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1) The Kerala Legislative Assembly recently announced an initiative to digitize all its records and proceedings under its ambitious project called E-Vidhan which enables state legislature to go fully digital and completely paperless. Key Highlights: Time: The first phase of digitization project is expected to be completed in next 14 months. But for functioning of library and all departments attached to Assembly to go completely paperless, it would take around two years. Project Execution: Earlier, the state government sought Central governments aid to execute the project but it is now being executed by the state-owned fund. The mammoth work of digitizing has been awarded to Cyberpark, which is run by Ooralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society. Once the project is completed, all the Assembly proceedings like submission of notice by a member, question and answers, and all the other correspondence and business concerning the Assembly will go paperless. Significance: The state Assembly handles hundreds of various Bills, notices and committee reports which demands massive paperwork. With this digitization project the assembly will completely get rid of paper in all its business transactions. Benefits: It is expected that if Kerala Assembly shifts completely into e-space it will save time as well as printing costs of about Rs.35 crore to Rs.49 crore annually. About e-Vidhan: The e-Vidhan in State Legislatures and e-Sansad in Parliament are mission mode projects under Digital India. The aim is to digitize and make their functioning paperless which means make both Parliament and state legislature documents, including speeches, committee reports, questions and debates available on internet. This will make their functioning transparent, responsive, productive, more accountable and participative to public.

2) A 49-year-old veteran Nepali Sherpa named Kami Rita scaled Mount Everest for 23rd time, breaking his own world record. He reached atop the world’s highest peak which is 8,850-metres high. About Kami Rita Sherpa: He belongs to Thame village of Solukhumbu district in Nepal and yet again successfully climbed Mount Everest from Nepal side breaking his own world record for most summits on the roof of the world. Background: Rita started his Mount Everest climbing expedition since 1994. But, in 1995 after his client got sick on way to the summit, he couldn’t climb the Everest. Later in 1995, he abandoned the summit bid after one of the deadliest avalanche experienced which killed some expedition teams. In 2017, Kami became third person to climb Mount Everest for 21st time. With this he matched the achievement of Phurba Tashi Sherpa and Apa Sherpa, both of them, have retired since then. In 2018 he summited the Mt. Everest 22nd time in 2018 and set a record of most summits on Mount Everest. About Sherpa: It is an ethnic groups native to most mountainous regions of the Himalayas and Nepal. The word Sherpa is derived from Shar (“east”) and Wa (“people”) which originally meant “people from the East”. Earlier word Sherpa (or Sherwa) simply denoted a group of people who migrated to Nepal from Eastern Tibet.

3) A Painting by Claude Monet’s titled ‘Mueles’ sold for a record-breaking price of $110.7 million at Sotheby’s auction in New York. Key Highlights: History: The French painter Claude Monet’s painting titled “Meules” was made in 1890. The painting auctioned is among one of 25 “Meules” (which means “Grainstacks”) and it was created by painter in year 1890 and 1891. The significance of this painting is that it was the first instance when painter went back to same subject while differing on atmospheric conditions. Record: By fetching $110.7 million painting created a world auction record for the artist (Monet’s) as well as became first work of an Impressionist Art to cross over $100 million threshold at an auction. It now becomes the 9th most expensive painting to have ever been sold at an international auction house. There were six bidders who participated in process but painting was eventually sold to an unidentified buyer. Artwork Present: It is also one of the total eight artworks by the Claude Monet that was not available in museums and was acquired by private hands. The rest of his paintings are in Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York in US, Musée d’Orsay, Paris in France and Art Institute of Chicago. About Haystacks: Haystack is common English title for a series of Claude Monet’s impressionist paintings. The principal behind subject of each painting in this series is ‘stacks of harvested wheat’.

4) The Retired judge of Indian Supreme Court Justice Madan B Lokur has been appointed to the Supreme Court of Fiji. About The Appointment: Justice Lokur is appointed as a judge of Supreme Court of Fiji’s non-resident panel. He will assume charge of his new role on 15 August 2019. Tenure: He has been appointed in new role for a period of three years. Background: On December 31 2018, Justice Lokur demitted the office as a Supreme Court justice after his superannuation. It is likely that Justice Lokur received the offer from Chief Justice of the Fiji Supreme Court on the day of his retirement itself. The Supreme Court of Fiji: In one year it has three sessions in total. Justice Lokur will attend August session which starts from August 15 to August 30, 2019. Other countries that have been invited by Fiji over the years are South Africa, Sri Lanka, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore and New Zealand. About Justice Madan Lokur: In July 1977, he enrolled as an advocate and practised in High Court of Delhi and the Supreme Court. In 1981, he became an Advocate-on-Record in Supreme Court. In 1998 he was appointed as Additional Solicitor General and continued in that post till February 1999 when he was appointed an Additional Judge of Delhi High Court (HC). In July 1999, he was made a permanent judge. Later he served as Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court and then Andhra Pradesh High Court before being elevated to SC. He was appointed as judge of Supreme Court of India on 4 June 2012. He retired as Supreme Court judge on 31 December 2018, after a terme of more than 6 years.

5) The Indian Coast Guard ship (ICGS) Vigraha was decommissioned at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The decommissioning ceremony was attended by eight former Commanding Officers who had been at the helm of the ship, along with former and the present crew. About ICGS Vigraha: Service: It is a frontline offshore patrol vessel (OPV). It was commissioned into service on April 12, 1990. It has played an instrumental role in protecting east coast of India for 29 years of service from 1990 to 2019. Builder: It was the seventh OPV built by Mazagaon Dock Ltd, Mumbai. It was first of its class among other OPVs of third series. It was later based at Visakhapatnam and since then it had been instrumental in protecting east coast in general and Andhra Pradesh coast in particular. It was also leased to Sri Lankan Navy on a dry lease from August 2008 to January 2011. Later, it was re-inducted into Indian Coast Guard (IGC) in January 2019 after which it was continuously based at Visakhapatnam. It played an important role in execution of assigned missions in seafronts of Coast Guard Regions where ever it was based like of Mumbai in West, Porbandar in North West and Visakhapatnam in East. Participated: in major coast guard operations involving humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, pollution response, anti-poaching, repatriation, joint exercises and search and rescue, among others. During its Vigraha has been instrumental in saving many lives at sea and also helped in apprehending many poachers and smugglers. It most prominent laurel was 275 kg silver haul.

6) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released a vision document to ensure a more convenient, affordable, quick, safer and secure e-payment system. The RBI’s vision document is titled ‘Payment And Settlement Systems In India: Vision 2019 – 2021’. Key Highlights about Vision Document- Reason: The vision document is released on a pretext that as per RBI’s speculations number of digital transactions in country is expected to increase more than four times to 8,707 crore in December 2021. Also, digital payment systems like UPI and IMPS are most likely to register an average annual growth of more than 100%, and NEFT will grow at 40%, over the period of 2019 – 2021. Core Theme of Vision Document: Empowering Exceptional E-payment Experience. Objective: It envisages achieving “a highly digital and cash-lite society”. To achieve its objective the goal posts of RBI involves 4Cs, namely convenience, confidence, competition and cost-effectiveness. Implementation Period: The bank will implement the approach outlined in this Vision Document during period 2019 – 2021. Approach Adopted: by RBI will continue to be that of minimal intervention in pricing of charges to customers for digital payments and RBI’s all efforts will be to facilitate the operation of payment systems which are more efficient and more price-attractive. Key Feature of Document: It talks about creating customer awareness, setting up a a self-regulatory organisation and 24X7 operational helpline for system operators as well as for service providers, among others. The ‘No-Compromise’ approach towards security and safety of payment systems will remain a hallmark of vision. No specific target has been considered for reducing cash in circulation. Way Forward: Throughout the world the payment systems landscape will continue to change with entry of more players and further innovations in sector. But it is expected that this will ensure optimal cost to customers and freer access to multiple payment system options.

7) A team of researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory of United States’ (US) Department of Energy’s (DOE) has designed a fully recyclable plastic which can be disassembled into its constituent parts at molecular level. The discovery was reported in journal named Nature Chemistry. Key Facts: About: Scientists have created a next-generation plastic that can be fully recycled into new materials of any form, shape or colour without any loss of its performance or quality. The name of newly created recyclable plastic is Poly (Diketoenamine), or PDK. Fact: All conventional plastics (like automobile parts, water bottles) are made up of large molecules called polymers. The polymers are further composed of repeating units of shorter carbon-containing compounds called. Problem: On one hand most plastics were never made to be recycled and on other hand problem with many plastic is that chemicals added to make them useful like fillers (which makes plastic tough) or plasticisers (which makes plastic flexible) are tightly bound to monomers units and therefore stay in plastic even after it is been processed at a recycling plant. This makes the recycling difficult. About Poly (Diketoenamine), or PDK: Function- With its creation scientists have discovered a new way to assemble plastics which unlike earlier takes recycling into consideration from a molecular perspective. It means that this recyclable plastic can be disassembled into its constituent parts at molecular level. Process Involved: Unlike conventional plastics, the monomers which make PDK plastic could be easily recovered and freed from any compounded additives just by dunking the plastic material in a highly acidic solution. The acid then breaks down PDK polymers into monomers and also allows monomers to be separated from entwined chemical additives that give plastic its actual look and feel. Way Forward: Researchers now plan to develop PDK plastics with a range of properties from thermal to mechanical which could have multiple applications like textiles, 3D printing, and foams. They are also experimenting to expand plastic formulations by incorporating certain plant-based materials and other sustainable sources.

8) India has found problems with the current methodology adopted by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) under its Services Trade Restrictiveness Index (STRI) to rank countries. Key Highlights: About: A study commissioned by Indian Ministry of Commerce found that OECD index, the STRI has a several problems associated with it, which also includes some significant design issues that render the index impractical for use. Issues: As per India the outcomes of STRI are biased and counter-intuitive. The initial work suggests that there are both empirical and theoretical inconsistencies in STRI’s methodology. The data generated by OECD’s methodology seems to have been through arbitrary procedures and reflects being bias towards developed country. It shows Indian services sector as highly restrictive in areas such as FDI. Impractical: For instance, STRI seems to show the services sector in India as one of the most restrictive in world, particularly in policy areas like foreign entry, FDI etc. This is astonishing as since 1991, following the LPG reforms the one area that has seen maximum liberalisation in India is Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). India’s Approach: India is trying to build a consensus around adopting a new method of measuring trade restrictiveness in services sector. For this India approached several developing countries during recently-concluded WTO Ministerial talks held in New Delhi. It has also approached South Africa, Indonesia, China, Turkey and Brazil. India’s Argument: Unlike manufacturing trade which has a well-documented system of classification of commodities, the problem in services, is that for a long time there was not any way to find that whether a country’s service trade policies were restrictive. Also, even if it was ascertain as restrictive it was not known that what to do about it since services trade is usually regulated by domestic regulations and not border tariffs. About STRI: It was launched in 2014, by The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). It purpose is to rank countries based on their services trade policies. STRI (computed by OECD) is now available for year 2018. It includes a total of 45 economies (with 36 OECD and the rest non-OECD) and 22 sectors. These countries and sectors undertaken represent more than 80% of global trade in services.

9) For the first time in world cup history, each participating team at upcoming ICC World Cup 2019 will have a dedicated anti-corruption officer attached with it. The move is to deliver a corruption-free tournament. About: The International Cricket Council (ICC) will attach an anti-corruption official to all the 10 participating teams. The officer will be with each team starting from warm-up matches till the end of World cup tournament. Previous Structure: Earlier, the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Anti-Corruption Unit had its personnel deployed at each venue, means that participating teams had to deal with a number of officials over course of a tournament. New Structure: Now, the same anti-corruption official will be assigned to a team from warm-up matches (start of competition) till end of the competition. They will be staying in same hotel as that of players and also travelling with them to training and matches. Significance: The move is aimed at delivering a corruption and fixing free World Cup. By being with teams throughout the competition, it is possible that officials would be in better position to spot any potential corruptors who lurk might near players or back-room staff and thus identify any behaviour that may be seem suspicious to them.

10) The Geological Survey of India (GSI) in its report revealed that about 35 % of India’s total Graphite reserves is found in Arunachal Pradesh. This is the highest found in country. Key findings of Report: About: The GSI presented the said data during its annual interactive meeting with the Department of Geology and Mining & Industries, Government of Arunachal Pradesh in Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh Capital). Issue: At present India imports majority of Graphite from other countries. Importance: With 35 % of India’s Graphite deposits being found in Arunachal Pradesh, the State could now be developed as leading producer of graphite in country thus helping in meeting its future needs. Suggestions: The Arunachal Pradesh’s secretary of Department of Geology and Mining suggested that the survey and drilling activities of GSI should be moved towards India-China international Border. As per the reports China is undertaking huge graphite mining activities across the border in Tibet Autonomous Region. Therefore, road and infrastructure development towards the (Sino-India) international border should act as a boon for exploration and extraction of mineral at the same time meeting India needs and reducing imports. Note: of the total 3,488 km border India shares with China, Arunachal Pradesh shares 1,126 km. About Geological Survey of India (GSI): It was founded in 1851 with primarily goal of finding coal deposits for the Railways. It is an attached office to the Ministry of Mines and it is Headquartered in Kolkata. Function: To create and update national geoscientific information and mineral resource assessment. Services Undertaken: The objectives of GSI are achieved through various surveys like marine, air-borne, ground, and also by mineral investigations. It also undertakes multi-disciplinary studies like geo-environmental, geoscientific, geo-technical, and natural hazards, and carrying out fundamental research. About Graphite: It is the most stable allotrope of Carbon, with standard entropy being zero. It is the only non-metal element which is a good conductor of electricity. It is also known as a dry lubricant for its greasy feel. It has many industrial applications, especially for products that need very high heat.

11) The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) recently announced that for the first time in history an all-female referee team will take charge of a Men’s Continental Club Cup clash. Key Highlights: For the first time in AFC history, three Japanese female referees namely Naomi Teshirogi, Mokoto Bozono and Yoshimi Yamashita will officiate a men’s AFC Cup match. The trio will also be among 12 officials from the AFC to officiate the FIFA Women’s World Cup in June 2019. The AFC Cup match officiated by them will be between Naga World (Cambodia’s team) and Yangon United (Myanmar’s team) at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar (Burma). Importance: In past Women officials were only employed as assistant referees in AFC Cup matches. It was in 2014 when Australians Alysson Flynn and Sarah Ho became first female assistant referees in AFC Cup matches. This new decision by club marks a new milestone in Asian refereeing. About The AFC Cup: It is an International association football competition. It was founded in 2004. It is held annually between different domestic clubs run by Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Every year around 36 teams participate in competition. It is second-string (means second choice) Asian club competition, just one position below AFC Champions League. The AFC Cup 2019 is the 16th edition of AFC Cup.

12) India for the first time will host the ‘Army scouts masters competition’. The event is scheduled to be held between end of July to mid-August 2019, in Jaisalmer City, Rajasthan. Key Highlights: About: The Army Scouts Masters Competition is a part of International Army Games steered by Russia. This is the 5th edition of International Army games. India will be a co-host of Army International Scout Masters Competition 2019, which marks first such edition in international competition in which a country is a host as well as a participant. Objective: It is designed to forge strong ties with friendly foreign countries and to promote peaceful co-existence, collaboration, cooperation, team spirit, tranquility and development between contestants and at the same time facilitating sharing of best practices, hardware and technology. Purpose: Army Scout Masters Competition gives the participant countries an opportunity, and medium to learn from each other, co-operate and carry back best practices. It seeks to enhance international military to military and technical co-operation between participating states. Organiser: The event will be conducted under Indian Army and will be organised by Indian Army’s ‘Konark Corps’ at Jaisalmer Military Station. Participants: There are twenty-seven representatives from various countries. Besides India, namely Russia, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Sudan, Zimbabwe, and China will be participating. Few teams from eight countries (including Russia and China) have already arrived in Jaisalmer for coordination conference. Format: It is going to be held in five stages. The stages are designed such that it will test navigation skills, teamwork amongst participating teams, marksmanship, and endurance under an international panel comprising of experts judges, and arbiters. Involves: It involves simulated battle scenarios such as: driving infantry, setting up ambushes, combat vehicles, infiltrating behind enemy lines, surviving chemical and nuclear-effected environments, and ex-filtrate from enemy territory. The event will provide a platform for major military equipment such as Mi-17s, Advanced Light Helicopters, BMP infantry combat vehicles and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). About International Army Games: Background: Since 2015, Russia has been holding International Army Games. From past four consecutive years International scout competitions were taking place at Koltsovo training ground in Novosibirsk Region. It is conducted under established format of competition amongst Scouts. Format: Around 30 countries participate in competition. They battle out in dozens of competitions spread over a fortnight (about two weeks) to prove which has best military in the world. Participant countries send in their troops in sports version of warfare on land, air, and sea. It includes tank biathlon and fighter planes maneuvering contest. India’s Partcipation: Since its inception, India has been participating in Army Games. In July 2018, Indian Army participated in two competitions namely Tank Biathlon and Elbrus Ring (which is mountain warfare combat patrol competition) of International Army games held in Russia.

13) Indian Council of Medical Research’s (ICMR) National Institute of Immunohaematology (in Mumbai) has developed a cost-effective Point-of-Care (POC) rapid diagnostic test for severe genetic disorders Haemophilia A (also called factor VIII (FVIII)) and Von Willebrand Disease (VWD). Key Features of POC Diagnostic Test: Earlier Concern: Lack of diagnostic facilities and awareness as well as high costs of tests is leading to under diagnosis of bleeding disorders. Diagnosis of: The newly developed POC test kit can be used for diagnosis of undiagnosed patients, post-partum haemorrhage (PPH), menorrhagia cases, recovery of factors in the transfused Haemophilia A patients, gynaecological complications with bleeding history, and also for differential diagnosis of both diseases. Cost Effective: As per ICMR working cost of these kits is less than ₹50 which is too much less in comparison to existing conventional tests available for the diseases that costs around ₹4,000 to ₹10,000. Rapid: With help of POC test, diagnosis can be done within half an hour (30 minutes) of blood sample collection. Importance: This is World’s first Point-of-Care (POC) test for specific diagnosis of any common bleeding disorder. Fatal Disease: Patients with severe Haemophilia A or Von Willebrand Disease (VWD) can have severe life threatening spontaneous or post-traumatic bleeding such as gastrointestinal bleed and brain haemorrhage or they may also have bleeding into joints or superficial bleeding from gums or nose. About Von Willebrand Disease (VWD): It is a genetic disorder caused by missing or defective Von Willebrand factor (VWF). VWF is a clotting protein. In normal case when a blood vessel is injured and bleeding occurs, VWF helps platelets to mesh together and form a clot to stop bleeding. But in case of people with VWD, they do not have enough VWF, or it does not work effectively (the way it would in normal case), thus it takes longer time for blood clotting and to stop bleeding. As per estimations up to 1% of world’s population suffers from VWD.

14) The Ministry of Home Affairs in a freshly issued notification extended ban on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE, also known as: Tamil Tigers) in India for a another period of five years. Key Highlights: Ban: The Union Home Ministry notified extended ban (of 5 years) to LTTE under sub-sections (1) and (3) of section 3 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (37 of 1967) with immediate effect, thus declared LTTE as an Unlawful Association. Reasons by GoI: Notification states that- Even after LTTE’s military defeat in May 2009, it continues to adopt a strong anti-India posture and also continues to pose a grave threat to security of Indian nationals. It has continued its disruptive and violent activities which are prejudicial to integrity and sovereignty of India. Recent Findings: LTTE has not abandoned concept of Tamil Eelam and is undertaking propaganda activities and fundraising for its Eelam cause in Europe. The pro-LTTE groups and Tamil chauvinist groups continue to foster separatist tendencies amongst Indian masses especially in Tamil Nadu. Recently, activities of LTTE remnant cadres and supporters have been traced out in Tamil Nadu. The Diaspora continued to spread anti-India feeling amongst Sri Lankan Tamils through their articles in Internet, by holding Indian Government responsible for defeat of LTTE. About Liberation Tigers Of Tamil Eelam (LTTE): It is a Sri Lanka based Tamil militant and political organization, which was founded in 1976. Its objective is to create an independent state of Tamil Eelam in the north and east of Sri Lanka (areas comprising Tamil Majority). It was banned in India following the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991 by its members.

15) The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has undertaken a project to create DNA Profiles of all rhinos present in India. The project which would formally be underway by end of 2019 is set to be completed by 2021 (project’s deadline). Key Facts: About: After the completion of project, Indian rhino could become India’s first wild animal species to have all its members DNA-sequenced. The database so collected will be hosted in Wildlife Institute of India (WII) headquarters in Dehradun. Project Highlights: The project being undertaken is a subset of India’s larger, already ongoing Rhino Conservation Programme. Population: In India, there are about 2,600 rhinos and more than 90% of Indian Rhino population is concentrated in Kaziranga National Park, Assam. Since 1980s, Indian government is trying to move significant number of rhinos out of Kaziranga. The aim behind it is in interest of the species’ conservation, threats they face from poaching and challenges to their current habitat. Some other locations for translocating are in Assam itself like Manas National Park and Pobitara Wildlife Sancutary. Project Proponents: includes World Wide Fund for Nature-India (WWF-India) and Centre-funded Wildlife Institute of India (WII). Current Updates: around 60 samples of tissue of rhinos living outside Kaziranga have been collected so far and researchers are also extracting DNA samples from dung. Importance: DNA Database exercise would be useful to curb killing and poaching and collecting evidence in wildlife crimes involving rhinos. Rhino Species: There are three species of rhinos, out of which only one species ‘the Indian rhino’ is found in India.

16) India’s Captain Aarohi Pandit became world’s first woman to cross Atlantic Ocean (AO) solo in a Light Sports Aircraft (LSA) named Mahi. Key Highlights: Aarohi Pandit is a 23 year old commercial pilot and LSA licence holder from Mumbai, Maharashtra. About: This achievement is part of her ongoing Women Empower (WE) Expedition in the tiny aircraft called ‘Mahi’. This one year-long global circumnavigation flight was launched with her friend Captain Keithair Misquitta on July 30 and both began their trip in August 2018. According to which she continued solo from UK to Canada, and will return to India with her friend by July 30 this year. Sponsor: The expedition is organised and sponsored by Social Access, a not-for-profit communications firm. Achievements: Both Pandit and Misquitta flew over Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, and then to Pakistan, where they landed as well. This makes it first civilian LSA flight to land in neighbouring country since 1947. Then they went onto to Iran, Turkey, Serbia, Slovenia, Germany, France and UK. Other Records: En route her solo journey, she has set another world record as first woman pilot to fly solo in a LSA above treacherous Greenland ice-cap. She is also due for several other records by the time she will reach India. Itinerary: She took-off from Wick, Scotland (United Kingdom), with brief stopovers in Greenland and Iceland and continued journey under adverse and extreme weather conditions. After an exhausting 3,000 km long flight she landed her tiny aircraft at Iqaluit Airport in Canada. After a brief stop in Canada, Women Empower (WE) Expedition will continue with Aarohi flying westwards towards Russia. After clocking a flight of about 37,000 km she is scheduled to return home by July 30 2019. About ‘Mahi’: It is a tiny Sinus 912, a single-engine, ultralight motor glider. Sinus 912 weighs a little of 400 kg (nearly equivalent to a Bullet motorcycle). It is manufactured by Pipistrel of Slovenia. It is also the first Light Sports Aircraft (LSA) registered by Directorate-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) India.

17) India was unanimously chosen by member countries as next co-chair of Consultative Group (CG) of Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) for fiscal year 2020. This decision was taken during Consultative Group meeting of GFDRR 2019 held from 13 May- 17 May in Geneva, Switzerland. Key Highlights: About: The Consultative Group meeting held in Geneva was the 6thSession of Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) 2019. Co-Chair of 2019: The CG Meeting 2019 was co-chaired by the European Union (EU), Africa Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States, and World Bank. In addition to this, GFDRR in cooperation with UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and EU also organized 4thedition of World Reconstruction Conference (WRC) on May 13-14, 2019 in Geneva. Participants: includes experts, policy makers, leaders, and practitioners from various government, international organizations, academia, private sector and NGOs from both developing and developed countries. Significance: This is the first time that India has been given opportunity of co-chairing CG meeting of GFDRR. Importance: Co-Chairing will give India an opportunity to work with other member countries and organizations of GFDRR. India can contribute with a focused contribution towards advancing disaster risk reduction (DRR) agenda during its term as co-chair. Way Forward: India must pursue a focused agenda and develop synergies with currently ongoing work streams of GFDRR. As per India, Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (DRI) will be its central theme of engagement with GFDRR partners and stakeholders. Background: In 2015, India became member of Consultative Group (CG) of GFDRR. At the 5th session of GFDRR held in October 2018, India expressed its interest to co-chair the meet. India’s candidature was backed by member countries because of India’s consistent progress in disaster risk reduction (DRR) and also various initiatives it has undertaken to form a coalition on disaster resilient infrastructure. About GFDRR: It is a global partnership which helps developing countries to better understand and reduce their vulnerability to climate change and natural hazards. It involves a grant-funding mechanism, which is managed by World Bank. This grant funding supports disaster risk management projects throughout the world. At present it is working on ground with more than 400 international, national, local and regional partners. It provides funding, knowledge, and technical assistance to them. About World Reconstruction Conference (WRC): It is a global forum which provides a platform to assess, collect, and share experiences about disaster recovery and reconstruction and also to take forward the policy dialogue. Theme for 4th edition of WRC was “ Inclusion for Resilient Recovery,”

18) India’s G.S. Lakshmi ha becomes first woman to be appointed to International Cricket Council’s (ICC) International Panel of Match Referee. She will be eligible to take charge in international games with immediate effect. Key Facts: Women Officials on ICC Development Panel of Umpires: now includes eight women, namely Eloise Sheridan, Claire Polosak, Shivani Mishra, Lauren Agenbag, Mary Waldron, Kim Cotton, Jacqueline Williams and Sue Redfern. Earlier in May 2019, Claire Polosak became first ever woman umpire to stand in a men’s ODI. Kathy Cross was the first woman on development panel of umpires retired in 2018. About G.S. Lakshmi: Lakshmi, (now aged 51) was first appointed as a match referee in domestic women’s cricket in 2008-09. As a referee she has overseen three women’s ODI matches and three women’s T20I matches. About ICC: It is the global governing body of cricket and was earlier named as ‘Imperial Cricket Conference’. It was founded in 1909 by representatives from South Africa, Australia and England. It is headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

19) Lecanorchis taiwaniana (The parasitic bloom), a type of orchid was accidentally discovered in Assam by Assam’s forest officer named Jatindra Sarma . He is also the Member Secretary of State Medicinal Plants Board. Key Findings: The orchid species is already known in Japan, Taiwan, and Laos. This is the first time it is discovered in India. Its discovery was published in Japanese Journal of Botany with title as “new record for the flora in India”. Characteristics : Lecanorchis taiwaniana is a mycoheterotroph, which means it is one of two known types of parasitic plants which have abandoned photosynthesis. As it derives nutrients and its energy from fungus, it may be of herbal importance. It is a variant of a Japanese orchid. It is India’s one of smallest botanically recorded orchids in terms of size and duration of bloom. Importance: The discovery of Lecanorchis taiwaniana adds to the orchid wealth of northeast India (NEI). India has about 1,300 species of orchids out of which 800 are found in NEI, about 300 species are found in Western Ghats and 200 in northwestern Himalayas.

20) The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO, an agency under Ministry of Defence) conducted successful flight test of ‘ABHYAS’, a High-speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT). The test was conducted from Interim Test Range (ITR), at Balasore in Chandipur, Odisha. Key Highlights of Test: The trial flight test was tracked by various Radars & Electro Optic Systems. Results: Test proved its performance in fully autonomous waypoint (means a series of unique abstract GPS points that create artificial airways) navigation mode. The system performance was as per the simulations carried out. Importance: the test demonstrated the capability of ABHYAS to meet requirement of mission for a cost effective High-speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT). About ABHYAS: It a high-speed expendable aerial target (HEAT), which offers a realistic threat scenario for practice of weapon systems. It is designed for autonomous flying (with help of an autopilot). Features: Configuration: It is designed on an in-line small gas turbine engine. For its guidance and navigation it uses indigenously developed Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) based navigation system. It has a Luneburg lens (a spherically symmetric gradient-index lens) in the nose cone which improves the radar cross-section of target for weapons practice. It has an Acoustic Miss Distance Indicator (AMDI, a multi-role scoring system for gunnery training and weapons assessment) to indicate the distance it missed.

21) ITC Group’s present Managing Director (MD) Sanjiv Puri was elevated as new Chairman and Managing Director of company. His appointment comes after noted industry leader and erstwhile ITC Chairman Yogi C. Deveshwar died on 11 May 2019. Background: Y C Deveshwar (aged 72) had stepped down from ITC’s executive role in 2017 but remained non-executive chairman of company. He was ITC’s longest serving Chairman and corporate head. Later in 2017, as part of succession planning in company, the ITC group split the role of company’s Executive Chairman between Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Y C Deveshwar then mentored the executive management led by Sanjiv Puri. Sanjiv Puri: He is an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur and Wharton School of Business. He joined ITC in 1986. Since 2015 he was a director on the board of company. In February 2017 he was appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO), assuming independent charge of executive leadership of ITC. About ITC: ITC stands for ‘India Tobacco Company’, is India’s largest cigarette company. It was established in 1910 and is headquartered in Kolkata, West Bengal. It has diversified presence in various business like Cigarettes, Packaging, Hotels, Agri-Business, Paperboards & Specialty Papers, Packaged Foods & Confectionery, Information Technology, Branded Apparel (Wills), and other FMCG products.

22) Chief of Naval Operations of US Navy, Admiral John Michael Richardson is on a three day official tour to India. The tour is scheduled from 12 to 14 May 2019 and during his visit he will meet Indian Navy’s Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba in New Delhi. Key Highlights: Purpose: Admiral John Richardson visit to India is amid rising Chinese influence in Indo-Pacific region. This is part of US strategy of grouping together with like-minded countries like India, South Korea, Australia and Japan to make sure that each Indo-Pacific nation can protect its sovereignty from coercion. It refers to coercive activities undertaken by China in South China Sea (SCS) which have become a flashpoint for US-China relations in Asia. Aim: The visit by US Navy Chief is intended to consolidate bilateral naval relations between India and USA and as well as explore new avenues for naval cooperation between two nations. Discussions: Major issues to be discussed during visit include information exchange, capacity building, operations and exercises, capability enhancement and training interactions. Significance: The visit emphasizes the importance of information sharing and exchange between two defence partners. This will further strengthen strategic partnership between the Indian Navy and US Navy. India-US Defence Relation: India-US ties has seen a significant growth in recent years. In 2016, USA accorded India a Major Defence Partner status. In September 2018 the inaugural Ministerial 2+2 Dialogue conducted between two nations (India and US), facilitated new avenues for defence cooperation among them. Indian Navy and US Navy interact regularly at various bilateral and multilateral forums. They also participate in several maritime exercises like MALABAR and RIMPAC. Other than Defence Exercise many Regular Subject Matter Expert exchange also takes place between both navies to establish interoperability in various fields.

23) China will be hosting a Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations in Beijing, starting from 15 May to 22 May 2019. During the event an opening ceremony will be held by Chinese President Xi Jinping and six parallel sub forums will be conducted. Key Highlights: About: Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations (CDAC) is being held on 15 May 2019 in Beijing, China. As part of CDAC, the Chinese Ministry of Education, in collaboration with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) will be organizing a parallel panel on “Safeguarding the Diversity of Asian Civilizations“. Aim: It seeks to promote intercultural dialogue in view of building an “Asian Community of Shared Future” which will focus on cultural diversity, exchanges and mutual learning of Asia civilizations. It aims to enhance Asians’ rich cultural lives and contribute to vibrant regional development. Theme: for CDAC is “exchanges and mutual learning among Asian civilizations and a community with a shared future”. It acknowledges the Asian solutions to benefit its people, Asian wisdom to promote political advancement, and Asian community with a shared future. Participants: More than 2000 delegates from 47 Asian and other world countries, including heads of state, government officials, and high-level governmental representatives from UNESCO and other international organizations, educational institutions, celebrities, film and television think tanks are invited to attend conference. Events: Asian civilization week, Asian civilization tours, tourism fairs, Asia cultural carnival and exhibitions, and Asian food festivals will be held on sidelines of CDAC. Key Discussions: It will have dialogue about sharing experiences on Asian governance and Asian approaches to governance differing from Western one. Significance: CDAC provides a platform for interactions between young people, local communities and media and form cooperative network among think tanks. It might boost regional understanding and enhance cooperation between participants. It is also being seen in pursuance of fifth pillar (which is people-to-people exchanges) of China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Background: The idea of hosting CDAC was proposed by President Xi Jinping at Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) held in Shanghai, China in 2014. Later, at Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference in 2015 conference was initiated by Chinese president Xi Jinping. In 2016 also at the BFA, the session “Dialogue of Asian Civilizations” was held and guests from China, Singapore, Pakistan, Iran, and UNESCO participated in dialogues.

24) ISRO Chairman Dr K. Sivan inaugurated ISRO’s Young Scientist Programme called ‘Yuvika 2019’ at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. Key Highlights: About: The YUVIKA (or ‘YUva VIgyani KAryakram’) 2019, is a two week (14 days) summer vacation residential training programme, which will be conducted by ISRO from 13 May to 26 May 2019. It was launched by ISRO in tune with the Centre governments vision of “Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhan”. This is the first time it is being held. Aim: to get young school children interested in emerging areas of space science, space technology and various space applications by imparting basic knowledge about it. It also seek to inculpate scientific temper in students. Participants: 3 students from each Indian State (29) and Union Territories (7 UTs) are participating (about 108 students) and will get trained by ISRO Scientists. During programme, participants will also visit Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Shriharikota which is spaceport of India. Selection Procedure: The students are selected based on their performance in the 8th Standard (covering CBSE, ICSE and State syllabus), which includes both academic and extracurricular activities. Two Week Course Curriculum: During programme students will be provided course material which has already been pre-loaded on Tablets. It includes science topics like Rocket engineering, Environment science, Astronomy, Space applications, Renewable Energy, and also soft skill improvement modules like leadership, team work, communication, etc. Training Centres/Units: It will be conducted across 4 centres of ISRO, Department of Space (DOS)- Space Applications Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad. North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC), Shillong. Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram. U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), Bengaluru. Significance: Students will get to personally visit launch pad and integration facilities at SDSC, SHAR to understand space port operations. They will also visit ISRO laboratories and interact with and share experience with eminent ISRO scientists. Way Forward: It is expected that programmes like YUVIKA might produce good number of scientist in coming years and would lead to national intergartion and national building. Since YUVIKA 2019 received more responses than expected thus ISRO is considering of conducting this programme every year.

25) Kiki Bertens of Netherlands beats Simona Halep of Romania in finals to win women’s singles title in Madrid Open tennis. Key Highlights: Kiki Bertens won with surprise 6-4, 6-4 victory over Simona Halep. With this triumph she became first woman ever to win Madrid singles title championship without dropping a set. Kiki climbed to fourth in world rankings which is her career’s best till now. With this she became the highest-ranked Dutchwoman ever by climbing to World No 4. A victory would have allowed the third-ranked Simona to regain her world’s number one ranking (displacing Naomi Osaka). NOTE: Madrid Open Tennis also known as the Mutua Madrid Open (as currently sponsored by Mutua Madrileña) is a joint men’s and women’s professional tennis tournament, held in Madrid (Spain’s Capital).

26) The World number one Novak Djokovic of Serbia beats Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece to win men’s singles title in Madrid Open tennis. Key Highlights: Novak Djokovic defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in final with 6-3, 6-4 to win men’s singles title in Mutua Madrid Open. He now has 33 trophies at the elite level. With this win he now holds a tie with Rafael Nadal’s record of 33 ATP Masters 1000 titles. This is also Djokovic’s 200th victory against a Top 10 opponent (200-90). The 31-year-old Djokovic has never lost a championship match in Madrid (Spain capital) and he now owns 74 tour-level trophies (74-33). With this times title he now has won the Madrid Open for a third time. He has earlier won Madrid Open in 2011 and 2016. He will hold all four Grand Slam titles to his name if he wins the second French Open title scheduled to be held in June 2019.

27) The ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM)-Plus Maritime Security Field Training Exercise (MS FTX) in the South China Sea concluded on 13 May 2019 at RSS Singapura ( also known as Changi Naval Base) in Singapore. Key Highlights: Schedule: The ADMM-Plus Maritime Security Field Training Exercise was held from 30 April to 13 May. The exercise commenced on 30 April in Busan, South Korea and concluded in Singapore. Phases: It was held in two phases. The Phase I of ADMM-PLUS MS FTX was scheduled from 1 May to 3 May and its Phase II was scheduled from 9 May to 12 May. Organised: It is co-organized by Singapore and South Korea as both nations currently holds co-chairmanship of ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Maritime Security. Participants: The ADMM-Plus comprises total 18 nation participants which include ten Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries and other 8 includes the United States, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Russia, China, and India. Significance: This is the fourth Maritime Security Field Training Exercise (MS FTX) was conducted under the ambit of the ADMM-Plus. It involved 10 aircraft and 19 ships with about 700 personnel from the 18 ADMM-Plus countries. Drills Undertaken: During exercise, Participants conducted a series of professional exchanges ashore, as well as maritime security drills in the waters off Republic of Korea (ROK) and Singapore. Several maritime security drills for building confidence and practical cooperation included sharing information to track vessels-of-interest, practicing the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea, boarding operations and protection of key installations, conducted helicopter cross-deck landings and replenishment at sea drills as they sailed. On completion of Phase II, Some of the exercise participants, including US Navy destroyer USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) and India’s INS Kolkata and INS Shakti are scheduled to participate in the International Maritime Defense Exposition (IMDEX) 2019 in Singapore May 14-16. NOTE: ASEAN comprises of ten countries of Southeast Asia, with Headquarters: Jakarta, Indonesia. It includes Thailand, Brunei, Laos, Indonesia, Myanmar (Burma), Vietnam, Singapore, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Philippines.

28) Lewis Hamilton won the Formula One Spanish Grand Prix at Circuit de Catalunya, in Barcelona and the Mercedes sealed its fifth consecutive one-two finish. Key Highlights: At this Spanish Grand Prix, Mercedes matched the record of five successive Formula One one-twos. as Lewis Hamilton beat his teammate and pole-sitter Valtteri Bottas. It is only the fifth time in Formula One (F1) history that a team has taken top two spaces for five straight races and only third instance of Mercedes achieving feat since 2014. Lewis Hamilton overtook his teammate and pole-sitter, Valtteri Bottas at turn one and stayed in front, thus winning Spanish Grand Prix for a third consecutive year. This was the five-time and defending champion, L. Hamilton’s 76th career victory. With this win he moved back to the top of drivers’ standings. Ahead of him only Michael Schumacher has more with 91 career victory. The second and third places were held by Valtteri Bottas in his Mercedes and Max Verstappen in his Red Bull respectively. About Spanish Grand Prix: The Formula One (or F1) is the highest class of single-seater auto racing in which term word “formula” name refers to set of rules which is to be met by all participants’ cars. The Spanish Grand Prix is a Formula One (F1) race which was held at Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain. It has a Circuit length of 4.655 km and Race length of 307.104 km. The Grands Prix is the French word for ‘grand prizes’ or ‘great prizes’.

29) The scientists from Council of Scientific & Industrial Research’s (CSIR)-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology in Hyderabad, for the first time sequenced the entire genome of Asiatic lion. Key Highlights of Study: The population of Asiatic lion, an endangered species is very low. At present only 523 animals are found in the Gir forests in Gujarat. Need for Conservation: The study of genomes unraveled evolutionary history of Asiatic lion. It noted that evaluation of genetic diversity (i.e. the total number of genetic characteristics of a species which serves as a way for populations to adapt to changing environments) placed Asiatic lion in lowest bracket of genomic diversity index which highlights the gravity of its conservation status. Multi-Pronged Approach: As per scientist for conservation of Asiatic lions it is crucial to adopt a multi-pronged approach. Therefore, genome study which will identifying characteristics which are specific to Asiatic lions will enable better population and disease management of endangered big cat. Importance: The genome sequencing of Asiatic lions would enable scientists to better understand their evolution. With better understanding they can develop specific markers to study Asiatic lion’s population genetics (it means the differences at gene level within a population) and can further get newer insights into their population status and subsequent management. Significance: Until now only partial genomic information of African lion is available. Therefore a comparative genomics between both African lion and Asiatic lions can only be undertaken once complete genome of African lion is sequenced. Therefore, once complete genome of African Cheetah, Royal Bengal tiger, and Jaguar will be available, the comparative studies of all these big cats would be possible. This signifies that final objective of scientists is to understand species at DNA level and study that if there are any specific problems with regard to adaptability of Asiatic Lion to environment or behaviour vis-à-vis other big cats. About Asiatic Lion: They are also known as Indian Lion, and Scientific Name is Panthera Leo Persica. IUCN Red List Status: Endangered. They are also Listed in Schedule I of Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, in Appendix I of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). At present the only home of Asiatic lion is Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat. Threats: Asiatic lion presently exists as a single sub-population. They are vulnerable to extinction from unpredictable events, like epidemic or large forest fire and in recent years poaching incidents were also indicated.

30) After 12 days of negotiations under the patronage of United Nations (UN) around 180 governments agreed on a new UN accord to regulate the movement and export of plastic waste between their national borders. Key Highlights: Participants: About 1,400 representatives from almost every country in world met for 12 days of discussions at a United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) meeting in Geneva, Switzerland. Agreement: Except the United States, about 180 governments, agreed to the deal which essentially updates (or amended) the 1989 Basel Convention on the Control Of Hazardous Wastes, to include plastic waste in a legally-binding framework, in a move to quickly reduce amount of plastic being washed into world’s oceans. Legally Binding: The framework for reducing plastic waste signed is legally binding which means that countries will have to monitor and track thousands of types of plastic waste outside their borders. Cause of Concern: Some 8 million tonnes (MT) of plastic waste ends up in oceans each year. For far too long the practice of plastic waste dumping or exporting their mixed toxic plastic wastes to developing Asian countries is being followed by developed countries like the US and Canada with claims that it would be recycled in receiving country. But since, much of this contaminated mixed waste cannot be recycled it is instead dumped or burned, or lastly finds its way into the ocean. Analysis: As per IPEN umbrella group (The International POPs Elimination Network, a global network of NGOs which seeks to eliminate hazardous and toxic chemicals and persistent organic pollutants) this new amendment to Basel Convention would empower developing countries to refuse plastic waste dumping. Other Key Decisions taken: The recent Geneva meeting also undertook to eliminate two toxic chemical groups namely Dicofol (organochlorine pesticide) and Perfluorooctanoic Acid (or PFOA, also known as C8, is a man-made chemical), and other related compounds. PFOA has wide variety of industrial and domestic applications like non-stick cookware and food processing equipment, and also as paints, carpets and paper. Importance: The deal stroked sends a very strong political signal to rest of the world (including private sector, consumer market) that we need to take action. About Basel convention: In 1989, the Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CoP) in Basel, Switzerland adopted The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal. It was adopted in response to large public outcry after it was discovered that large deposits of toxic wastes were being imported from abroad into developing world. The Basel Convention came into force in 1992.

31) The Manchester City won the English Premier League football title for second successive year. Liverpool gained the second place in league. Key Highlights: The Manchester City club maintained its dominance by finishing the campaign with 14 straight wins and 98 points. It clinched the title by beating hosts Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club (or Brighton FC) with 4-1 on seasons final day. Liverpool FC after beating Wolverhampton Wanderers FC with 2-0, stood as the runners-up of title despite with enormous 97 points. This was City’s 4th Premier League title in last eight years. With this the club became first team to win back-to-back titles in England’s top Premier League for a decade. Last time it was Manchester United who won consecutively in seasons of year 2007-08 and year 2008-09. Manchester City will play in the FA Cup final (is the last match in Football Association Challenge Cup) against Watford on 19 May 2019. About English Premier League (EPL): It is also called ‘The Premier League’ and was founded on 20 February 1992. It stands at the top level of the Football Pyramid (also known as English football league (EFL) system which is basically a series of interconnected leagues for men’s association football clubs in England). EPL is contested by 20 clubs and the Seasons run from starting in August to ending in May. Each team plays 38 matches overall (as one team will play with all 19 other teams both home and away).

32) The Islamic State (or IS, a Salafi jihadist militant group) for the first time has claimed that it has established a “province” in India. Although, ISIS began claiming attacks against Indian security forces in Kashmir since November 2017 but without any branch affiliation. About the Claims: New ‘province’: claimed by Islamic State (IS) is called in Arabic as “Wilayah of Hind” (India Province), the dreaded terror outfit, (also known as ISIS and ISIL). The claims came after a militant with alleged ties to the group was killed in a clash between security forces and militants in the Kashmir region. IS Claims: As per IS’s Amaq News Agency claims, the IS caused casualties on Indian army soldiers in Amshipora town in Shopian district of Kashmir. The claims by IS corresponds with killing of a militant named Ishfaq Ahmad Sofi in an encounter in Shopian. As per Military officials for more than a decade, Sofi was involved in other kashmiri militant groups before pledging allegiance to Islamic State. Analysis: According to Indian security experts analysis, claims by IS about establishment of a ‘province’ in Kashmir region, where it in reality IS has nothing resembling actual governance is unreasonable, but it should not be written off. ISIS earlier did not elaborate on its branch’s geographical remit as mentioned in name of its new branch in India in a low-key announcement. The low-key announcement of new branch is being seen as part of ISIS’ strategy to give impression of strengthening its global affiliations following territorial losses in Middle East (Iraq and Syria in April). In past, such a strategy has been highlighted by ISIS chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Other Claims: IS also took responsibility for Easter Sunday bombing in Sri Lanka (in which at least 253 people killed). This shows that IS has stepped up hit-and-run raids and suicide attacks.

33) National Technology Day was observed on May 11 across India. The day marks the anniversary of Pokhran Nuclear Tests (Operation Shakti) of 1998 and also India’s progress in field of science and technology. About National Technology Day: The National Technology Day was coined by late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee as 11 May act as as a reminder of India’s technological advancements. Background: On 11 May 1998, India successfully conducted Pokhran-II (code name-Operation Shakti) in which it tested its Shakti-I nuclear missile at Indian Army’s Pokhran Test Range in Rajasthan. This was the second nuclear test conducted by India after Pokhran I (code-named Operation Smiling Buddha) was conducted in May 1974. Objective: National Technology Day highlights and celebrates groundbreaking achievements and valuable contribution of our scientists and engineers in field of science and technology. It also encourages youngsters towards science and technology field and embracing it as a career option. Celebration: Every year the Technology Development Board of India (a statutory body) commemorates NTD by awarding individuals with National Award for their contribution to science and technology (S&T). Also, on the occasion of NTD engineering colleges across India conduct programmes to support scientific endeavours and promote interest amongst students. Other Landmark Events that happened on May 11: National Technology Day also marks the flight of Hansa-3, India’s first indigenous aircraft which was developed by National Aerospace Laboratories. It was flown in Bengaluru when nuclear tests were being organized in Pokhran, Rajasthan. It was a two-seater, light general aviation plane. It is utilized in flying institutes for pilot training, surveillance, sports, aerial photography, and environment Projects. On May 11, 1998 the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) accomplished last test-fire of Trishul missile. It is a surface-to-air, short-range missile, quick-reaction. It was then introduced into defence service by Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Army. The Trishul missile Trishul was a unit of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) of India which has resulted in formation of Prithvi, Akash and Agni missile systems.

34) The Indian Air Force (IAF) was formally handed over its first AH-64E (I)-Apache Guardian helicopter at the Boeing production facility in Mesa, Arizona, USA. The first batch of about four-six Apache helicopters will be delivered to India in July 2019. About ‘AH-64E Apache’: Background: In September 2015, India and US signed a deal worth $3 billion (at current prices) for inducting 22 Apaches Helicopters in Indian Air Force (IAF) by March 2020. The IAF has bought the latest version of the Apache, called as the AH-64E (I) Apache Guardian. Made In US: In Apache deal there is no transfer of technology or “Make in India” component. The helicopter is entirely built in the US. But, US Army is providing training to IAF pilots and maintenance personnel (who will operate Apache fleet) at Fort Rucker, Alabama, US. Features: The AH-64E Apache is flown by the US Army and is one of the leading multi-role attack helicopters globally. It is even dubbed as the “flying tank”. It is widely acknowledged as the world’s most lethal combat helicopter. It has flown about a million mission hours in various conflicts, like from fighting in First Gulf War (in 1991) to ongoing fighting in Afghanistan. It is armed with Hellfire Longbow air-to-ground missiles, stinger air-to-air missiles, guns and rockets. It can be operated both by day and also by night with equal effectiveness. It can fly just metres above the ground and shelter behind trees and sand dunes. It has advanced Longbow radar which can pick up enemy armoured vehicles and can then destroy them with air-to-surface rockets or anti-tank missiles or a chain gun that sends about 625 rounds per minute tearing into targets. It has improved survivability, joint digital operability and cognitive decision-aiding. Importance: The addition of AH-64 E (I) helicopter is a step towards modernisation of IAF’s helicopter fleet. The helicopter handed over to India has been customised to suit IAF’s future requirements and would also have significant capability in mountainous terrain. Also, the Apache is capable of transmitting and receiving battlefield picture to and from weapon systems by using data networking, this makes it a lethal acquisition.

35) India and Nepal have inked a deal on procurement of demo train that operates on diesel. The contract agreement was signed between India’s Konkan Railways Corporation Ltd and Nepal’s Department of Railways to supply two 1600 HP Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) train sets. About Agreement: It was signed in Kathmandu in presence of Manjeev Puri, Indian Ambassador to Nepal and Madhusudan Adhikari, Nepal’s Secretary, Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport. According to agreement, Nepal will procure two diesel-operated trains, which will arrive in Nepal within five months. Manufacturer: The trains will be manufactured by Integrated Coach Factory (owned and operated by Indian Railways) in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Attachments: Each train set will comprise of three trailer cars with one air conditioned, one driving power car and one driving trailer car with standard accessories. Route Undertaken: These trains will be used to operationalise 34 km long railway corridor stretch which links Jayanagar in Bihar, India and Kurtha in Dhanusa district, Nepal. The 34 kms Jayanagar-Kurtha Railway Link was built by IRCON (Ircon International Limited, a construction and engineering PSU in transport infrastructure) with a financial grant from Indian Government under India-Nepal Development Partnership programme.

36) India will be hosting a World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ministerial meeting of developing countries in New Delhi on 13-14 May 2019. The aim is to discuss various challenges being faced by multilateral rules-based-trading system. Key Highlights of Meeting: Participants: includes- Six Least Developed Countries (LDC), namely Benin, Bangladesh, Central African Republic (CAR), Chad, Uganda, Malawi. Sixteen developing countries, namely Turkey, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Egypt, Guyana, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Guatemala, Nigeria, Oman, China, Saudi Arabia, Barbados. Director-General (DG) of World Trade Organization (WTO), Roberto Azevêdo. The two-day meeting will be an interaction between participants in order to provide an opportunity to Ministers to discuss various issues and the way forward. Purpose: The meeting is an effort to bring developing countries and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) together on one platform and to share common concerns on various issues affecting WTO and also working together in addressing these issues. Significance: The meeting is being held at a time when multilateral rules-based-trading system is facing serious challenges. In recent times, there has been an increase in unilateral measures and counter measures by member nations, further leading to deadlock in key areas of negotiations and stand-off in Appellate Body. This is threatening the very existence of Dispute Settlement Mechanism of WTO and impacting WTOs position as an effective multilateral organisation. This current scenario has given rise to demands from various quarters to reform the WTO. Importance: Meeting will provide an opportunity to LDCs and developing countries to build consensus on how to move forward on WTO reforms, at the same time preserving fundamentals of multilateral trading system (MTS) enshrined in WTO. The key discussions will also be about at getting a direction on how to constructively engage on various issues (both institutional and negotiating) in WTO, in the upcoming WTO’s Twelfth Ministerial Conference which will be held in Kazakhstan in June 2020. About Least developed countries (LDCs): They are low-income countries facing severe structural limitation to sustainable development. LDCs have low levels of human assets and are also, extremely vulnerable to economic and environmental shocks. Currently there are 47 countries designated as LDCs by United Nations (UN). The LDC status is reviewed every three years by Committee for Development (CDP). CDP uses three criteria to identify LDCs – Gross National Income (GNI) per capita. Human Assets Index (HAI). Economic Vulnerability Index (EVI).

37) Republic of Ireland has become only the second country in world to declare a climate emergency. Earlier on 1 May 2019, Britain’s parliament became the first in world to declare a climate emergency. Key Highlights: The climate emergency declaration was passed by both the government and opposition parties of Ireland unanimously. Both agreed to an amendment to ‘Oireachtas report on Climate Action’ (a parliamentary report on climate action). The ammendement was accepted without a vote. Targets: to be undertaken includes- becoming carbon-neutral by 2030, introduce electric car hubs or build sustainable homes to try to achieve that goal. The Oireachtas Climate Action report that started the Irish declaration came from a Citizens’ Assembly report. The Citizens’ Assembly will next be considering the issue of a biodiversity emergency. The Citizens’ Assembly: It is the Ireland’s citizens’ assembly which was established in 2016 for considering several political questions like referendums, abortion, population ageing, fixed term parliaments, and climate change etc. The report produced by it to be considered by the Oireachtas (Ireland’s Legislature). Next Move: The Ireland will next vote on a Climate Emergency Measures Bill, which seeks to limit oil and gas exploration. Criticism: declaring a climate emergency will mean absolutely nothing unless there is action taken to back it up. Also, there is no single definition of what a climate emergency actually means. Ireland Legislature: The national parliament of Ireland is known as Oireachtas. It consists of, The President of Ireland and a bicameral chamber. It is the only body that has power to make laws. The two houses of Oireachtas are- Dáil Éireann (lower house), Seanad Éireann (Upper House), About Britain’s Protest. Britain declared the climate emergency following the 11 days of street protests led by ‘Extinction Rebellion’ environmental campaign group in London, UK. The ultimate goal of Extinction Rebellion’s is to cut down global greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions to zero by 2025 and to end biodiversity loss. They have won the support of left-leaning politicians across the world. The British government targets include reducing its carbon emissions by 80% (compared to 1990 levels) by 2050. It seeks to achieve the target at a relatively low cost and without causing substantial economic damage. Others- The targets are being set in Scotland to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to net-zero by 2045. Many local areas around the United Kingdom (UK) have also acknowledge that there is a climate emergency.

38) The inaugural edition of world’s first exclusive women’s cricket magazine named as ‘Criczone’ was released in India. About Criczone- Women Only: It is the world first magazine which features only women cricketers. Cover Story: In its first edition launched in India, the magazine features Indian Women’s Cricket team vice-captain Smriti Mandhana as cover story. Purpose: It is a one stop solution, exclusively dedicated to providing updates, articles, news, interviews etc. from the world of women’s cricket. It was launched on the sidelines of the inauguration of upcoming women’s T20 challenge. The event was attended by top international cricketers such as Harmanpreet Kaur, Smiriti Mandhana, Mithali Raj and also by overseas players like Sophie Devine and Danielle Wyatt. Publisher: of magazine is Yash Lahoti. The Criczone stories will seek to empower young aspiring women cricketers to take the sport as a profession and able to make sustainable living.

39) The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres appointed 17 global figures which includes China’s Alibaba chief Jack Ma and Indian actress Dia Mirza as the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) advocates. Jack Ma, the founder and Executive Chairman of Chinese MNC Alibaba Group has been an SDG Advocate since 2016. About the New SDG Advocates of UN: Who are they? New class of SDG, Advocates are globally influential public figures who are committed to inspiring greater ambition, raising awareness, and pushing for faster action on SDGs. Function: The new SDG advocates are tasked to work together so as to drive action, build ambition, solidify global political will, and leverage and build bridges between their audiences to drive progress on achieving ambitious SDGs. Representation: These New Advocates which includes representatives from academia, Business, sport, entertainment, governments, and activist organizations around the world shows the universal character of SDGs. SDG Advocates will utilize their unique platforms and leadership skills to inspire and mobilize global community in order to build momentum for transformative, inclusive development by 2030. About Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The SDGs were born at United Nations (UN) Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro in 2012. The SDGs replaced Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which were active from 2000-2015. They are also known as ‘Global Goals’ and were adopted by world leaders on September 25, 2015. The adoption year 2015 coincides with other historic agreement like ‘COP21 Paris Climate Conference’ and ‘Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction’, signed in Japan in March 2015, It is a set of 17 Universal Goals, that seeks to meet urgent environmental, political and economic challenges facing our world. For ex- Poverty, Hunger, Education, Climate Change, Peace etc. NOTE: The 38 year old Dia Mirza, is an actor, film producer and United Nation Environment Program (UNEP) Goodwill Ambassador for India.

40) Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka was sworn-in as the Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court. He now becomes 31st Chief Justice of Karnataka HC. His oath of office was administered by Karnataka Governor Vajubhai R Vala, at Raj Bhavan in Bengaluru. Key Facts: The Karnataka Chief Justice office had fallen vacant after then incumbent Justice Dinesh Maheshwari was elevated as a Supreme Court (SC) judge in January 2019. After erstwhile Chief Justice Maheshwari’s elevation Justice L Narayana Swamy was appointed as Acting Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court On 30 April 2019, central government on recommendation of the SC collegium (constituted on April 8) notified the Justice Shreeniwas Oka’s appointment as Chief Justice Karnataka by President Ram Nath Kovind. About Justice Shreeniwas Oka: The 58 year old Justice Oka, enrolled as an Advocate in 1983 started his practice in Thane District Court, Maharashtra. In 1985-86, he joined office of V P Tipnis, a former Lok Ayukta and former Judge of Bombay High Court and appeared in many major cases including public interest litigations (PILs). In August 2003 he was appointed as an additional judge of Bombay High Court in and in November 2005 he was appointed as a permanent Judge. Before his appointment as Chief Justice of Karnataka he was serving as second senior-most judge in Bombay High Court. High Courts in India: According to Article 214 of Indian constitution, each state of India shall have a High Court. The Chief Justice of a High Court is appointed in accordance to Article 217 of Indian constitution by President with consultation of Chief Justice of India (CJI) and the Governor of respective State.

41) The well-known Tamil writer and Sahitya Akademi awardee Thopil Mohammed Meeran passed away at the age of 74. About Thoppil Mohamed Meeran: In his lifetime he received eight literary awards which includes Sahitya Akademi Award and Tamil Nadu Kalai Ilakkiya Perumantram Award. He won the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award in 1997, for his novel Saaivu Naarkkaali (The Reclining Chair), released in 1995. Other Novels Authored: are Thuraimugam, Anju Vannam Theru, Oru Kadalora Graamaththin Kathai, and Koonan Thoppu (all between 1988 and 2011). His Short Story Collections and extensive translation work, gave him a prominent place in literary world. Some of his short story collections includes Thangarasu, Oru Maamaramum Konjam Paravaigalum, Anbukku Muthumai Illai, Oru Kutti Theevin Varippadam, Ananthasayanam Colony, and Thoppil Mohamed Meeran Kathaigal. Forte: Due to his mastery over both Malayalam and Tamil, he could use both languages in his novels effortlessly. This became the speciality of all his literary works i.e. his novels brilliantly narrated the fisherfolk’s life with details in both Tamil and Malyalam.

42) The Indian Air Force (IAF) intercepted an unknown Georgian Antonov-12, a heavy cargo aircraft trespassing into Indian sovereign territory. It was force to land in Jaipur for necessary investigation. Key Highlights: The Sukhoi aircraft (fighter jets) of IAF, intercepted an unknown aircraft entering Indian Air Space in North Gujarat Sector with its IFF (Identification, Friend or Foe) ‘on’. The IFF is a radar-based identification system, used within military and civil air traffic control (ATC) interrogation systems for detecting and identifying friendly vehicles. Detection: Due to current geopolitical situation (referring to the 14 February Pulwama terror attack in India by Pakistan and the Balakot Military strike conducted by India on Pakistan), the Air Traffic Services (ATS) routes in the area were closed and aircraft did not follow authorized ATS route. It tried to enter Indian Air Space from an unscheduled point, and was also not responding to Radio calls from Indian controlling agencies. This led to IAF’s fighter aircraft to scramble (ordered to take off immediately for action) and directed towards unknown aircraft for investigation. Identification: On visual contact, the suspected aircraft flying at twenty seven thousand feet was identified as Georgian Antonov-12 (a heavy cargo aircraft). Initially, it neither responded on international distress frequency nor to visual signals during interception. But, when challenged, the aircraft responded and informed that it was a non-scheduled An-12 aircraft that flew from Tbilisi (Georgia) and was on its way to New Delhi via Karachi. Encounter: The aircraft was shadowed for the route violation and forced to land in Jaipur for security concern and to undertake necessary investigation.

43) The Indian Air Force (IAF) intercepted an unknown Georgian Antonov-12, a heavy cargo aircraft trespassing into Indian sovereign territory. It was force to land in Jaipur for necessary investigation. Key Highlights: The Sukhoi aircraft (fighter jets) of IAF, intercepted an unknown aircraft entering Indian Air Space in North Gujarat Sector with its IFF (Identification, Friend or Foe) ‘on’. The IFF is a radar-based identification system, used within military and civil air traffic control (ATC) interrogation systems for detecting and identifying friendly vehicles. Detection: Due to current geopolitical situation (referring to the 14 February Pulwama terror attack in India by Pakistan and the Balakot Military strike conducted by India on Pakistan), the Air Traffic Services (ATS) routes in the area were closed and aircraft did not follow authorized ATS route. It tried to enter Indian Air Space from an unscheduled point, and was also not responding to Radio calls from Indian controlling agencies. This led to IAF’s fighter aircraft to scramble (ordered to take off immediately for action) and directed towards unknown aircraft for investigation. Identification: On visual contact, the suspected aircraft flying at twenty seven thousand feet was identified as Georgian Antonov-12 (a heavy cargo aircraft). Initially, it neither responded on international distress frequency nor to visual signals during interception. But, when challenged, the aircraft responded and informed that it was a non-scheduled An-12 aircraft that flew from Tbilisi (Georgia) and was on its way to New Delhi via Karachi. Encounter: The aircraft was shadowed for the route violation and forced to land in Jaipur for security concern and to undertake necessary investigation.

44) A team of herpetologists (specialized in study of reptiles and amphibians) have discovered a more advanced new species of reddish-brown pit viper from Arunachal Pradesh. Their discovery was published in Russian Journal of Herpetology. About the Viper- Scientific Name (of discovered Arunachal pit viper): Trimeresurus arunachalensis. This discovery of new species makes Arunachal Pradesh only Indian state to have a pit viper named after it. Discovery: The research team from Pune-based Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, found the snake species while conducting biodiversity surveys in Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, in in West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. Significance: The viper discovered is never described before therefore this single known specimen of this species makes it currently the rarest pit viper in the world. Type: It is a species of reddish-brown pit viper, a venomous snake. It has a unique heat-sensing system. Earlier Discoveries: With this, India is now home to fifth brown pit viper. The other four brown pit vipers are Hump-Nosed, Horseshoe, Malabar, and Himalayan who were discovered about 70 years ago. This new discovery makes Arunachal pit viper the second serpent to have been discovered in state after Crying Keelback, a non-venomous snake was found in Arunacal’s Lepa-Rada district in 2018. NOTE: The Vipers (or Viperidae) are a family of venomous snakes found in most parts of world. All such species have relatively long, hinged fangs that permit deep penetration and injection of snake venom.

45) The United States government unveiled ‘Global Health Security Strategy’. It is an effort which outlines coordinated US approach to help improve world’s ability in stopping deadly outbreaks even before they spread between countries. About Global Health Security Strategy: It is a first of its kind strategy that seeks to detect, prevent, and respond to threats from various infectious diseases occurring naturally or accidentally. It defines the actions that US administration will undertake by adopting a whole-of-government (WoG, is joint activities performed by multiple public service agencies) approach to health security. This will help US leverage strengths of different federal departments, agencies and funding streams. Mandate: The National Security Strategy precisely identifies fighting biological threats and pandemics as central component of US’s national security. It treats Biological threats, (like infectious disease outbreaks) as national security priority. The GHS strategy focuses on three interrelated goals – Strengthen partner country global health security capacities. Increase international support for global health security. Prepare a homeland ready and resilient against global health threats. Way Forward: The US is coordinating with international partners to work together and help improve world’s ability to contain and stop infectious disease outbreaks before they spread between countries.

46) The World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) 2019 is being observed on 11 May 2019. Every year people across the globe take action and organize public events like bird festivals, exhibitions, education programmes, and bird-watching excursions to celebrate WMBD. About WMBD: The first WMBD was celebrated in 2006. It is an annual awareness-raising campaign which highlights the need for protecting migratory birds and their habitats. Function: It helps to raise global awareness about threats faced by migratory birds, their ecological importance, and need for international cooperation to conserve them. Observance: Starting from 2018, the WMBD is celebrated twice a year, second Saturday in May and in October. It is Organized By: The Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), the African-Eurasian Waterbird Agreement (AEWA) together with Environment for the Americas (EFTA). The CMS and AEWA are two International Wildlife Treaties which are administered by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). WMBD 2019: For year 2019 it will be celebrated on 11 May and 12 October. The WMBD 2019 is observed with Theme:“Protect Birds: Be the Solution to Plastic Pollution!”. It aims to put spotlight on negative impact of plastic pollution on migratory birds and their habitats. Birds are globally threatened by Plastic Watse: Study recorded that out of 265 bird species found entangled in plastic litter, at least 69 species were freshwater birds (10% of all freshwater species), 147 species were seabirds (36% of all seabird species), and 49 landbird species (0.5 per cent).