NATIONAL NEWS
1.CBIC Government Launches “Project SPARROW” For CBIC Officers For Over 400 Formations Of CBIC Across India:-
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) had started online writing of Annual Performance Appraisal Report (APARs) in SPARROW (Smart Performance Appraisal Report Recording Online Window) for Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officers in Customs and Central Excise in 2016-17.The CBIC said it will conduct annual performance appraisal of over 46,000 Group B and C officers online, a move aimed at better human resource management.
- Australian PM Scott Morrison wins federal elections
In Australia, Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s Liberal-National Coalition won the federal elections.Prime Minister Morrison has declared victory after his coalition defied opinion polls and secured a surprise win over the opposition Labor Party.Opposition Labor Party leader Bill Shorten has announced that he is resigning after accepting defeat.The final result of the elections is yet to be announced, however, with more than 70 per cent of votes counted the Coalition is ahead in 74 seats in its quest for a 76-seat majority.
- Indian short film wins Nespresso Talents award in Cannes:-
Indian filmmaker, Achyutanand Dwivedi’s film, “Seed Mother”, won the third prize in the international section of Nespresso Talents 2019 in Cannes.The three-minute film celebrates the exceptional spirit of Rahibai Soma Popere, a woman who champions the use of local seeds and traditional methods of farming in villages of Maharashtra.Held annually as part of the Cannes Critics’ Week to encourage new perspectives in filmmaking. This year’s theme was ‘We Are What We Eat’, aimed at exploring the world, experiencing diversity.
4.Govt plans introducing artificial intelligence system in MCA 21 portal:-
The government plans to introduce artificial intelligence system in the MCA 21 portal as it seeks to make the compliance process easier as well as ensure routine enforcement activities are done round-the-clock on autopilot basis.MCA 21 is the electronic backbone for the dissemination of information to all stakeholders, including the regulator, corporates and investors. All filings under the companies law are submitted to the ministry through this portal.
Ministry of Corporate Affairs Secretary Injeti Srinivas has said the ministry would like to introduce Artificial Intelligence in MCA 21 when version 3 of the portal is rolled out in about a year’s time.In the ministry’s monthly newsletter, Srinivas also said that MCA 21 allows electronic filings of various documents under Companies Act, 2013 and has fully automated all processes related to enforcement and compliance monitoring under the Act.
5.India-Singapore Naval drill begins in South China Sea:-
The Navies of India and Singapore are participating in the annual maritime bilateral exercise SIMBEX in the South China Sea.the sea phase of the bilateral naval drill started and will continue till Wednesday. In a statement in New Delhi, the Indian Navy said, various maritime combat exercises such as firing on aerial or surface targets, advanced aerial tracking, coordinated targeting exercises and tactical exercises on the surface or air scenarios is being conducted during the exercise.The Indian Navy said, Naval ships INS Kolkata and INS Shakti taking part in the bilateral naval exercise, along with long-range maritime patrol aircraft Poseidon-8I. The Singapore side is being represented by RSN ships Steadfast and Valiant, maritime patrol aircraft Fokker-50 and F-16 fighter aircraft.The forces of India and Singapore share robust military ties. The South China Sea waters, which are claimed by many littoral states, have been witnessing muscling in of the Chinese navy. Over the years SIMBEX has stood the test of time in demonstrating the nation’s commitment to enhance maritime cooperation between the two navies and bolster bonds of friendship between the two countries.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
6.UAE to celebrate World Day for Cultural Diversity on May 21:-
On 21st May, the UAE will celebrate World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development to highlight its efforts in promoting tolerance and cultural diversity.The event will coincide with the country’s declaration of 2019 as the Year for Tolerance and its hosting of many related events. The UAE has cultural relations with many countries and is an active member of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, UNESCO.
7.Bahrain welcomes King Salman’s call for emergency summits:-
The Kingdom of Bahrain welcomes the call by the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for two emergency summits for leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and another for Arab leaders in Makkah.State Agency BNA said that “the Kingdom highly values this call from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, affirming its full support for all the steps taken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and appreciates its steadfast solidarity and its strenuous efforts to preserve the security and stability of the region and promote Arab interests”.The Kingdom of Bahrain affirmed that the ‘wise call that went out from the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques affirms the leading role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in cementing the joint Arab action’.Bahrain said that it values the Saudi keenness on enhancing collective action to overcome the delicate conditions that the GCC region is going through, through consultation and coordination between the GCC and Arab countries.It sees a unified collective position as the guarantor for security and stability of the countries and peoples of the region and a factor of continued development and progress that would also contribute to the maintenance of international peace and security.
SPORTS NEWS
8.2nd India Open International Boxing Tournament begins:-
The Second India Open International Boxing Tournament will begin at Sarusajai stadium in Guwahati.16 countries will participate in the tournament where nearly 200 boxers will vying for the podium. The preliminaries will be held today and tomorrow to be followed by the quarter-finals and semi-finals, culminating into the grand finale on May 24.India has fielded a strong contingent of 38 men and 37 women in the tournament including Mary Kom in 51-kilogram category.Six pugilists from Assam would representing the country in front of the home crowd. Last year, India won 6 gold medals. The competition will be held in a total of 18 categories, 10 in men and 8 in women.The gold medalist will get 2500 US dollar and Silver medalist will earn 1000 US dollar.
9.BFA launches two new formats of game – AirBadminton & Triples:-
The world body governing Badminton, BFA, has launched two new formats of the game –AirBadminton and Triples with new dimensions of the court and an innovative shuttlecock called Airshuttle. Traditional competitive badminton has been an indoor game.In the new formats launched globally at Guangzhou last week, AirBadmintion will be outdoor sports. In Triples format, the match will be played between a team of three players each with presence of at least one female. India’s top shuttlers have endorsed AirBadminton. Saina Nehwal, Parupalli Kashyap and H.S. Prannoy said it has the potential to provide an alternate career to retired professionals. The Secretary, Badminton Association of India, Ajay Singhania hailed AirBadminton as a great initiative. Outdoor badminton is one of India’s favourite recreational sports. Infrastructure won’t be a hindrance for people interested in Airbadminton as it can be played in different environments like grass in parks, on sands in beaches and the streets and bylanes.
