NATIONAL:
1. 77th Cannes Film Festival
Why in news: Film by FTII student selected at 77th Cannes Film Festival
Key points:
• Chidanand Naik, a student of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), has achieved significant accolades for his film “SUNFLOWERS WERE FIRST ONES TO KNOW”
• It has been chosen for the ‘La Cinef’ competitive section of the 77th Cannes Film Festival.
• The film, portraying the narrative of an elderly woman’s act of stealing a village rooster, which leads to her family getting exiled, is the lone Indian representative among 18 selected shorts from a pool exceeding 2,000 submissions globally.
2. Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU)
Why in news: Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) notified alert indicators on anti-money laundering
Key points:
• Fresh set of alert indicators have been issued for capital markets, insurance companies, online payment gateway intermediaries, and crypto service providers to address emerging risks in market infrastructure institutions.
• It has been issued under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
• Money laundering is any process or activity connected with the proceeds of crime including its concealment, possession, acquisition or use and projecting or claiming it as untainted property. (PMLA, 2002).
Value Addition:
• Financial Intelligence Unit -IND was established in 2004.
• It is an independent body reporting directly to Economic Intelligence Council (EIC) headed by the finance minister.
INTERNATIONAL:
1. World’s Largest Airport Terminal
Why in news: Dubai plans World’s Largest Airport Terminal at Al Maktoum International
Key points:
• The new terminal, with an estimated cost of $35 Billion, will boast 400 aircraft gates and five parallel runways, setting new standards for efficiency and scale in the aviation sector.
• Upon completion, Al Maktoum International Airport will have a staggering capacity for 260 million passengers annually, dwarfing any other airport in the world.
2. Critical Energy Transition Minerals
Why in news: United Nations appointed panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals
Key points:
• The Panel aims to bring all stakeholders across the entire critical energy transition minerals value chain to develop a set of global common and voluntary principles for energy transition.
• It will address issues relating to equity, transparency, investment, sustainability and human rights.
• The panel comprises Government and intergovernmental actors including the European Union, African Union, Australia, Indonesia, Colombia, India, etc.
• Critical Energy Transition Minerals are essential components in many of today’s rapidly growing clean energy technologies, from wind turbines and solar panels to electric vehicles.
• E.g. copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt etc.
ENVIRONMENT:
1. Endangered Nilgiri Tahr
Why in news: Tamil Nadu’s Conservation Efforts for the Endangered Nilgiri Tahr
Key points:
• The government of Tamil Nadu has launched a three-day survey of the Nilgiri Tahr, the state’s iconic animal.
• This initiative aims to better understand and conserve this endangered species that faces numerous challenges, including habitat loss and poaching.
• The Nilgiri Tahr is an endemic species found only in the Western Ghats of India, specifically in the southern regions of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
• The Nilgiri Tahr is currently listed as an endangered species by the IUCN and is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
• The IUCN, established in 1948, is the leading global authority on the status of the natural world and the actions necessary to protect it.
DEFENCE:
1. Rampage Missiles
Why in news: Recently, Rampage Missiles has been inducted by Indian Air Force and Indian Navy
Key points:
• It is a long-range, supersonic, Air-to-Surface, precision strike missile.
• It has been developed by Israel Aerospace Industries and Israeli Military Industries Systems.
• Range: ~250 kms.
• Guidance: GPS/ Inertial Navigation System (INS) navigation with anti-jamming capabilities
AWARDS/HONOURS:
1. Global Media Awards
Why in news: India Today Group’s AI Anchor Sana received two awards
Key points:
• Sana, the AI-powered news anchor developed by the India Today Group has captured two coveted awards at the prestigious International News Media Association (INMA) Global Media Awards held in London.
• Sana won the first prize in the ‘Best Use of AI in Customer-Facing Products’ category.
• In addition to it, Sana was honored with the ‘Best in South Asia for AI-Led Newsroom Transformation’ award.
IMPORTANT DAY:
1. Ayushman Bharat Diwas 2024
Why in news: Ayushman Bharat Diwas is celebrated annually on April 30
Key points:
• The day was established by the government to highlight the scheme’s objective of providing better access to affordable and quality healthcare services, especially for the underprivileged.
Value Addition:
• Launched in 2018 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ayushman Bharat Yojana (PM-JAY) is a healthcare scheme.
• It offers free health insurance of Rs. 5 lakhs to more than 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable families every year.
• The scheme covers three days of pre-hospitalization and 15 days of post-hospitalization care, ensuring comprehensive support for patients.
PERSONS/PLACES in News:
1. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun
Why in news: India has rejected the recent report in The Washington Post on alleged assassination plot of Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
Key points:
• There is an ongoing investigation of the High-Level Committee set up by Government of India to look into the security concerns shared by the US government on networks of organised criminals, terrorists and others.
SPORTS:
1. MS Dhoni Sets New IPL Record
Why in news: MS Dhoni Sets New IPL record in CSK’s win.
Key points:
• The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) secured a resounding 78-run victory over the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
• The match witnessed a remarkable milestone for the legendary MS Dhoni, as he became the first player to achieve 150 victories in the IPL.
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