Daily Current Affairs 09th May 2024

Daily Current Affairs 9^th May 2024

1. President Droupadi Murmu Confers Padma Awards on Renowned Personalities

Renowned veteran actor Vyjayanthimala Bali, Telugu star Konidela Chiranjeevi, the late M. Fathima Beevi, the first woman judge of the Supreme Court, and Bombay Samachar owner Hormusji N. Cama were honored with Padma awards by President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday.

Also among the recipients were BJP leader O. Rajagopal, Ladakh’s spiritual leader Togdan Rinpochey, the late Tamil actor Captain Vijayakant, and Kundan Vyas, group editor and CEO of the Gujarati newspaper Janmabhoomi, who were bestowed with the prestigious awards at a civil investiture ceremony held at the Darbar Hall of the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Vyjayanthimala and Chiranjeevi were conferred with the Padma Vibhushan, while Fathima Beevi, Cama, Rajagopal, Vijayakant, Rinpochey, and Vyas were honored with the Padma Bhushan.

President Droupadi Murmu presented 2 Padma Vibhushan, 9 Padma Bhushan, and 56 Padma Shri Awards for 2024 at the Civil Investiture Ceremony-II held at Rashtrapati Bhawan, as per a government statement.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were among the dignitaries present on the occasion.

In January, the President had announced 132 Padma awards, including 5 Padma Vibhushan, 17 Padma Bhushan, and 110 Padma Shri Awards.

While more than half of the awardees were conferred with the awards on April 22, the rest were honored on Thursday.

The Padma awardees will pay homage at the National War Memorial on Friday morning. They will also visit Rashtrapati Bhawan and Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya, the statement added.

What Are Padma Awards?: Read complete article here:

Padma Awards, among the highest civilian Awards in the country, are conferred in three categories – Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri.

These awards aim to recognize achievements in various fields of activity or disciplines where an element of public service is involved.

• Padma Vibhushan is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service.
• Padma Bhushan is for distinguished service of a high order.
• Padma Shri is for distinguished service.

2. India Overtakes Japan to Claim Third Spot in Global Solar Power Generation

India’s rapid expansion of solar energy capacity propelled it past Japan to become the world’s third-largest solar power generator in 2023.

• This significant leap marks a remarkable shift from being ranked ninth in solar energy deployment in 2015 by global energy think tank Ember.

According to Ember’s “Global Electricity Review,” solar energy accounted for a record 5.5% of global electricity production in 2023.

• In line with this global trend, India’s solar energy contribution rose to 5.8% of its electricity generation last year.

India’s impressive rise in solar energy production underscores its commitment to clean energy and its crucial role in addressing climate change.

• From a mere 0.5% contribution in 2015, India’s solar electricity output has soared, reflecting its dedication to transitioning towards sustainable energy sources.

India’s ambitious climate goals include achieving 50% of cumulative electric power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.

3. Uttarakhand Government Introduces Pirul Lao-Paise Pao Initiative

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the Pirul Lao-Paise Pao campaign in the Rudraprayag district on May 8, 2024.

• He encouraged active participation from the public to combat forest fires and announced the involvement of cooperatives, youth groups, and forest councils to ensure community engagement in the campaign.

Pirul Lao-Paise Pao Initiative Details

Under the Pirul Lao-Paise Pao campaign, local youth and villagers will gather dry Pirul (pine tree leaves) from the forests and transport them to designated collection centers.

• These centers, managed by Tehsildars under the supervision of Sub-Divisional Magistrates, will weigh and store the collected Pirul.
• Participants will be compensated Rs 50 per kilogram, directly deposited into their bank accounts. The collected Pirul will be processed and sold to industries for various purposes.

Utilization of Pirul

In Uttarakhand, Pirul refers to pine tree leaves, traditionally used for animal bedding, fertilizer when combined with cow dung, and fruit packaging.

Due to its excellent combustion properties, a 25-kilowatt power plant in Chakori Dhanari village, Uttarkashi district, utilizes Pirul to generate electricity.

• The government estimates an annual production of 23 lakh metric tonnes of Pirul in the state, with the potential to generate approximately 200 megawatts of electricity.

Campaign Management and Funding

The Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board is tasked with overseeing the Pirul Lao-Paise Pao campaign, including collection, storage, and processing.

• The state government has allocated Rs 50 crore for the initiative, covering compensation for Pirul collectors.

Forest and Pirul Distribution in Uttarakhand

According to the Indian State of Forest Report 2021, Uttarakhand has a recorded forest area covering 24,305 square kilometers, encompassing 45.44% of the state’s geographical area.

• Pine trees, introduced by the British, are prevalent in various districts, including Almora, Bageshwar, Chamoli, Champawat, Dehradun, Garwhwal, Nainital, Pithoragarh, Rudraprayag, Tehri, and Uttarkashi.

About Uttarakhand:

• Capital: Dehradun (Winter), Gairsain (Summer)
• Chief Minister: Pushkar Singh Dhami
• Governor: Gurmit Singh

Recent Schemes Launched by State Governments:

1. Neengal Nalama Scheme launched by Tamil Nadu:

• Aims to enhance the health index and social well-being of all citizens in the state.

2. Widow Remarriage Promotion Scheme launched by Jharkhand:

• Provides 2 lakh to widows who remarry.

3. MYUVA Scheme launched by Uttar Pradesh:

• Supports young entrepreneurs.

4. Indiramma Housing Scheme launched by Telangana:

• Offers Rs 5 lakh financial assistance for house construction.

5. CM’s Health Insurance Scheme launched by Nagaland:

• Ensures financial security and protection.

4. Mumbai and Delhi Enter Top 50 Wealthiest Cities Worldwide: Henley & Partners

Indian metro cities Mumbai and Delhi have made their debut in the top 50 wealthiest cities globally. Mumbai secured the 24th position, while Delhi claimed the 37th spot in the recently released Wealthiest Cities Report 2024.

Henley & Partners, in collaboration with New World Wealth, a global data intelligence firm, compiled the Wealthiest Cities Report 2024.

Wealth Profile of Mumbai and Delhi

The report categorizes the wealthiest individuals as HNWIs (High Net Worth Individuals) with liquid investable wealth exceeding USD 1 million. Centi-millionaires possess wealth surpassing USD 100 million, while billionaires have assets exceeding USD 1 billion.

Mumbai, India’s financial capital, hosts 58,800 millionaires, 236 centi-millionaires, and 29 billionaires, securing the 24th position globally. Meanwhile, Delhi, with 30,700 millionaires, 123 centi-millionaires, and 16 billionaires, clinched the 37th spot.

Asia-Pacific’s Ascendance

The report highlights the growing prominence of Asia-Pacific cities, with five out of the top 10 wealthiest cities hailing from the region.

• Tokyo ranks third, followed by Singapore (fourth), Sydney (eighth), Hong Kong (ninth), and Beijing (10th). Dubai emerges as the wealthiest city in West Asia, securing the 21st position globally.

The top ten wealthiest cities worldwide:

• The top ten wealthiest cities worldwide are led by New York City, USA, with 349,500 millionaires.
• The Bay Area in the USA follows closely with 305,700 millionaires.
• Tokyo City in Japan secures the third spot with 298,300 millionaires.
• Singapore ranks fourth, boasting 244,800 millionaires.
• London, United Kingdom, holds the fifth position with 227,000 millionaires.
• Los Angeles, USA, comes sixth with 212,100 millionaires.
• Paris, France, stands seventh with 165,000 millionaires.
• Sydney, Australia, takes the eighth spot with 147,000 millionaires.
• Hong Kong, China, is ninth with 143,400 millionaires.
• Beijing, China, rounds up the top ten with 125,600 millionaires.

5. Japan’s ambassador inaugurated Kohima Peace Memorial and Eco Park

On May 8, 2024, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Japanese Ambassador to India Hiroshi Suzuki jointly dedicated the Kohima Peace Memorial and lay the groundwork for Eco Park Kohima.

• Because it honors the cooperative efforts of the Government of Japan and the Japanese International Corporation Agency with the Government of Nagaland, the Kohima Peace Memorial and Eco Park is very meaningful.
• It has great educational value in addition to its historical significance and acts as a symbol of harmony and peace.

6. Indian contingent bags 43 Medals at ASBC Asian U-22 and Youth Boxing Championships

In boxing, the Indian contingent wrapped up their electrifying journey at the ASBC Asian U-22 and Youth Boxing Championships with a remarkable haul of 43 medals in Astana, Kazakhstan.

• This includes 12 gold, 14 silver, and 17 bronze medals from both categories.
• India finished with the second-highest medal count, only behind the hosts, Kazakhstan, who have won 48 medals.

7. Amul appointed as ‘Official Sponsor’ of Sri Lanka Men’s team for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024

Amul, an Indian dairy producer, has been named the “Official Sponsor” of the Sri Lanka Men’s Team for the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, according to a statement released by Sri Lanka Cricket.

• Amul has been associated with the Sri Lankan team most recently in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup.
• This partnership with Sri Lanka Cricket is a great move for the company as it will help it gain market growth and further enhance its brand visibility among the international audience.
• On June 3, 2024, Sri Lanka will play their first match in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in New York against South Africa.

8. Indian Navy delegation visited Information Fusion Singapore

The Indian Navy delegation led by Rear Admiral Rajesh Dhankar visited Information Fusion Singapore on 7 May 2024.

• The visit aims to enhance maritime security cooperation and strengthen bridges of friendship between India and Singapore.
• During the visit, the delegation held deliberations on the current maritime security landscape in the region and ways to mitigate emergent threats.

9. Army, IAF conduct joint exercise at multiple locations in Punjab

A three-day joint exercise between the Indian Army’s Kharga Corps and the Indian Air Force was successfully carried out at several places in Punjab, under the auspices of Army’s Western Command.

• The purpose of the exercise was process optimization and validation of attack helicopter use supporting mechanized operations in developed terrain.
• The Indian Army’s special forces, unarmed aerial vehicles, and Apache and ALH-WSI helicopters participated in the Gagan Strike-II exercise.
• Its goal was to validate several force multipliers that strike corps would use to support their ground attack, as well as live firing by helicopters, as required by mechanized troops during offensive maneuvers.

10. China has launched a secret robot to the far side of the moon

The China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) launched an autonomous Long March 5 rocket into space with success on 3 May.

• This marked the commencement of the nation’s Chang’e 6 mission, which seeks to be the first-ever endeavor to gather samples from the secret far side of the moon and transport them to Earth.
• Similar to the Chang’e 5 mission, which successfully returned lunar samples to Earth several months after landing a spacecraft on the moon in 2020, the spacecraft will gather samples from the surface and then rocket them back to Earth in a return module.

11. Subodh Kumar (IAS) appointed as Director in Ministry of Ayush

Subodh Kumar (IAS) has been appointed as selected for the appointment as Director in the Ministry of Ayush on 3 May 2024.

• Kumar has been selected for the appointment to the post with effect from the date of taking over charge of the post for a period upto October 8 or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
• He is a 2010- batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Tamil Nadu cadre.

12. Urdu litterateur Salam Bin Razzaq passed away at 83 in Navi Mumbai

Renowned Urdu litterateur and academician Salam Bin Razzaq passed away at his residence in Navi Mumbai at the age of 83.

• Razzaq won the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award for Urdu literature for his acclaimed short stories collection, ‘Shikasta Buton Ke Darmiyan’, in 2004.
• He was deeply inspired by the trials and travails of the common masses which reflected in his writings, both prose and poetry.

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