12th - 18th May 2024 Weekly Current Affairs English Centre
12th - 18th May 2024 Weekly Current Affairs English Centre
. NATIONAL NEWS .
Japan Launches World’s First 6G Device, 20 Times Faster Than 5G
Japan has launched the world’s first high-speed 6G prototype device, with data transmission rate
of 100 gigabits per second (Gbps), 20 times faster than the Gold Standard 5G technology.The
6G device offers services covering an impressive range of 300 feet, showcasing the potential for
a significant advancement in internet technology.
Key Points:
• Developed by Japan's leading telecom companies, such as NTT DOCOMO, NTT
Corporation, NEC Corporation India
• 6G technology offers real-time holographic communication and immersive
virtual/mixed reality experiences.
• Japan’s Capital: Tokyo, Prime minister : Fumio Kishida
INTERNATIONAL NEWS .
Japan Launches World’s First 6G Device, 20 Times Faster Than 5G
Japan has launched the world’s first high-speed 6G prototype device, with data transmission rate
of 100 gigabits per second (Gbps), 20 times faster than the Gold Standard 5G technology.The
6G device offers services covering an impressive range of 300 feet, showcasing the potential for
a significant advancement in internet technology.
12th May-18th May,2024 Current Affairs (English)
Key Points:
• Developed by Japan's leading telecom companies, such as NTT DOCOMO, NTT
Corporation, NEC Corporation India
• 6G technology offers real-time holographic communication and immersive
virtual/mixed reality experiences.
• Japan’s Capital: Tokyo, Prime minister : Fumio Kishida
UNESCO adds three Indian literary masterpieces to Memory of the World Register
In a proud moment for India, three of its literary treasures – the Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra,
and Sahṛdayāloka-Locana – have been inscribed on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Asia-
Pacific Regional Register. This prestigious recognition celebrates India’s rich literary heritage
and cultural legacy, affirming the timeless wisdom and artistic expressions that have shaped the
nation’s identity.
Key Points:
• The Ramcharitmanas, authored by Goswami Tulsidas, the Panchatantra by Pt. Vishnu
Sharma, and the Sahṛdayāloka-Locana by Acharya Anandvardhan have had a profound
impact on Indian literature and culture.
• These works have left an enduring impression on readers and artists, shaping both moral
values and artistic expressions in the nation.
• The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) played a crucial role in this
achievement during the 10th meeting of the Memory of the World Committee for Asia
and the Pacific (MOWCAP).
• Gaur garnered support from representatives and observers by highlighting the importance
of these literary works.
About UNESCO:
Founded : 16 November 1945
Headquarters: Paris, France
Founders: India, United States, France, China, Brazil, Türkiye, MORE
In FY24, China became India's leading trading partner, with trade valued at USD 118.4
billion
According to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), China became India's biggest trading
partner in FY24, with a total trade volume of USD 118.4 billion. In the same period, the United
States came in second place with USD 118.3 billion in trade with India.
Key Points:
• In FY24, India's exports to China grew by 8.7% to USD 16.67 billion, driven by sectors
like iron ore, cotton yarn/fabrics, handlooms, spices, fruits, and vegetables.
• India's imports from China in FY24 rose by 3.24% to USD 101.7 billion, with critical items
including telecom and smartphone parts, advanced technology components, and lithium
(Li) for India's transport sector electrification.
• India's trade deficit with China widened from USD 53.57 billion in FY19 to USD 85.09
billion in FY24, as per the GTRI report.
12th May-18th May,2024 Current Affairs (English)
About China:
Capital : Beijing
Premier : Li Qiang
President : Xi Jinping
About Argentina:
Capital: Buenos Aires
President:Javier Milei
STATE NEWS
EAM Dr S Jaishankar Inaugurates Arbitration Bar Of India (ABI) in Delhi
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar stated that Arbitrate in India is a key facet of Make In
India and arbitration will help in the journey for a Viksit Bharat. Inaugurating the Arbitration
Bar of India at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Dr Jaishankar arbitration is recognised as
cornerstone of modern dispute resolution.
Key Points:
• According to the External Affairs Minister, the current event signifies a significant
redistribution of India's power and influence globally.
• He highlighted that there has been a rebalancing in the global order, with India's economic
capabilities re-emerging.
• It's expected that India's influence will naturally expand further on the world stage.
• Dr. Jaishankar emphasized in a social media post that the Narendra Modi government
acknowledges the significance of high-quality arbitration in enhancing the ease of doing
business.
• He expressed confidence that the inauguration event marks one of the legal community's
many contributions toward the development of a prosperous India.
12th May-18th May,2024 Current Affairs (English)
DoT, MHA and State Police join hands to combat cyber fraudsters
Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), and State Police
have joined hands to curb the misuse of telecom resources in cybercrime and financial fraud.
This collaborative effort aims to dismantle networks of fraudsters and protect citizens from
digital threats. Analysis has revealed that 28,200 mobile handsets were misused in cybercrimes.
• This policy also protects satellite owners from legal claims arising from third-party bodily
injury and property damage caused by their satellites in orbit.
Bajaj Finserv introduces India's inaugural Multi Asset Allocation Fund featuring a
Dividend Yield Strategy.
Bajaj Finserv Asset Management Limited unveiled the Bajaj Finserv Multi Asset Allocation
Fund, an open-ended investment scheme providing investors with a distinctive opportunity to
invest across various asset classes through a single platform.
Key Points:
• It is India’s 1st Multi Asset Fund with a dividend yield strategy that aims to provide
stability and growth by diversifying across asset classes.
• Allocate assets across various categories: 35% to 80% in stocks, 10% to 55% in bonds,
10% to 55% in commodities, and 0% to 10% in REITs/InvITs. This approach covers
multiple themes, sectors, and market caps.
• Focus on building a high-quality portfolio with a safety-first mindset.
• Adjust allocations in bonds based on factors like overall economic conditions, valuation
measures, and investor sentiments.
• IIBX operates under the regulation of the International Financial Services Centres
Authority (IFSCA).
• Entities eligible to become members of IIBX include Registered Partnership Firms, Private
Limited Companies, Public Limited Companies, and IBU Branches at GIFT City, among
others.
HDFC Bank & AIM Empower Social Sector Start-Ups with Rs 19.6 Crore Grants
In FY24 (FY 2023-24), HDFC Bank, India's largest private sector bank, collaborated with Atal
Innovation Mission (AIM) under NITI Aayog to provide grants totaling Rs 19.6 crore to social
sector startups.
Key Points:
12th May-18th May,2024 Current Affairs (English)
• The 2024 grant program emphasized key areas including Climate Innovation, Financial
Inclusion, Agriculture and Sustainable Rural Economy, Accessible and Affordable
Healthcare, Education and Livelihood Enhancement, Gender Diversity, and Inclusion.
• Start-ups awarded grants are located in various states such as Maharashtra, Uttar
Pradesh, Tamil Nadu (TN), Karnataka, Rajasthan, Delhi, and Haryana.
• Grants were distributed to incubators like Healthcare Technology Innovation Centre
(HITC) at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, TN; Agriculture & Water
Technology Development Hub (AWaDH) at IIT Ropar, Punjab; Technology-Hub (T-
Hub), Hyderabad.
• For FY24, collaborative efforts were made with nodal agencies including Reserve Bank
Innovation Hub (RBI–H), Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), National
Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), and Goa Start-up mission to develop high-impact
tracks.
About HDFC:
CEO: Sashidhar Jagdishan
Headquaters:Mumbai
Founded: August 1994
Hinduja Group's IIHL gets the green light from IRDAI for Reliance Capital acquisition
Hinduja Group’s IndusInd International Holdings (IIHL) has obtained approval from the
Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) for the acquisition of
Reliance Capital. This acquisition encompasses Reliance Capital’s insurance subsidiaries,
including Reliance General Insurance and Reliance Nippon Life Insurance.
Key Points:
• Chairman Ashok Hinduja aims to expand IIHL's listed financial services ventures to reach
a market capitalization of USD 50 billion by 2030.
• His vision emphasizes strategic emphasis on sustainable growth and value generation.
• IIHL is focusing on aligning with regulatory standards, addressing concerns, and outlining
a thorough financial and operational plan.
• These efforts aim to ensure a successful acquisition and a continuous growth path in the
financial services industry.
About NASA:
Founded: 29 July 1958, United States
Founder: Dwight D. Eisenhower
Headquarters: Washington
Indian Air Force tests BHISHM portable hospital for airdrop in Agra
The Indian Air Force recently conducted a test in Agra for the BHISHM portable hospital, a
crucial component of “Project BHISHM” aimed at providing rapid and comprehensive medical
assistance during emergencies. These portable cubes, part of a broader initiative, can cater to up
to 200 casualties, emphasizing swift response and extensive care.
Key Points:
• The BHISHM portable hospital integrates modern technologies like Artificial Intelligence
(AI) and data analytics for efficient on-site medical management.
• It comprises 72 easily transportable components.
• These components are designed for compatibility with various transport methods,
including hand-carrying, bicycles, and potentially drones.
• This design ensures adaptability across diverse scenarios.
XRISM (X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission), an X-ray space telescope mission of the
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA) have discovered the presence of Iron fingerprints in the active galaxy
NGC 4151.
Key Points:
• XRISM's Resolve tool gathered vital information from the core of galaxy NGC 4151.
• This galaxy has a supermassive black hole that's eating material from the disk around it.
• The data showed a peak around 6.5 keV, indicating the presence of iron.
• There were also dips around 7 keV, which means there's extremely energetic light in the
area.
About NASA:
Founded: 29 July 1958, United States
Founder: Dwight D. Eisenhower
Headquarters: Washington
About JAXA:
Headquarters: Chōfu, Tokyo, Japan
Founded: 1 October 2003
DEFENCE NEWS
7th India-France Joint Military “Ex-SHAKTI” 2024 Commences in Meghalaya
Exercise SHAKTI 2024, the seventh joint military drill between India and France, kicked off on
May 13, 2024, at Umroi, located within a fully equipped Foreign Training Node in Meghalaya.
Ex-SHAKTI is held every two years, alternating between India and France for its conduct.
Key Points:
• The Indian team in Exercise SHAKTI consists mainly of 90 soldiers from the RAJPUT
Regiment, with additional observers from the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy joining.
• The French team comprises mainly 90 personnel from the 13th Foreign Legion Half-
Brigade (13th DBLE).
12th May-18th May,2024 Current Affairs (English)
• The primary objective of the exercise is to enhance the combined military capabilities of
India and France for conducting operations across various domains, particularly in a Sub-
Conventional scenario as outlined in Chapter VII of the UN mandate.
• Tactical drills during the exercise will include responding to terrorist activities involving
the capture of specific territories, setting up a Joint Command Post, and establishing an
Intelligence and Surveillance Centre, among others.
About France:
President: Emmanuel Macron
Capital: Paris
Currency: Euro
SPORTS NEWS
Neeraj Chopra Wins Gold In Federation Cup With Throw Of 82.27 Metres
Indian Athlete and Olympic champion, Neeraj Chopra clinched the gold medal in the javelin
throw at the Athletics Championships with a remarkable throw of 82.27 metres. the event, held
at the Federation Cup 2024 athletics meet at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Neeraj
showcased his prowess and reaffirmed his status as one of the top javelin throwers from India.
Key Points:
• Indian athlete and Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra won the gold medal in the javelin
throw at the Athletics Championships.
• He achieved a remarkable throw of 82.27 metres.
• The event took place at the Federation Cup 2024 athletics meet.
• It was held at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, on Wednesday.
12th May-18th May,2024 Current Affairs (English)
• Neeraj's performance showcased his skill and reaffirmed his status as one of India's top
javelin throwers.
Sunil Chhetri announces retirement from international football after FIFA World Cup
qualifier
Chhetri, 39, announced his decision to retire from international football after the FIFA World
Cup qualifying match against Kuwait on June 6, bringing the curtains down on a 19-year career
during which he became India's top goal-scorer with 94 strikes.
Key Points:
• Sunil Chhetri, a prominent figure in Indian football, has enjoyed a stellar career spanning
over two decades.
• As a talented forward, he has excelled in both domestic leagues and on the international
stage.
• In a twist of fate, Chhetri will play his final game in the same city where he debuted for
India 19 years ago.
• India faces a crucial match against Kuwait, which they must win to remain in contention
for a World Cup Qualifiers Round 3 berth.
• India is currently ranked second in Group A with four points from four games.
Manika Batra becomes first Indian woman paddler to break top-25 world ranking now at
NO. 24
India’s ace women’s table tennis player Manika Batra became the first Indian woman paddler
to break into the top 25 of the world Women’s singles rankings. She rose to her career-best
ranking of 24, following her success in the Saudi Smash. She also equalled G. Sathyan’s five
year old record for the highest rank achieved by an Indian in singles table tennis.
Key Points:
• Manika not only reaffirmed her position as India's top-ranked player, surpassing Sreeja
Akula, but she also made history at 25 years old.
• Manika experienced a remarkable ascent driven by her outstanding performance at the
recent Saudi Smash tournament.
• She achieved a stunning upset by defeating the formidable world No. 2 and Olympic
medallist Wang Manyu of China.
• In the quarterfinals, she encountered a tough opponent in Hina Hayata of Japan.
year-old chess prodigy, who embarked on his journey at the tender age of eight, finally secured
the coveted third and final GM norm at the prestigious 2024 Dubai Police Masters Chess
Tournament.
Key Points:
• Before the Dubai event, Shyaamnikhil required only one victory and eight draws to
achieve the prestigious GM title.
• Despite obtaining the necessary 2500 ELO rating points and securing two GM norms in
2012, he struggled to obtain the elusive third norm for over ten years.
• However, Shyaamnikhil's steadfast determination and expertise eventually led to his
successful rise to the Grandmaster's status.
Coca-Cola India announces its first ever partnership with Hockey India,for the National
Women’s Hockey League
Anandana, The Coca-Cola India Foundation, has forged its maiden alliance with Hockey India
for the National Women’s Hockey League 2024. This partnership strives to raise the profile of
women's hockey by offering vital resources and assistance to players. It aligns with Coca-Cola
India's dedication to sports and gender equality, as demonstrated by its #SheTheDifference
campaign.
Key Points:
• Coca-Cola India and Hockey India have launched a strategic initiative spanning three
years to enhance women's hockey.
• The focus is on providing specialized coaching, supplying training equipment, offering
nutritional support, and arranging camps and tournaments to encourage development.
• Sporting Ethos is backing this initiative, which aims to uplift female hockey players both
at the national and international levels.
About Coca-Cola:
Founder: Asa Griggs Candler
Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
CEO: James Quincey
grabbing the third position in the highly competitive World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze
event.
Key Points:
• KM Deeksha from MP Athletics Academy achieved a historic milestone at the esteemed
Sound Running Track Festival in Los Angeles.
• A 25-year-old athlete from Madhya Pradesh, who previously surprised Harmilan and
clinched the Inter-State National gold in Bhubaneswar last year, achieved a remarkable
feat.
• She recorded a time of 4:04.78s, surpassing her previous best of 4:06.07s, while securing
the third position in Los Angeles.
• The title was won by American Kristlin Gear, the US National 3000m steeplechase
champion, who set a personal best of 4:03.65s.
AWARDS NEWS
Magnus Carlsen Wins 2024 Superbet Rapid & Blitz Poland
In a display of sheer dominance, World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen pulled off an incredible comeback
to claim victory at the 2024 Superbet Rapid & Blitz Poland. Despite starting the day trailing by
2.5 points behind GM Wei Yi, Carlsen embarked on a remarkable 10-game winning streak,
ultimately overtaking his rival and securing the championship title.
Key Points:
• The Grand Chess Tour is a year-long, multi-level chess competition.
• The tournament, starting in 2015 with three legs, saw Magnus Carlsen as the victor.
• Magnus Carlsen, the five-time World Champion and current top-ranked player in chess.
About Japan:
Capital: Tokyo
Prime minister: Fumio Kishida
About Chad:
Capital : N'Djamena
President : Idriss Deby
• The university bestows honorary degrees upon individuals who have demonstrated
exceptional scholarly, scientific, or artistic accomplishments throughout their lifetime.
• Honorary degrees are also conferred upon those who have made outstanding contributions
to the public good through their professional endeavors or philanthropic activities.
IIFL Securities Limited Appointed Nemkumar as its New Managing Director (MD)
IIFL Securities Limited(formerly known as India Infoline Limited), a leading financial services
company has appointed Nemkumar H as its new Managing Director (MD) for a period of 5
years,with effect from 15th May, 2024
Key Points:
• He is a Chartered Accountant (CA) by profession and accumulated almost ten years of
experience at CLSA Limited, previously known as Credit Lyonnais Securities Asia,
where he served as an Equity Analyst.
• Within his tenure at CLSA, he held the positions of head of research and country head.
• He commenced his career at Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and spent
eight years working in the corporate treasury and pricing departments.
• In 2007, he joined IIFL and played a pivotal role as one of the founding members of
IIFL’s Institutional Equities Business.
About IIFL:
CEO:Mr. Nirmal Jain
12th May-18th May,2024 Current Affairs (English)
Headquaters:India
• Rizwan Koita began his career as a senior consultant at McKinsey & Co., where he helped
businesses with strategies and operations.
• In 1999, he co-founded TransWorks (now known as Concentrix), one of the first Business
Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies in India.
About NABH:
Founded : 2006, India
CEO: Atul Mohan Kochhar
Headquarters: New Delhi
Kami Rita Sherpa of Nepal achieves a record-breaking 29th ascent of Mount Everest
Renowned Nepali mountaineer Kami Rita Sherpa has achieved a historic feat by conquering
Mount Everest for the 29th time. At 54 years old, Kami reached the 8,849-meter summit at 7:25
am local time, leading a group of climbers organized by Seven Summit Treks. His remarkable
journey began in 1992, and since then, he has fearlessly conquered several of the world’s highest
peaks, including K2, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Manaslu. Kami’s dedication and expertise have
solidified his place in mountaineering history.
Key Points:
• British climber Kenton Cool grabs attention by conquering Everest for the 18th time,
surpassing his previous record for the most Everest summits by a foreign climber.
• Cool's achievements underscore the global fascination with Mount Everest, attracting
climbers of various nationalities and backgrounds.
• The allure of the world's tallest peak continues to draw adventurers keen on testing their
abilities and resilience in the challenging Himalayan environment.
About IFFCO:
Headquarters: New Delhi
CEO: Dr. Udai Shanker Awasthi
Founded: 3 November 1967, New Delhi
Founder: Udaybhansinhji Natwarsinhji Jethwa
12th May-18th May,2024 Current Affairs (English)
In a historic move, the United Nations General Assembly has unanimously proclaimed May 25
as the World Football Day, marking a significant milestone in the global celebration of the
world’s most popular sport. The resolution, adopted during the 80th plenary meeting of the
General Assembly in New York, coincides with the 100th anniversary of the first international
football tournament with representation from all regions – the 1924 Summer Olympic Games
held in Paris.
Key Points:
• The resolution, presented by Taher M. El-Sonni, Permanent Representative of the State
of Libya to the United Nations, received unanimous approval from the 193-member
General Assembly.
• It highlights the significance of football in advancing peace, development, and solidarity
among nations.
• This aligns with the United Nations' objective of building a better world through sports and
embracing the Olympic ideal.
OBITUARY NEWS
Passing Away Of Former Gujarat Governor Dr Kamla Beniwal
Former Gujarat governor and veteran Congress leader Kamla Beniwal died after a brief illness
at a hospital in Jaipur, Rajasthan. She was 97. She served as the 18th governor of Gujarat from
Nov 27, 2009 to July 6, 2014.
Key Points:
• Kamla Beniwal, a veteran of the Congress party, has served in various significant positions.
• She was the Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan in 2003.
• Beniwal also held the esteemed post of Governor in three states: Tripura, Gujarat, and
Mizoram.
• Born in 1927 in Rajasthan's Jhunjhunu district, she actively participated in the freedom
struggle during her youth.
• At the age of 27, she made history by becoming Rajasthan's first woman minister.
• Despite winning many literary awards, like the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2013 and the
International Booker Prize in 2009, Munro stayed humble and down-to-earth.
• She knew she wanted to be a writer since she was 11 years old and never changed her mind
about it.
Former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar Sushil Kumar Modi passed away at 72
Sushil Kumar Modi passed away on May 13, 2024, at the age of 72, after battling cancer. His
death marked the end of an era in Bihar politics, where he left an indelible mark with his
unwavering commitment to his principles and his tireless work for the people of Bihar. Sushil
Kumar Modi was an important politician from Bihar, India. He was a member of the Bharatiya
Janata Party (BJP). He served as the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar for many years and was
also a Member of Parliament.
Key Points:
• Sushil Kumar Modi was born on January 5, 1952, in Bihar and attended Patna Science
College.
• He earned a degree in Botany but chose to discontinue his further studies to participate in
the student movement led by Jai Prakash Narayan.
• Modi's political activism began at a young age, notably being involved in the Bihar
Student's Movement in 1974 and the JP Movement against the Emergency.
About Bihar:
Capital: Patna
Chief Minister:Nitish Kumar
Governor:Rajendra Arlekar
Fomer Bureaucrat & Padma Bhushan Awardee Moosa Raza Passed Away
Padma Bhushan Awardee Moosa Raza, who served as Chief Secretary of Jammu & Kashmir
(J&K) from 1988 to 1990, passed away at the age of 87 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu(TN). He was
born on 27th February 1937 in Villupuram district in TN Moosa Raza was an Indian
Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1960 batch of Gujarat cadre.
Key Points:
• He worked as a Collector and District Magistrate in different districts of Gujarat.
• Additionally, he held positions as the Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister of Gujarat
and Advisor to the Governor of Uttar Pradesh.
• Following his retirement in 1995, he became the director general of the India Islamic
Cultural Centre project.
• He was also a member of the National Integration Council of India after retirement.
12th May-18th May,2024 Current Affairs (English)
• Since 2000, he has been the Chairman of the South Indian Educational Trust (S.I.E.T.),
overseeing six educational institutions.
Surjit Patar’s literary journey was marked by numerous accolades and honours, including the
prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award for his exceptional work in regional language writing. His
achievements were recognized at the highest level when he was conferred the Padma Shri in 2012,
a well-deserved recognition of his contributions to Punjabi literature.
About Punjab:
Capital: Chandigarh
Chief Minister: Bhagwant Mann
Governor:Banwarilal Purohit
12th May-18th May,2024 Current Affairs (English)