Table of Contents
International News
Nepal’s Population Trends and Demographic Indicators
Nepal’s population growth rate has hit a historic low, standing at 0.92% per annum over the past decade, the slowest in the last eighty years, as reported by the National Statistics Office (NSO). The current population stands at approximately 29.2 million, with a growth of 2.7 million from mid-April 2011 to mid-April 2021.
Scientists Unveil World’s Deepest Blue Hole in Mexico
In a groundbreaking discovery detailed in Frontiers in Marine Science, researchers have revealed the Taam Ja’ Blue Hole in Mexico’s Chetumal Bay as the deepest known blue hole on Earth, descending to a staggering depth of 1,380 feet. Surpassing the previous record-holder, the Sansha Yongle Blue Hole, by 480 feet, this abyss presents a tantalizing opportunity for scientific exploration and the potential discovery of new marine life.
Appointments News
Visa Appoints Sujai Raina as India Country Manager
Visa, the global digital payments platform, has appointed Sujai Raina as the new Country Manager for India. In this role, Raina will be responsible for leading and executing Visa’s strategic initiatives in the Indian market, partnering with clients and the broader payments ecosystem.
Banking News
ICICI Bank Introduces UPI for NRIs Using International Mobile Numbers
ICICI Bank has unveiled a groundbreaking feature allowing non-resident Indian (NRI) customers to utilize Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions in India through their international mobile numbers. This innovation aims to simplify daily payments for NRIs by eliminating the need to register an Indian mobile number with their NRE/NRO accounts, thereby enhancing convenience.
Business News
Infibeam’s CCAvenue Expands Merchant Access Through Shivalik SFB Partnership
Infibeam Avenues’ CCAvenue, a leading payments platform, has entered into a strategic partnership with Shivalik Small Finance Bank (SFB) to enhance merchant access. Through this collaboration, merchants registered with CCAvenue will gain access to Shivalik SFB’s extensive customer base. The integration will enable account holders of the bank to make payments seamlessly on websites powered by CCAvenue, leveraging Shivalik SFB’s internet banking service.
Bajaj Auto Set to Revolutionize Transportation with World’s First CNG Motorcycle
Bajaj Auto, led by Managing Director Rajiv Bajaj, is all set to introduce a groundbreaking innovation in the world of motorcycles. Amidst soaring petrol prices, the company is gearing up to launch the world’s first CNG-powered motorcycle on June 18, 2024. This move aims to provide consumers with a cost-effective alternative for daily commuting, promising lower running costs compared to traditional petrol-powered bikes.
Summits and Conferences News
26th ASEAN-India Senior Officials’ Meeting in New Delhi
The 26th ASEAN-India Senior Officials’ Meeting took place in New Delhi, co-chaired by Secretary (East) Jaideep Mazumdar and Permanent Secretary Albert Chua of Singapore. Discussions encompassed the three pillars of engagement—political-security, economic, and socio-cultural—reviewing ASEAN-India relations as outlined in the ASEAN-India Plan of Action (2021-2025). Key topics included the implementation of the Prime Ministers’ 12-Point Proposal and preparations for the upcoming ASEAN-India Summit in Vientiane.
Awards News
2024 Pulitzer Prize Winners Announced
The prestigious Pulitzer Prizes for 2024 were announced on May 7, 2024, by Columbia University in the United States of America. The awards, considered the most prestigious in the fields of journalism and arts, were conferred by Columbia University on the recommendation of the Pulitzer Prize Board. The winners will be formally recognized at a ceremony later, presided over by the president of Columbia University.
Oxford Bookstores Honours Excellence in Book Design and Visual Arts
Oxford Bookstores announced Bhavi Mehta as the winner of the 9th edition of the Oxford Bookstore Book Cover Prize. Mehta’s winning entry was the book jacket for “The Book Beautiful” published by Hachette India and authored by Pradeep Sebastian.
Defence News
Border Road Organisation Celebrates 65th Raising Day
The Border Road Organisation (BRO), a crucial defence infrastructure organization, celebrated its 65th Raising Day on May 7, 2024. A ceremony was organized in New Delhi to mark the occasion, presided over by the Union Defence Secretary, Giridhar Aramane. The defence secretary praised the BRO for its remarkable contribution to building infrastructure in inhospitable areas and challenging weather conditions.
Indian Army and IAF Conduct Joint Exercise in Punjab
The Indian Army’s Kharga Corps, under the aegis of the Army’s Western Command, successfully conducted a three-day joint exercise with the Indian Air Force (IAF) at multiple locations in Punjab. The exercise aimed to refine processes and validate the employment of attack helicopters in support of mechanized operations in developed terrain. The exercise, titled “Gagan Strike-II,” incorporated various force multipliers, including Apache and ALH-WSI helicopters, Unarmed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and special forces of the Indian Army.
Important Days
World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day 2024 Observed on May 8th
May 8th is observed as World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, a global day to celebrate the uniqueness and unity of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. This day is a time to recognize the spirit of humanitarianism and the individuals who make a difference in their communities. The theme of this year’s World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, Keeping Humanity Alive, is a call to celebrate those who give their time, and sometimes their lives, to ease the suffering of others and protect their inherent human dignity.
World Thalassaemia Day 2024 Celebrates on 8th May
Observed annually on May 8th, World Thalassaemia Day aims to raise global awareness about this genetic disorder, support those affected and their caregivers, promote research for a cure, and dispel myths surrounding the disease. This year’s theme is: “Empowering Lives, Embracing Progress: Equitable and Accessible Thalassaemia Treatment for All’’.
Obituaries News
Renowned Urdu Writer Salam Bin Razzaq Passes Away at 83
Shaikh Abdussalam Abdurrazzaq, the renowned Urdu litterateur and academician, popularly known by his pseudonym Salam Bin Razzaq, passed away on Tuesday at his residence in Navi Mumbai after a prolonged illness, as informed by a family friend.
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