1 ISRO and Wipro 3D successfully test 3D-printed rocket engine
In a landmark achievement for sustainable space exploration, Wipro 3D and ISRO have jointly successfully tested a 3D-printed rocket engine for India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). This engine, designed for the fourth stage (PS4), marks a significant advancement in additive manufacturing technology in India’s space programme. ISRO applied Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) techniques to redesign the conventionally manufactured PS4 engine. Using laser powder bed fusion, the number of engine components was reduced from 14 to one, eliminating 19 weld joints. This streamlined design substantially reduced raw material usage and production time, improving efficiency and performance
2 UPI hits new record of 14.04 billion transactions worth Rs 20.45 trillion in May
India’s popular payment system Unified Payment Interface (UPI) set a new record of 14.04 billion transactions worth Rs 20.45 trillion in May. Data shared by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) said that the May figures are 49 per cent higher in volume and 39 per cent higher in value compared to the same month in 2023. The current May figures are the highest in terms of value and volume since UPI was launched in April 2016. At the same time, the volume of Immediate Payment Service (IMPS) transactions grew marginally by 1.45 per cent to 558 million in May, as against 550 million in April. In terms of value, it grew 2.36 per cent to Rs 6.06 trillion in May from Rs 5.92 trillion in April. The May figures saw a growth of 12 per cent in volume and 15 per cent in value compared to the same month last year.
3 The 77th World Health Conference adopted amendments to the International Health Regulations 2005 based on 300 proposals from member countries
In a historic milestone in the global health security agenda, the 77th World Health Conference agreed on a package of amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) based on 300 proposals submitted by Member States in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic . The targeted amendments to the IHR aim to improve the capacity of countries to prepare for and respond to public health emergencies of international importance (PHEICs) and pandemic emergencies (PEs). These include provision for facilitating equitable access to appropriate health products during PHEICs and PEs, as well as mobilization of financial resources to assist developing countries in building, strengthening and maintaining core capacities required under the IHR (2005). A proposal in the form of a White Paper was put forward by Shri Apurva Chandra, in his capacity as Chair of Committee A of the World Health Conference, on 28 May 2024 to finalize the package of amendments to the IHR.
4 Nuclear energy cooperation between Russia and Uzbekistan
Russia and Uzbekistan have resumed their nuclear energy cooperation with plans to build Central Asia’s first nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan. This cooperation, although reduced from previous ambitions, is an important step in addressing Uzbekistan’s growing energy demands and securing its energy future.
5 India sent a consignment of nine materials used in the manufacture of medicines to Cuba as humanitarian aid
India has sent a 90-ton consignment of nine materials used in the manufacture of medicines to Cuba as humanitarian aid . These materials made in India were dispatched from Mundra port in Gujarat. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on social media that these materials will help in the manufacture of essential medicines. He said that this assistance strengthens India’s identity as a major pharmaceutical supplier country and also reflects India’s commitment to India-Cuba relations.
6 Indian-American student Brihat Soma wins ‘Scripps National Spelling Bee’ title
Bruhat Soma , a 12-year-old Indian-American student of 7th grade from Florida , won the title of ‘Scripps National Spelling Bee’ by correctly spelling 29 words in the tiebreaker. Bruhat Soma won 50,000 US dollars and many prizes by winning the competition. Children dominated this competition. This year’s Scripps National Spelling Competition lasted till the tiebreaker. In this competition, Bruhat defeated Faizan Zaki by spelling 29 words correctly in 90 seconds. Who had spelled 20 words correctly in the lightning round. Bruhat’s championship word was “abseil”, it means “to descend in mountaineering via rope on a projection above”. Let us tell you that Bruhat finished first in the tiebreaker.
7 Artificial intelligence included in Kerala school curriculum
Kerala has taken a lead by integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its school textbooks. The state has unveiled plans to introduce AI learning modules within the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) curriculum for Class 7 students . According to a release issued by Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education (KITE), the move will impact over 4 lakh students across Kerala who will now have the opportunity to delve deeper into the field of AI in the upcoming academic year.
8 Badminton star PV Sindhu becomes brand ambassador for tobacco control
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India organized an event to celebrate World No Tobacco Day 2024. This year’s theme, “ Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference ,” highlights the urgent need to protect youth from the harmful effects of tobacco consumption. During the event, Union Health Secretary, Shri Apurva Chandra addressed the gathering through a video message, focusing on the devastating impact of tobacco use. In a significant move to inspire young children and youth to stay away from tobacco in all forms, Indian Badminton star Ms. PV Sindhu was named as the Brand Ambassador for Tobacco Control.
9 Fiscal deficit to improve to 5.63 percent of GDP in 2023-24
The government’s fiscal deficit was 5.63 percent of GDP in the last financial year. This is slightly less than the estimate of 5.8 percent expressed in the Union Budget. In reality, the fiscal deficit i.e. the difference between expenditure and revenue was Rs 16.53 lakh crore. In the revised estimates for 2023-24 in the interim budget presented on February 1, the government had estimated the fiscal deficit to be Rs 17.34 lakh crore i.e. 5.8 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP). The fiscal deficit in the financial year 2024 was Rs 16.54 trillion, while the budgetary target was Rs 17.86 trillion. Net tax receipts for the financial year 2024 were more than estimated i.e. Rs 23.27 trillion. The total expenditure was Rs 44.43 trillion, which is 99% of the budgeted amount.
10 Axis Bank and Mastercard introduce NFC Soundbox
Axis Bank and Mastercard have launched the NFC Soundbox , which is set to redefine payment experiences in India. This innovative device is set to be an all-in-one solution, enabling users to accept various payment methods such as Bharat QR, UPI, Tap & Pay, and Tap + PIN.
11 Canara Bank to sell 14.50% stake in Canara HSBC Life Insurance through IPO
Bengaluru -based Canara Bank has approved starting the process of diluting 14.50% stake in its subsidiary, Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company , through an initial public offering (IPO). The move is subject to the approval of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Department of Financial Services (DFS). Currently, Canara Bank holds a majority stake of 51% in the life insurance company, while HSBC Insurance (Asia Pacific) holds 26%, and Punjab National Bank holds the remaining 23%.
12 Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa joined the top 10 players in the world after defeating Fabiano Caruana of USA in Norway Chess Tournament
Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa has joined the top 10 players in the world after defeating world number 2 Fabiano Caruana of the USA in the fifth round of the Norway Chess Tournament. He is ranked third in the tournament with eight and a half points, one place below world number one Magnus Carlsen. Hikaru Nakamura of the USA is at the top with ten points. In the women’s category of the tournament, R. Vaishali has maintained her lead of 10 points after defeating Tingqi Lei of China.
13 India won three gold, three silver and one bronze medal in the Taiwan Athletics Open held in Chinese Taipei
India won three gold, three silver and one bronze medal in the Taiwan Athletics Open held in Chinese Taipei . On the last day of the competition , Naina James won the gold medal in the women’s long jump event. She secured the first position by jumping 6.43 meters in long jump. Ankesh Chaudhary won the gold medal in the men’s 800 meter race with a timing of one minute fifty point six-three seconds. Dev Meena secured the second position by jumping 5.1 meters in the men’s pole vault event . DP Manu won the gold medal in men’s javelin throw . Ramraj won the silver medal in women’s 100 meter hurdle race while Vismaya VK won the bronze medal in women’s 400 meter race.
14 England cricketer Brydon Carse banned for three months
England fast bowling all-rounder Brydon Carse has been suspended from all forms of cricket for three months after being found guilty of violating betting rules . The 28-year-old placed 303 bets on various cricket matches between 2017 and 2019, leading to the charges against him. Significantly, the Durham cricketer had not placed any bets on matches in which he was directly involved.
15 World Milk Day 2024
World Milk Day is celebrated every year on June 1. This annual event, established by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), aims to bring to the forefront the importance of milk as a global food and promote dairy farming and the dairy industry. Since its inception in 2001, World Milk Day has gained global recognition with various campaigns carried out to raise awareness about the nutritional value and importance of milk in a balanced diet. According to worldmilkday.org, this year’s theme focuses on “ celebrating the vital role dairy plays in delivering quality nutrition to nourish the world .”
