IMPORTANT DAYS
World Telecommunication And Information Society Day observed on 17 May
• World Telecommunication and Information Society Day falls on May 17th annually.
• The theme for World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2024 is "Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development," highlighting the critical role of technological innovation in driving sustainable development initiatives globally.
• Its purpose is to raise awareness about the potential benefits that the utilization of the Internet and other information and communication technologies (ICTs) can bring to both economies and societies.
• India currently boasts a 99% coverage footprint in 4G, with over 600,000 villages now connected via 4G networks.
• Additionally, the country has deployed approximately 442,000 5G base station transceivers.
• Since 1969, World Telecommunication Day has been observed on May 17th, commemorating the establishment of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention in 1865.
• In March 2006, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution designating May 17th as World Information Society Day.v
• The decision to merge World Telecommunication Day and World Information Society Day into a unified observance on May 17th was made during the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in Antalya, Turkey, in November 2006.
National Endangered Species Day 2024 observed on 17 May
• National Endangered Species Day, observed annually on the third Friday of May, this year falling on May 17, aims to raise awareness about the conservation of endangered species.
• The theme for National Endangered Species Day 2024 is “Celebrate Saving Species,” highlighting the successes achieved in preserving endangered wildlife.
• Founded in 2006 by the Endangered Species Coalition and David Robinson, the day serves to educate people globally about endangered animals and the importance of their conservation.
• This observance provides an opportunity to assess the status of threatened species and the impacts of climate change on their ecosystems.
• Endangered species are organisms at risk of extinction, primarily due to loss of habitat and genetic variation.
• Notable endangered species in India include the Asiatic Lion, Bengal Tiger, Snow Leopard, Kashmiri Red Stag, and One-horned Rhinoceros.
LAW AND AMENDMENTS
Supreme Court put a limit on ED’s power to arrest PMLA accused.
• The Supreme Court has set a restriction on the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) power to arrest individuals under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
• It ruled that once a special court takes cognizance of a charge sheet filed under PMLA, the ED doesn’t have the authority to arrest an accused.
• If an individual is summoned by a designated special court under PMLA, they are not considered to be in custody, thus negating the need for them to seek bail.
• The Supreme Court clarified that the ED must make a separate application for custody of an individual once they appear in court.
• This ruling by the Supreme Court limits the ED's ability to arrest individuals who were not detained during the investigation phase under PMLA.
• The basis for this judgment lies in an appeal filed by Tarsem Lal against the ED, challenging a decision by the Punjab and Haryana High Court to deny him anticipatory bail.
• Under Section 45 of the PMLA, there are two conditions that place the burden of proof on the accused seeking bail:
• The accused must demonstrate in court that they are prima facie innocent of the offence.
• The accused must also convince the judge that they will not commit any offence while on bail.
NATIONAL NEWS
First set of CAA certificates has been granted to 14 applicants.
• The inaugural batch of Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) certificates has been issued to 14 individuals.
• The Union Home Secretary, Ajay Bhalla, personally handed over the first set of citizenship certificates to these 14 applicants.
• Following a meticulous review process, an empowered committee led by the Director of Census Operation, Delhi, approved citizenship for these 14 individuals.
• The Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024, were officially announced by the government on March 11th.
• These rules delineate the procedures to be followed by the District Level Committee (DLC) for processing applications and by the State Level Empowered Committee (EC) for scrutinizing and granting citizenship.
• Citizenship under the CAA is exclusively extended to individuals from Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Parsi, and Christian communities originating from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, provided they arrived in India before December 31, 2014.
• The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill received presidential approval on December 12, 2019.
SPORTS
World’s highest competition pool has been opened in Bhutan.
• The World Aquatics recently announced the opening of the world's highest competition pool in Bhutan.
• This remarkable facility marks the first-ever competitive swimming pool situated at a record altitude of 8200 feet (2,400 meters) above sea level in Bhutan.
• The pool is a significant component of the Pools for All Program, which is dedicated to promoting aquatic sports in the region.
• Launched in 2019, the Pools for All Programme aims to ensure that every National Member Federation of World Aquatics has access to aquatic facilities, thereby fostering the growth of aquatic sports globally.
BANKING, ECONOMY AND FINANCE
UN amended India's 2024 economic growth projection to 6.9%.
• The United Nations has revised India's 2024 economic growth projection to 6.9%.
• This amendment comes following the release of the World Economic Situation and Prospects report by the United Nations.
• The global economy is forecasted to grow by 2.7% in 2024 and 2.8% in 2025.
• According to the report, India's economy is expected to expand by 6.9% in 2024 and 6.6% in 2025, up from the previous projection of 6.2%.
• The growth trajectory is attributed to robust public investment and resilient private consumption.
• Strong expansion is anticipated in pharmaceutical and chemical exports.
• Consumer price inflation in India is projected to decrease from 5.6% in 2023 to 4.5% in 2024.
• Improved labor market indicators are observed in India due to robust growth and increased labor force participation.
• Additionally, inflation rates are expected to decline in other South Asian countries.
• The Chinese economy is forecasted to grow at 4.8% in 2024, a slight increase from the previous projection of 4.7% in January.
SUMMIT AND CONFERENCES
12th India-Mongolia Joint Working Group meeting held in Ulaanbaatar.
• The 12th Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting between the Defense Ministries of India and Mongolia convened in Ulaanbaatar on May 16-17, 2024, demonstrating the commitment to bilateral defense cooperation.
• Both sides expressed contentment with the current state of defense collaboration, underscoring the fruitful nature of their ongoing endeavors.
• The meeting provided an opportunity for a comprehensive review of the progress made in various bilateral defense initiatives, reflecting a mutual dedication to strengthening ties.
• Discussions during the meeting centered on identifying avenues for further deepening cooperation and exchanging perspectives on prevailing geopolitical dynamics.
• Both parties acknowledged the burgeoning relationship between India and Mongolia, rooted in shared historical, cultural, and civilizational bonds.
• Over the past 27 years, India's exports to Mongolia have witnessed a robust annualized growth rate of 14.1%, rising from $2.03 million in 1995 to $71.3 million in 2022, indicating the strengthening economic ties between the two nations.
India-ZimbabweRealtions
• The third session of the India-Zimbabwe Joint Trade Committee (JTC) concluded in New Delhi.
• Held from May 13th to May 14th, the session saw participation from officials representing both nations.
• Ms. Priya P Nair, Economic Adviser from the Department of Commerce, co-chaired the JTC alongside Ms. Rudo M Faranisi, Chief Director of Economic Cooperation from the Government of Zimbabwe.
• The Zimbabwean delegation comprised Mr. Peter Hobwani, Ambassador Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy of Zimbabwe, and over 15 representatives from various ministries.
• Both parties expressed interest in potential Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at regulatory collaboration in areas such as digital transformation solutions, telemedicine, rough diamonds, instant payment systems, and traditional medicine.
• Bilateral cooperation was identified in several sectors including pharmaceuticals, geospatial technology, healthcare, machinery, vehicles, electrical equipment, mineral fuels, mineral oils, distillation products, and iron.
