INTERNATIONAL NEWS
1. New Pope Was elected:
Why in news?
American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost elected new Pope
About New Pope and his Contributions to the society:
- Robert Francis Prevost became the first pope from the United States
- He picked up the papal name Leo XIV after cardinals from around the world elected him leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.
NATIONAL NEWS
2. 10th International Trade Fair:
Why in news?
10th International Trade Fair begins in Nepal
Aim of conducting this fair:
- The fair was inaugurated in Bhrikutimandap by the Commerce Minister of Nepal, Damodar Bhandari.
- The five-day-long fair has 120 pavilions of Nepal, China, Ukraine, Bangladesh and Turkey.
- The trade fair aims to provide a platform for business-to-business connections for an international market
ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS
3. Highest Snow Leopard density:
Why in news?
Ladakh records world’s highest Snow Leopard density
About success rate in this initiative:
- With nearly 68 per cent of India’s population, Ladakh is home to the highest recorded density of snow leopards in the world.
- A recent landmark study has revealed that Ladakh is home to 477 snow leopards.
- Scientific name: Panthera uncia
- IUCN Red List status: Vulnerable
IMPORTANT CONFERENCE
4. United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF20):
Why in news?
United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF20) held in New York
About the importance of this forum:
- Indian delegation was led by Sushil Kumar Awasthi, Director General of Forests, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India at 20th session of UNFF.
- India reported a consistent increase in forest and tree cover, now encompassing 25.17% of its geographical area as per the latest India State of Forest Report.
5. World Bank Land Conference 2025:
Why in news?
World Bank Land Conference 2025 concludes in Washington DC
About the aim of conducting this Land conference:
- In conference (5 to 8 May 2025), India assumed the role of a Country Champion under the leadership of Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
- During the conference, global attention was drawn towards India’s flagship initiatives like SVAMITVA Scheme and Gram Manchitra platform, as models of inclusive, technology-driven rural governance.
- The SVAMITVA Scheme aims to drive the economic transformation of rural India by providing property owners in village Abadi areas with a “Record of Rights.”
- Gram Manchitra is a GIS-based platform designed to empower rural governance and planning.
- It integrates geospatial data with existing schemes to provide visual insights for effective decision-making at the grassroots level.
GOVERNMENT SCHEMES
6. Pandit Lakhmi Chand Kalakar Samajik Samman Yojana”:
Why in news?
Haryana government launches new scheme titled “Pandit Lakhmi Chand Kalakar Samajik Samman Yojana”
Aim of launching this yojana:
- The scheme has been launched to provide financial assistance to the art scholars who are now senior citizens in the Haryana state.
- Under the scheme, eligible senior artists, above 60 years of age, will receive a monthly honorarium of 10,000 as financial support from the government.
7. ‘Sanchari Cauvery’ tanker delivery scheme:
Why in news?
Karnataka launches ‘Sanchari Cauvery’ tanker delivery scheme
About aim of launching this scheme:
- Deputy CM DK Shivakumar launched ‘Sanchari Cauvery’ scheme, which is a GPS-tracked water tanker delivery system with affordable pricing.
- BIS-certified Cauvery water will be delivered at doorstep of citizens after booking via a new mobile app.
- The scheme comes at a time when concerns over groundwater depletion and the so-called “tanker mafia” are mounting across Bengaluru.