National News
India Contributes $500,000 to UN Counter-Terrorism Trust Fund:
- India reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the global fight against terrorism by contributing $500,000 to the U.N. Counter-Terrorism Trust Fund.
- The contribution underscores India’s support for multilateral efforts in combating terrorism.
- India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, handed over the voluntary financial contribution to Under Secretary General Vladimir Voronkov on May.
- The contribution reflects India’s proactive role in fostering international cooperation to address the scourge of terrorism.
India Surpasses Japan as 3rd Largest Solar Power Generator in 2023
- India’s rapid expansion in solar energy catapults it beyond Japan, securing the third spot globally.
- This surge underscores both India’s commitment to clean energy and the accelerating global shift towards renewable sources.
- India’s solar energy deployment increased significantly from 2015, producing 5.8% of its electricity from solar in 2023, up from 0.5%.
- Solar energy outpaced coal in global electricity generation for the 19th consecutive year, indicating a shift towards sustainable energy sources.
- Globally, solar energy generation in 2023 exceeded six times that of 2015, with the top four solar growth countries, including India, contributing 75% of this growth, highlighting widespread adoption.
State News
Uttarakhand Government’s Pirul Lao-Paise Pao Campaign to Combat Forest Fires
- The Uttarakhand Government initiates the Pirul Lao-Paise Pao campaign to tackle the ongoing forest fires in the state, prompted by concerns expressed by the Supreme Court.
- The forest fires have claimed five lives, devastated trees, medicinal plants, and wildlife, while also contributing to air pollution through thick smoke and soot.
- Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami launches the campaign in Rudraprayag district on May 8, 2024, urging active participation from the public to prevent forest fires.
- Cooperatives, Yuva Mangal Dal, and Van Panchayat are also enlisted to participate in the campaign, emphasizing community involvement in forest fire prevention efforts.
Uttarakhand state:
- Capital: Dehradun (Winter)
- Chief minister: Pushkar Singh Dhami
- Governor: Gurmit Singh
Banking News
YES BANK and EBANX Partner to Enhance Global Commerce Opportunities for
Merchants Across India
- YES BANK, a leading private sector bank in India, collaborates with EBANX, a global fintech firm, to provide scalable payment solutions to merchants.
- The partnership aims to streamline cross-border payment processing and boost global commerce opportunities for merchants and customers in India.
- Leveraging EBANX’s expertise in cross-border payments and YES BANK’s technical capabilities, the collaboration offers seamless access to scalable payment solutions aligned with regulatory guidelines.
- Ajay Rajan, country head at YES BANK, emphasizes the partnership’s significance in broadening digital financial services for Indian customers and global merchants, supporting the growing global digital commerce business volumes.
Yes bank:
- CEO: Prashant Kumar (6 Mar 2020–)
- Founded: 2004
- Headquarters: Mumbai
Appointment News
IRDAI Approves Keki Mistry as Chairman of HDFC Life
- Keki Mistry appointed as Chairman of HDFC Life following Deepak Parekh’s resignation.
- Mistry unanimously chosen by the board for the position.
- IRDAI grants approval for Mistry’s appointment on May 7, 2024.
- Mistry’s appointment effective immediately upon regulatory endorsement.
HDFC life:
- CEO: Vibha Padalkar (12 Sept 2018–)
- Founded: 2000
- Headquarters: Mumbai
Defence News
IAF Conducts Bambi Bucket Operations to Combat Forest Fires in Uttarakhand
- The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducts Bambi Bucket operations using Mi17 V5 helicopters to combat forest fires in the Pauri Garhwal sector of Uttarakhand, providing crucial relief.
- Despite the Uttarakhand government’s declaration to the Supreme Court that the forest fire emergency is over, the State Forest department reports 40 fresh fire cases on May 8, 2024, indicating ongoing challenges in controlling the wildfires.
- Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami takes disciplinary action against 17 junior forest officers, suspending 10 and initiating a disciplinary inquiry against seven, in response to the severity of the situation.
Indian air force:
- Headquarters: New Delhi
- Founded: 8 October 1932,
- Chief of Defence Staff (CDS): General Anil Chauhan
Sports News
Amul Appointed Official Sponsor of Sri Lanka Men’s Team for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024
- Sri Lanka Cricket announces Indian milk producer Amul as the ‘Official Sponsor’ of the Sri Lanka Men’s Team for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
- CEO of Sri Lanka Cricket, Ashley De Silva, highlights the partnership’s benefits for Amul in gaining market growth and enhancing brand visibility.
- Managing Director of Amul, Jayen Mehta, expresses pride in associating with Sri Lanka for the benefit of small and marginal farmers, citing Amul’s proven model for dairy development.
- Amul strengthens its association with the Sri Lankan team following its partnership in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup.
Sri lanka:
- Capitals: Colombo, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
- Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee
- President: Ranil Wickremesinghe
- Prime minister: Dinesh Gunawardena
Yuzvendra Chahal Makes History as First Indian Bowler to 350 T20 Wickets
- Yuzvendra Chahal, representing Rajasthan Royals, becomes the first Indian bowler to claim 350 wickets in T20 cricket during the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL).
- The leg-spinner’s achievement marks a significant milestone in T20 cricket history, showcasing his prowess in the shortest format of the game.
- Chahal’s consistent performance and skillful bowling contribute to his remarkable feat, solidifying his position as one of India’s premier T20 bowlers.
Within the all-time list for the highest wicket-takers for the shortest format
| NO | PLAYER NAME | WICKETS |
| 1 | DJ Bravo | 625 |
| 2 | Rashid Khan | 572 |
| 3 | Sunil Narine | 549 |
| 4 | Imran Tahir | 502 |
| 5 | Shakib Al Hasan | 482 |
| 6 | Andre Russell | 443 |
| 7 | Wahab Riaz | 413 |
| 8 | Lasith Malinga | 390 |
| 9 | Sohail Tanvir | 389 |
| 10 | Chris Jordan | 368 |
| 11 | Yuzvendra Chahal | 350 |
Ranks And Reports News
India Tops $100 Billion Inward Remittances in 2022: World Migration Report
- India becomes the first country to receive over $100 billion in inward remittances, receiving $111.22 billion in 2022, according to the World Migration Report 2024.
- Mexico surpasses China to claim the second spot with $61.10 billion in inward remittances in 2022.
- Inward remittances refer to money sent by Indians working abroad to their relatives in India.
- The World Migration Report 2024, released in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on May 8, 2024, is prepared by the United Nations International Organisation for Migration (IOM), a Geneva-based UN agency.
- The report is published biennially and provides insights into global migration trends and patterns.
India’s Toy Exports Decline to $152.34 Million in 2023-24: GTRI Report
- India’s toy exports experienced a slight decline to USD 152.34 million in fiscal year 2023-24 despite quality control measures.
- Efforts to strengthen the domestic industry and ensure product safety did not yield significant improvements in export figures.
- Import trends show a contrasting increase, rising to USD 64.92 million in 2023-24 from USD 62.37 million in the preceding year, posing challenges in trade balance.
