Buddha Purnima has been celebrated on 23 May in 2024.

• Buddha Purnima was celebrated on May 23, 2024, marking the birth of Gautam Buddha.

• This day also commemorates his attainment of Enlightenment (Nirvana) under the Mahabodhi tree in Bodh Gaya. Known as a 'triple-blessed day,' it celebrates Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana.

• In Hinduism, Buddha is considered the ninth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

• His birth anniversary is also known as Vaisakhi Buddha Purnima.

• This day is celebrated by Buddhists and Hindus around the world and is a major festival in countries such as India, Nepal, Bhutan, Burma, Thailand, Tibet, China, Korea, Laos, Vietnam, Mongolia, Cambodia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka.

• He was born into a noble family of the Kshatriyas in Lumbini, Nepal in 563 BCE.

• His childhood name was Siddhartha Gautama and he belonged to Shakya clan.

• He attained enlightenment under a peepal tree in Bodhgaya.

• His first sermon is called Dharma ChakraPravartan.

AWARDS

Internationall Booker Prize 2024

• German author Jenny Erpenbeck and translator Michael Hofmann won the International Booker Prize for fiction for "Kairos." "Kairos" tells the story of an intriguing love affair during the final years of East Germany's existence.

• The prize fund of £50,000 will be divided equally between the author and translator.

• The Italian luxury fashion house Maison Valentino sponsored an event at the Tate Modern in London, where Erpenbeck and Hofmann were declared the winners.

• Since the International Booker Prize's launched in its current form in 2016, Ms. Erpenbeck has been the prize's first German winner, and Mr. Hofmann has become the prize's first male translator winner.

• In 2023, GeorgiGospodinov and Angela Rodel win the International Booker Prize for the novel ‘Time Shelter’.

• International Booker Prize was formerly known as the Man Booker International Prize.

• The prize is awarded for a book translated into English.

NTPC secures 3rd position in ATD Best Awards 2024

• NTPC was awarded the third position globally at the ATD Best Awards 2024, with the award ceremony held on 21st May 2024 in New Orleans, USA.

• Rachna Singh Bhal, Chief General Manager, Strategic Human Resources & Talent Management, NTPC accepted the award.

• NTPC has won seven awards at the ATD Best Awards in the last eight years, becoming the only public sector company in India to have achieved this feat.

• The award is a testament to the company's excellent human resource management, learning and development practices.

• Instituted by the Association for Talent Development (ATD), USA, the award is one of the most prestigious international awards in the field of Learning and Development (L&D).

• Started in 2003, the award recognizes small and large private, public and non-profit organizations.

STATE NEWS

Saga Dawa Festival is celebrated in Sikkim.

• The Saga Dawa Festival is celebrated in Sikkim on the 15th day of the fourth month of the Northern Buddhist CCalendar

• Considered the most sacred Buddhist festival, Saga Dawa commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana (passing away) of Buddha.

• This day is also known as the 'Triple Blessed Occasion.'

• Saga Dawa holds immense significance for the Buddhist community, reflecting the deep spiritual and cultural heritage of Sikkim.

BANKING, ECONOMY AND FINANCE

India's PMI indicates strong growth in business and exports.

• In May, the Indian economy saw a record rise in exports and the sharpest upturn in employment in 18 years. The HSBC flash India Composite Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) stood at 61.7 in May. The flash services PMI index reached a four-month high of 61.4, up from April's 60.8.

• As per the HSBC Flash Purchasing Manager’s Index (PMI), India registered the third-strongest upturn in private sector output since July 2010.

• Business activity in India expanded robustly in May due to service Industry.

• Increase in international demand has expanded exports at the fastest pace since September 2014.

• Job creation across the private sector has improved, reaching its sharpest level since September 2006. The services sector witnessed the fastest pace of job additions in the last 21 months.

• Manufacturers' optimism has also reached its peak in over nine years.