INTERNATIONAL NEWS
1. Canada’s first Hindu Foreign Minister:
Why in news?
Anita Anand sworn in as Canada’s first Hindu Foreign Minister
About her role and her contributions:
- Anita Anand is a Member of Parliament from Oakville East.
- Canada’s PM Mark Carney also appointed 3 more India-origin politicians as cabinet ministers:
- Maninder Sidhu has taken on role of Minister of International Trade.
- Ruby Sahota has been named Secretary of State for Combatting Crime.
- Lastly, Randeep Sarai bears the title of Secretary of State for International Development.
- All of them share their roots with Punjab.
NATIONAL NEWS
2. New Semiconductor Plant:
Why in news?
Centre approves ₹3,706 crore semiconductor plant near UP’s Jewar
About the launch of new semiconductor Plant:
- Information & Broadcasting minister Ashwini Vaishnav announced that the proposed plant will manufacture display driver chips for mobile phones, laptops, automobiles and other devices.
- This is a joint venture between HCL and Taiwan-based Foxconn.
- The unit is also set to create 2,000 jobs while producing 20,000 semiconductor wafers per month, with production expected to begin in 2027.
- The new semiconductor unit in Jewar will be one of six such facilities in India.
GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES
3. Government fixes date of Ayurveda Day:
Why in news?
Government fixes date of Ayurveda Day to be celebrated on September 23 every year
About the day and its importance:
- Ayurveda Day was earlier celebrated on Dhanteras, which is based on the Hindu lunar calendar.
- The date of Dhanteras fluctuates annually-ranging between 15th October and 12th November.
- 23rd September was unanimously selected based on both symbolic significance and practical benefits.
- It coincides with the autumnal equinox-a day when day and night are nearly equal.
GI PRODUCTS
4. GI Products , its category and state which belongs to:
- Murshidabad’s chhanabora – (Food item) – West Bengal
- Bishnupur’s motichur laddoo – (Food item) – West Bengal
- Ryndia silk – (Textile) – Meghalaya
- Khasi handloom – (Textile) – Meghalaya
- Nolen gurer sandesh – (Food item) – West Bengal
- Guavas of Baruipur – (Agriculture) – West Bengal
- Radhunipagal rice – (Agriculture) – West Bengal
- Malda’s nistari silk yarn – (Textile) – West Bengal
- Kamarpukur’s white bonde – (Food item) – West Bengal
- Amalsad chikoo – (Agriculture) – Gujarat
- Kumbakonam betel leaf – (Agriculture) – Tamil Nadu
- Thovalai flower garland – (Floral craft) – Tamil Nadu
- Warangal Chapata Chilli – (Agriculture) – Telangana
- Kannadippaya – (Handicraft) – Kerala
BOOKS & HONOURS
5. “A Coffee Table Book”:
Why in news?
A Coffee Table Book released in Kohima, Nagaland
Special features about this book:
- A Coffee Table Book titled “Transforming Lives: A Glance of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) Mission in Nagaland” was officially released by advisor of Municipal Affairs and Urban Development, Zhaleo Rio in Kohima
- The book highlights the impact of the PMAY-U scheme in the state.
IMPORTANT DAYS
6. International Museum Day:
Why in news?
International Museum Day is celebrated on May 18th
About the day and its importance:
- The primary goal to celebrate this day is to highlight museums as important resources for cultural exchange, enrichment, and fostering understanding.
- The day was established in 1977 by the International Council of Museums (ICOM) to raise awareness about the importance of museums and their role in society.
- The first celebration was held in 1978.
- Theme for year 2025: “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities”
7. World AIDS Vaccine Day:
Why in news?
World AIDS Vaccine Day is observed on May 18th
About the day and its importance:
- The day is also known as HIV Vaccine Awareness Day.
- The first World AIDS Vaccine Day was celebrated on May 18, 1998, to mark the anniversary of U.S. President Bill Clinton’s speech (May 18, 1997).
- In his speech Bill Clinton highlighted the urgent need for a preventive HIV vaccine in this speech, saying, “Only a truly effective, preventive HIV vaccine can limit and eventually eliminate the threat of AIDS