IMPORTANT DAYS

World Thalassaemia Day 2024 observed on 8 May

Every year on 8 May, World Thalassemia Day is observed.

• The theme of World Thalassemia Day 2024 is “Empowering Lives, Embracing Progress: Equitable and Accessible Thalassemia Treatment for All.”

It is celebrated to create awareness regarding Thalassemia and to encourage those who struggle to live with this disease.

• In 1994, World Thalassemia Day was established and organized by the Thalassemia International Federation (TIF).

• Thalassemia is a genetic disease that is passed from parents to their offspring.

• Its symptoms start appearing from 3-4 months after the birth of the child.

• People suffering from Thalassaemia have less hemoglobin than normal, which leads to anemia.

STATE NEWS

Tripura’s First International Cricket Stadium will be ready by February 2025.

•The inaugural International Cricket Stadium in Tripura, situated in Narsingarh within the West Tripura district, is slated for completion by February 2025.

• Representing a significant milestone, this stadium, with a budget of Rs 200 crore, marks the northeastern state's first foray into hosting major cricket events.

• A collaborative effort between the BCCI and Tripura Cricket Association, construction commenced in 2017, with expectations of accommodating over 25,000 spectators.

• Tripura is poised to embrace the excitement of international and T20 matches in the upcoming year.

GI tag has been given to the Ajrakh of Kutch.

• Geographical Indication (GI) certificate has been granted by the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (CGPDTM) to the traditional artisans of 'Kutch Ajrakh' hailing from the vibrant region of Kutch, Gujarat.

• This is an important step towards preserving the rich textile heritage of India.

• This prestigious recognition serves as a testament to the exceptional artistry and cultural significance of the age-old craft practiced by artisans in the region.

• The GI tag, a symbol of authenticity and origin, provides legal protection to products, services, or arts originating from specific geographical areas.

• With a millennium-long history, Ajrakh is a traditional textile skill with profound roots in Gujarati culture, especially in the districts of Sindh, Barmer, and Kutch.

• The art of Ajrakh involves a meticulous process of hand-block printing on treated cotton fabric, resulting in intricate designs imbued with rich symbolism and history.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

AI-Generated spokesperson introduced by Ukraine for Foreign Ministry

• Ukraine's Foreign Ministry has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative: a virtual artificial intelligence spokesperson named "Victoria Shi."

• Victoria Shi will deliver updates on various issues, including the ongoing conflict with Russia, marking the first instance in history of a digital spokesperson being utilized for such purposes. Despite being voiced by humans, Victoria Shi's statements will be presented through this innovative platform.

• The persona of Victoria Shi is based on the likeness of Ukrainian singer and influencer Rosalie Nombre, who graciously agreed to participate in the project on a pro bono basis.

• This move aims to streamline diplomatic efforts by saving time and resources.

• The creative minds behind Victoria Shi belong to a team known as the "Game Changers," recognized for their virtual-reality content related to the conflict in Ukraine.

SCHEMES

'Cool Summers of India' campaign

• During the Arabian Travel Mart 2024 in Dubai, the Ministry of Tourism unveiled the 'Cool Summers of India' campaign alongside its participation from May 6 to 9.

• This strategic move aims to bolster India's presence in the Middle East tourism market.

• The inauguration of the 'Incredible India' pavilion on May 6 marked the beginning of India's comprehensive outreach to the UAE market.

• Through the 'Cool Summers of India' initiative, the Ministry of Tourism seeks to challenge the perception of India as too hot for summer travel by spotlighting lesser-known yet rejuvenating destinations, particularly hill resorts like those nestled in the Himalayas.

• By participating in the Arabian Travel Mart, India aims to tap into the immense potential of the tourism industry, providing a platform for Indian tourism stakeholders to showcase their offerings, forge industry partnerships, and entice visitors from the MENA region, thereby contributing to the growth of the economy.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Nepal's population registered the lowest growth rate in the last eight decades.

• In a significant demographic shift, Nepal has experienced its lowest population growth rate in the past eight decades. Over the last decade, Nepal's population has seen a growth rate of 0.92 percent annually, as reported by the National Statistics Office (NSO).

• Nepal’s population is currently around 29.2 million. Nepal’s population grew by 2.7 million during 2011 and 2021.

•The national average life expectancy in Nepal has reached 71.3 years. Female life expectancy is 73.8 years, while male life expectancy stands at 68.2 years.

• People living in Karnali Province have a life expectancy of 72.5 years, the highest in Nepal.

• Nepal’s infant mortality rate went down to 17 per 1,000 in 2021.

• The reproductive rate has reduced to 1.94 children per woman.

BANKING, ECONOMY AND FINANCE

India became the first country to get $100 billion in remittances.

• According to the United Nations migration agency, India received $111 billion in remittances in 2022.

• India, Mexico, China, the Philippines, and France were the top five countries to receive remittances in 2022.

• India led in remittance receipts in 2010 ($53.48 billion), 2015 ($68.91 billion), and 2020 ($83.15 billion), with $111.22 billion in 2022.

• Pakistan and Bangladesh are also ranked among the top ten recipients of international remittances.

• The Gulf States remain favourite destinations for migrant workers, particularly from India, Egypt, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Kenya

• Globally, India has the largest number of international migrants.

• India also attracted immigrants, ranking 13th globally as a destination country for international migrants.

• The remittance of China has declined due to demographic shifts and its zero-COVID policy

SUMMIT AND CONFERENCES

4th Joint Trade Committee Meeting concluded between India and Ghana

• The recent conclusion of the fourth Joint Trade Committee Meeting between India and Ghana in Accra signifies a concerted effort to bolster bilateral trade and investment cooperation.

• Over the course of two days, on May 2-3, both nations reached agreements to implement the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) UPI on the Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement System (GHIPS) within six months.

• The possibility of both countries signing an MoU on digital transformation solutions and local currency settlement systems was also explored.

• The Indian delegation included officials from the Geological Survey of India, Exim Bank, and the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission, reflecting India's diverse interests in Ghana.

• With bilateral trade valued at US$2.87 billion in 2022-23, Ghana is a major trading partner for India in the African region.

• India is one of the leading investors in Ghana, with investments spanning sectors such as pharmaceuticals, construction, manufacturing, business services, agriculture, and tourism.