Current Affairs | National | International | SSC | UPSC 30th May 2024

National News

1. RBI launches retail direct mobile 'PRAVAAH App' and Fintech Repository 

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 28 May 2024 launched three major initiatives: PRAVAH portal, a mobile app for retail investors to trade in government securities, and a Fintech Repository. These three initiatives were launched by RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das in Mumbai, Maharashtra. 
• These three initiatives of RBI will provide great relief to retail investors in the coming times. This move of the central bank has been taken with the aim of facilitating the process of application for approval of regulatory rules and promoting investor participation in the securities market. 
• PRAVAAH (Platform for Regulatory Application, Verification and Authorization) is a centralized webbased portal that provides a secure platform for individuals or entities to obtain authorization, license or regulatory approval from the Reserve Bank. 
• An individual or entity can submit 60 application forms online covering various regulatory and supervisory departments of RBI. Applicants can track their applications online, monitor their status and receive decisions from RBI in a timely manner. 
• Mobile app for individual investors to trade in government securities 
• The RBI governor also launched a mobile app for retail investors to buy and sell government securities. In 2021, RBI allowed retail investors to invest in government securities (G-secs) in the primary and secondary markets. Retail investors were to open a Gilt Securities Account, namely Retail Direct Gilt (RDG) account, with the RBI. 
• In the primary market, an investor can invest in Central Government Securities (CG), State Government Securities and Treasury Bills (Tbills) in a minimum amount of Rs 10,000 and in multiples of Rs 10,000. 
• Government securities are bonds issued by the RBI on behalf of the Government of India. Bonds are debt-creating instruments that create debt on the issuer. If the duration of the government securities is less than one year, they are called Treasury Bills (Tbills). 
• Only the Government of India can issue T-bills. If the tenure of Government securities issued by the Government of India is one year or more, they are called dated securities. 
• The bonds issued by the State Government to borrow from the market are called State Development Loans. The State Government can issue only dated securities. 

FinTech Repository 

• The FinTech Repository will be a repository of data of Indian FinTech companies. It will hold essential information about regulated and unregulated FinTech entities, their activities, technology usage, etc. 
• A separate EmTech Repository is being launched for regulated FinTechs (Banks and NBFCs) by RBI. It will hold information about these FinTech companies adopting emerging technologies (such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Cloud Computing, Quantum, etc.). 
• The FinTech and EmTech repositories are secure web-based applications managed by Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH), a wholly-owned subsidiary of RBI. Fintech, or financial technology, refers to companies that use digital technology to improve the delivery of financial services such as banking, insurance, pensions, etc. 

2. Indian mountaineer Satyadeep Gupta becomes first person to scale Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse twice in one season 

• Indian mountaineer Satyadeep Gupta has scripted history by becoming the first person to scale Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse twice in one season. 
• He also set another record by being the first Indian to traverse from Mt. Everest to Mt. Lhotse in 11 hours and 15 minutes. 
• Gupta conquered the 8,516 metre-high Mt. Lhotse, followed by towering 8,849 metre-high Mt. Everest. 
• This historic achievement marks the first Double Dual Ascent of the world’s highest and the fourth highest peaks in a single season. 
• Gupta had previously summited Mt Everest on May 21 and Mt Lhotse on May 22. 

3. National Archives of India carries out first overseas digitisation of diaspora records in Oman 

• The Indian Embassy in Muscat, Oman and the National Archives of India (NAI) in a joint effort successfully completed the first of its kind project to archive historical documents of the Indian diaspora in Oman. 
• The project titled “Oman Collection – Archival Heritage of the Indian Community in Oman” ran from May 19 to May 27, 2024. It was enthusiastically attended by 32 prominent Indian families from Gujarat whose presence in Oman dates back 250 years. 
• In a significant step for the NAI, this was their first overseas venture in digitising documents of the Indian diaspora. 
• Over 7,000 documents in English, Arabic, Gujarati and Hindi were digitised under the project, the oldest of which dates back to 1838 and most date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. 
• These include personal diaries, ledgers, ledgers, telegrams, business invoices, passports, citations, letters, correspondence and photographs, providing insight into the Indian community’s life, cultural practices, social activities, trade, commerce and contribution to Omani society. 
• The digitised collection will be uploaded on NAI’s online portal “Abhilekh Patal”, making it accessible to researchers and the general public. The project also involves recording oral histories of elderly members of the community. 
• These first-hand accounts reflect personal stories, migration experiences and the evolution of the community over time, enriching the archival record. 
• This is a historic milestone for NAI and an important step towards preserving the rich heritage and narratives of the diverse overseas Indian community” said Shri Arun Singhal, Director General, NAI. 
• Indian Ambassador to Oman Shri Amit Narang highlighted the project’s alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of strengthening diaspora ties; he said, “We are rejuvenating an important part of our shared heritage.” 
• The initiative was supported by Oman's National Records and Archives Authority (NRAA). The project not only safeguards historical records but also fosters deeper engagement with the Indian diaspora in Oman. 
• There are around 700,000 Indians living in Oman today, with Indians having lived in the Sultanate since the late 18th century, primarily as merchant families from Mandvi, Surat and other parts of Gujarat. These families have integrated into Omani society, with many becoming citizens, while maintaining strong ties with their homeland. 

4. Sanjay Kumar inaugurates Summer Fiesta 2024 

• Secretary of Department of School Education and Literacy, Sanjay Kumar has inaugurated the month-long “Summer Fiesta 2024” at the National Bal Bhavan, New Delhi. 
• Summer Fiesta is a month-long camp comprising over 30 types of different activities for children aged between 5 to 16 years. 
• It promises a myriad of engaging and innovative activities in the fields of Creative and Performing Arts, Science, and more, ensuring that every child finds something intriguing to explore and learn. 
• The event will also feature eminent artists and guests who will participate in these special programmes, sharing their experiences and delivering captivating performances to inspire the children. 

5. FICCI organized India Cold Chain and Logistics Summit in New Delhi 

• Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) organized a summit in New Delhi to enhance India’s cold chain and logistics sector. 
• The summit’s aims to promote collaboration and innovation to develop an integrated, sustainable, and efficient cold chain ecosystem for India’s perishable goods industry. 
• The discussions aim to redefine logistics mechanisms across various sectors, including Pharma, Food, Oil, and Flowers. 

About Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) 

• Formation – 1927 
• Founder – Ghanshyam Das Birla and Purshottamdas Thakurdas 
• Headquarters – New Delhi 

6. India assumes Chair of Colombo Process for 2024-26 

• India assumed the Chair of Colombo Process for 2024-26, for the first time since its inception. India looks to promote safe, orderly and legal migration. 
• Colombo Process is a Regional Consultative Process of migrant worker origin countries from South and South East Asia. 
• It serves as a forum for exchange of best practices on overseas employment. 

International News

7. SpaceX launches next generation US spy satellites 

• SpaceX launched a pioneering set of spy satellites for the US government. A Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California carried the NROL-146 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) into space. The mission forms part of a new US intelligence network designed to significantly upgrade the nation's space-based surveillance powers, with several more deployments planned this year. 
• The NRO typically reveals little about the activities and capabilities of its satellites. About six minutes after launch, the Falcon 9 rocket's first stage began its entry burn, a crucial step in a safe return to Earth. 
• Northrop Grumman, a longtime space and defense contractor, is also involved in the project. It marked the first launch of the NRO's proliferated system that features responsive collection and rapid data delivery. 
• The first stage landed on the drone ship Of Course I Still Love You, located in the Pacific Ocean, about nine minutes after launch. According to SpaceX, this was the 16th launch and landing of this particular Falcon 9 first-stage rocket. About a half-dozen launches supporting NRO's proliferated architecture are planned for 2024, and additional launches are expected through 2028. 
• In a prelaunch mission description, the NRO said NROL-146 "will be the first launch of NRO's proliferated architecture." The agency went into a little more detail about that architecture when discussing the mission's tagline, "strength in numbers." It was the 52nd orbital liftoff for SpaceX in 2024. Of the 52 launches so far this year, 36 have been dedicated to building out the company's Starlink broadband constellation. 

8. Singapore Airlines plane dropped 178 ft in 5 seconds’ 

• The Singapore Airlines flight caught in severe turbulence last week dropped 178 feet in less than five seconds, Singapore's Transport Safety Investigation Bureau has found in its preliminary investigation. 
• The sudden drop in altitude "likely caused the injuries to the crew and passengers" onboard the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft that was heading from London to Singapore, the TSIB said in a press statement on Wednesday.
• A 73-year-old passenger on the plane died after suffering a suspected heart attack on May 21, and 71 others were injured after the plane encountered turbulence over Myanmar forcing the pilots to divert it to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport. 
• They have found that as the aircraft was passing over the south of Myanmar at 37,000 feet and likely flying over an area of developing convective activity, it first began to experience slight vibration due to fluctuations in the gravitational force ог vertical acceleration. 
• Around the same time, there was an unexpected increase in aircraft altitude reaching a peak of 37,362 feet and a sudden increase in airspeed due to an up-draft (upward movement of air). Less than 20 seconds later, there were rapid changes in G-force resulting in an altitude drop of 178 feet, from 37,362 feet to 37,184 feet. "This sequence of events likely caused the injuries to the crew and passengers," the statement said. 

9. Telangana govt. to unveil the State emblem on June 2 

• The Telangana government is gearing up to change the State emblem to reflect the struggle and sacrifices made for a separate Telangana. 
• Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy announced his intentions to make sure that the State emblem does not reflect any "traces of feudalism" and contains reflections of the decadeslong separate Statehood struggle. 
• Mr. Reddy chaired a meeting attended by Minister J. Krishna Rao, Prof. M. Kodandaram, JAC leader Raghu and others on Wednesday. The meeting reportedly discussed the finer aspects to be incorporated into the State emblem that would give it a befitting presence. The State emblem is scheduled to be unveiled on June 2, the concluding day of the decennial celebrations of the State formation. 

State News 

10. New species of algae ‘Odocladium sahyadricum’ discovered in Western Ghats of Kerala 

• The team including Merin Grace Jiji, Binoy T. Thomas and Thomas V.P. from the Department of Botany, Catholic College in Pathanamthitta, Kerala state, has discovered the algae species named ‘Odocladium sahyadricum’ in the natural forests of Kumbhavurutti area of Kollam district. 
• The name ‘Sahyadricum’ refers to the Western Ghats, also known as Sahyadri, which is rich in plant diversity and provides ideal conditions for the growth of terrestrial microalgae. The discovery has been published in Taiwan, an international journal of biodiversity. 
• The researchers identified the species from its unique features, such as being bisexual and terrestrial, having a superior operculum and having ellipsoidal oogonium and oospores. 
• This alga was found as a thin mat of elongated strands on moist soil. Resembling the moss protonema, the species is velvety green in colour but turns yellowish-green when mature. It requires a rainy season for its abundant growth. 
• This is the first time a species from the Odocladium genus has been recorded in Kerala. The researchers noted that Kerala, a part of the Western Ghats, is still not well studied for soil-dwelling green filamentous algae. 
• "Odocladium species have potential practical applications in medicine, agriculture and production of a natural pigment, astaxanthin, which is well documented for its unique biological activities and health benefits," said Binoy Thomas, one of the researchers. 
• He said algae play a vital role in the ecosystem and have huge economic importance in the world market ranging from high-value products to wastewater treatment.

11.Kerala plants new species Barbara McClintock 

• A new plant species found on the high, muddy slopes of the Nelliyampathy hills in Palakkad district of Kerala has been named after Barbara McClintock, the American scientist who won the Nobel Prize in 1983 for her discovery of ‘jumping genes’. 
• It is the first species of the genus Stellaria reported from South India. The new species belongs to the genus Stellaria (family Caryophyllaceae), and the researchers have named it Stellaria mclintockiae. It is an annual herb that grows up to 15 cm in height. 
• Stellaria mclintockii, found at an altitude of 1,250-1,400 m, differs from other species of this genus with respect to the characteristics of its petals, pollen morphology, bracts, sepals and seed architecture. 

Defence News 

12. DRDO successfully test fired air-to-surface missile ‘RudraM  II’ off Odisha coast 

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on May 29, 2024 successfully test fired ‘RudraM-II’ air-to-surface missile from Sukhoi-30 MK-I platform of Indian Air Force (IAF) off the coast of Odisha. RudraM, India’s first Anti-Radiation Missile (ARM), is an air-to-surface missile developed by DRDO. 
• The flight test met all the test objectives, validated the propulsion system and control and guidance algorithms. The missile performance has been validated from flight data captured by range tracking instruments such as electro-optical systems, radars and telemetry stations deployed at various locations including onboard by Integrated Test Range, Chandipur. 
• The missile uses a navigation mechanism consisting of satellitebased Global Positioning System (GPS) and an inertial navigation system. It uses a "passive homing head" for guidance, which enables it to accurately strike the target even if the radiation source is switched off during the engagement. 
• While the primary purpose of Rudram-1 is suppression of enemy air defence (SEAD), advanced versions such as Rudram-2 and Rudram-3 are under development with ranges of 350 and 550 km respectively. 
• The integration of Rudram missiles with fighter aircraft has been a joint effort of various DRDO facilities, IAF structures and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The development of these missiles began about eight years ago, with plans for future trials and inductions to enhance the air superiority tactical capability of the IAF. 

Appointment News

13. Rakesh Ranjan appointed as Chairman of SSC 

• IAS Pradip Kumar Tripathi has been appointed as Secretary to Lokpal till 30th June. 
• The Appointment Committee of the Cabinet has also approved the appointment of IAS Rakesh Ranjan as Chairman of Staff Selection Commission (SSC). 
• IAS Amit Yadav of 1991 batch has been appointed as Officer on Special Duty in the department of Social Justice and Empowerment department. He will take over as Secretary after superannuation of incumbent secretary Saurabh Garg on 31st of July. 
• As per order, IAS Raj Kumar Goyal of 1990 batch has been transferred as Secretary of the department of Justice in the Ministry of Law and Justice from Secretary of Department of Border Management in the Ministry of Home Affairs. 
• The committee approved the appointment of IAS Rajendra Kumar of 1992 batch as Secretary in the Department of Border Management. 

14. Vijay Khanduja appointed as India’s next High Commissioner to Cameroon 

• Diplomat Vijay Khanduja has been appointed as India’s next High Commissioner to Cameroon. 
• Khanduja is presently posted as the Ambassador of India to Zimbabwe. 

About Cameroon 

• Capital- Yaoundé 
• Currency- Central African CFA franc 
• President- Paul Biya 
• Prime minister- Joseph Ngute 
• Official languages- French, English 

15. NARCL board recommends P Santhosh as MD & CEO 

• The board of National Asset Reconstruction Company (NARCL) has recommended P Santhosh for the post of managing director and chief executive officer of the state-owned bad bank. 
• Santhosh has been interim CEO of NARCL since January, soon after N Sundar abruptly resigned as the CEO ahead of his term. 
• Santhosh has been recommended for a three-year term by the NARCL board. 

Recent Appointment in Banking & Insurance Sector 

• Part-time Chairman of ICICI Bank – Pradeep Kumar Sinha (replace G. C. Chaturvedi) 
• CRO of Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services – Mahesh Rajaraman (replace Mallika Mittal) 
• MD & CEO of IndiaFirst Life Insurance – Rushabh Gandhi (replace R.M. Vishakha) 
• Advisor of Mizuho Bank India – Sanjay Nayar 
• Whole Time Director of IDFC FIRST Bank – Pradeep Natarajan 

Sports News

16. India won seven medals in Asian Armeresting Championship 2024 

• Indian Armresllers performed brilliantly by winning seven medals in the recently concluded Asian Armereslling Championships- one gold and six bronze. The Asian Armeresting Championship was held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. 
• Shrimat Jha was a leading performance for India. He won the only gold medal for India in the Para category of the left hand. He later added another bronze medal to his account in the right -handed paragger. 
• Laxman Singh Bhandari also won two bronze medals in the master class. One of the stars of Baroda Emperor franchise in Pro Paw League and highly popular on social media, Sachin Goyal won a bronze medal in the competitive Right-Hand Senior category. 
• Ibi Lolen of Arunachal Pradesh won two bronze medals in women's rights and left-hand categories. Pramod Mukhi finished fourth in a very exciting match. 
• Sharing Her Thoughts on the Remarkable Performance at the Asian Championships 2024, Preeti Jhangiani, President, People's Armourstling Federation Quoted ARMORWATED A PRESS ARMORWATES Saying, "It was a great private privatege for me to send this strong and competitive Indian Continuing for the Asian Championships 2024 as the President of the People's Armourling Federation India (PAFI). 
• People's Armouring Federation India (PAFI) is the only Indian Organization Affiliated to the Assian Armouring Federation (AAF) and the World Armuring Federation (WAF). 

17. ICC Players of the Month for April 2024 announced 

• The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the winners of the ICC Player of the Month awards for April 2024. 
• West Indies’s Captain Hayley Matthews has been named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for her exceptional all-round performances that spearheaded the West Indies’ success in Pakistan across both ODI and T20I series. 
• It is the third time that Matthews has claimed the monthly ICC award, with the star all-rounder adding the success in April to previous wins in November 2021 and October 2023. 
• Ash Gardner (four times) is the only player to have won the women’s monthly award on more occasions than Matthews. 
• While, Muhammad Waseem, the UAE captain and opener, has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for his notable run-scoring feats as the UAE triumphed in the ACC Premier Cup. 

ICC Men’s Player of the Month 

• January 2024 – Shamar Joseph (West Indies) 
• February 2024 — Yashasvi Jaiswal (India) 
• March 2024 – Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lanka) 
• April 2024 – Muhammad Waseem (UAE) 

ICC Women’s Player of the Month 

• January 2024 – Amy Hunter (Ireland) 
• February 2024 – Annabel Sutherland (Australia) 
• March 2024 – Maia Bouchier (England) 
• April 2024 – Hayley Matthews (West Indies) 

Important day

18. 30 May – Hindi Journalism Day 

• Hindi Journalism Day is observed every year on 30 May to honour the start of Hindi journalism that has enabled each person of the country to have access to proper information. 
• The journey of Hindi journalism began on May 30, 1826, with publication of the first Hindi newspaper, ‘Udant Martand,’ started by Pt. Jugal Kishore Shukla. 
• This day is dedicated to the special contribution of Hindi journalists working for public welfare, imbued with truth & courage. The Hindi publication of Udant Martand was a milestone in the history of Indian journalism. 
• Udant Martand was published in Calcutta. The date of publication was May 30, 1826. Hindi Journalism has existed in the country for about 198 years. 
• On May 30, 2024, Hindi Journalism Day will be observed to honour the contribution of Hindi journalism and the journalists who toil day and night to provide correct information to the citizens of the country. 

19. 30 May – International Day of Potato 

• The first ever International Potato Day is observed this year. 
• In December 2023, General Assembly announced that May 30 will be observed as International Potato Day every year. 
• Theme 2024 – Harvesting Diversity, Feeding Hope 
• Potatoes rank among the top five staple food items used throughout the world. 
• The day will be celebrated to highlight the significance of potatoes from the Andean region to the world. The first ever International Potato Day will be observed this year on May 30.