Important Dates
1. International Day of Families: 15 May
- International Day of Families is observed on 15 May every year to reflect the importance that the international community attaches to families.
- UN General Assembly proclaimed this day in 1993.
- Theme 2021: ‘Families and New Technologies’.
- The Day provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and to increase knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting families.
National Affairs
2. CJI launches Indicative Notes on SC’s official website
- Chief Justice of India (CJI) N.V. Ramana has launched a new feature in the Supreme Court’s official website titled as ‘Indicative Notes’.
- This feature is aimed at providing concise summaries of landmark judgments in an easy-to-understand format.
- This will serve as a useful resource for media persons and the general public who wish to be better informed about the rulings of the court by accessing apex court’s virtual proceedings live.
National & International Organizations
3. Airline Company GoAir rebrands itself as ‘Go First’
- Wadia Group-owned airline GoAir has rebranded itself as ‘Go First’ with the new motto ‘You Come First’
- Rebranding has been initiated after 15 years and it is a part of the company’s attempt to operate ULCC (ultra-low-cost carrier) airline model, to tide over the impact of COVID-19
- Go First will operate narrow-body aircraft across its fleet, comprising Airbus A320 and A320 Neos planes under ULCC
- This will ensure the safety, comfort and time-saving for the passengers
Banking & Finance
4. Govt to issue Sovereign Gold Bonds Scheme 2021-22
- Central Govt in consultation with RBI has decided to issue Sovereign Gold Bonds for 2021-22
- It will be issued in 6 tranches from 17th May to September 2021
- Sold through: Scheduled Commercial banks (except SFBs and Payment Banks), Stock Holding Corporation, designated post offices and recognized stock exchanges
- Minimum permissible investment: 1 gram gold
- Tenor: 8 years with exit after 5th year
- Interest Rate: 2.50% per annum payable semi-annually on the nominal value.
Obituaries
5. Veteran Assamese Journalist Homen Borgohain passes away in Guwahati
- Noted Assamese author and journalist Homen Borgohain (88 years) passed away in Guwahati due to COVID.
- He was associated with several newspapers and was most recently working as the editor in chief of Assamese daily Niyomiya Barta until his death.
- He was also the President of Assam Sahitya Sabha.
- Awards: Sahitya Akademi Award in 1978 for his novel ‘Pita Putra’.
- Work: Gadyar Sadhana, Manuh Huwar Gourov, Bisannata, Nisongota, Subala, Matshyagandhaa
National & International Organizations
6. World Bank reported India as largest recipient of remittances in 2020
- World Bank has released Migration and Development Brief report in which India has been declared as the largest recipient of remittances in 2020 with over $83 billion, which is a drop of 0.2% from 2019 (USD83.3 billion)
- India has been the largest recipient of remittances since 2008
- India is followed by China, Mexico, Philippines and Egypt
- Globally, the remittance flow was $540 billion in 2020, which is 1.9% lower as compared to that of 2019, when it was $548 billion
National & International Appointments
7. British Diplomat Martin Griffiths appointed new UN Humanitarian Chief
- British diplomat Martin Griffiths (69 years) has been appointed as the new Chief of United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), for five years.
- He will replace Mark Lowcock as the new Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator (USG/ERC) of OCHA.
- He is presently serving as the United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen.
- OCHA HQs is located at two places: New York and Geneva.
Summits & Conferences
8. India chairs 1st BRICS Employment Working Group (EWG) Meeting virtually
- First BRICS Employment Working Group (EWG) Meeting has been held virtually under the chairmanship of India, which has assumed BRICS Presidency in 2021
- Main issues during the meeting: Promoting Social Security Agreements, Formalization of labour markets, Participation of women in labour force, etc
- Apart from BRICS nation, representatives of ILO and International Social Security Agency (ISSA) also attended the meeting
- BRICS: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa
Obituaries
9. Former Table Tennis National Champion V Chandrasekar passes away
- National table tennis champion and former International paddler Venugopal Chandrasekar (63 years) passed away due to COVID-related complications
- He was popularly called as a pioneer of Table Tennis in India
- He was one of the most popular paddlers of his time, winning three national championships.
- He won the Arjuna Award in 1982.
- He helped India to progress to category I from II in 1983 Tokyo World Championships
- Chandra started to serve the game as Coach since 1984
Summits & Conferences
10. 4th India-Switzerland Financial Dialogue held virtually
- 4th edition of India-Swiss Financial Dialogue was held through video conferencing
- Indian delegation was led by Ajay Seth, Economic Affairs Secretary and Swiss delegation was led by Ms. Daniela Stoffel, State Secretary in International Finance, Switzerland.
- Focus: collaboration on various aspects like investments, IFSCA, National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), FinTech, sustainable finance and cross border financial services.
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