1. 5000 year old tree from Chile recognized as the oldest tree in the world
Tags: International News
A giant tree in southern Chile, known as the "Great Grandfather" and this tree, a Patagonian cypress, located in the Alerce Costero National Park is the oldest tree in the world.
news overview
The trunk of the tree has a diameter of four metres (13 ft) and it is 28 metres tall.
It is over 5,000 years old, surpassing the oldest tree currently known as the Methuselah, which is 4,850 years old.
It is located in a forest in the southern Los Ríos region, 800 kilometres (500 mi) south of the capital Santiago.
This tree belongs to the species Fitzroya cupressoides, which is also known as Patagonian cypress.
Fitzroya cupressoides is the largest tree species in South America.
About Chile
It is a long, narrow country located on the western edge of South America.
Santiago is the capital of Chile and is located in a valley surrounded by the Santiago Andes and Chilean Coast Range mountains.
The city's central square is called the Plaza de Armas and has palm-lined streets.
The Plaza de Armas houses the Neoclassical Cathedral and the National History Museum.
There is a huge park in Santiago called Parque Metropolitano.
President - Gabriel Boric
2. Amy Pope became the first woman Director-General of the United Nations Migration Agency
Tags: Person in news International News
Amy Pope of the United States has been selected as the first female Director-General of the United Nations Migration Agency.
An Overview of the News
She will head the Geneva-based International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Pope is currently serving as deputy to Director General Antonio Vitorino.
Her five-year term as director general will begin on October 1, replacing Vitorino.
International Organization for Migration (IOM)
It is an agency of the United Nations and provides services and advice related to migration.
The agency provides assistance to governments and expatriates.
It caters to the needs of diverse groups including internally displaced persons, refugees and migrant workers.
Formation - 6 December 1951
Headquarters - Geneva, Switzerland
Membership (2023) - 175 member states and 8 observer states
3. EPFO adds 1.39 crore members during financial year 2022-23
Tags: National Economy/Finance National News
The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has added 1.39 crore members during the financial year 2022-23.
An overview of the news
Provisional payroll data of EPFO highlights that it added over 13 lakh members in March 2023.
According to the Ministry of Labor and Employment, out of the 13.40 lakh members added during March, over seven lakh new members have come under the EPFO ambit for the first time.
Among newly joined members, the highest enrollment is in the age group of 18 to 21 years with 2.35 lakh members, followed by about two lakh members in the age group of 22 to 25 years.
The data also highlights that more than 10 lakh members rejoined the EPFO. These members changed their jobs and rejoined the establishments covered under EPFO.
About EPFO
Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is a statutory organisation set up under the Union ministry of Labour and Employment was set up in 1951 by an Ordinance issued by the President.
Later Parliament passed the Employees' Provident Funds Scheme, act 1952.
It is the country’s largest social security organisation.
EPFO assists the Central Board of Trustees in the administration of a provident fund scheme, pension scheme and an insurance scheme for the registered establishments in India.
4. EPFO adds 1.39 crore members during financial year 2022-23
Tags: National Economy/Finance National News
The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has added 1.39 crore members during the financial year 2022-23.
An overview of the news
Provisional payroll data of EPFO highlights that it added over 13 lakh members in March 2023.
According to the Ministry of Labor and Employment, out of the 13.40 lakh members added during March, over seven lakh new members have come under the EPFO ambit for the first time.
Among newly joined members, the highest enrollment is in the age group of 18 to 21 years with 2.35 lakh members, followed by about two lakh members in the age group of 22 to 25 years.
The data also highlights that more than 10 lakh members rejoined the EPFO. These members changed their jobs and rejoined the establishments covered under EPFO.
About EPFO
Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is a statutory organisation set up under the Union ministry of Labour and Employment was set up in 1951 by an Ordinance issued by the President.
Later Parliament passed the Employees' Provident Funds Scheme, act 1952.
It is the country’s largest social security organisation.
EPFO assists the Central Board of Trustees in the administration of a provident fund scheme, pension scheme and an insurance scheme for the registered establishments in India.
5. Meri LiFE, Mera Swachh Shahar' mega campaign launched by Union Minister Hardeep S Puri
Tags: Environment National National News
Union Minister Hardeep S Puri launched the campaign 'Meri LiFE, Mera Swachh Shahar' in New Delhi.
An Overview of the News
The campaign promotes the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle (RRR) concept of waste management.
This campaign will strengthen the resolve of the citizens under SBM-U 2.0 and also promote the purpose of Mission Life.
RRR centres or one-stop collection centres were set up across the country on May 20.
The centres will accept unused or used plastic items, clothing, shoes, books and toys.
Citizens can donate used clothes, shoes, books, toys and plastic at RRR centres.
The collected items will be recycled for reuse or turned into new products.
The campaign will culminate with the resolution of LiFE on 5 June.
Mission LiFE:
The mission was launched by the Prime Minister on October 20, 2022 at Kevadia, Gujarat.
It aims to bring about behaviour change in individuals through simple, actionable steps.
It aims to discourage mindless and wasteful consumption patterns and promote conscious and planned usage.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is the nodal ministry responsible for national level coordination and implementation of Mission LiFE.
Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 (SBM-U 2.0)
It was launched on 1 October 2021 to achieve the vision of 'Garbage Free Cities'.
It aims to achieve safe sanitation in urban areas.
SBM-U 2.0 focuses on making all cities 'garbage free' and ensuring proper grey and black water management.
The mission emphasises source segregation of solid waste, 3R principles (reduce, reuse, recycle), scientific processing of municipal solid waste, and remediation of heritage dumpsites.
6. Meri LiFE, Mera Swachh Shahar' mega campaign launched by Union Minister Hardeep S Puri
Tags: Environment National National News
Union Minister Hardeep S Puri launched the campaign 'Meri LiFE, Mera Swachh Shahar' in New Delhi.
An Overview of the News
The campaign promotes the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle (RRR) concept of waste management.
This campaign will strengthen the resolve of the citizens under SBM-U 2.0 and also promote the purpose of Mission Life.
RRR centres or one-stop collection centres were set up across the country on May 20.
The centres will accept unused or used plastic items, clothing, shoes, books and toys.
Citizens can donate used clothes, shoes, books, toys and plastic at RRR centres.
The collected items will be recycled for reuse or turned into new products.
The campaign will culminate with the resolution of LiFE on 5 June.
Mission LiFE:
The mission was launched by the Prime Minister on October 20, 2022 at Kevadia, Gujarat.
It aims to bring about behaviour change in individuals through simple, actionable steps.
It aims to discourage mindless and wasteful consumption patterns and promote conscious and planned usage.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is the nodal ministry responsible for national level coordination and implementation of Mission LiFE.
Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 (SBM-U 2.0)
It was launched on 1 October 2021 to achieve the vision of 'Garbage Free Cities'.
It aims to achieve safe sanitation in urban areas.
SBM-U 2.0 focuses on making all cities 'garbage free' and ensuring proper grey and black water management.
The mission emphasises source segregation of solid waste, 3R principles (reduce, reuse, recycle), scientific processing of municipal solid waste, and remediation of heritage dumpsites.
7. PM Modi conferred with highest civilian honours by Fiji, Papua New Guinea
Tags: Awards International News
Prime MinisterNarendra Modi was conferred with the highest honor by Fiji and Papua New Guinea on 21 May.
An overview of the news
PM Modi was honored with the island nation's highest civilian award during his visit to Papua New Guinea to attend the 3rd India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) summit.
PM Modi was awarded "The Companion of the Order of Fiji" by his Fijian counterpart Sitweni Rabuka for his global leadership, a rare honor for a non-Fijian.
Papua New Guinea conferred its highest civilian honour, Grand Companion of the Order of Loghu (GCL) on PM Modi for his efforts towards unity of the Pacific island nation.
Republic of Fiji
It is an archipelago consisting of around 300 islands in the South Pacific Ocean.
Capital: Suva
Currency: Fijian Dollar
Prime Minister: Sitiveni Rabuka
Papua New Guinea
Prime Minister: James Marape
Capital: Port Moresby
Currency: kina (K)
8. Supreme Court appointed Sapre Committee submits report on Adani-Hindenburg issue
Tags: committee National News
The Supreme Court on May 19 made public the report of the court-appointed expert panel in the Hindenburg-Adani row case.
An overview of the news
American short-selling firm Hindenburg issued a report on January 24, 2023, calling Adani Group companies overvalued and alleging manipulation of accounts.
However, Hindenburg's allegations were rejected by the Adani Group.
But the opposition created a ruckus about this issue and when the matter reached the Supreme Court, the Supreme Court had constituted a special committee to investigate.
Highlights of the report
The report states that the Adani group has disclosed all beneficial owners.
There is no allegation that SEBI is rejecting the declaration of beneficial owners of Adani.
Adani's retail stake has increased after the Hindenburg report.
The report clearly states that prima facie no violation of existing rules or laws has been found.
About Sapre Committee
Constituted - By Supreme court on 2nd March 2023
Chairman - Former Supreme Court judge Justice Abhay Manohar Sapre (Retd).
Members of the Committee - O P Bhatt, Justice J P Devadhar (Retd), Nandan Nilekani, K V Kamath and Somasekhar Sundaresan
Purpose of the Committee - To investigate any violations of securties law by the Adani Group in the wake of the Hindenburg report.
Supreme Court made public the report - On 19 May
9. G20 Mega Beach Clean Up campaign
Tags: National National News
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Labour and Employment Bhupender Yadav participated in G20 Mega Beach Clean Up campaign at Juhu Beach in Mumbai on 21st May.
An overview of the news
Juhu Beach is a popular tourist destination and an important coastal area facing the challenge of pollution caused by garbage and litter.
Bhupender Yadav, known for his commitment to environmental causes, takes an active role in the G20 Mega Beach Clean Up campaign.
His participation demonstrates his dedication to raising awareness about environmental issues and promoting sustainable practices.
The event highlighted the importance of individual efforts and community participation in mitigating this environmental challenge.
Internationally, the event saw an enthusiastic participation of 20 countries.
The Mega Beach Clean Up event kicked off the third meeting of the Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group meeting which is taking place in Mumbai from 21st to 23rd of May, 2023.
About G20 Mega Beach Clean Up campaign
The G20 Mega Beach Clean Up Campaign is a global initiative that aims to address the issue of marine pollution and promote the cleanliness and sustainability of beaches.
The aim of the event was to raise awareness of the impact of marine litter on the environment and encourage people to take action to stop it.
The campaign stresses the importance of collective action and international cooperation in tackling environmental challenges.
10. G20 Mega Beach Clean Up campaign
Tags: National National News
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Labour and Employment Bhupender Yadav participated in G20 Mega Beach Clean Up campaign at Juhu Beach in Mumbai on 21st May.
An overview of the news
Juhu Beach is a popular tourist destination and an important coastal area facing the challenge of pollution caused by garbage and litter.
Bhupender Yadav, known for his commitment to environmental causes, takes an active role in the G20 Mega Beach Clean Up campaign.
His participation demonstrates his dedication to raising awareness about environmental issues and promoting sustainable practices.
The event highlighted the importance of individual efforts and community participation in mitigating this environmental challenge.
Internationally, the event saw an enthusiastic participation of 20 countries.
The Mega Beach Clean Up event kicked off the third meeting of the Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group meeting which is taking place in Mumbai from 21st to 23rd of May, 2023.
About G20 Mega Beach Clean Up campaign
The G20 Mega Beach Clean Up Campaign is a global initiative that aims to address the issue of marine pollution and promote the cleanliness and sustainability of beaches.
The aim of the event was to raise awareness of the impact of marine litter on the environment and encourage people to take action to stop it.
The campaign stresses the importance of collective action and international cooperation in tackling environmental challenges.
