Telangana Government launched first of its kind State Robotics Framework
Telangana state has launched a Robotics Framework with the aim of advancing technology and development. It is the first state in the country to have done so. The framework has been designed to establish a long-lasting ecosystem for robotics and foster innovation, research and development, and entrepreneurship in the state. The policy is expected to place Telangana at the forefront of the robotics industry. Read the complete article here
First Airbus C295 for India successfully completes its maiden flight
India’s initial C295 aircraft has accomplished its maiden voyage, signifying a notable step forward in its delivery scheduled for the second half of 2023. The tactical airplane, which will be operated by the Indian Air Force, departed from Seville, Spain, at 11:45 am local time on May 5th and landed three hours later at 2:45 pm. Read the complete article here
RBI Imposes Rs 1.73 Crore Penalty On HSBC Bank
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) fined the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Ltd (HSBC Bank) Rs 1.73 crore for violating the Credit Information Companies (CIC) Rules, 2006. According to the RBI, during its examination of the bank’s Risk Assessment Report and related correspondence, it was discovered that the bank had violated these rules. Read the complete article here
Union Health Ministry launches SAKSHAM Learning Management Information System
Shri Rajesh Bhushan, Union Health Secretary, recently introduced SAKSHAM (Stimulating Advanced Knowledge for Sustainable Health Management), a Learning Management Information System (LMIS) designed by New Delhi’s National Institute of Health & Family Welfare (NIHFW). The digital learning platform is dedicated to offering online training and medical education to health workers throughout the country, from primary health care centers in rural areas to tertiary care and corporate hospitals in major cities. Read the complete article here
International Day of Argania 2023 – Its History and Timeline
Every year on May 10th, the International Day of Argania or International Day of the Argan Tree is observed. This day was established by UNESCO in 2021 to boost people’s understanding of argan trees and to raise global awareness of its environmental value. Read the complete article here
RBI’s gold reserves rose 4.5% to 794.64 tonnes in 2022-23
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) yesterday released the 40th half-yearly report on the management of foreign exchange reserves.
- As of March-end 2023, RBI’s gold reserves increased to 794.64 tonnes from 760.42 metric tonnes in March-end 2022.
- The year-on-year increase in gold reserves was 34.22 tonnes.
- Out of the total gold reserves, 437.22 tonnes are held overseas in safe custody with the Bank of England and the Bank of International Settlements (BIS).
- The total gold reserves also include gold deposits of 56.32 metric tonnes. Read the complete article here
President of India Smt Droupadi Murmu confers 37 Gallantry awards
On May 09, 2023, the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, who is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, presented gallantry awards to personnel of the Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), and State/Union Territory Police during the Defence Investiture Ceremony (Phase-1) in New Delhi. A total of 8 Kirti Chakras and 29 Shaurya Chakras were awarded, with five of the Kirti Chakras and five of the Shaurya Chakras awarded posthumously. The awards were given to individuals who showed exceptional bravery, courage, and dedication to their duties. Read the complete article here
Sri Lanka Supreme Court Clears way to Decriminalize Homosexuality
LGBTQ+ campaigners in Sri Lanka have finally made substantial headway in their struggle for equal rights after years of agitation. The country’s Supreme Court has approved a law that will decriminalize homosexuality, which is presently punishable by imprisonment and a fine. Read the complete article here
PMJJBY, PMSBY, and APY complete 8 years
Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), and Atal Pension Yojana (APY) were launched on May 9, 2015, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from West Bengal.
The government has introduced three social security schemes to ensure that citizens are protected from unexpected risks, losses, and financial uncertainties. These schemes aim to increase the reach of insurance and pension to offer affordable financial security to those who are poor or marginalized. Read the complete article here
Asteroid 2023 HG1 Hurtling towards Earth at 7200 Kmph
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory recently released data on five asteroids that will make close passes to Earth in May. One of these asteroids, 2023 HG1, is currently rushing towards our planet at 7200 kilometres per hour (2 kilometres per second) and is predicted to be the size of a home. It is expected to pass within 2,590,000 miles (4,160,000 km) of Earth on May 9, 2023, with a diameter of 60 feet (18 metres). Read the complete article here
New Lithium reserves discovered in Rajasthan after J&K
Large lithium reserves have been discovered by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) in Rajasthan’s Degana, following a similar discovery in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi. Officials claim that these reserves could fulfill up to 80% of India’s demand for lithium and are believed to be larger than those found in Jammu and Kashmir. This is the first time that such reserves have been found in Degana. Read the complete article here
India Achieves Another Major Sanitation Milestone – 50% Villages Are Now ODF Plus Under Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen Phase II
Half of the villages in India have achieved ODF Plus status under phase II of the Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin (SBM-G), marking another significant achievement for the country. An ODF Plus village is one that has maintained its Open Defecation Free (ODF) status and has also implemented either solid or liquid waste management systems. Currently, over 2.96 lakh villages have declared themselves ODF Plus, which is a significant step towards reaching the SBM-G phase II objectives by 2024-25.
The top-performing states in terms of the percentage of ODF Plus villages are Telangana (100%), Karnataka (99.5%), Tamil Nadu (97.8%), and Uttar Pradesh (95.2%) among the big states, and Goa (95.3%) and Sikkim (69.2%) among small states. Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dadra Nagar Havelli & Daman Diu, and Lakshadweep have 100% ODF Plus Model villages among UTs. These states and UTs have made remarkable progress in achieving the ODF Plus status, and their efforts have been critical in reaching this milestone.
