DEFENCE
Shakti military exercise between India and France
•The 7th edition of Exercise Shakti, a joint military exercise between Indian and French forces, is scheduled to take place at the Joint Training Node of the Indian Army in Umroi, Meghalaya, from May 13th to May 26th, 2024.
• The opening ceremony will be graced by the presence of the French Ambassador to India, Thierry Mathou, along with Brigadier MayurShekatkar, Commander of the 24 Mountain Brigade, and various other civilian and military dignitaries.
•The military exercise between the Indian Army and the French Army is a biennial exercise which started in 2011 and is conducted alternately in India and France.
• The 6th edition of the military exercise Shakti was held in France from 15-26 November 2021. Thus, it was India’s turn to host the next exercise.
SUMMITS AND CONFERENCES
The Tri-Services Conference, 'ParivartanChintan', was held in New Delhi
• ParivartanChintan – 2, chaired by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, is planned over a period of two days on 09-10 May 2024 in New Delhi.
• ParivartanChintan is a pioneer conference for heads of all tri-service institutions and aims to generate innovative reform ideas and initiatives.
• Members of all sub-committees of the apex Chiefs of Staff Committee, the CDS as its permanent chairman and the chiefs of the three services reviewed the progress made in various areas.
• They considered the reforms needed to achieve the desired end state of transformation through jointness and integration.
NATIONAL NEWS
PM Modi Pays Tributes ToMaharanaPratap On His Birth Anniversary
• Prime Minister NarendraModi paid tributes to MaharanaPratap on his birth anniversary.
• Historically, MaharanaPratap, born on May 9, 1540, was the valiant ruler of Mewar, Rajasthan.
• MaharanaPratapJayanti, commemorating the birth anniversary of the legendary king, falls on June 9 this year, as per the Hindu calendar.
• Acknowledged for his bravery and staunch opposition to the Mughal Empire, particularly showcased in the Battle of Haldighati, MaharanaPratap epitomizes Rajput valor and autonomy.
• His steadfast devotion to his realm and subjects secured him a revered position in Indian history, serving as an enduring inspiration for generations through his unwavering resolve and commitment to sovereignty.
INTERNATIONAL NEWSS
European Union (EU) Adopted First Law Against Violence Towards Women
• The European Union has officially embraced pioneering legislation aimed at combating violence against women throughout its 27 member states. This legislation encompasses provisions targeting forced marriages, female genital mutilation, and cyber violence, representing a notable stride in bolstering women’s rights and security within the EU.
• The newly approved law attempts to protect women from gender-based violence by addressing a wide range of offenses. It specifically criminalizes internet stalking and harassment, non-consensual sharing of intimate photographs, and incitement to violence or hatred. Offenses under this statute are punishable by imprisonment for periods ranging from one to five years, depending on the seriousness of the crime..
• Additionally, if the victim is a juvenile or has a close familial link with the criminal (e.g., husband or ex-spouse), the law allows for harsher punishments.
• EU member states must implement these new guidelines into their national laws within three years. The harmonisation of these legislation across the EU is expected to strengthen the legal response to gender-based violence, ensuring that perpetrators face severe penalties while victims receive extensive support.geles (6th) have witnessed declines or modest growth compared to a decade ago.
• The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 European countries established following World War II to promote economic cooperation and prevent future wars.
• The European Union, established in 1993 by the Maastricht Treaty, has created an internal single market through unified laws.
SPORTS
YuzvendraChahal Creates History to Become First Indian Bowler to 350 T20 Wickets
• YuzvendraChahal etched his name in history during the Indian Premier League (IPL) by becoming the first Indian bowler to reach the milestone of 350 wickets in T20 cricket.
• His exceptional talent and consistent performance have propelled him to this remarkable achievement, cementing his status as one of the top spinners in the sport./p>
• Chahal's accomplishment underscores his significant influence in the T20 format, where his cunning bowling variations have posed challenges for batsmen worldwide.
• As a pivotal player for the Rajasthan Royals and a stalwart in Indian cricket, Chahal's milestone not only highlights his individual brilliance but also adds to India's esteemed cricketing heritage in the global T20 arena.
Asian Open Pickleball Championships
• India won five medals at the Asian Open Pickleball Championships.
• The Asian Open Pickleball Championship has been organised in Vietnam.
• India clinched three gold and two bronze medals at the Asian Open Pickleball Championships.
• Sachin Pahwa and PriyankaChabbra won gold medals by defeating Ruben Hellberg and ChitladaHemasee by 11-9, 5-11, 11-9 in the mixed doubles intermediate 35+ category final.
• The pair of IshaLakhani and Pei Chuan Kao bagged the gold medal in the women’s doubles open category.
• The pair of IshaLakhani and Pei Chuan Kao bagged the gold medal by defeating Dang Kim Ngan and Tyak K.
