NATIONAL:
1. National Manufacturing Innovation Survey (NMIS) 2021-22
Why in news – It was conducted by Department of Science and Technology and United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).
Key Points –
• Most innovative – Karnataka > Telangana > Tamil Nadu > Maharashtra > Haryana.
• Least innovative - Northeastern states (last) (excluding Assam) > Bihar.
• Highest score among the hill states – Uttarakhand.
• Highest score among the UTs - Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.
• Innovative Firms –
(a) Highest share - Telangana > Karnataka > Tamil Nadu.
(b) Least share – Odisha (last) > Bihar > Jharkhand.
2. Undersea Tunnel
Why in news - India’s first undersea tunnels to open in November 2023 in Mumbai.
Key Points –
• Length - 2.07-km.
• It is part of the Rs 12,721-crore Mumbai Coastal Road Project (MCRP).
• Mavala - Largest ever tunnel boring machine (TBM) in the history of India.
INTERNATIONAL:
1. Ajay Banga
Why in news - India-American and former Mastercard CEO Ajay Banga has been appointed as the World Bank's 14th president.
Key Points –
• Tenure - 5 years (begins on June 2, 2023).
• Banga received Padma Shri award in 2016, India's 3rd highest civilian award.
• World Bank Group president has always been an American citizen nominated by USA and the IMF's managing director has been a European citizen.
About World Bank (1945) –
• World Bank - International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) + International Development Association (IDA).
• Result of Bretton Woods Conference 1944. (Other body – IMF).
• Global partnership of 189 countries.
• Core objective – to give loans for infrastructure, electricity grids, roads and transit, dams, and other projects receiving special attention.
• A country must first become a member of the IMF before joining the World Bank Group.
• The countries must first join the IBRD before they may join the IDA, IFC, or MIGA.
REPORTS & INDICES:
1. 4th Future of Jobs Report
Why in news - The report titled “Future of Jobs” was released by the World Economic Forum (WEF).
Key Points –
• Indian labour market would see a 22% job churn (movement of jobs in an economy), compared to 23% globally.
• Most important skills for workers in 2023 - Analytical thinking and creative thinking.
• AI machine learning specialists and cybersecurity professionals is expected to grow on an average by 30% by 2027.
• 6 in 10 workers would require training before 2027.
About WEF (1971) –
• International non-governmental and lobbying organisation for multinational companies.
• Major reports by WEF - Energy Transition Index, Global Competitiveness Report, Global IT Report, Global Gender Gap Report, Global Risk Report, Global Travel and Tourism Report.
• Headquarter - Cologny, Switzerland.
SCIENCE – TECHNOLOGY:
1. “Digital Transformation” Helpline
Why in news - Microsoft India introduced a dedicated website and a helpline number for small and medium businesses (SMBs).
Key Points –
• Aim - to address business challenges faced by Small and Medium Businesses and support them to improve their digital adoption.
AWARDS & HONOURS:
1. Man of the Century
Why in news - Former Lok Sabha MP Pandit Ramkishan was honoured with the title of Shatabdi Purush (Man of the Century).
Key Points –
• He was elected once to the Lok Sabha – in 1977 – and four times to Rajasthan Assembly – in 1962, 1967, 1974 and 1990.
IMPORTANT DAYS:
1. Buddha Purnima 2023
Why in news - Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Gautam Buddha.
Key Points –
• The date of Buddha Purnima is based on the Asian lunisolar calendar and it usually falls in the Hindu month of Vaisakha on the full moon day.
• Buddha is the 9th Vishnu avatar (reincarnation).
BOOKS & AUTHORS:
1. "Made in India”
Why in news - The book "Made in India: 75 Years of Business and Enterprise" is written by Amitabh Kant.
Key Points –
• It provides insight into the success of Indian businesses and enterprises.
• Amitabh Kant served as CEO of NITI Aayog from 2016 to 2022.
• His other books - "Branding India-An Incredible Story," "Incredible India 2.0".
SPORTS:
1. Global Chess League
Why in news - The world’s largest and first franchise-based chess league would be held in Dubai from June 21-July 2, 2023.
Key Points –
• It would feature 6 teams with 6 players each.
• Winner would be crowned the “World Champion Franchise Team”.
• It is a joint venture between FIDE and Tech Mahindra.
STATES/UTs:
1. Geetha Karmikula Bhima
Why in news – Telangana to implement Geetha Karmikula Bhima (insurance for toddy tappers) on the lines of Rythu Bhima for farmers.
Key Points –
• Rs 5 lakh would be deposited directly in the bank a/c of the respective family members in case any toddy tapper dies accidentally while collecting toddy.
BIHAR:
1. Caste Survey
Why in news – The Patna High Court ordered a stay on the caste--based survey being conducted in the state.
Key Points –
• A petition filed by Akhilesh Kumar told the court that the government was misusing the contingency fund and conducting such surveys was beyond the State’s jurisdiction.
• Advocate¬ General P.K. Shahi, for the State, said the survey was being conducted to make plans for public welfare.
• The 2nd phase of survey began on April 15 and was to be completed by May 15.
POINTERS:
• Who has launched the “Addiction Free Odisha” campaign of Brahma Kumaris Centre at Hatbadra, Mayurbhanj - Droupadi Murmu.
• Two day meeting of Foreign Ministers of SCO held in which state – Goa.
• Which district has come first in the country in the ODF (open defecation-free) Plus rankings of the Swachh Bharat Mission in the three-star category – Wayanad.
• UGC launched which unified portal for faculty recruitment in Central Universities - CU-Chayan.
• World's first respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine got approval in which country – USA.
• Which body has released the “Chief Economists Outlook” Report - World Economic Forum.
• Which British-Indian actress has been conferred a BAFTA Fellowship - Meera Syal.
• Which body has recently launched a new project called Business Ready - World Bank Group.
• Which school has won the first prize in the 24th National Youth Parliament Competition, 2022-23 - Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Nadia, West Bengal.
• Which country hold a constitutional referendum on proposed constitutional amendments – Uzbekistan.