NATIONAL NEWS

Jyoti Ratre, 55, becomes oldest Indian woman to conquer Mount Everest

• Jyoti Ratre, an enterprising individual and aficionado of fitness hailing from Madhya Pradesh, has etched her name in history as the oldest Indian woman to triumphantly conquer Mount Everest.

• At the age of 55, this seasoned mountaineer reached the pinnacle, scaling to an awe-inspiring altitude of 8,848.86 meters.

• Her journey to this remarkable achievement was not without its challenges. Jyoti was part of a distinguished 15-member expedition team, under the leadership of Bolivian climber David Hugo Ayaviri Quispe.

• Despite facing setbacks during her first attempt in 2023, when adverse weather conditions impeded her progress at 8,160 meters, she persisted with unwavering determination and resolve.

• In surpassing this monumental milestone on her second endeavour, Jyoti Ratre shattered the previous record set by Sangeeta Bahl, who had ascended Everest on May 19, 2018, at the age of 53.

• This extraordinary feat not only exemplifies Jyoti's personal fortitude but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring adventurers across the nation.

APPOINTMENTS

Shri Ramesh Babu V. as member of Central Electricity Regulatory Commission

• Shri Ramesh Babu V. was sworn in as a member of the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission, taking the oath of office and secrecy administered by the Union Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri R. Of. Singh.

• Mr. Ramesh Babu V. is a distinguished individual with a background in engineering, holding an M.Tech degree in Thermal Engineering and a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering.

• His professional journey includes a tenure as Director (Operations) at NTPC, culminating with his retirement in May 2020. Prior to this, he held various esteemed positions within NTPC, showcasing his expertise and dedication to the field.

• The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) was instituted by the Government of India in accordance with the Electricity Regulatory Commission Act, 1998.

• This central body, formed by the repeal of the ERC Act, 1998, serves to fulfil the objectives outlined in the Electricity Act, 2003. Comprising a chairman and three other members, the Commission also includes the Chairman of the Central Electricity Authority as an ex-officio member.

AWARDS

E -Rickshaw driver Arti of UP conferred UK’s Women's Empowerment Award

• Arti, an 18-year-old woman hailing from the Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh, has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming an E-rickshaw driver.

• Her dedication and determination have earned her the prestigious Amal Clooney Women's Empowerment Award, bestowed upon her by King Charles III of the United Kingdom.

• The grand award ceremony took place at Buckingham Palace in London, England, adding a touch of reality to Arti's inspiring journey.

• Arriving in style, Arti made a memorable entrance at Buckingham Palace, driving a Pink E-rickshaw, a vehicle she acquired through the Mission Shakti scheme initiated by the Uttar Pradesh government.

• The Uttar Pradesh government launched Mission Shakti in 2020 to empower the women of the state through safety, security, and self-reliance.

• This initiative not only empowers women like Arti but also symbolizes the government's commitment to fostering women's independence and entrepreneurship.

• The Amal Clooney Women's Empowerment Award is named after the famous English Barrister Amal Clooney. The award is sponsored by a British charity, Prince Trust International. The Prince Trust International was set up by King Charles when he was Prince of Wales.

MISCELLANEOUS

India Record Positive Growth Among Top 5 World Steel Producer in April

•As per the latest report from the World Steel Association, India stands out as the sole nation among the top five global producers of crude steel to showcase a commendable surge in production during April 2024.

• India, holding the esteemed position of being the world's second-largest producer of crude steel, exhibited a notable growth rate of 3.9 percent in April 2024 when compared to the corresponding period in April 2023.

• This upward trajectory underscores India's resilience and vitality in the steel industry, reaffirming its pivotal role on the global stage.

• Based on data provided by the World Steel Association, global crude steel production witnessed a slight downturn in April 2024, totaling 155.7 million tonnes, marking a 5.0% decrease compared to the same period in April 2023.

•In the same timeframe, India demonstrated resilience and growth, producing 12.1 million tonnes of crude steel in April 2024, reflecting a commendable increase of 3.9% compared to April 2023.

• Conversely, China, renowned as the world's largest steel producer, experienced a decline in production during April 2024.

• Japan, the third largest steel producer in the world, produced 7.1 million tonnes of steel, registering a 2.5 per cent decline.

•The fourth largest steel producer, the United States of America, produced 6.7 million tonnes, registering a decline of 2.8 per cent.

•Russia, the fifth largest steel producer, registered a 5.7 per cent decline to 6.2 million tonnes.