1. WHO and Indian Mission Host 'Walk the Talk' Yoga Event for International Yoga Day
Tags: International News
The 'Walk the Talk' Yoga session event was organized for International Yoga Day.
An Overview of the News
Hosted by the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in Geneva and the World Health Organization (WHO) and It took place at Place des Nations.
Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra participated along with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and other senior officers from the Indian delegation.
The event aimed to rejuvenate participants with yoga asanas.
About WHO
Founded:- 7 April 1948
Director-General:- Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Headquarters:- Geneva, Switzerland
Founders:- United States, Brazil, Mexico, France, Australia, Türkiye,
Parent organization:- United Nations
2. Purnima Shrestha Makes History: First Woman to Scale Everest Thrice in 13 Days
Tags: International News
Purnima Shrestha, a 32-year-old mountaineer and photojournalist from Gorkha, Nepal, has achieved a historic feat.
An Overview of the News
She is now recognized as the first woman in the world to climb Mount Everest three times in a single season.
This remarkable accomplishment was achieved within a span of just 13 days.
Shrestha's triple ascent surpasses any previous record held by a woman for climbing Everest thrice in a season.
Prior to this achievement, Shrestha had already summited Everest once in 2018, bringing her total Everest ascents to four.
Additional Information:
Nepali mountaineer and guide Kami Rita Sherpa has achieved a historic feat by becoming the first person to climb Mount Everest a remarkable 29 times.
His inaugural ascent of the mountain took place on May 13, 1994, when he was just 24 years old.
Kami Rita now holds the unmatched record for the most ascents of the world's tallest peak in its 71-year climbing history.
About Nepal
The kingdom of Nepal was established by the Shah dynasty.
It is a landlocked country in South Asia.
Prime Minister - Pushpa Kamal Dahal
President - Ram Chandra Paudel
Capital - Kathmandu
Currency - Nepalese Rupee
3. WHO Launches $7 Billion ‘Investment Round’ to Address Global Challenges
Tags: International News
The World Health Organization (WHO) has initiated a new 'Investment Round' with the objective of raising $7 billion to address global challenges.
An Overview of the News
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced the initiative via social media, emphasizing the pressing need to confront issues like climate change, displacement, poverty, and inequality.
The Investment Round aims to gather $7 billion over a span of four years to provide support to countries in tackling these multifaceted challenges.
This initiative stems from recommendations put forth by the WHO Working Group on Sustainable Financing and received approval during the 154th Meeting of the WHO Executive Board in January 2024.
About WHO
Founded:- 7 April 1948
Headquarters:- Geneva, Switzerland
Founders:- United States, Brazil, Mexico, France, Australia, Türkiye,
Parent organization:- United Nations
Director-General:- Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
4. Indian Oil Hands Over Green Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus to Indian Army
Tags: National News
Indian Oil has handed over a green hydrogen fuel cell bus to the Indian Army, marking a significant step towards eco-friendly transportation solutions.
An Overview of the News
The ceremony took place at the National War Memorial, India Gate, NewDelhiand was attended by Army Chief General Manoj Pandey and Indian Oil Chairman SM Vaidya.
This initiative promotes hydrogen and fuel cell technology for heavy-duty e-mobility.
The Indian Army is positioned as a pioneer in evaluating this technology in collaboration with Indian Oil.
Army Chief General Manoj Pande emphasized the Army's commitment to adopting innovative technologies that enhance operational capabilities and ensure environmental sustainability.
About Indian Oil
Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL or IOC), doing business as IndianOil, is an Indian oilandgas company.
It operates under the ownership of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India.
The company is headquartered in New Delhi.
It is a public sector undertaking with operations overseen by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
IndianOil is ranked 94th on the Fortune Global 500 list of the world's biggest corporations as of 2022.
It is the largest government-owned oil producer in India, both in terms of capacity and revenue.
Founded - 30 June 1959
5. Deby Sworn in as Chad’s President, Names Allamaye Halina as PM
Tags: Person in news International News
Mahamat Idriss Deby was sworn in as President of Chad, succeeding his late father after serving three years as an interim leader under military rule.
An Overview of the News
Deby won the presidential election on May 6, 2024, and will serve a five-year term.
President Deby has appointed Allamaye Halina, Chad's former ambassador to China and former director general of state protocol, as the new Prime Minister of Chad.
Allamaye Halina replaces opposition leader Succes Masra, who resigned on May 22, 2024.
Succes Masra was appointed Prime Minister in January 2024.
About Chad
Chad, officially known as the Republic of Chad, is an independent state.
It is located at the crossroads of North and Central Africa.
Capital:- N'Djamena
Official languages:- French, Arabic
Currency:- Central African CFA franc
6. DD Kisan launches AI anchors Krish and Bhumi
Tags: Science and Technology National News
DD Kisan, the government TV channel, is set to introduce two AI anchors, AI Krish and AI Bhoomi.
An Overview of the News
The Agriculture Ministry announced the channel's revamp, scheduled for May 26th, promising a fresh presentation catering to India's farming community.
These AI anchors are equipped to communicate in fifty languages and deliver news tirelessly, 24/7, 365 days a year.
Viewers across all states of India will have access to these AI anchors, who will disseminate vital information on agricultural research, global trends, market updates from Krishi Mandis, weather forecasts, and details about government schemes.
The introduction of AI anchors signifies a new era for DD Kisan, enhancing its ability to educate and inform farmers across the nation.
DD Kisan:
It is an agriculture television channel, was established by the Government of India and falls under the ownership of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Launched on May 26, 2015, DD Kisan serves as the primary channel under the Doordarshan umbrella, focusing solely on agricultural content.
This state-owned channel aims to cater specifically to the needs and interests of India's agricultural community, providing valuable information and resources.
About Doordarshan (DD)
It is India's state-owned public television broadcaster.
Established by the Government of India on September 15, 1959.
Owned by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and operated under Prasar Bharati.
One of India's largest broadcasting organizations with extensive studio and transmitter infrastructure.
Provides television, radio, online, and mobile services across metropolitan and regional India as well as overseas.
Broadcasts on digital terrestrial transmitters, ensuring wide coverage.
7. Nepal marks the 2568th Buddha Jayanti and Lumbini Day Celebrations
Tags: Important Days International News
The 2568th Buddha Jayanti and Lumbini Day was celebrated in Nepal on April 23 and devotees gathered at the Maya Devi Temple in Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to celebrate the occasion.
An Overview of the News
Monks from India, Nepal, and China led ceremonies, chanting hymns and making offerings in the sacred garden of the Maya Devi Temple.
The atmosphere was filled with reverence as devotees participated in rituals to commemorate Buddha Jayanti.
A peace procession was organized in the morning, drawing participants from various social groups including monks, civilians, and school children from different institutions.
The procession aimed to promote peace and harmony, echoing the teachings of Buddha.
International Representation:
Ambassadors from countries like India, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam, along with representatives from international organizations like BIMSTEC, attended a program held at the Lumbini Conference Hall.
Government's Commitment:
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' affirmed the government's dedication to fostering Buddha's teachings and promoting Lumbini as a global hub for peace and spiritual tourism.
Nepal's government is actively engaged in initiatives to develop Lumbini as a prominent religious destination, aiming to attract millions of Buddhist pilgrims and tourists worldwide.
About Nepal
Capital:- Kathmandu
Currency:- Nepalese Rupee
Official language:- Nepali
President:- Ram Chandra Poudel
Prime Minister:- Pushpa Kamal Dahal
8. Spain Joins International Solar Alliance as 99th Member
Tags: International News
Spain becomes the 99th member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), marking its commitment to solar energy initiatives.
An Overview of the News
Spain handed over the International Solar Alliance Instrument of Ratification during a meeting in New Delhi.
The ratification was completed by Ambassador José María Ridao Domínguez of Spain and the Head of Depository, Joint Secretary Abhishek Singh of the External Affairs Ministry.
ISA's Objectives:
The International Solar Alliance (ISA) serves as a collaborative platform to boost the deployment of solar energy technologies.
Its primary goals include enhancing energy access, ensuring energy security, and driving energy transition in member countries.
Origin of ISA:
The ISA originated as a joint initiative by India and France to combat climate change by promoting solar energy solutions.
It was conceptualized during the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change held in Paris in 2015.
About Spain
King - Felipe VI of Spain
Prime Minister - Pedro Sánchez
Capital - Madrid
Official language - Spanish
9. India-UK Hold 16th Counter-Terrorism Meeting in New Delhi
Tags: International Relations
The 16th meeting of the India-United Kingdom Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism took place in New Delhi.
An Overview of the News
The Indian delegation was led by K.D Dewal, Joint Secretary for Counter-Terrorism in the Ministry of External Affairs.
The UK delegation was led by Chris Felton, Head of the Counter Terrorism Network for Asia and Oceania, Government of the United Kingdom.
Discussions centered around ongoing counter-terrorism cooperation between India and the UK.
Both nations emphasized the importance of strengthening international cooperation to combat terrorism comprehensively and sustainably.
The External Affairs Ministry stated that both sides shared their assessments of terrorist and extremist threats in their respective territories and regions.
Discussions included threats posed by globally sanctioned terrorist entities and individuals.
United Kingdom:
It includes England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
It is an island nation located in northwestern Europe.
Capital and largest city - London
Prime Minister - Rishi Sunak
10. Cabinet approves India AI mission with Rs 10,372 crore funding
Tags: National News
The Cabinet approved the India AI Mission with a budget outlay of Rs 10,372 crore for five years.
An Overview of the News
This significant step is aimed at fostering the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in India.
The Prime Minister's Vision:
The announcement resonates with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's emphasis on AI development in India.
India aims to become a substantial contributor in the global AI landscape under his leadership.
Infrastructure Development:
A large computing infrastructure will be established, comprising over 10,000 GPUs.
This infrastructure will provide the necessary computational power for AI research and development.
Access to Stakeholders:
Startups, academia, researchers, and industry players will have access to the AI supercomputing infrastructure.
This inclusivity aims to cultivate an AI ecosystem with diverse stakeholders contributing to innovation.
National Data Management Officer:
A National Data Management Officer will be appointed under the mission.
Their role will involve coordinating with government departments to enhance data quality and availability for AI development.
Visionary Goals:
The India AI Mission is aligned with the vision of "Making AI in India" and "Making AI Work for India."
It aims to demonstrate the positive societal impacts of advanced technology and enhance India's global competitiveness in AI.