves around unity, aiming to bring people together through the power of joy and laughter. Amidst global challenges, laughter is seen as a beacon of hope that heals, unites, and encourages us to find joy in every moment.
- International Leopard Day is observed annually on May 3 to raise awareness about the conservation of leopards. The day was officialised in 2023 during the Global Leopard Conference.
- Appointments:
- On 4th May 2024, UNICEF India appointed Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor Khan as their National Ambassador. In her role, she will promote children’s rights to early childhood development, health, education, and gender equality.
- Sanjeev Nautiyal, a veteran banker with over three decades of experience, has been approved by the RBI as the next Managing Director & CEO of Ujjivan Small Finance Bank. He will assume his role from July 1, 2024, for a term of 3 years. Before this appointment, he served as a deputy managing director at the State Bank of India.
- Dr. Mallika Nadda, President of Special Olympics Bharat, has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Advisory Council (APAC). Her term will last for three years, from May 1, 2024, to March 31, 2027. As Chairperson, she will represent the Special Olympics Asia Pacific region, which spans 34 countries.
- Dr. Subhransu Sekhar Acharya has taken over as the Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) of the National Small Industries Corporation Ltd. (NSIC) on May 2, 2024. He was previously the Chief General Manager of the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) in New Delhi.
- Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan assumed charge as the Vice Chief of Naval Staff on May 1, 2024. He is a specialist in Communication and Electronic Warfare and was commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1987. Before his current assignment, he served as Chief of Personnel at NHQ.
- Obituaries:
- Renowned actor Bernard Hill, known for his roles in Titanic and The Lord of the Rings, has passed away at the age of 79. His death was confirmed by his agent, and he was with his fiancée Alison and son Gabriel at the time of his passing.
- Frank Anderson Shrontz, the former CEO of Boeing and part-owner of the Seattle Mariners, passed away on May 3, 2024, at the age of 92. He served as Boeing’s CEO from 1986 to 1996, during which the company’s revenues more than doubled.
Questions:
Q.1 Where was the 57th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) held?a. Tokyo, Japan
b. Tbilisi, Georgia
c. Manila, Philippines
d. New Delhi, India
Q.2 Who has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Advisory Council (APAC)?
a. Dr. Ratan Tata
b. Dr. Sunita Williams
c. Dr. Mallika Nadda
d. Dr. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw
