Daily Current Affairs May 16
Table of Contents
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May 16 | Daily Current Affairs 2024
Important Days – Daily Current Affairs May 16
1. What is the significance of May 16 in relation to the International Day of Light?
A) It marks the founding of UNESCO
B) It commemorates the first successful laser operation
C) It is the day the incandescent light bulb was invented
D) It celebrates the invention of fiber optics
E) It honors the contributions of Thomas Edison
Answer: B) It commemorates the first successful laser operation
Event and Location:
- Event: International Day of Light
- Location: Celebrated globally
Mandates and Objectives:
- Objective: Highlight the importance of light and its applications in various fields.
- Mandate: Proclaimed by UNESCO on November 24, 2017.
History of the International Day of Light:
Ancient Times:
- Egyptians, Greeks, and Chinese studied light phenomena like reflection and refraction.
Renaissance and Enlightenment:
- Significant advancements in optics by scholars like Leonardo da Vinci and Isaac Newton.
19th and 20th Centuries:
- Invention of the incandescent light bulb by Thomas Edison.
- Development of lasers and fiber optics.
Modern Era:
- Light-based technologies are crucial in fields like medicine, communications, and art.
Significance:
- Scientific Advancements: Recognizes contributions of scientists and engineers in light-based technologies.
- Cultural and Artistic Expression: Celebrates light as a symbol of creativity in art, photography, film, and architecture.
- Education and Outreach: Promotes education and awareness about the importance of light in science and technology.
- Sustainable Development: Highlights the role of light-based technologies in energy efficiency, solar power, and environmental monitoring.
Static GK Information:
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO):
- Founded Year: 1945
- Director-General: Audrey Azoulay
- Headquarters: Paris, France
Tabular Summary:
Key Details | Information |
Event | International Day of Light |
Location | Global |
Date of Celebration | May 16 |
Proclaimed By | UNESCO |
Date Proclaimed | November 24, 2017 |
Reason for May 16 Date | Commemorates the first successful laser operation by Theodore Maiman in 1960 |
Historical Context | Ancient civilisations’ study of light, Renaissance advancements by Leonardo da Vinci and Isaac Newton, 19th and 20th centuries’ innovations by Thomas Edison and others |
Significance | Recognizes scientific advancements, Celebrates cultural and artistic contributions, Promotes education and outreach, Highlights role in sustainable development |
Sports – Daily Current Affairs May 16
2. When did Sunil Chhetri announce his retirement from international football?
A) After the FIFA World Cup 2022
B) After the FIFA World Cup 2026
C) After the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier against Kuwait
D) After the AFC Asian Cup
E) After the ISL 2026 season
Answer: C) After the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier against Kuwait
Event and Location:
- Event: Retirement announcement of Sunil Chhetri from international football
- Location: Announced via a video message on social media platform X
Mandates and Objectives:
- Objective: Sunil Chhetri’s decision to retire after the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier against Kuwait.
- Mandate: Announced on June 6.
Details of the Announcement:
- Retirement Date: After the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier against Kuwait on June 6.
- Platform: Social media platform X
- Career Span: 20 years
- Matches Played for India: 145 caps
- Goals Scored: 94 goals
Significance:
- Duty, Pressure, and Joy: Chhetri reflected on his career as a mix of duty, pressure, and immense joy.
- Strange Feeling: He felt strange reviewing his career accomplishments.
- Enjoyment: Intends to enjoy the remaining time with the national team.
- Next Generation: Hinted at giving opportunities to the next generation of Indian strikers.
Static GK Information:
Sunil Chhetri:
- Age: 39 years
- National Team Caps: 145
- Goals Scored: 94
- Career Span: 20 years
Indian National Football Team:
- Founded Year: 1937
- Head Coach: Igor Štimac
- Home Stadium: Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata, India
Tabular Summary:
Key Details | Information |
Event | Sunil Chhetri announces international retirement |
Location | Announced via social media platform X |
Retirement Date | After FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier against Kuwait |
Date of Qualifier | June 6 |
Career Span | 20 years |
Matches Played for India | 145 caps |
Goals Scored | 94 goals |
Significance of Announcement | Reflection on career, enjoyment of remaining games, next generation opportunities |
Quotes | Duty, pressure, and immense joy, Enjoying training and games, Importance of the match against Kuwait |
Obituary – Daily Current Affairs May 16
3. Which position did Kamla Beniwal NOT hold during her political career?
A) Governor of Gujarat
B) Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan
C) Speaker of Rajasthan Assembly
D) Governor of Mizoram
E) Governor of Tripura
Answer: C) Speaker of Rajasthan Assembly
Event and Location:
- Event: Death of Veteran Congress Leader Kamla Beniwal
- Location: Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Mandates and Objectives:
- Objective: Announcement of Kamla Beniwal’s death and her contributions to Indian politics.
- Mandate: Various political roles held by Beniwal throughout her career.
Career Highlights:
- Political Party: Indian National Congress
Positions Held:
- Governor of Gujarat: Served as the governor of Gujarat.
- Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan: Held the position of Deputy Chief Minister in Rajasthan.
- Governor of Mizoram: Served as the governor of Mizoram.
- Governor of Tripura: Served as the governor of Tripura.
- MLA: Elected seven times as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in Rajasthan.
- Committee Roles: Chairperson and member of various committees in the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly.
Significance:
- Contributions: Notable contributions in Indian politics, administration, and governance.
- Legacy: Left a legacy of commitment, loyalty, and exemplary work in politics and governance.
Static GK Information:
Indian National Congress:
- Founded Year: 1885
- Current President: Mallikarjun Kharge
- Headquarters: 24 Akbar Road, New Delhi, India
Tabular Summary:
Key Details | Information |
Event | Death of Kamla Beniwal |
Location | Jaipur, Rajasthan, India |
Age at Death | 97 |
Political Party | Indian National Congress |
Positions Held | Governor of Gujarat, Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Governor of Mizoram, Governor of Tripura, Seven-time MLA in Rajasthan |
Condolences Expressed By | Kalraj Mishra, Bhajanlal Sharma, Ashok Gehlot, Vasudev Devnani |
Significance of Contributions | Exemplary work in politics, administration, and governance |
Banking and Finance – Daily Current Affairs May 16
4. Who attended the event as the chief guest during PhonePe’s announcement of its UPI collaboration with LankaPay in Sri Lanka?
A) Nandalal Weerasinghe
B) Santosh Jha
C) Channa de Silva
D) Ritesh Pai
E) Shashi Kandambi
Answer: B) Santosh Jha
Event and Location:
- Event: PhonePe’s launch of UPI in Sri Lanka
- Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Mandates and Objectives:
- Objective: Enable UPI payment acceptance across LankaQR merchant points.
- Mandate: Partnership between PhonePe and LankaPay announced on May 15.
Details of the Collaboration:
- Announcement Date: May 15
- Partners: PhonePe and LankaPay
- Key Feature: Indian tourists can now use UPI for payments at LankaQR merchants nationwide.
Significance:
- Convenience for Indian Tourists: Seamless and secure payment options using UPI in Sri Lanka.
- Fintech Connectivity: Enhances bilateral relations between India and Sri Lanka.
- Support for Digital Initiatives: Aids in the development of Sri Lanka’s Unique Digital Identity Program and other digital projects.
Static GK Information:
PhonePe:
- Founded Year: 2015
- CEO: Sameer Nigam
- Headquarters: Bangalore, India
LankaPay:
- Founded Year: 2013
- CEO: Channa de Silva
- Headquarters: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Tabular Summary:
Key Details | Information |
Event | Launch of UPI by PhonePe in Sri Lanka |
Location | Colombo, Sri Lanka |
Announcement Date | May 15 |
Chief Guest | Santosh Jha, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka |
Partners | PhonePe and LankaPay |
Key Feature | UPI payment acceptance at LankaQR merchants |
Significance for Tourists | Seamless and secure payments using UPI |
Business and Economy – Daily Current Affairs May 16
5. What is the new deadline for LIC to achieve the minimum 10% public shareholding requirement as granted by SEBI?
A) May 16, 2024
B) May 16, 2025
C) May 16, 2026
D) May 16, 2027
E) May 16, 2028
Answer: D) May 16, 2027
Event and Location:
- Event: Extension of deadline for LIC to achieve 10% public shareholding
- Location: India
Mandates and Objectives:
- Objective: SEBI mandates listed companies to maintain a minimum public shareholding of 10%.
- Mandate: LIC, listed in May 2023, originally had until May 16, 2024, to comply. The new deadline is May 16, 2027.
Important Terms Explained:
- Public Shareholding Requirement: A SEBI regulation requiring a minimum of 10% of a listed company’s shares to be held by the public.
- Disinvestment: The process of selling off government stakes in a public enterprise to private investors.
Impact on Stakeholders:
For LIC Investors:
- Increased Liquidity: The extended timeframe may lead to increased liquidity once disinvestment begins.
- Long-Term Performance: Investors can focus on LIC’s long-term performance and growth.
For the Market:
- Reduced Volatility: The extension helps mitigate potential market volatility due to large-scale sell-offs.
- Fundamental Focus: Encourages market to focus on LIC’s financial health and growth.
For LIC:
- Strategic Planning: More time for LIC to plan and execute a strategic disinvestment.
- Core Business Focus: Allows LIC to concentrate on its primary insurance business.
Static GK Information:
Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC):
- Founded Year: 1956
- Chairman: Siddhartha Mohanty
- Headquarters: Mumbai, India
Tabular Summary:
Key Details | Information |
Event | Extension of deadline for 10% public shareholding |
Location | India |
Original Deadline | May 16, 2024 |
New Deadline | May 16, 2027 |
Reason for Extension | Market conditions, finding the right investor, minimizing market impact |
Implications for Investors | Potential increased liquidity, focus on long-term performance |
Implications for Market | Reduced short-term volatility, focus on fundamentals |
Implications for LIC | More time for strategic planning, focus on core business |
Appointments – Daily Current Affairs May 16
6. Who has been named NASA’s first Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer?
A) Bill Nelson
B) Kate Calvin
C) David Salvagnini
D) James Webb
E) Joe Biden
Answer: C) David Salvagnini
Event and Location:
- Event: Appointment of NASA’s first Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer
- Location: NASA Headquarters
Mandates and Objectives:
- Objective: To guide NASA’s responsible use of AI in missions and research.
- Mandate: In alignment with President Biden’s Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence.
Details of the Appointment:
- Appointed By: NASA Administrator Bill Nelson
- Appointee: David Salvagnini
- Previous Role: Chief Data Officer at NASA
- New Role: Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer
Responsibilities:
- Aligning strategic vision and planning for AI usage across NASA.
- Supporting development and risk management of AI tools, platforms, and training.
- Continuing collaboration with government agencies, academic institutions, and industry partners.
Significance:
- Historical Usage: NASA has utilized AI for decades in supporting missions, research projects, and developing autonomous systems.
- Acceleration of Discovery: AI can accelerate the pace of discovery in space exploration and Earth sciences.
- Collaborative Efforts: Ensures NASA remains at the forefront of AI technology and its responsible use.
Background of Appointee:
- Joined NASA: June 2023
Previous Experience:
- 20+ years in technology leadership in the intelligence community.
- Director of the architecture and integration group and chief architect at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
- Served in the Air Force for 21 years, retiring as a communications and computer systems officer in May 2005.
Static GK Information:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA):
- Founded Year: 1958
- Administrator: Bill Nelson
- Headquarters: Washington, D.C., USA
Tabular Summary:
Key Details | Information |
Event | Appointment of NASA’s first Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer |
Location | NASA Headquarters |
Appointed By | NASA Administrator Bill Nelson |
New Appointee | David Salvagnini |
Previous Role | Chief Data Officer at NASA |
New Role Responsibilities | Align strategic vision for AI usage across NASA, Support development and risk management of AI tools, platforms, and training, Continue collaboration with external partners |
Significance | AI’s role in accelerating discovery, Ensuring NASA’s leadership in responsible AI use |
Awards – Daily Current Affairs May 16
7. What is the highest honour given by the Sahitya Akademi, which was awarded to Ruskin Bond?
A) Sahitya Akademi Award
B) Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar
C) Sahitya Akademi Translation Prize
D) Sahitya Akademi Fellowship
E) Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar
Answer: D) Sahitya Akademi Fellowship
Event and Location:
- Event: Ruskin Bond awarded the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship
- Location: Mussoorie, India
Mandates and Objectives:
- Objective: Recognize Ruskin Bond’s contributions to literature
- Mandate: Award presented by Sahitya Akademi president Madhav Kaushik and Sahitya Akademi secretary K. Sreenivasarao
Details of the Award:
- Award: Sahitya Akademi Fellowship
- Significance: Highest literary honour given by the Sahitya Akademi
About Ruskin Bond:
- Date of Birth: May 19, 1934
- Place of Birth: Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh
- Literary Career: Active for over 50 years
- Genres: Fiction, non-fiction, romance, children’s literature, essays, and stories
Notable Works:
- Novels and Short Stories: Vagrants in the Valley, Once Upon a Monsoon Time, Angry River, Strangers in the Night, All Roads Lead to Ganga, Tales of Fosterganj, Leopard on the Mountain, Too Much Trouble
Adaptations:
- Film: 1978 Hindi film Junoon based on A Flight of Pigeons
- TV Series: Ek Tha Rusty on Doordarshan
- School Curriculum: Stories like The Night Train at Deoli, Time Stops at Shamli, Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra
- Film Adaptations: The Blue Umbrella (2005), 7 Khoon Maaf (2011) based on Susanna’s Seven Husbands
Other Honors:
- Padma Shri: 1999
- Padma Bhushan: 2019
- Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar: 2012
Static GK Information:
Sahitya Akademi:
- Founded Year: 1954
- Current President: Madhav Kaushik
- Headquarters: New Delhi, India
Tabular Summary:
Key Details | Information |
Event | Awarding of Sahitya Akademi Fellowship to Ruskin Bond |
Location | Mussoorie, India |
Date of Birth of Ruskin Bond | May 19, 1934 |
Place of Birth | Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh |
Award Presented By | Madhav Kaushik and K. Sreenivasarao |
Significance of Award | Highest literary honour by Sahitya Akademi |
Literary Career | Over 50 years |
Defence – Daily Current Affairs May 16
8. What is the main purpose of the BHISHM portable cubes tested by the Indian Air Force?
A) To provide mobile communication units
B) To offer educational services
C) To deliver rapid and comprehensive medical aid during emergencies
D) To facilitate food distribution
E) To serve as temporary housing units
Answer: C) To deliver rapid and comprehensive medical aid during emergencies
Event and Location:
- Event: Testing of BHISHM portable hospital for airdrop
- Location: Agra, India
Mandates and Objectives:
- Objective: To test and ensure the deployability of BHISHM portable hospitals for emergency situations.
- Mandate: Part of “Project BHISHM” Bharat health initiative for Sahyog, Hita, and Maitri.
Details of the Test:
- Tested By: Indian Air Force
- Purpose: Deployment of portable hospitals to handle emergencies anywhere.
Features of BHISHM Portable Hospital:
Capabilities:
- Treat up to 200 casualties.
- Equipped with innovative tools for disaster response.
- Integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics for real-time monitoring and efficient management.
- Components: 72 transportable parts that can be carried by hand, cycle, or drone.
- Deployment Time: Can be set up within 12 minutes.
- Design: Robust, waterproof, lightweight, and suitable for various configurations.
Past Deployment:
- Event: Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya on January 22.
- Purpose: Enhance medical preparedness and response capabilities.
Significance:
- Emergency Response: Provides immediate and comprehensive medical aid during mass casualty incidents.
- Flexibility: Designed for rapid deployment in diverse emergency scenarios, ensuring prompt medical assistance.
Static GK Information:
Indian Air Force:
- Founded Year: 1932
- Chief of Air Staff: Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari
- Headquarters: New Delhi, India
Tabular Summary:
Key Details | Information |
Event | Testing of BHISHM portable hospital for airdrop |
Location | Agra, India |
Tested By | Indian Air Force |
Capabilities | Treat up to 200 casualties, Equipped with AI and data analytics, Real-time monitoring and management |
Components | 72 transportable parts |
Deployment Time | Within 12 minutes |
Design | Robust, waterproof, lightweight |
National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs May 16
9. What event was commemorated by the release of the Rs 250 coin by Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane?
A) The 200th anniversary of MDL
B) The launch of the midget submarine Arowana
C) The commissioning of the Solar Electric Hybrid boat
D) The 250th anniversary of Mazagon Dock Limited
E) The launch of the Fuel Cell Electric Ferry SUCHI
Answer: D) The 250th anniversary of Mazagon Dock Limited
Event and Location:
- Event: Release of a commemorative Rs 250 coin
- Location: New Delhi, India
- Occasion: 250th anniversary of Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL)
Mandates and Objectives:
- Objective: To commemorate the 250th anniversary of MDL
- Mandate: Organized by MDL with Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane as the chief guest
Details about MDL:
- Foundation Year: 1774, started as a dry dock in Mazagon, Mumbai
- Incorporation: 1934 as a private limited company, nationalized in 1960
- Status: Mini-Ratna 1 status since 2006
- Specialty: Premier naval shipyard building warships, submarines for the Indian Navy, and other vessels
Recent Achievements of MDL:
- Midget Submarine Arowana: Launched platform design and hull, aimed at developing a full-fledged submarine by 2028
- Solar Electric Hybrid Boat: Commissioned, developed in partnership with private companies
- Fuel Cell Electric Ferry SUCHI: Zero-pollution vessel with low acoustic signatures
Commemorative Coins in India: - Issuance Authority: Government of India under the Coinage Act 1906 (last amended in 2011)
- Circulation Responsibility: RBI circulates minted coins through banks
- First Commemorative Coin: Issued in 1964 to commemorate Jawaharlal Nehru’s birth anniversary
Minting Locations:
- Cities: Mumbai, Alipore (Kolkata), Hyderabad, NOIDA (UP)
Static GK Information:
Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL):
- Founded Year: 1774
- Status: Mini-Ratna 1
- Headquarters: Mumbai, India
Tabular Summary:
Key Details | Information |
Event | Release of commemorative Rs 250 coin |
Location | New Delhi, India |
Occasion | 250th anniversary of Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) |
Chief Guest | Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane |
MDL Foundation Year | 1774 |
MDL Nationalization Year | 1960 |
MDL Status | Mini-Ratna 1 since 2006 |
Specialty of MDL | Building warships and submarines for Indian Navy |
First Commemorative Coin | 1964, Jawaharlal Nehru’s birth anniversary |
Minting Locations | Mumbai, Alipore (Kolkata), Hyderabad, NOIDA (UP) |
Over All Review
Important Days
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Sports
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Obituary
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Banking and Finance
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Business And Economy
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Appointments
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Awards
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Defence
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National Affairs
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