1. What is the primary objective of the PM-WANI scheme, recently seen in news? – To provide affordable and high-speed internet connectivity to rural and remote areas
Public Wi-Fi hotspots under the Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) scheme are nearing 200,000 in India.
Launched in December 2020 by the Department of Telecommunications, PM-WANI aims to provide affordable, high-speed internet in rural and remote areas.
The scheme establishes a public Wi-Fi network using Wi-Fi Access Points set up by Public Data Offices (PDOs), which operate on an open-architecture system, enabling multiple service providers to offer internet services.
International Affairs
2. The President of the United Arab Emirates presented the First Class IndependenceMedal to the Ambassador of which country? – Paraguay
The President of the United Arab Emirates conferred the First Class Independence Medal to Paraguayan Ambassador Jose Aguero Avila on the occasion of the completion of his tenure as ambassador to the country.
Paraguay is a landlocked country in South America.
3. Which country recently announced compensation to 3000 people who died due to infected blood scandal? – Britain
Recently, a report was released on the infected blood scandal of Britain.
According to the report, more than 3000 thousand people died in 1970-80 due to infection with HIV virus and hepatitis and inflammation of the liver through transfusions of contaminated blood to thousands of people.
After which British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced compensation for infectious blood victims.
Sports
4. Which country will host the AFC Women’s Asia Cup 2026? – Australia
General To Lam was elected president of Vietnam by the National Assembly on May 22, 2024, succeeding Vo Van Thuong who resigned amid a corruption crackdown.
To Lam, previously the public security minister since 2016, led the anti-corruption campaign known as “blazing furnace.”
The Communist Party member will serve until 2026.
The National Assembly, with 500 members, elects the president and vice president every five years.
Awards & Honours
8. Which Indian-origin professor was recently awarded the prestigious Shaw Prize in Astronomy? – Srinivas R. Kulkarni
For his outstanding contributions in the field of astronomy, Indian-origin professor Srinivas R. Kulkarni has been awarded the prestigious Shaw Prize in Astronomy for 2024.
Currently he is working as a professor at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech).
He completed his Ph.D. He did his M.A. from the University of California in 1983.
Shaw Prize is an important award given in the field of astronomy.
Organisations & Institutes
9. Which organization recently published the report titled ‘Global Land Outlook Thematic Report on Rangelands and Pastoralists’? – United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) report, “Global Land Outlook Thematic Report on Rangelands and Pastoralists,” warns of the silent demise of rangelands, which cover half of Earth’s land surface.
These vital grasslands, including prairies, shrublands, and tundras, are degraded by conversion to cropland, urban expansion, overgrazing, and policies promoting overexploitation, driven by rising demands for food, fiber, and fuel.
10. Recently, which organization released the ‘Water for Shared Prosperity’ report? – World Bank
Biodiversity, essential for human well-being, was first coined by Walter G. Rosen in 1985.
It faces threats like habitat loss, pollution, and climate change, leading to species extinction and ecosystem degradation.
The 2024 International Day of Biodiversity on May 22 highlights the theme “Be Part of the Plan,” urging collective action to reverse biodiversity loss and support the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
State Current Affairs
12. Recently, which state government has reserved 33% of government contract jobs for women? – Karnataka
The Karnataka government mandates a 33% reservation for women in outsourced government services and posts, aligning with the existing quota policy for permanent positions.
This reservation is within the stipulated quota for SC/ST and other backward communities, ensuring women’s representation in outsourced jobs across various government departments and organizations.
13. In which state has a rare plant named Lushiorum been discovered? – Mizoram
