Current Affairs May – 8 – World Red Cross Day is observed on 8th May

NATIONAL

Two Indian warships visit Egyptian port city:

    Two Indian warships have visited Egypt as part of Indian Navy’s overseas deployment to the Mediterranean Sea and the west coast of Africa. INS Mumbai and INS Aditya, part of Indian Navy’s Western Naval Command based in Mumbai, arrived in the port city on May 5.
For enhancing co-operation and understanding between the two countries.

PM Modi addresses Indian heads of mission meet:

   Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed an Indian heads of mission meet in New Delhi, which is brainstorming key foreign policy issues and challenges including India’s engagement with major powers as well as strain in ties with Pakistan and China.

Odisha to introduce boat ambulances in four districts:

    Odisha will introduce boat ambulance service in four districts where people face difficulties in getting health service. The boat ambulance service will be available in the districts of Koraput, Malkangiri, Kendrapara and Kalahandi where people face problems in availing 108 ambulance service due to intervening large water bodies. This is part of an MoU signed between the State Government and the Ziquitza Health Care.

Egypt to mark Tagore’s birth anniversary:

    A five day cultural festival is being organized in Cairo to mark the 155th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore. The Embassy of India in Cairo and Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture is hosting the festival from May 8 to 12.

INTERNATIONAL

Jordan, US launch major military exercises:

    Jordan and the United States kicked off “Eager Lion” military exercises, the seventh so far are the largest and most complex with about 7,400 troops from more than 20 nations taking part.

It would include border security, cyber defence, and “command and control” exercises, to bolster coordination in response to threats including terrorism.

China proposes four-point initiative to improve ties with India:

    China has proposed a four-point initiative to overcome differences and deepen relations with India which includes aligning its ‘One Belt One Road’ project with India’s Act East Policy and restart negotiations on a free trade pact.

Firstly, start negotiation on a China-India Treaty of Good Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation. Secondly, restart negotiation of China-India Free Trade Agreement. Thirdly, strive for an early harvest on the border issue. Fourthly, actively explore the feasibility of aligning China’s ‘One Belt One Road Initiative’ (OBOR) and India’s Act East Policy.

APPOINTMENTS

Emmanuel Macron vows unity after winning French presidential election:

  Pro European centrist leader Emmanuel Macron has been elected as President of France. Thirty-nine-year old former investment banker, who has never held elected office, becomes the youngest President and occupant of the Élysée Palace.

Mr Macron will also become the first President from outside the two traditional main parties since the modern republic’s foundation in 1958.

Sunil Mehta assumes charge as MD & CEO of PNB:

     Sunil Mehta, who was recently appointed as Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of Punjab National Bank (PNB), has assumed charge of his post at this public sector bank. Prior to this appointment, Mehta was Executive Director of Corporation Bank since January 22, 2016.

AWARDS

Sachin Tendulkar awarded Asian Awards Fellowship:

    The Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar was awarded The Fellowship Award at the Asian Awards in London.

The former cricketer has become only the fourth person ever to receive The Fellowship Award since the inception of these awards seven years ago. They are late Ravi Shankar, Sir Ben Kingsley and Jackie Chan for the award.

3 Indian scientists elected fellows of Royal Society:

    Three Indian-origin scientists known for their expertise in genetics, computers and ecology have been elected fellows of the Royal Society, the world’s oldest scientific academy in continuous existence.

The three Indian-origin scientists are Krishna Chatterjee (University of Cambridge), Yadvinder Malhi (University of Oxford) and Subhash Khot (New York University).

Historic Events of the Day

World Red Cross Day is observed on 8th May:

    World Red Cross day means 8th of May is celebrated every year as the birthday anniversary of founder of the Red Cross. Henry Dunant was the founder of the Red Cross as well as the founder of International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

SPORTS

Asian athletics logo launched:

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik unveiled the logo and mascot of the Asian athletics championship, to be held in July. The mascot ‘Olly the turtle’ has been created to spread awareness about the endangered Olive Ridley turtle. Former athletes Anju Bobby George and P.T. Usha also graced the occasion.

OBITUARY

Maruti Suzuki independent director Amal Ganguli passes away:

    Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) said one of its independent directors Amal Ganguli 79, passed away after a prolonged illness. A former Price Waterhouse executive, Ganguli was also on board of various other companies including AVTEC Ltd and HCL Technologies.