National News

India to Facilitate First-Ever Focused Working Group Discussions on Antarctic Tourism

• India will play a crucial role in leading the inaugural focused discussions on regulating Antarctic tourism at the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) and the 26th Meeting of the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP).
• Organized by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, alongside the Antarctic Treaty Secretariat, these meetings will be held in Kochi, Kerala, from May 20 to May 30, 2024.
• The event is expected to attract over 350 participants from nearly 40 countries.

State News

Assam’s DRIMS: Revolutionizing Disaster Management

• Assam has launched the Disaster Reporting and Information Management System (DRIMS) to significantly enhance its disaster management capabilities.
• This advanced digital platform, initiated by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), aims to streamline the reporting and assessment of damages caused by various disasters.
• It ensures the prompt disbursal of aid to those affected, thus improving the state's disaster response efficiency.

Defence News

CDS Gen Anil Chauhan Attends Exercise Cyber Suraksha – 2024

• Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Anil Chauhan emphasized the critical importance of strengthening India's cyber defence capabilities by attending the ‘Exercise Cyber Suraksha – 2024’ on May 22, 2024.
• Conducted by the Defence Cyber Agency from May 20 to May 24, 2024, this extensive cyber defence exercise aims to enhance collaboration and integration among military and national agencies, thereby advancing the nation’s cyber defence readiness.

Awards News

NTPC Shines at ATD BEST Awards 2024

• NTPC, a leading public sector company, achieved the third rank globally in the Talent Development category at the esteemed ATD BEST Awards 2024.
• The award ceremony took place in New Orleans, USA, on May 21, 2024. Ms. Rachana Singh Bhal, NTPC’s Chief General Manager of Strategic HR & Talent Management, accepted the award on behalf of the company, marking a significant achievement in talent development.

Important Days

Vesak 2024: Celebrating the Birth, Enlightenment, and Passing of the Buddha

• Vesak, also known as Buddha Purnima or Buddha Day, is the most sacred day for millions of Buddhists worldwide.
• This day commemorates three major events in the life of Gautama Buddha: his birth, his enlightenment, and his passing away (Parinirvana).
• Vesak is a time for reflection, devotion, and the celebration of the Buddha's teachings.