IMPORTANT DAYS
International Nurses Day 2024 celebrated on 12 May
•Every year on 12 May, International Nurses Day is observed.
• It is observed to recognize the tireless and invaluable contribution of nurses to health care and global health security.
• The theme of International Nurses Day 2024 is "Our Nurses. Our future. Economic power of care. Has been announced.
• The day is meant to recognize the significant contribution of nursing staff whose work takes place in the care and service of patients.
• By celebrating this day, we salute the struggles and dedication of nurses who provide unique contributions to the health and wellbeing of society.
• The day provides an opportunity to inspire and honour their struggles.
APPOINTMENTS
Mikhail Mishustin has been reappointed as Prime Minister of Russia.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin has reappointed Mikhail Mishustin as Prime Minister.
• The State Duma, the lower house of the Parliament of Russia, has officially endorsed Mishustin for a second term as Prime Minister.
• This decision comes as no surprise to political analysts, who had widely anticipated Mishustin's reappointment.
• He has been credited with keeping the Russian economy stable even after the Covid-19 pandemic and the Ukraine War.
• Mishustin has been serving as Prime Minister of Russia since January 16, 2020.
• Prior to his tenure as Prime Minister, he served as the head of the Federal Taxation Service of Russia. It's worth noting that in Russia, the Prime Minister serves at the discretion of the President, with a term lasting six years.
Idashisha Nongrang has been appointed the first woman Director General of Police (DGP) of Meghalaya.
• IdashishaNongrang has made history as the first woman Director General of Police (DGP) in Meghalaya.
• She will take over from Lajja Ram Bishnoi, who is retiring on May 19.
• Ms. Nongrang's tenure as the state police chief will extend until May 19, 2026.
• Currently, she holds the position of Director General of Meghalaya Civil Defense.
• Ms. Nongrang is a member of the Khasi community.
• In 2021, she previously served as the acting DGP.
• Meghalaya is a hilly state dominated by three matrilineal ethnic communities.
• Khasi is a matrilineal community. The other two matrilineal communities in the state are the Garo and the Jaintia.
SPORTS
Doha Diamond League 2024
• Neeraj Chopra, the current Olympic and world champion in javelin throw, began his 2024 season with a strong performance.
• He secured second place at the Doha Diamond League 2024 event.
• Chopra's final throw measured an impressive 88.36m.
• However, he fell just 2cm short of Czechia's Jakub Vadlejch, who is the reigning Diamond League champion and won the silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
• Jakub Vadlejch tops the leaderboard with a best attempt of 88.38m.
NATIONAL NEWS
India to host 'Bharat Parv' at 77th Cannes Film Festival
• From May 14th to May 25th, India will participate at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in France.
• It will be for the first time that the country will host a “Bharat Parv” at the Cannes Film Festival to engage with film celebrities, filmmakers, directors, producers, buyers and sales agents from across the world.
• The official poster and teaser for the 55th India International Film Festival (IFFI), which will take place in Goa from November 20 to 28, will also be released at Bharat Parv.
• The Bharat Parv will also see the release of the “Save the Date” for the 1st World Audio-Visual& Entertainment Summit (WAVES) to be hosted alongside the 55thIndia International Film Festival (IFFI).
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Nepal’s ‘Everest Man’ beats own record by climbing summit for 29th time.
• Renowned Nepali mountaineer Kami Rita Sherpa has achieved a historic feat by conquering Mount Everest for the 29th time.
• Kami Rita is known as "Everest Man", belongs to the ethnic Sherpa community.
• He has scaled Mount Everest peak almost every year since his first successful ascent in 1994.
• Rita had climbed Mount Everest twice last year, setting the record for most climbs on his first expedition.
• Nepal is home of eight of the world’s 10 highest peaks. Last year, more than 600 climbers reached to the summit of Everest.
• Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay were the first male to climb Mount Everest.
• Junko Tabei was the first woman to climb Mount Everest. Mark Inglis became the first ever double amputee to climb Mount Everest.
• Mount Everest is Earth's highest (8,849 m) mountain above sea level.
SUMMIT AND CONFERENCES
India participated in the 19th Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests in New York.
• India actively participated in the 19th Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) held in New York from May 6th to May 10th, 2024.
• During this session, India showcased significant strides in forest conservation and the sustainable management of forest resources.
• India's achievements in forest preservation were highlighted, with the country ranking third globally in terms of net gain in average annual forest area between 2010 and 2020.
• Additionally, India shared insights into its 'Green Credit Program,' designed to encourage entities to engage in tree plantation activities and the restoration of degraded forest lands.
• In October 2023, India spearheaded an initiative under the UNFF in Dehradun, which saw the participation of representatives from 40 countries and 20 international organizations.
• India's Ministry organized a side event focused on 'Principles and Strategies for Landscape Integrated Fire Management through Collaborative Governance.' This event provided a platform to discuss innovative approaches to managing landscape fires in a collaborative manner.
• Overall, India's active involvement in the UNFF's 19th Session underscored its commitment to global forest conservation efforts and sustainable forest management practices.