World Migratory Bird Day 2019

The World Migratory Bird Day for 2019 is observed on May 11. It is celebrated twice in the year, which falls on the second Saturday in May and October. In 2019, it will be celebrated on May 11 and October 10.

Theme:"Protect Birds: Be the Solution to Plastic Pollution!".

National Technology Day 2019

Every year on May 11, National Technology Day is observed in India to mark India’s technological advancements.

This day marks the remembrance of the successful launch of Shakti-I nuclear missile at Pokhran Test Range in Rajasthan on May 11, 1998.

India, UK to strengthen ties on Indo-Pacific cooperation

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India and the UK on Friday agreed to increase their collaboration in the fields of Indo-Pacific cooperation, disaster resilience, climate change and development in third countries, as Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale and British Permanent Under Secretary at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Simon McDonald met in New Delhi for foreign consultations.

Samsung launched world’s Highest Resolution Image Sensor. Source:heraldm.com

All for better picture quality: Samsung unveils world's highest-resolution image sensor

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Samsung has launched the world’s first highest resolution image sensor of 64 megapixels.

Samsung launched world’s Highest Resolution Image Sensor. Source:heraldm.com

Samsung has launched two new image sensors with 0.8 micrometer pixel:

1. The 64-megapixel ISOCELL Bright GW1
2. The 48-megapixel ISOCELL Bright GW2

India, UK to strengthen ties on Indo-Pacific cooperation

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India and the UK on Friday agreed to increase their collaboration in the fields of Indo-Pacific cooperation, disaster resilience, climate change and development in third countries, as Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale and British Permanent Under Secretary at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Simon McDonald met in New Delhi for foreign consultations.

World’s 1st parent-wise genome for water buffaloes developed

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The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) has developed world’s first complete parent-wise genome assembly called “NDDB_ABRO_Murrah” of riverine buffaloes. This comes on the back of successful launch of INDUSCHIP, a customized genotyping chip for indigenous cattle and their crosses.

World’s 1st parent-wise genome for water buffaloes developed. Source:Shutterstock

Of the 13 buffalo breeds in India, the Murrah, native to central Haryana, is the most sought after and acknowledged as the best ‘breed-improver’ with its gene pool now stretching across the globe in South Asia, South America, Mexico and West Asian countries.

India facing critical shortage of healthcare providers: WHO

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The WHO (World Health Organization) has published a research paper titled ‘Forecasting the future need and gaps in requirements for public health professionals in India upto 2026’ in the ‘WHO South-East Asia Journal of Public Health‘, in which it states that India faces critical shortage of healthcare professionals, especially in Bihar, Jharkhand, U.P. (Uttar Pradesh) & Rajasthan which have the worst hit ratio as compared to Delhi, Kerala, Punjab and Gujarat which are in a relatively better position.

WHO notifies that Southeast Asia requires a 50% rise in healthcare employment in order to reach the universal health coverage by 2030.

World's best airports' list has Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport on 8th position

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In a survey conducted by Air Help, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport of Hyderabad has been ranked as the world’s 8th Best Airport.

World-Survey by Air Help. Source:airhelp.com

According to the ranking, Qatar Airways topped the list for the second consecutive year. It is followed by American Airlines, Aeromexico, SAS Scandinavian Airlines and Qantas.

Best 3 Airports

1. Hamad International Airport, Qatar (DOH)
2. Tokyo International Airport, Japan (HND)
3. Athens International Airport, Greece(ATH)

Best 3 Airlines

1. Qatar Airways
2. American Airlines
3. Aeromexico

Worst 3 Airlines

1. Adria Airways
2. Aerolineas Argentinas
3. Transavia

Microsoft Introduces ElectionGuard to Boost Election Security and Verifiability

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Microsoft has announced a new free, open-source platform called ElectionGuard, with the goal of increasing election security and transparency by allowing voters to track their votes securely and privately, and to allow authorities to tabulate, store and audit the votes.

ElectionGuard is not a complete voting machine. but, it is a platform for handling voting data, and part of Microsoft’s Defending Democracy Program.

India signs protocol for export of chilli meal to Chinese markets

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After a meeting of Commerce Secretary Anup Wadhawan and General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) Vice Minister Li Guo, India and China signed a protocol for exportation of Indian chilli meal to China.

In order to bridge the trade deficit (which stood at 50.12 $ billion during April-February 2018-19), India is seeking larger market access in the Chinese market for its manufactured and agricultural products. This is why India has shared a list of 380 products with China that includes horticulture, textiles, chemicals and pharmaceutical products.

Group Captain Chandra Shekhar Bhatt takes command of Faridabad Air Force Station

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Chandra Shekhar Bhatt took over the command of Air Force Station Faridabad in a Ceremonial parade at Station Parade Ground. He took the charge from Kaushik Das.

Chandra Shekhar Bhatt takes over command of Air Force Station Faridabad Source:egov.eletsonline.com

DGFT prohibits import of second-hand or refurbished electronics & IT goods without registration with BIS

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The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) have prohibited Import of second-hand or refurbished electronics and IT goods without registration with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

According to a report, the country's electronics imports has increased to USD 55.6 billion in 2018-19 from USD 51.5 billion in 2017-18.

Karnataka Bank appoints COO, CBO

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Karnataka Bank Limited has promoted two of its General Managers, Balachandra YV and Gokuldas Pai, as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Business Officer (CBO), respectively.

UN to hold 2020 ocean conference in Lisbon

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United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Thursday decided to hold its 2020 high-level conference early June in Portugal's Lisbon to support the sustainable use of the oceans, seas and marine resources.

United Nations to hold Ocean Conference 2020 in Portugal. Source:eurocean.org

From June 2 to 6, 2020 with a theme of “Scaling up ocean action based on science and innovation for the implementation of Goal 14: stocktaking, partnerships and solutions.”

First case of rare monkeypox virus reported in Singapore

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Singapore has reported its first case of the rare monkeypox virus brought in by a Nigerian man who authorities said may have been infected by bushmeat he ate at a wedding.

Monkey pox is a rare disease caused by the virus that is transmitted from animals, such as rodents and monkeys (through the hunting and consumption of bush meat), to humans. It is usually found in the central and western parts of Africa’s tropical rainforest.

Actress Dia Mirza, Alibaba Chief Jack Ma among 17 new 'SDG Advocates' of UN

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The United Nations Secretary–General Antonio Guterres has appointed 17 new advocates to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These include the Indian actress Dia Mirza and the Chief of Alibaba Group, Jack Ma.

Dia Mirza and Alibaba Chief Jack Ma are among the new 17 UN advocates for SDGs Source:financialexpress.com

The other newly appointed SDG Advocates are Queen Mathilde of the Belgians, Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Founder, Education Above All Foundation (State of Qatar), British screenwriter, producer and film director Richard Curtis, Nobel Laureate Nadia Murad, Director of Center for Sustainable Development, Columbia University Jeffrey Sachs, Brazilian footballer and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador and Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative, Forest Whitaker.

Actress Dia Mirza is also the UN Environment Program Goodwill Ambassador for India.

Konkan Railways signs contract agreement with Nepal to supply two 1600 HP DEMU train sets

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Konkan Railways Corporation Ltd has signed a contract agreement with Nepal's Department of Railways to supply two 1600 HP DEMU train sets.

These trains will be used to operationalise railway link between Jayanagar in India and Kurtha in Nepal.

The train sets will be manufactured by the Integrated Coach Factory, Chennai. The 34 kms Jayanagar-Kurtha Railway Link has been built by IRCON with Government of India financial grant under India-Nepal Development Partnership programme.

Each train set will comprise of one driving power car, three trailer cars with one air-conditioned, one driving trailer car with standard accessories.

Why India picked Igor Stimac as their new head coach ahead of former Bengaluru FC boss Albert Roca

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Croatia’s World Cupper and former manager Igor Stimac has been appointed as Indian men’s team coach after the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) technical committee recommended him for the post.He succeeds Stephen Constantine.

Former Bengaluru FC boss Albert Roca and Igor Stimac. Source:eurocean.org

Stimac’s knowledge of Indian football is said to have impressed the committee members,which gave him an upper hand on Albert Roca.

Trump Administration Releases Global Health Security Strategy - White House

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The US government has released first of its kind “Global Health Security Strategy”.

The objective is to prevent, detect and respond to threats from infectious diseases occurring naturally or accidently and make efforts to help improve the world’s ability to stop and contain deadly outbreaks before they spread to other countries.

Mukesh Ambani buys world's oldest toy shop Hamleys: 7 facts you probably don't know

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Mukesh Ambani-helmed Reliance Industries announced that it will acquire 100 per cent equity shares in the iconic toymaker Hamleys for around Rs 620 crore. Hamleys is currently owned by Chinese fashion conglomerate C Banner International that had bought the toy company in 2015.

Reliance acquired Hamleys in a cash deal of worth 67.96 million pounds (around Rs 620 crore) Source:eurocean.org

IAF gets first Apache Guardian attack helicopter

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US aerospace major Boeing has handed over first of the 22 Apache Guardian attack helicopters to the Indian Air Force, nearly three-and-half years after a 1.5 billion dollar deal for the choppers was sealed IN sEPTEMBER 2015.

India receives its first Apache Guardian attack helicopter in Boeing’s production facility in Mesa, Arizona US Source:India Today

India was operating the Russian origin Mi 35 for a long time and that would be taken out of service soon. The Apaches helicopters are going to substitute the Russian made choppers.

Inaugural edition of world's first women's cricket magazine 'CRICZONE' hits stands

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The inaugural issue of world's first exclusive women's cricket magazine 'Criczone' was released here (Jaipur, Rajasthan) with Indian team vie-captain Smriti Mandhana featuring as the cover story.

World’s first women’s cricket magazine “CRICZONE” launched Source:azureedge.net

The publisher of the magazine is Yash Lahoti.

Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives during the Second World War

The Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives during the Second World War (May 8 and May 9) is an annual international day of remembrance designated by Resolution 59/26 of the United Nations General Assembly on November 22, 2004.

To pay tribute to the victims of World War II.

May 9, 2019 observed as the 74th anniversary of victory over Nazism in Europe in Second World War.

Bharatpe launches India's first UPI Bahi Khata for merchants

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India’s first Fintech (Financial technology) start-up enabling payments via interoperable UPI(Unified Payments Interface) QR (Quick Response) codes, BharatPe notified its venture into merchant services by launching a new app named ‘Bharatpe for Merchants’ that allows merchants to keep a track of their cash/credit (Udhar) sales customer wise, to request the accounts receivable from customers through SMS (Short Message Service) payment links or through WhatsApp and to record accounts that are payable to suppliers.

BharatPe launches India’s first UPI Bahi Khata(Digital Ledger) for merchants. Source:NK DIGITAL POINT,YouTube

The major features on BharatPe’s app for merchants are: UPI Khata (Ledger), Managing Supplier Bills, Cashback, Settlements and Refer and Earn.

Chardham Yatra: Kedarnath portals open for public

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On the ceremonious occasion of Akshay Tritiya, The Char Dham Yatra in Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarkhand began with the gates of Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines in Uttarkashi district being opened at 11:30 am and 1:15 pm respectively.

The Char Dham Yatra in Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarkhand began with the opening of gates of the Gangotri and Yamunotri temples. Source:chardhamyatra2019.com

The opening of these famous shrines symbolises the beginning of the Char Dham Yatra or ‘journey to 4 holy sites’ that attracts lakhs of devotees from within and outside India.

Every year the gates of these 4 temples in Uttarakhand are closed in October-November due to heavy snowfall. The gates are reopened in April-May.

Qantas flies world’s first zero-waste flight

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Australian carrier Qantas has marked an important milestone towards the improvement of its environmental protection.The airline flew the world’s very first commercial flight QF739 producing zero waste from Sydney to Adelaide.

Australian flight carrier, Qantas operated world’s first zero-waste flight . Source:News.com.au

The carrier replaced 1,000 plastic items with compostable, reusable or recyclable alternatives.

The Australian airline Qantas has planned to eliminate 100 million single-use plastics by the end of 2020 and also to reduce 75% of airline’s waste by the end of 2021.

WHO for eliminating industrially produced trans fats by 2023

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The WHO has welcomed its partnership with the International Food and Beverage Alliance (IFBA) to eliminate Trans fat, also called the worst form of fat in food, responsible for over 5,00,000 deaths globally from coronary heart disease each year.

Genetically modified virus saves teen's life, offers hope in fight against antibiotic resistance

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A team of researchers from the University of Pittsburgh have used genetically modified viruses to treat a patient fighting an antibiotic-resistant infection, for the first time.It was published in the journal Nature Medicine on 8th May 2019.

Genetically Engineered Virus Treats Antibiotic-Resistant Infection for the first time. Source:cnn.com

The patient,Isabelle Carnell-Holdaway, 17 of England, diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when she was 11 months old.She was suffered from a life-threatening infection after a lung transplant Isabelle had when she was 15.

A First: Chhattisgarh Deploys All-Women Anti-Naxal Commando Unit, 10 Are Naxals Who Surrendered

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The Chhattisgarh police have deployed first ever Anti-Naxal women’s commando unit named ‘Danteshwari Ladake’ or ‘Fighters of Goddess Danteshwari’. These 30 women commandos have inducted in the District Reserve Guard (DRG) which is Chhattisgarh’s frontline anti-naxal force.

Chhattisgarh’s first Anti-Naxal Women’s Commando unit deployed. Source:The Quint

The unit comprised of 30 women commandos led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Dineshwari Nand. Out of these 30 women commandos, 10 are surrendered women Naxals and 10 are assistant constables, part of anti-naxal movement Salwa Judum.

India joins US, Japan, and Philippines for naval drills in South China Sea

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Two Indian naval ships INS Kolkata and Shakti joined their counterparts from the US, Japan, and The Philippines for a “Group Sail" exercise through the contested waters of the South China Sea, underlining India’s commitment to working with partners to ensure safe and open sea lanes.

Indian Navy undertook group sail exercise with Japan, Philippines and US in South China Sea. Source:Sentinel Assam

While returning Indian naval ships visited Cam Ranh Bay in Vietnam, Qingdao in China and Busan in South Korea which was a part of the annual Eastern Fleet Overseas Deployment.

IIT-B researchers develop ‘Made in India’ microprocessor

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Engineers from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) have developed a microprocessor called AJIT, the first to be conceptualised, designed, developed and manufactured in India.

Microprocessor named ‘AJIT’ developed by IIT Bombay. Source:thehindu.com

The project was funded by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and IIT Bombay. Powai Labs, a Mumbai-based company, has invested in the venture, and will own, market and support the product.

15th Finance Commission hold meetings with Eminent Economists

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The 15th Finance Commission held a two-day meeting with eminent economists, top executives of leading banks at RBI headquarters in Mumbai.

World Red Cross Day or Red Crescent Day

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) celebrated the World Red Cross Day on May 8th.

Theme:"#Love".

It is celebrated to commemorate the birthday of the founder of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, Henry Dunant, who was born on 8th May 1828.

World Thalassaemia Day

Theme:"Universal Access to Quality Thalassaemia Healthcare Services: Building Bridges with and for Patients".

May 8 observes as a World Thalassaemia Day 2019 Source:iaspaper.net

To celebrate this day, Thalassaemia International Federation (TIF) organised 3 online competitions worldwide with a certain theme. This online competition will include a video challenge, a photo contest, and a story competition.

MoU signed between NIOS and state health society

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The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) under Ministry of Human Resource Development and National Health Mission of Public Health Department (NHMPH), Government of Maharashtra inked Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which focussed on the offerings of vocational programmes to the Health Service Providers of National Health Mission (NHM) with the help of NIOS.

National Institute of Open Schooling(NIOS). Source:niosgnr.org

National Health Mission. Source:mdcrcindia.org

The objective of this move is to impart uniform structured and quality training to Multipurpose Health Workers and Community Health Workers with their work assessment and certification.

Govt Organises ‘Chintan Baithak’ with RE Industry Stakeholders

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The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) held a session for stakeholders in the renewable energy industry termed as ‘chintan baithak’ in New Delhi.

From ‘chintan baithak’ session for stakeholders in renewable energy industry,New Delhi. Source:positiveindia.net.in

The meeting was headed by Secretary, MNRE, Shri Anand Kumar.

Finland held the 11th Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting in Rovaniemi and India was re-elected as an Observer to Arctic Council

Finland held the 11th Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting in Lappi Areena, Rovaniemi, Finland. The dignitaries from the 8 Arctic States had approved the work completed under the 2-year Finnish Chairmanship to enhance sustainable development and environmental conservation in the Arctic region.

Finland Held the 11th Artic Council Ministral Meeting in Lappi Areena, Rovaniemi, Finland. Source:um.fi

In the meeting, the International Maritime Organization was authorized as a new Observer.

Since the year 2008, India has its Arctic research station, termed as ‘Himadri’ in Svalbard, Norway.

UN Re-Elects India's Jagjit Pavadia To International Narcotics Board

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Jgjit Pavadia has been re-elected with the highest number of votes by the UN Economic and Social Council to a five-year term on International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) beating the Chinese candidate Hao Wei.

India’s Jagjit Pavadia re-elected to the International Narcotics Control Board(INCB). Source:Ndtv

Ms Pavadia polled 44 votes in the first round where as Hao Wei had to settle with 22 in the first round and only 19 in the second round.

She will begin her term on March 2, next year.

TAFE, Petroleum Conservation Research Association sign MoU

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Tractor-manufacturer Tractors and Farm Equipment (TAFE) Ltd. notified its signing of (MoU) memorandum of understanding with the Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA), Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, GOI to help in the preservation of resources.

The main objective of this initiative is to spread awareness on the advantages of better maintenance of tractors, thus resulting in lower usage of fuel, minimum cost, and maximum productivity.

Visa appoints Sujatha V Kumar as Head of Marketing for India and South Asia

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Visa, the global leader in digital payments technology, announced the appointment of Sujatha V Kumar as Head of Marketing for India and South Asia. She will succeed Manmeet Vohra.

Sujatha V Kumar appointed as Head of Marketing for India and South Asia for Visa. Source:socialsamosa.com

Prior to this, she worked with Google as Head in Brand & Reputation, Marketing and Strategy.

IMMA appoints Rakesh Sharma as Vice President

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International Motorcycle Manufacturers Association(IMMA) elected Rakesh Sharma, Executive Director, Bajaj Auto as its Vice President.

Sharma will represent the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) during Annual General Assembly held on May 8 in Indonesia.

Researchers find water in samples from asteroid

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Two cosmochemists(one is an Indian) have made the first-ever measurements of water in dust grains from the surface of an asteroid. The samples came from asteroid Itokawa and were collected by the Japanese space probe Hayabusa.

Ziliang Jin and Maitrayee Bose found water on asteroid. Source:thebetterindia.com

Maitrayee Bose, Indian-origin cosmochemist along with Ziliang Jin, a postdoctoral scholar in Arizona State University’s School of Earth and Space Exploration, have found water in asteroid Itokawa samples.

India-Turkey trade target to reach USD 10 billion by 2020

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As part of the regular exchange between India and Turkey, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, Mr Sedat Onal visited India from 7th May-9th May, 2019. Mr Sedat Onal had previously visited India as part of the delegation of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in May 2017.

At present, the bilateral trade is around 8.6 $ billion and is targeted to reach 10 $ billion by 2020.

Former SC Judge K S Radhakrishnan Appointed Member Of Commonwealth Secretariat Arbitral Tribunal, London

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K S Radhakrishnan, former Supreme Court Judge, has been appointed as a member of the Commonwealth Secretariat Arbitral Tribunal, London. He will render his services as a member of the Tribunal for a period of four years from 1st of June, 2019 to 31st of May, 2023.

UN: India, China are hot spots for illegal sand mining

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India and China top a list of countries where illegal sand mining has become a major environmental problem, according to a report released by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on Tuesday.

An illegal sand mining site along the banks of the Chambal river, in Madhya Pradesh.(Burhaan Kinu/HT PHOTO) Source:Hindustan Times

The other nations with illegal marine sand extraction are: Morocco, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.

Indian Army to commemorate 2019 as ‘Year of next of kin’

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As a part of this commemoration, the Army has planned to reach out to the next of kin of battle casualties, ex-servicemen and serving soldiers to resolve their pension related issues and to let them know of their entitled financial benefits, welfare schemes.

CBIC organises meeting of Regional Heads of Customs Administration of Asia Pacific Region of the World Customs Organisation in Kochi

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The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs ( CBIC ) is organising a meeting of the Regional Heads of Customs Administration of Asia Pacific Region of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) in Kochi from 8th to 10th May 2019.

India hosted this meeting as the Vice Head of the Asia Pacific region, duties it assumed on 1st July, 2018 for a 2-year period.

Talocity to enable AI-backed hiring in Yes Bank

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Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based HR solutions provider Talocity would provide Yes Bank its AI-supported "touchless" technology for the bank's hiring process and human resource (HR) operations.

In the process of recruitment, candidates are interviewed by an AI bot on a one-way video platform. Talocity’s machine learning and AI capabilities will create personality report of each job applicant.

World Athletics Day 2019

The first World Athletics Day was celebrated in 1996. International Association of Athletics Federations(IAAF) is authorised to decide the date of this day.

World Asthma Day

World Asthma Day is observed annually on the first Tuesday of May to raise awareness regarding Asthma and its care.

Theme:The theme of this year is "STOP for Asthma". STOP means Symptom evaluation, Test response, Observe and assess, Proceed to adjust treatment.

Basava Jayanti

Basava Jayanthi was celebrated in Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh to commemorate the birth of Basavanna, a Hindu Kannada poet of the 12th century. It was traditionally observed by the Lingayats. He is believed to be the founding saint of the Lingayat section.

BRO celebrates 59th Raising Day

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The 59th Raising Day of Border Roads Organization (BRO) was celebrated on May 7, 2019. It is a nodal road construction agency under the Ministry of Defence.

Border Roads Organization (BRO) celebrated its 59th Raising Day on May 7th. Source:knskashmir.com

It was formed on 7th May 1960, with the primary role of providing road connectivity in border areas.

PM Narendra Modi 2nd most followed politician globally on social media, says report

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the second most followed politician in the world on social media after former US President Barack Obama.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is thej 2nd Most Followed Leader in social media after Barack Obama. Source:Business Today

Modi has a total audience of 110.9 million on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Obama's total following stood at 182.7 million, the report released by digital marketing platform SEMrush said on Tuesday.

INS Vela: Late and over-budget, fourth Scorpene submarine enters water

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Indian Naval Ship (INS) Vela, the navy’s 4th Scorpene submarine, was launched into the water in Mumbai. Mazagon Dock Ltd is assembling six Scorpene submarines in partnership with French shipbuilder, Naval Group (formerly DCNS) under Project 75. The Scorpene-class submarine has been termed as the Kalavari Class.

INS Vela: Indian Navy’s 4th Scorpene-class made in India submarine launched. Source:navaltoday.com

The first Scorpene (French for Scorpion), INS Kalvari, was commissioned into operational service by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 14, 2017. The second and third, INS Khanderi and Karanj, will join the fleet soon, after completing their on-going sea trials.

The remaining two boats (as submariners refer to their vessels) are at an advanced stage of outfitting and would be delivered by mid-2021.

Project 75 is a $3.75 billion contract inked between French Company DCNS (now Naval Group) and the Mazagon Dock Ltd in 2005 for construction and transfer of technology for 6 Scorpene-class submarines.

US Air Force tests new ‘game changer’ LASERS to shoot down missiles

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The US Air Force Research Laboratory tested a laser system called ‘Self-Protect High Energy Laser Demonstrator (SHiELD) at the US Army’s White Sands Missile range in New Mexico which successfully shot down multiple air-launched missiles while in flight.

The US Air Force tested a laser system to shoot down multiple air launched missiles. Source:techobserver.net

India, Bangladesh to jointly produce movie on life, works of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman

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India and Bangladesh in a meeting agreed to jointly produce the film based on the life and works of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and documentary of Bangladesh Liberation War 1971.

India and Bangladesh agreed to jointly produce film on the life of Mujibur Rahman directed by Shyam Benegal. Source:azquotes.com

The movie will be directed by Shyam Benegal and the scriptwriter of the movie will be Atul Tiwari and the director of the documentary will be from Bangladesh who would be assisted by a co-director from India.

RBI directs banks to enhance housing loan limits for eligibility under priority sector lending

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Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has directed banks to enhance the housing loan limits for eligibility under priority sector lending (PSL) to Rs 35 lakh in metropolitan centres (with a population of ten lakh and above) and Rs 25 lakh in other centres.

RBI directs banks to enhance housing loan limits for eligibility under Priority Sector Lending. Source:The New Indian Express

The move is to bring RRB(Reginal Rural Baks)s and SFB(Small Finance Banks)s to to same level as that of the Scheduled Commercial Banks.

NOTE:Earlier it was Rs 28 lakh in metropolitan centres and Rs 20 lakh in other centres.

Direct tax collections fall short of Rs 82,000 crore in FY 19

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Direct Tax collections fell short by Rs 82,000 crore crore at 11.18 Lakh crore during 2018-19 with lower corporate tax collections emerging as one of the reasons for the lower mop.

The government had projected a Direct Tax Collectio of Rs 12Lakh Crore which was supposed to be 13.4% more than the previous financial year.

Microsoft Releases New Azure Blockchain Development Kit for Ethereum Blockchain

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Microsoft has released the new Azure Blockchain Development Kit for the Ethereum blockchain, according to an announcement from Microsoft Azure blog Build Azure on May 6.

Microsoft released its own Blockchain–based Service,'Azure Blockchain Service'. Source:The New Indian Express

The new offering is reportedly an extension to Microsoft’s Visual Studio Code, and has been designed to aid developers who are building apps using Microsoft’s newly-released blockchain-as-a-service (BaaS) platform, Azure Blockchain Service.

The new extension can also be used for building applications on the public Ethereum network, and enables developers to use open source blockchain tools such as Solidity and Truffle.

Fifa announces two new award categories to promote women's football globally

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The two new award categories are Women's Goalkeeper of The Year and Women's Team of The Yeear.

Commerce ministry organises interaction to boost India-Africa trade ties

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A two-day interaction was organised over Digital Video Conference (DVC) by the Commerce Ministry and Indian High Commissions and embassies of eleven African countries to strengthen the India-Africa trade ties.

The Digital Video Conference(DVC) was attended by over 400 members.

The ministry of commerce stated that India’s trade with Africa during 2017-18 was 62.69 $ billion, which measured at 8.15% of India’s total trade with the world.

Bharti Airtel, Hughes to merge broadband satellite businesses in India

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Bharathi Airtel and Hughes Communications Inida Ltd(Asubsidiary of satellite network provider Hughes Network Systems, LLC) have agreed to merge their Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT or broadband satellite) operations in India..

Bharti Airtel, Hughes India merged broadband satellite business Source:Hansindia

VSAT stands for Very Small Aperture Terminal. VSATs use geosynchronous orbit satellites to communicate with other terminals around the world and can be used to provide services such as high-speed internet and video-conferencing services.

Hughes Communication will own 67% share of new entity and the remaining 33% will own by Bharti Airtel.

Right now Hughes Communication has 36% share of the market and Airtel Business – the enterprise and VSAT arm of Bharti Airtel has 27% of the whole market in India.

Two Indians, among 115 UN personnel, staff honoured for sacrifice in line of duty

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Jitender Kumar: He was an Indian police officer deployed to the UN Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).

Shikha Garg: She was a consultant who had worked in the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). She was killed in the Nairobi-bound Ethiopian Airlines plane crash. They sacrificed their lives in peace-service between January 2018 and March 2019.

Professor Tijjani Bande Announced As President, UN General Assembly

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Professor Tijjani Mohammad Bande has been appointed as the new President of the United Nations General Assembly.

Professor, Tijjani Bande, appointed as the President of UN General Assembly. Source:nigeriaunmission.org

He is the second Nigerian to be appointed to this post, prior being Mr. Joseph Nanven Garba(1989-1990). Prof. Tijjani Bande will succeed María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés.

NASA's First Planetary Defense Technology Demonstration to Collide with Asteroid in 2022

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NASA will be hitting an asteroid named Didymoon or Didymos B with a spacecraft called Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) in 2022.The 150 m tall Asteroid Didymos B is selected as a test object since it possess no threat to Earth.

Microsoft released its own Blockchain–based Service,'Azure Blockchain Service'. Source:NASA Planetary Science

The spacecraft will be colliding with the asteroid at a speed of approximately 6 kmps (km per second) and this collision will change the speed of the asteroid in its orbit by fraction of 1%.

International No Diet Day

The INDD was first created in 1992 by Mary Evans Young to help people appreciate their own bodies.

DPIIT proposes relaxation in income tax law to help startups raise funds; tax incentives for budding entrepreneurs on the cards

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The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has brought relaxation in the income tax rules related to residential properties’ sale and carry-forward of losses, in order to facilitate fundraising by start-ups.

DPIIT recommends relaxation in Income Tax rules to facilitate fundraising by start-ups Source:entrackr.com

The relaxation laws are part of the ‘Startup India Vision 2024‘ that’s been prepared by the DPIIT.

FAME-II could reduce transport energy needs by 64%, emissions by 37% by 2030: CII

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According to The Confederation of Indian Industry(CII),The government's Second Phase of Faster Adoption and Manufacture of (Hybrid and) Electric Vehicles in India (FAME India) (FAME-II) plan for electric mobility stands to reduce 64% of the anticipated road-based energy demand by 2030 and 37% of carbon emissions by then.

The reduction in energy demands would lead in the reduction of 156 million tonnes of oil equivalent in diesel and petrol consumption and net savings of approximately $60 billion in 2030 at current oil rates. This will boost India’s vision of reducing oil imports by 10% by 2022.

The government has allocated Rs.10,000 cr for FAME-II which is Rs.895 cr higher than allocated for FAME-I.

Yes Bank slips three spots to 10th on most valuable lender rankings

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Private lender YES Bank Ltd has slipped three notches to 10th spot,slipping below market valuation of state-run lenders - Bank of Baroda and Punjab National Bank in terms of market valuation, for the first time, as its shares slumped over 30% in the last four sessions after the bank reported a surprise net loss in its March quarter earnings.

YES Bank was the 7th most-valued bank. Source:Wikipedia

ICRA (Investment Information and Credit Rating Agency) downgraded Yes Bank’s Tier 2, lower Tier 2, infrastructure notes to AA- from AA, and cut the upper Tier 2, Tier 1 bonds to A+ from AA-, thus showing an increase in its lower-rated advances.

Income tax e-filers drop by over 6.6 lakh in FY19: Report

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According to Income Tax Department’s e-filling website, income tax e-filings in 2018-19 have dropped by over 6.6 lakh. In 2017-18 the income tax e-filings was 6.74 crore and in 2018-19 it was 6.68 crore, decrement of 6.6 lakh.

According to Kotak Economic Research report, the data are quite surprising because the tax base was expected to increase post demonetisation.

Bandana Nepal Dances for 126 Hours, Enters Guinness World Records

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Nepali teenager, Bandana danced continuously for 126 hours for Nepali music to set a Guinness World Records on “Longest Dancing Marathon by an Individual” which was previously held by Kalamandalam Hemalatha, an Indian, who danced for 123 hours and 15 minutes in 2011.

Nepal’s 18 year old girl, Bandana sets Guinness World Records for Longest Dancing. Source:nepalisansar.com

Missile destroyer 'INS Ranjit' decommissioned

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After 36 years of service, Indian Navy’s frontline missile destroyer, INS Ranjit has been decommissioned at the naval dockyard in Visakhapatnam.

INS Ranjit. Source:Delhi Defence Review,Twitter Handle

Stevo Pendarovski elected as president of North Macedonia

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The candidate of the ruling coalition in North Macedonia Stevo Pendarovski won the first presidential election in the country since it changed the name.

Stevo Pendarovski won North Macedonia’s presidential elections Source:European Western Balkans

Pendarovski won over the opposition VMRO-DPMNE party’s candidate Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova with 51.85 per cent of the votes, while she won 44.72 per cent.

He will succeed Gjorge Ivanov.

KVIC distributes over 1 lakh bee-boxes under 'Honey Mission'

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Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has distributed more than one lakh bee-boxes among farmers and unemployed youths across the country in less than two years under its 'Honey Mission' initiative, the commission said.

'Honey Mission' was launched in August 2017 in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for 'Sweet Revolution' in 2016 while introducing Banas Honey project at Deesa in Gujarat's Banaskantha district.

Panama election: Cortizo wins unexpectedly close race

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The Panama Electoral Tribunal announced the candidate for the left-wing Democratic Revolutionary Party,Laurentino “Nito” Cortizo (with 95% of votes counted) as the winner of Panama’s presidential election. He will succeed Juan Carlos Varela Rodríguez.

Laurentino “Nito” Cortizo emerged as the President of the Republic of Panama. Source:nitocortizo.com

Cortizo (with 33% of the votes) closest rival was Romulo Roux (with 31% votes). Romulo was from the former President Ricardo Martinelli’s right wing Democratic Change Party.

This was the 6th presidential election in Panama.

India, US appreciate growth in bilateral trade

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India-US Bilateral trade meeting was held in New Delhi. It was co-chaired by Suresh Prabhu, Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Government of India and Mr Wilbur Ross, Secretary of Commerce, USA.

Indian-origin journalist conferred with V K Krishna Menon award

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G D 'Robert' Govender, an Indian-origin journalist in South Africa, has been honoured in the UK with 2019 V K Krishna Menon award for his outstanding contribution as a pioneer of decolonised journalism.

G D 'Robert' Govender. Source:dikshantias.com

GRIHA Council launches rating system to evaluate environmental performance of schools

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GRIHA(Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assesment) Council on Monday released a rating tool ‘GRIHA for Existing Day Schools’.

“GRIHA for Existing Day Schools” is a rating device that would be able to assess the environmental performance of the existing schools in India.

The product-launch event had taken place at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.

Max Life Insurance to mark 6th of every month as Protection Day

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Max Life Insurance Co Ltd ("Max Life"/"Company"), announced that it will dedicate 6th day of every calendar month as 'Protection Day' towards driving awareness around the concept of financial protection.

Max Life Insurance to mark 6th of every month as Protection Day. Source:aniportalimages.s3

Aalok Bhan, Director and Chief Marketing Officer, Max Life notified that this date of the calendar month was selected, because, generally, number 6 indicates love, harmony and is also a symbol of secured financial future.

The Company will also start an initiative called the “Super Customer Week“, in which the customers will be taught about the different facets of financial protection.

India-US trade in goods and services registers 12.6% growth in 2018

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Bilateral trade between India and the United States in goods and services grew 12.6 per cent from USD 126 billion in 2017 to USD 142 billion in 2018.

Standard Life sells 1.78% in HDFC Life Insurance

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Standard Life has successfully divested 1.78 per cent of its stake in HDFC Life Insurance to raise Rs 1,400 crore. The divestment was done through offer for sale (OFS) route and the issue managed to sail through successfully with both qualified institutional investors (QIBs) and retail investor quotas seeing full subscriptions.

The reason behind this move is to achieve the minimum public shareholding in the company as per Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) regulations.

India signs MoU with Japan's ISE Foods to improve poultry farms

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India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Japan's largest egg producer, ISE Foods, in a bid to improve the quality of eggs, waste management and disease diagnosis in poultry(Bird) farms across the country.

India, Japan’s ISE Foods inked MoU to improve poultry(Bird) farms. Source:ANI News,YouTube

ISE Foods will establish two poultry(Bird) farms in India out of which first will be in Gujarat’s Surat city and second will be in Telangan’s Siddipet.

India gets its first ever ice café in Ladakh at 14000 ft

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Border Road Organisation (BRO) officials have created India’s first ever ice cafe in the mountain village of Gaya in Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, at 14,000 feet height above sea level, on the famous ManaliLeh Highway.

India gets its first ever ice cafe in Gaya Village at 14,000 feet. Source:euronews.com

The ice sculpture, resembles a Buddhist meditation place, was created by natural process.

Anti-dumping duty put on saccharine

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The Finance Ministry has, on the recommendations of the Commerce Ministry, imposed an anti-dumping duty of $1,633.17 per tonne on the import of saccharine from Indonesia.

This duty, unless withdrawn earlier, will be valid for a period of 5 years.

World Laughter Day

World Laughter Day is observed on the first Sunday of May every year since May 10th 1998, in Mumbai and arranged by Dr. Madan Kataria, founder of the worldwide Laughter Yoga Movement.

The first World Laughter day named HAPPY-DEMIC took place outside India on January 9, 2000 in Copenhagen, Denmark.

International Day of the Midwife

International Midwives Day 2019 is celebrated on May 5th every year.

Theme:“Midwives: Defenders of Women’s Rights“.

First private Japanese rocket, MOMO-3, successfully launched this week

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A Japanese aerospace start-up Interstellar Technology Inc. has successfully launched a first privately developed rocket ‘Momo-3’ into space. The unmanned rocket launched from its test site in Taiki on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido and it reached about 110 km in altitude before falling into the Pacific Ocean after 10 minutes of flight time.

Japan’s first privately developed rocket “Momo-3” reached outer space. Source:Gizmodo

The rocket is 10 meters in length, 50 centimeters in diameter and weighs about 1 ton. ‘Momo-3’ rocket has the capability of putting payloads into the orbit.

XXXVI Feliks Stamm International Boxing Tournament: Gaurav Solanki, Manish Kaushik bag gold

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Gaurav Solanki and Manish Kaushik bagged a gold each as Indian boxers finished with a rich haul of six medals at the XXXVI Feliks Stamm International Boxing Tournament in Warsaw, Poland.

Gaurav Solanki and Manish Kaushik. Source:DNA India

In this tournament, India won a total 6 medals which includes 2 gold, 1 silver and 3 bronze medal.

IBSA Sherpas Meeting (Cochin 3-5 May, 2019)

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Space Exploration(a.k.a SPACE X) Technologies Corp. launched its 17th commercial resupply mission to the International Space Station by using Falcon 9 rocket with Dragon Spacecraft from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

The 9th IBSA trilateral Ministerial Meeting was also concluded at the same venue

G7 meeting in Metz to take action on the environment

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Environmental ministers from G7 countries(Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States) gathered on Sunday in the city of Metz,France to discuss concrete climate actions and adopt a charter on biodiversity.

In Metz a "World march for ecological and social justice" organized just before the start of the G7 meeting. Source:RFI

IMF (International Monetary Fund) notified that the G7 nations have the 7 largest advanced economies globally, thus representing 58% of the net global wealth which amounts to 317 $ trillion. The G7 countries also represent more than 46% of the global GDP (Gross Domestic Product) based on nominal values, and more than 32% of the global GDP based on purchasing power parity.

The delegates from the European Union, Chile, Egypt, the Fiji Islands, Gabon, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Niger and Norway joined the ministers in the meeting.

SBI Card raises Rs.700 cr from banks

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SBI Cards and Payment Services Pvt Ltd. (SBI Card), the credit card subsidiary of State Bank of India, has raised Rs.700 crore from a clutch of banks and financial firms including its parent in the last two quarters of FY19 as it targets to grow above industry average.

SBI Card raised Rs. 700 crore from various financial institutions including its parent SBI. Source:GSTV

SBI Cards and Payment Services Pvt. Ltd (SBI Card) raised Rs. 100 crore from ICICI Securities Primary Dealership Ltd, Rs. 250 crore from State Bank of India and Rs. 50 crore each from Canara Bank and Axis Bank by issuing NCDs (Non Convertible Debentures) at 9.15% coupon.

Saurav and Joshna are Asian Squash champions

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Saurav Ghosal and Joshna Chinappa won men’s and women’s title respectively in the Asian Individual Squash Championship held at National Squash Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from May 1 to 5, 2019.

Saurav and Joshna won individual titles in Asian Squash Championship 2019. Source:insidesport.co

Order of St George Award presented to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

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Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the founder of the Art of Living, was presented with this year’s ‘Order of St. George’ Award instituted as part of the annual festival at the Puthuppally St. George Orthodox Church or Puthupally Pally.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar(Centre). Source:The New Indian Express

SpaceX launches Falcon 9 rocket with Dragon spacecraft

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The IBSA (India, Brazil & South Africa) Sherpas’ Meeting, following the 9th IBSA Trilateral Ministerial Meeting, was held in Cochin from May 3-5, 2019.

Space X launched Falcon-9 rocket for space station resupply mission with Dragon. Spacecraft Source:SpaceNews

A part of NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) program the resupply mission contains almost 5,500 pounds of science, supplies, and hardware.