Government of Tamil Nadu

Department of Employment and Training

Course : Current Affairs- May 2024

Subject : Current Affairs- May 2024

Medium : English

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 CONTENTS

HISTORY
Page No 01

POLITICAL
SCIENCE
Page No 09

GEOGRAPHY
Page No 13

ECONOMICS
Page No 15
 SCIENCE
Page No 18

NATIONAL–DIARY
OF EVENT
Page No 20

INTERNATIONAL
AFFAIRS
Page No 23

TAMILNADU
AFFAIRS
Page No 24
 1. HISTORY
1.1 IMPORTANT DAYS
May 1 - May Day
▪ May 1 is observed as “May Day”, also known as “International Workers’ Day” and “Labour
Day” every year in different countries across the world.
▪ The day commemorates the contributions of workers and the labour movement.
▪ The day was first celebrated on May 1, 1923 by Singaravelar in India.
May 3 - International Leopard Day
▪ International Leopard Day is observed on May 3 every year to raise awareness about leopards and
their protection and conservation.
▪ India's leopard population is estimated at 13,874.
▪ Madhya Pradesh houses the largest population of leopards (3907)
▪ Tamil Nadu has 1,070 leopards.
May 3 - World Press Freedom Day
▪ World Press Freedom Day is observed annually on May 3 every year to honour and uphold the
fundamental principles of press freedom.
▪ Theme 2024: A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis.
▪ The day was first proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1993.
May 5 - African World Heritage Day
▪ African World Heritage Day is annually observed on 5 May every year to celebrate African culture
and heritage.
▪ Theme 2024: Safeguarding Africa’s Heritage through Education
▪ The day is observed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) in collaboration with the African World Heritage Fund (AWHF).
May 8- World Red Cross Day
▪ World Red Cross Day is observed every year on May 8th to commemorate the birth anniversary
of Henry Dunant
▪ He is the founder of the Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
▪ Theme 2024: “I give with joy, and the joy I give is a reward.”
May 8 - International Thalassaemia Day
▪ International Thalassaemia Day is observed on May 8 every year to bring awareness to people
about the disease.
▪ Theme 2024 : ”Empowering Lives, Embracing Progress: Equitable and Accessible Thalassaemia
Treatment for All.”
Note: National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission aims to eliminate sickle cell genetic
transmission by the year 2047
Current Affairs, May - 2024

May 11 - National technology day

▪ India observes National Technology Day on May 11 every year to commemorate the successful
nuclear test at Pokhran in 1998.
▪ Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee designated May 11 as National Technology Day in
India in 1998.
▪ It was celebrated by the first time in 1999.
Note
▪ India’s first nuclear test - Smiling Buddha (May 1974)
▪ Second Nuclear Test – Operation Shakti (May 1998)

May 12 - International Nurses Day

▪ International Nurses Day is observed every year on May 12 to honour the birth anniversary of
Florence Nightingale.
▪ The day was first observed by the International Council of Nurses on 12 May 1974.
▪ Theme for 2024 : Our Nurses. Our Future. The economic power of care.

May 12 - International Day of Plant Health

▪ The International Day of Plant Health is observed on May 12 every year to raise global awareness
on the importance of protecting plant health.
▪ The day was established in 2022 by the United Nations.
▪ Theme 2024 : ‘Plant Health, Safe Trade, Digital Technology.’

May 13 - World Migratory Bird Day

▪ World Migratory Bird Day is observed on May 13 every year to raise awareness about the
importance of migratory birds and their conservation.
▪ The day was observed for the first time in 2006.
▪ Theme 2024 : Protect Insects, Protect Birds.

May 15 - International Day of Families

▪ The International Day of Families is observed on May 15 every year to celebrate the importance
of families and their role in society.
▪ Theme 2024 : ‘Families and Climate Change.‘
▪ The day was observed for the first time in 1994

May 16 - International Day of Light

▪ The International Day of Light is observed annually on May 16.
▪ The day commemorates the first successful operation of the laser by Theodore Maiman in 1960.
▪ The day was established by UNESCO.
▪ Theme 2024 : Light in Our Lives

2
 HISTORY

May 16 - National Dengue Day

▪ National Dengue Day is observed on May 16 every year to spread awareness about Dengue.
▪ The day is observed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH & FW).
▪ Theme 2024 : “Connect with Community, Control Dengue.”
Note
▪ Dengue is a viral disease.
▪ It is caused by the bite of infected female Aedes aegypti mosquito.

May 17 - National Endangered Species Day

▪ National Endangered Species Day is observed on the third Friday in month of May every year to
create awareness about the conservation of the endangered species.
▪ In 2024, the day is observed on May 17.
▪ Theme 2024 : Celebrate Saving Species.
Note
▪ Top three endangered species in India are
• Asian Elephant
• Ganges River Dolphin
• One horned Rhinoceros

May 20 - World Bee Day

▪ World Bee Day is observed on May 20 every year.
▪ The day marks the birth anniversary of Anton Janša.
▪ He is considered to be one of the fathers of modern beekeeping.
▪ Theme 2024 : “Bee Engaged with Youth”

May 22 - International Day for Biological Diversity

▪ International Day for Biological Diversity is observed on May 22 every year.
▪ The day commemorates the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Earth
Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992.
▪ Theme 2024 : Be Part of the Plan

May 23 - World Turtle Day

▪ It is celebrated every year on May 23 to highlight the importance of protecting turtles and their
habitats.
▪ It was first observed in 2000.
Note
▪ National Marine Turtle Action Plan – January 2021.
▪ There are five species of turtles in India - Olive Ridley, Green turtle, Loggerhead, Hawksbill,
Leatherback.
▪ They are protected in India under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

May 24 - World Schizophrenia Day

▪ World Schizophrenia Day is observed on 24 May every year to raise awareness about the disease.
▪ The day is observed to honour Dr. Phillipe Pinel from France.

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Current Affairs, May - 2024

May 25 - World Thyroid Awareness Day

▪ The day is observed on 25 May every year to raise awareness about thyroid diseases.
▪ Theme 2024: Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
▪ The day commemorates the founding of the European Thyroid Association.

May 28- World Menstrual Hygiene Day

▪ It is observed on May 28 every year to raise awareness and promote good menstrual hygiene
management (MHM) practices worldwide.
▪ Theme 2024: Together for a Period Friendly World.
Note
▪ According to National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) 27% of young rural women and 10% of
young urban women resort to unhygienic methods during menstruation.

May 29 - International Everest Day

▪ It is observed on May 29 every year.
▪ The day commemorates the scaling of Mount Everest by Tenzing Norgay from Nepal and Edmund
Hillary from New Zealand.
▪ The day was first observed in 2008 when Edmund Hillary passed away.

May 29 - International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers

▪ The day is celebrated annually on May 29 every year.
▪ The day honours the establishment of the UN’s first peacekeeping mission called United Nations
Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) which was deployed in 1948.
▪ Theme 2024 : Fit for the future, building better together
About UN Peacekeeping
▪ Formation – 1945
▪ Commander-in-chief - António Guterres

May 31 - World No Tobacco Day

▪ World No-Tobacco Day is observed on May 31 every year to raise awareness about the dangers of
tobacco consumption and promote tobacco control measures.
▪ Theme 2024: “Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference”
▪ The day was first observed in 1987 by the World Health Organisation (WHO)
▪ As per WHO, tobacco use is a major cause of death and disease in India, responsible for an
estimated 1.35 million deaths annually.

4
 HISTORY

1.2 DEFENCE, NATIONAL SECURITY AND TERRORISM

Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system
▪ SMART system was successfully flight-tested from Dr.APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of
Odisha.
▪ It was designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
▪ It is a Next-generation missile-based light-weight torpedo delivery system.
Exercise Shakti
▪ The 7th edition of India- France Joint Military Exercise SHAKTI commenced at Umroi in Meghalaya.
▪ Exercise SHAKTI is a biennial training event conducted alternatively in India and France.
▪ First edition - 2011.
About France
• Capital – Paris
• President - Emmanuel Macron
• Prime Minister - Gabriel Attal
• Currency - Euro

1.3 WORLD SUMMITS AND ORGANISATION

First International Conference on DPI
▪ The first United Nations Conference on Digital Public Infrastructure was held in New York under
India’s leadership.
▪ The session was hosted by the Permanent Mission of India and the Ministry of Electronics and
Information Technology, in collaboration with iSPIRT (Indian Software Products Industry
Round Table)
▪ The conference introduced India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) framework as a global
standard.
Note
▪ Digital public infrastructure (DPI) refers to blocks or platforms such as digital identification,
payment infrastructure and data exchange solutions

World Hydrogen Summit 2024

▪ World Hydrogen Summit 2024 was recently held in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
▪ The summit was organised by Sustainable Energy Council in partnership with Netherlands
government.
▪ India has set up its pavilion at the summit for the first time.
▪ The pavilion was set up by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy.

5
Current Affairs, May - 2024

Note
▪ National Green Hydrogen Mission - January 2023.
▪ India aims to achieve a green hydrogen production capacity of 5 MMT (Million Metric Tonnes)
by 2030.
▪ Guidelines for use of Green Hydrogen in steel, transport / mobility and shipping sectors.
▪ Hydrogen Valley Innovation Clusters to foster promote Green Hydrogen ecosystem
New member of ISA
▪ Spain has officially become the 99th member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
About ISA
• Formation – 2015
• Launched by India and France in COP – 21 summit.
• Headquarter - Gurugram, India.
• Director General - Ajay Mathur
• Objective - To mobilise USD 1,000 billion of investments in solar energy solutions by 2030.

1.4 PLACES IN NEWS

Shinku La tunnel
▪ The Union Cabinet gave approval for the construction of the 4.1-km Shinku La tunnel on the
Nimu-Padam-Darcha road link.
▪ The Tunnel aims to provide all-weather connectivity to the border areas of Ladakh.
▪ The Shinku La tunnel is a part of Project Yojak.
About Project Yojak
▪ Implemented by Border Roads Organisation (BRO).
▪ Aim - To Boost Road Infrastructure and strengthen the connectivity to Ladakh

1.5 SPORTS AND GAMES

India’s third female Grand Master
▪ Vaishali Rameshbabu has been officially bestowed with title of Grand Master by International
Chess Federation (FIDE).
▪ Vaishali is the third Indian woman to win the Grand Master title after Koneru Humpy and
Dronavalli Harika.
▪ She is the first woman from Tamil Nadu to win the Grand Master Title.
▪ She and her brother Rameshbabu Pragnanandhaa are the World’s First Grand Master Brother-
Sister duo.

6
 HISTORY

1.6 AWARDS & HONOURS

Goldman Environmental Prize 2024
▪ The Goldman Environmental Prize 2024 was awarded recently.
▪ The prize honors ordinary people who take extraordinary actions to protect our planet.
▪ Alok Shukla won the prize from Asia for his contribution to protect the environment.
Note
▪ Alok Shukla led a successful community campaign that led to the cancellation of 21 planned coal
mines in Hasdeo Aranya in July 2022 in Chhattisgarh.
▪ Hasdeo Aranya popularly known as the lungs of Chhattisgarh.

Sahitya Akademi Fellowship

▪ Author Ruskin Bond has been recently awarded the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship.
▪ It is the highest honour given by the literary organisation.
About Ruskin Bond
▪ Received Sahitya Akademi Award in 1992 for the book ‘Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra’
▪ Awards
• Padma Shri – 1999
• Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar - 2012.
• Padma Bhushan – 2019

2024 Whitley Gold Award

▪ Purnima Devi Barman recently received the 2024 Whitley Gold Award for conserving Greater
Adjutant Stork (Leptoptilos dubius).
▪ The award is also known as ‘Green Oscar’.
Note
▪ She already received the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) ‘Champions of the
Earth’ in 2022.
▪ She formed the “hargila army”, which is a group of rural women in Assam to protect the Greater
Adjutant.
About Greater Adjutant
▪ IUCN Status – Vulnerable
▪ Protected under Schedule IV of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

International Booker Prize 2024

▪ The book ‘Kairos’ has been named as the winner of the International Booker Prize 2024.
▪ The book was written by Jenny Erpenbeck and translated by Michael Hofmann.

7
Current Affairs, May - 2024
Indian authors who have won the International Booker Prize
▪ 1971 - In a Free State by V.S. Naipaul
▪ 1981 - Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie
▪ 1997 - The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
▪ 2006 - The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai
▪ 2008 - The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga
▪ 2022 - Tomb of Sand by Geetanjali Shree

1.7 APPOINTMENTS
Goods & Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT)
▪ Centre has appointed retired Justice Sanjaya Kumar Mishra as the new President of GSTAT.
About GSTAT
▪ It is a Appellate Authority established under Central GST (CGST) Act, 2017
▪ It hears appeals against orders passed by Appellate Authority under CGST Act, 2017 and State
GST Acts.
▪ The Principal Bench is situated in New Delhi.

Acting Chief Justice of Madras HC

▪ President Droupadi Murmu has appointed Justice R. Mahadevan as the Chief Justice of the
Madras High Court.
▪ The present Chief Justice Sanjay V.Gangapurwala is set to retire.
Note
▪ The Chief Justice and Judges of the High Courts are appointed by the President under Article
217 of the Constitution of India.
▪ They are appointed by the President after consultation with the Chief Justice of India and the
Governor of the state concerned

8
 2. POLITICAL SCIENCE
2.1 INDIA’S FOREIGN POLICY
UPI in Namibia
▪ National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) International has signed a pact with Namibia to
develop a Unified Payments Interface (UPI) like instant payment system for Namibia.
▪ NPCI International is the overseas arm of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
About NPCI International (NIPL):
• Formation – 2020
• CEO – Ritesh Shukla
• Headquarters – Mumbai.
• NIPL is a wholly owned subsidiary of NPCI.

India-Ghana
▪ The Fourth Session of India-Ghana Joint Trade Committee was held in Accra, Ghana recently.
▪ Both countries agreed to operationalise United Payments Interface (UPI) in Ghana Interbank
Payment and Settlement Systems in six months.
▪ Digital economy, textiles, renewable energy and healthcare sectors were identified as focus areas.
About Ghana
• Capital - Accra
• Currency - Ghanaian Cedi
• President - Nana Akufo-Addo

U.N. Trust Fund for Counter-Terrorism

▪ India recently made a voluntary financial contribution of USD 5,00,000 to the UN Trust Fund for
Counter-Terrorism.
▪ India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj
presented the contribution to the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT).
▪ This contribution aims to support UNOCT’s global programmes.
About United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT)
▪ Formation - 2017.
▪ Aim - Promotes international cooperation in the fight against terrorism

Palestine's full membership

▪ India has voted in favour of a draft resolution at the UNGA that seeks full membership of Palestine
in the United Nations.
▪ The resolution which was brought by UAE got 143 votes in favour, including India.
▪ The resolution determined that the State of Palestine is qualified for membership in the United
Nations per Article 4 of the Charter of the United Nations.
Current Affairs, May - 2024
About United Nations General Assembly
• Headquarters - New York
• Formation – 1945
India – Iran
▪ India and Iran recently signed a 10-year contract for the operation of the Shahid Beheshti Port
Terminal at the strategically important Chabahar port in Iran.
▪ This move will boost regional connectivity as well as trade ties.
Note
▪ A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development of the Chabahar port was signed
in May 2015.
About Iran
▪ Capital – Tehran
▪ President - Ebrahim Raisi
▪ Currency – Iranian Rial
India's top trading partner in FY 2024
▪ According to the think tank Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), China became India's top
trading partner in the fiscal year 2024.
▪ India's bilateral trade with China reached at $118.4 billion in the fiscal year 2024.
▪ United States was India’s top trading partner during FY22 and FY23.
UK-India Strategic Dialogue
▪ The annual U.K.-India Strategic Dialogue was held in London recently.
▪ India and Britain have promised to conclude a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
▪ India and Britain have reviewed the progress made on the 2030 Roadmap.
Note
▪ 2030 Roadmap was established in 2021 to enhance cooperation in various sectors.
About UK
▪ Capital – London
▪ Monarch - Charles III
▪ Prime Minister - Rishi Sunak
▪ Currency - Pound Sterling
Aid to Papua New Guinea
▪ India has granted $1 million financial assistance for Papua New Guinea.
▪ The country has been hit by flood and landslip that has so far killed 2,000 people.
▪ Papua New Guinea is the partner of India under the Forum for India-Pacic Islands Cooperation
(FIPIC)
About FIPIC
▪ Formation – November 2014.
▪ It is a multinational grouping of India and 14 Pacific Islands nations.
▪ Objective – To enhance India’s Act East Policy.

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 POLITICAL SCIENCE

2.2 LATEST COURT VERDICTS

Exemptions to Right to Information (RTI) Act
▪ The Delhi High Court recently held that a public authority cannot deny information under the
Right to Information (RTI) Act on the grounds that the information sought is “bulky”.
• Section 8 of RTI Act deals with exemption from disclosure of information.
• Section 8 (1) mentions exemptions against furnishing information under RTI Act.
• Section 8 (2) provides for disclosure of information exempted under Official Secrets Act, 1923
if larger public interest is served.
About RTI Act, 2005
▪ It is derived from the fundamental right of freedom of speech and expression under Article 19
of the Constitution.
▪ Aim - To empower the citizens, promote transparency and accountability in the working of the
Government.

2.3 PUBLIC AWARENESS & GENERAL ADMINISTRATION

Re-polling
▪ Election Commission of India recently conducted re-polling for the ongoing Lok Sabha General
Elections in various polling stations of Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.
▪ Provisions related to Re-polling under Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951
• Section 57 - Natural calamity, violence, etc.
• Section 58(2) - Damage or destruction of voting machines.
• Section 58A - Booth capturing.
• Section 52 - Death of candidate of recognised political party (National party/State party)

Uncontested Election
▪ BJP candidate Mukesh Dalal was elected unopposed from Surat Lok Sabha constituency recently.
▪ The Section 53 of The Representation of the People Act, 1951 states that if the number of contesting
candidates is equal to the number of seats to be filled, then the Returning Officer will declare all
such candidates to be duly elected to fill those seats.
▪ Five candidates won the general elections uncontested in 1951-52
▪ Seven candidates won the general election unopposed in 1957.
▪ Dimple Yadav was the most recent MP to be elected unopposed before Dalal in 2012.

Reservation for Women in bar association committee

▪ The Supreme Court recently reserved one-third of the seats in the executive committee of the
Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) for women.
▪ Accordingly, a minimum of 3 out of 9 positions in the Executive Committee and 2 of 6 Senior
Executive Member posts will be reserved for women.

11
Current Affairs, May - 2024
Present status of Women in Judiciary
▪ Since independence only 11 women Judges were appointed in Supreme Court.
▪ Justice Fathima Beevi was the first women judge to serve the Supreme Court in 1989
Krishi Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC)
▪ Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare recently inaugurated a Krishi Integrated Command
and Control Centre (ICCC) at Krishi Bhavan in New Delhi.
▪ ICCC aims to empower the farmers of the country with information, services and facilities using
digital technology.
▪ The ICCC will help in India becoming a developed nation by the year 2047
NHRC – India accreditation deferred
▪ The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) deferred the accreditation
of the National Human Rights Commission-India (NHRC) for the second year in a row.
▪ This is the first time India’s status has been suspended for two years in a row, in 2023 and in 2024.
About NHRC
▪ A statutory body established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
▪ Chairperson – Arun Kumar Mishra
Note
▪ GANHRI is an organisation affiliated to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

2.4 GOVT – WELFARE ORIENTED GOVT SCHEMES, THEIR UTILITY

PM Gati Shakti
▪ Ministry of Labour and Employment has joined the PM Gati Shakti portal recently to identify
and bridge gaps in social security coverage.
About PM Gati Shakti
▪ Launch – 2021
▪ Also known as National Master Plan for Multimodal Connectivity.
▪ Aim – To provide multimodal connectivity infrastructure to various economic zones.

IndiaAI Mission
▪ The Union Cabinet has recently approved the comprehensive national-level IndiaAI mission with
a budget outlay of Rs.10,371.92 crore.
▪ The IndiaAI mission aims to Strengthen the AI Innovation Ecosystem.
▪ It will be implemented by ‘IndiaAI’ Independent Business Division (IBD) under Digital India
Corporation (DIC)
About DIC
▪ Set up by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
▪ Objective - To innovate, develop and deploy ICT and other emerging technologies for the benefit
of the people.

12
 3. GEOGRAPHY
3.1 POLICY ON ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY
Translocation of Tigers
▪ The Maharashtra forest department is planning to translocate tigers from Tadoba-Andhari Tiger
Reserve (TATR) in Chandrapur district to Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR).
▪ The move aims to revive the population of tigers in STR.
Tiger Translocation in India
▪ Tiger translocation projects have been undertaken in India since 2008.
• Sariska Tiger Reserve – 2008
• Panna Tiger Reserve – 2009
Tiger Reserves with zero tigers
• Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR)
• Kaval TR in Telangana
• Kamlang TR in Arunachal Pradesh
• Dampa TR in Mizoram
• Satkosia TR in Odisha.
Note
• The STR is located in northern Western Ghats
• It comprises of Chandoli National Park and Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary.

Coral Bleaching in Lakshadweep

▪ The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has recently found that coral
reefs in the Lakshadweep Sea have undergone severe bleaching due to prolonged marine
heatwaves since October 2023.
▪ Lakshadweep Sea has previously seen coral bleaching events in 1998, 2010 and 2015, but the scale
of the current one is unprecedented.
Note
▪ Coral bleaching takes place when the water is too warm.
▪ In such conditions, corals expel the microscopic algae which live in their tissues.

Elimination of mercury-containing medical devices

▪ The Governments of Albania, Burkina Faso, Montenegro, Uganda including India have united
to launch a $134-million project to eliminate the use of mercury in medical devices.
▪ This project will be,
▪ Led by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Current Affairs, May - 2024
▪ Funded by Global Environment Facility (GEF)
▪ Executed by the World Health Organization (WHO)
About UNEP
▪ Formation - 5 June 1972
▪ Headquarters - Nairobi, Kenya
About GEF
▪ Formation - 15 October 1991
▪ It is a multilateral environmental fund that help the developing countries to address the
environmental issues
About WHO
▪ Established - 7 April 1948
▪ Headquarters - Geneva, Switzerland
▪ Director - General of WHO - Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

‘Above normal’ monsoon

▪ The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has stated that India would receive ‘above normal’
monsoon in 2024.
▪ In April, IMD forecasted the June-September rainfall to be 6% above the normal of 87 cm.
▪ India’s north-eastern States are expected to receive deficient rain.
▪ The monsoon ‘core zone’ which wencompasses most of central India and southern India will
receive ‘above normal’ rainfall.
About IMD
▪ Formation – 1875
▪ Functions under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
▪ Headquarters - Mausam Bhavan
▪ IMD Director – General - Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra

3.2 NATURAL DISASTERS – SAFEGUARD MEASURES

Cyclone Remal
▪ The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that Remal cyclone is likely to develop in the
Bay of Bengal and head towards West Bengal and Bangladesh.
▪ The Cyclone Remal was named by Oman.

14
 4. ECONOMICS
4.1 REPORTS AND INDICES
ISSAR Report 2023
▪ Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) recently released the Indian Space Situational
Assessment Report (ISSAR) for 2023.
▪ It was compiled by ISRO System for Safe and Sustainable Space Operations Management
(IS4OM).
▪ The report assesses the vulnerability of space assets in outer space to various environmental
hazards.
Key Findings
▪ A total of 127 Indian satellites, including those from private operators have been launched till 31st
December 2023.
▪ The number of operational satellites owned by Government of India (as of 31 Dec 2023) is
• 22 in LEO (Low Earth Orbit)
• 29 in GEO (Geo-synchronous Earth Orbit)
• Three Indian deep space missions namely
i. Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter
ii. Aditya-L1
iii. Propulsion Module of Chandrayaan-3
▪ Seven successful launches in 2023 include
• SSLV-D2/EOS7
• LVM3-M3/ONEWEB_II
• PSLV-C55/ TeLEOS-2
• GSLV-F12 NVS-01
• LVM3-M4/ Chandrayaan-3
• PSLV-C56/ DS-SAR
• PSLV-C57/Aditya L-1

Asian Development Policy Report

▪ Asian Development Policy Report was released by Asian Development Bank (ADB) recently.
Key Findings
▪ Asia is aging rapidly with risk of not having adequate resources to support ageing populations.
▪ Older people (aged 60 and above) are expected to nearly double to 25.2% (1.2 billion) by 2050.
▪ The health insurance coverage is lowest among older people in India at 21%.
Current Affairs, May - 2024

World Press Freedom Index 2024

▪ The World Press Freedom Index 2024 was released by the NGO Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
▪ The report was published on World Press Freedom Day (May 3)
▪ The index is based on 5 indicators Political, Economic, Legislative, Social and Security.
Key Findings
▪ India ranked 159 among 180 countries in the Index.
▪ First three places are occupied by the Norway, Denmark and Sweden.

Report on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)

▪ World Health Organisation (WHO) releases progress report on Neglected Tropical Diseases
(NTDs).
▪ The report deals with progress made in 2023 towards the Road map for NTDs 2021–2030.
Key Findings
▪ 1.62 billion people required interventions against NTDs in 2022.
▪ India related findings
• 40.56% of Indian people require interventions against NTDs in 2022.
• India was certified free of dracunculiasis (2000) and yaws (2016)
About NTDs
▪ NTDs are a diverse group of 20 diseases that are mainly prevalent in tropical areas including India

World Wildlife Crime Report 2024

▪ The third edition of the UN World Wildlife Crime Report 2024 was recently released by the
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
▪ The report provides insights into the illegal wildlife trade that occurred between 2015 and 2021.
Key Findings
▪ Rhino horns, pangolin scales, and elephant ivory lead the illegal wildlife market.
▪ During 2015-2021, rhinoceroses and cedars were the most impacted animal and plant species
respectively.
About United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
• Formation – 1997
• Headquarters - Vienna, Austria.
• Director – General – Ghada Waly

Report by Top 10VPN

▪ According to a report by virtual private network tracker Top 10VPN, India had the longest
internet shutdown in 2023 in terms of user hours.
▪ The internet was completely affected for 7,956 hours in India, impacting around 59.1 million users
in India.
Note
▪ Internet shutdown is imposed under Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public

16
 ECONOMICS

Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017 and Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure
(CrPC), 1973.
▪ It can be issued only by Union Home Secretary or State Home Secretary.

Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024

▪ Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024 which is a biennial index was recently released by the
World Economic Forum.
▪ India has ranked 39 in the Index.
▪ India is the top performer in South Asia.
▪ United States (US), Spain and Japan are the top three countries in the index.
About WEF
▪ Formation - 24 January 1971
▪ Chairperson - Børge Brende
▪ Headquarters – Switzerland

State and Trends of Carbon Pricing 2024

▪ The ‘State and Trends of Carbon Pricing 2024’ report was recently released by the World Bank.
Key Findings
▪ The carbon pricing revenues have crossed the threshold of USD 100 billion for the first time.
▪ The total revenue from carbon taxes in 2022 was about USD 95 billion.
About World Bank:
▪ Established - 1944
▪ Headquarters - Washington
▪ President - Ajay Banga

4.2 CURRENT STATE OF INDIAN ECONOMY

Trade Deficit
▪ According to data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry India is Trade deficit with
9 out of its top 10 trading partners in the Financial Year 2023-24.
▪ China has emerged as India's largest trading partner with $118.4 billion in 2023-24.
▪ China surpassed U.S which was the top trading partner of New Delhi during 2021-22 and 2022-
23.
▪ India has a free trade agreement with four of its top trading partners — Singapore, the UAE,
Korea and Indonesia
▪ China, USA, UAE, Russia, and Saudi Arabia are India’s top trading partners

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 5. SCIENCE
5.1 LATEST DISCOVERIES IN HEALTH SCIENCE
West Nile Fever
▪ West Nile Fever had been recently identified in Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Thrissur districts
of Kerala.
About West Nile Fever
▪ It is caused by the West Nile Virus which belongs to Flaviviridae family.
▪ The disease was first discovered in Uganda in 1937
▪ In India, the first case of WNV infection was reported in Mumbai in 1952
▪ The disease is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito

5.2 SPACE
Chang’e-6 Mission
▪ China recently launched the Chang’e-6 Mission to the far side of the moon.
▪ The Mission is expected to collect samples from the far side of the moon for research purposes.
Note
▪ India is planning to launch Chandrayaan-4 which is also aimed at bringing back lunar samples.
▪ India has become the fourth country to achieve a soft landing on the moon.
▪ India became the first country to land near the moon's South Pole.

Boeing’s Starliner
▪ Boeing is planning to launch its Starliner spacecraft by Atlas V rocket from the Kennedy Space
Center in Florida.
▪ The spacecraft will be sent to the International Space Station (ISS)
▪ It will be carrying two NASA astronauts - Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams.
▪ It will be Starliner’s first crewed test flight.

SPECULOOS-3b
▪ The international team of astronomers have discovered a new Earth-sized exoplanet called
SPECULOOS-3b.
▪ It is 55 light-years away from Earth.
▪ It is orbiting an ultracool red dwarf star.
Note
▪ The SPECULOOS project was established to search for exoplanets orbiting ultra-cool dwarf stars.
 SCIENCE

Mangalyaan-2
▪ ISRO recently unveiled its Mangalyaan-2 mission.
▪ The mission aims to land a rover and helicopter on Mars.
▪ The mission will make India the third nation to land on Mars after China and US.
About Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan-1)
▪ India's first interplanetary mission.
▪ Launch - November 05, 2013.
▪ Fourth county to launch to successfully send spacecraft to mars orbit.

Agnibaan SOrTeD
▪ The Chennai based Space start-up Agnikul Cosmos Private Limited launched its First Rocket
Agnibaan Sub Orbital Technology Demonstrator (SOrTeD) from the Satish Dhawan Space
Centre, in Sriharikota.
▪ Agnibaan SOrTeD is,
• India’s First launch from a private launchpad
• India’s First semi-cryogenic engine powered rocket launch
• World’s First single piece 3D printed engine designed and built indigenously.
Note
▪ Agnikul Cosmos is the First company in the country to sign an agreement with Indian Space
Research Organisation (ISRO) under the IN-SPACe initiative.
▪ IN-SPACe initiative aims to boost the private space sector economy in India.

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 6. NATIONAL –
DIARY OF EVENT
India's first transshipment port
▪ The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has recently approved Adani Group’s Vizhinjam
Port in Kerala to operate as India’s 1st transshipment port.
▪ The transshipment port facilitates the transfer of cargo from large vessels to smaller ones.
About Vizhinjam Port
▪ First automated port in India
▪ Only port in the country to be located adjacent to an international shipping route.
▪ Deepest port in India.
▪ It is a green port.

India is now third largest producer of solar power

▪ According to the report by international energy analytics agency Ember in 2023, India overtook
Japan to become the world’s third-highest producer of solar power.
▪ India generated 113 billion units (BU) of solar power in 2023.
▪ The top two producers of solar power are China and United States respectively.
Note
▪ India’s total solar energy potential has been estimated to be 748 GW (Giga Watt).
▪ India has set a target of achieving 500 GW of installed capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by
2030.
▪ Rajasthan is the leading state in solar energy installations.

Aurora Red Arc Event

▪ Aurora Red Arc Event was recently captured at the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve in Ladakh.
▪ Astronomers of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru (IIA) captured the auroras through
the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) in Hanle, Ladakh.
▪ Auroras are usually seen in high-latitude regions namely the North and the South Pole.
• Aurora borealis – North Pole
• Aurora australis – South Pole
Note
▪ Auroras are the result of disturbances in the Earth's magnetosphere caused by the solar wind.

Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019

▪ The Union government granted citizenship certificates to more than 300 people who applied under
the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), 2019.
 NATIONAL – DIARY OF EVENT

About CAA
▪ Aim - to grant citizenship to illegal migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan who
belong to the Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, and Christian faiths.

Cauvery Water Regulation Committee

▪ The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee instructed Karnataka to release approximately 1.25
thousand million cubic feet (tmc ft) towards environmental purpose.
▪ The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) was established to implement and monitor
the Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal’s award and regulate the distribution of water according to
its provisions.
Note
▪ The Cauvery dispute involves 3 states and one Union Territory: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka
and Puducherry.

GWF Leadership Award

▪ India's space regulator IN-SPACe was conferred with the Geospatial World Forum (GWF)
leadership award for "Public Policy: Enabling Industry Development" in Rotterdam.
▪ The award was presented at the 2024 Geospatial World Forum.
About IN-SPACe
▪ Formation - June 2020
▪ It is a single-window, independent, nodal agency
▪ It functions as an autonomous agency under Department of Space (DOS).
▪ Aim – To boost the private space sector economy in India.

ONDC Startup Mahotsav

▪ Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) organised the ‘ONDC Startup
Mahotsav’ in New Delhi recently.
▪ The event symbolized the celebration and collaboration of two of DPIIT’s flagship initiatives –
the Startup India initiative and Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).
About Startups India Initiative
▪ Launch - January 16, 2016.
▪ Objective - To support entrepreneurs, build a startup ecosystem and transform India into a
country of job seekers.
About ONDC
▪ Launch - September 2022
▪ Objective - To create an inclusive ecosystem for e-commerce.

Agnipath scheme
▪ As the Agnipath scheme completes two years since its implementation the Department of Military
Affairs (DMA) has sought feedback from the Tri-services on the scheme.
▪ Department of Military Affairs (DMA) is headed by the Chief of Defence Staff.

21
Current Affairs, May - 2024
About Agnipath Scheme
▪ Launch - 14 June 2022
▪ Objective – To recruit soldiers in Armed forces across the Three services (Army, Navy and
Airforce) for a period of four years.
▪ Age criteria - Between 17.5 years and 23 years.

Youngest Indian to scale Everest

▪ Kaamya Karthikeyan became the India’s youngest and world’s second youngest girl to scale
Mount Everest from the Nepal side.
▪ She aims to climb Mt. Vinson Massif in Antarctica in December 2024 to accomplish the ‘7summits
challenge’

Ban on seven Meitei extremist organisations

▪ A tribunal under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) has upheld the Centre’s
decision to declare seven Meitei extremist organisations as “unlawful associations” for the next
five years.
About UAPA
▪ It was passed in 1967.
▪ Aim – To prevent unlawful activities of associations in India.
▪ UAPA Tribunal is headed by a retired or sitting judge of a High Court

State song of Telangana

▪ ‘Jaya Jaya He Telangana’ has been declared as the State song of Telangana recently.
▪ The short version of the song spanning over two-and-a-half minutes and the full version of the
song spanning over 13.3 minutes has been approved as the State song.
▪ The song was penned by Andesri.
▪ The music for the song has been composed by Oscar award winner M.M. Keeravani.
Note
• Tamil Thai Vaazhthu is the State song of Tamil Nadu.
• It was penned by Manonmaniam Sundaranar.
• The song should be sung in 55 seconds in Mullaipaani Ragam (Mohana Raagam).
• The music is composed M.S. Viswanathan

22
 7. INTERNATIONAL
AFFAIRS
Astra Zeneca
▪ U.K.-based pharmaceutical major AstraZeneca has started global withdrawal of its COVID-19
vaccine.
▪ It was provided in India as ‘Covishield’ in partnership with Serum Institute of India.
▪ Recently the company admitted to rare side-effects of blood clotting and lowering of platelet
counts.

U.N. forecasts 2.7% growth for world economy

▪ According to United Nations’ mid-2024 report, the world economy is projected to grow by 2.7%
in 2024.
▪ A 2.7% growth rate would equal growth in 2023, but still be lower than the 3% growth rate before
the pandemic.
About United Nations
▪ Headquarters - New York
▪ Formation – 1945.

Palestinian state
▪ Spain, Norway and Ireland formally recognised the Palestinian state.
▪ The move aims to help Israelis and Palestinians to achieve peace.
▪ The three countries said they recognised a Palestinian state based on borders established before
the war in 1967, with Jerusalem as the capital of both Israel and Palestine.
Note
▪ About 139 countries have formally recognized the Palestinian state.
▪ 143 out of 193 members of the United Nations’ general assembly voted in favour of a Palestinian
bid for full UN membership.
 8. TAMILNADU AFFAIRS
e-Pass portal for visitors
▪ The Tamil Nadu government launched a portal for registering to obtain an e-Pass to enter the hill
stations of the Nilgiris and Kodaikanal.
▪ An e-Pass is mandatory for tourists and commercial vehicles.
▪ It was mandated by the Madras High Court recently.

Kalloori Kanavu programme

▪ The Kalloori Kanavu programme was inaugurated recently for the year 2024.
▪ It is a career guidance initiative for school students who have completed their Class XII to pursue
higher education
▪ It is launched under launched under the Naan Mudhalvan programme in 2022.
About Naan Mudhalvan Scheme
▪ Launch - March 1, 2022.
▪ It aims to empower the youth of the State to gain industry-relevant employable skills.

Rise in deceased organ donations

▪ Tamil Nadu has reached a record high in the number of organ donations in 2024.
▪ In 130 days (as of May 9, 2024), the number of deceased donor organ donations has crossed 100
in the State.
▪ According to the Health Department, this was the highest number ever registered since the Tamil
Nadu Cadaver Transplant Program (CTP) was launched in the State on September 2008.
Note
▪ Organ transplantation in Tamil Nadu is regulated by India's Transplantation of Human Organs
Act, 1994.
▪ It is facilitated by the Transplant Authority of Tamil Nadu (TRANSTAN)

AABCS Scheme
▪ A total of 1,303 new and existing entrepreneurs belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) and the
Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities in the State have availed themselves of Rs.134.86 crore Annal
Ambedkar Business Champions Scheme (AABCS).
About AABCS
▪ Aim - To promote economic development and entrepreneurs of the SC/ST community.
▪ No minimum educational qualification
▪ Maximum Age – 55
▪ 35% capital subsidy and 6% interest subsidy.
 TAMILNADU AFFAIRS

TN Govt. highlights schemes launched

▪ The Tamil Nadu government released a press release highlighting the major schemes implemented
by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin which include,
• Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam
• Illam Thedi Kalvi
• Innuyir Kappom Nammai Kakkum 48
• Kanavu IIlam Thittam
• Naan Mudhalvan
• Ennum Ezhuthum mission
• Pudhumai Penn Scheme
• Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme
• Namma School Foundation Initiative
• Perasiriyar Anbazhagan School Development Scheme
• Maaperum Tamil Kanavu
• Chief Minister’s Village Roads Improvement Scheme
• Annal Ambedkar Business Champions Scheme
• Neengal Nalamaa scheme
• Iyothee Thass Pandithar Habitation Development Scheme

Space Park
▪ Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation Limited (TIDCO) is developing a Space Park
near Kulasekarapattinam in Thoothukudi.
▪ TIDCO has recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with IN-SPACe to establish
a space industrial and propellants park and a Centre of Excellence (CoE).
About IN-SPACe
▪ Formation - June 2020
▪ A single-window nodal agency.
▪ Aim – To boost the private space sector economy in India.
Note
▪ ISRO is establishing a second spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam.

MGNREGS
▪ The Tamil Nadu government recently sanctioned Rs.1,229 crore for the Mahatma Gandhi National
Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) for 2024-25.
▪ Rs.921.78 crore (75%) - Central government
▪ Rs.307.26 crore (25%) - State government.

25
Current Affairs, May - 2024

Note
▪ The Central Government had recently increased the wages under the MGNREGS by Rs.25 per
day.
▪ In Tamil Nadu the wages under MGNREGS is Rs.319 per day.
About MGNREGS
▪ Under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act 2005.
▪ Objective - to provide at least 100 days of guaranteed employment to rural households.

‘Makkaludan Mudhalvar’ Scheme

▪ The Tamil Nadu government is planning to organize about 2,500 camps under the Makkaludan
Mudhalvar scheme between July 15 and September 15 to benefit the people in 12,525 village
panchayats across the State.
▪ Petitions regarding 15 government departments could be submitted by the public during these
camps.
About the scheme
▪ Launch – December 2023
▪ Aim
• To simplify and speed up the delivery of government services
• To resolve complaints on service delivery within 30 days.

Second Synchronized Elephant Survey

▪ Tamil Nadu is set to begin the second synchronized elephant survey.
▪ The survey will be done in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
▪ In Tamil Nadu the survey will be conducted in 26 forest divisions and 697 blocks teams of forest
guards, forest watchers, and volunteers.
Note
▪ 2,961 elephants were recorded in Tamil Nadu in 2022.
▪ The Elephant Corridor Committee identified the 42 elephant corridors in Tamil Nadu

NGT Penalty
▪ The Southern Bench of the National Green Tribunal has directed Chennai Petroleum Corporation
Limited (CPCL) to pay Rs.5 crore as compensation for the oil spill in Pattinamacherry, off
Nagapattinam coast, in March 2023.
▪ The leak occurred in CPCL’s Cauvery Basin Refinery at Nagapattinam.
▪ As per Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) 10,000 litres of oil had leaked, whereas
only 9,000 litres were removed or recovered.

26
 TAMILNADU AFFAIRS

About NGT
▪ Statutory body under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010.
▪ Objective - For effective and expeditious disposal of cases related to environmental protection.
▪ Principal Place of Sitting of the Tribunal – New Delhi.
T.N.’s rice yield
▪ Tamil Nadu’s yield of rice, during 2023-24 for both the cultivation seasons of kharif and rabi, is
lower than that of the national average.
▪ The yield for the year 2023-24 is 2.31 tonnes per hectare in Tamil Nadu whereas the all-India
average is 2.74 tonnes per hectare.
▪ In terms of yield, Tamil Nadu trailed behind two States known for rice production — Andhra
Pradesh and Telangana.
Pudhumai Penn Scheme
▪ The Tamil Nadu government stated that the enrolment of girl students in higher education has
increased by 34% due to the Pudhumani Penn scheme.
▪ The government also stated that over 27 lakh students have benefitted under the Naan Mudhalvan
scheme and over 1.19 lakh students had secured employment.
About Pudhumai Penn Scheme
▪ Launch – September 5, 2022
▪ Also known as Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar Higher Education Assurance Scheme.
▪ Benefit - Financial assistance of Rs. 1000/month to the girls who studied from Classes VI to XII in
State government-run and Government aided schools
About Naan Mudhalvan Scheme
▪ Launch - March 1, 2022
▪ Objective – To enhance skill among 1 million Youth of Tamil Nadu.
Initiatives to promote Tamil Language and scholars
▪ The Tamil Nadu government has instituted 35 awards to recognise the work of Tamil scholars.
▪ A new award called ‘Ilakkiya Maamani’ has been instituted for three Tamil scholars.
▪ The scholars will receive Rs.5 lakh each.
▪ The State government is planning to organise the Second World Tamil Semmozhi conference in
2025 in Chennai.
▪ Under ‘Kural Mutrodhal’ scheme prize money of Rs.15,000 will be given to 451 students who
manage to study all 1,330 couplets.
▪ Tamil Parapurai Kazhagam’ aims to teach Tamil language to Tamils living outside Tamil Nadu.
Vembakottai Excavation
▪ The third phase of archaeological excavation was begun recently at Vembakottai excavation site
in Virudhunagar district.
▪ The excavation will be done in 1.5 acres on the northern bank of Vaippar river.
▪ A total of 7,914 artefacts were found during the first two phases of excavation.
▪ This indicated that people had lived along the banks of the Vaippar around 2,000 years ago.

27
Current Affairs, May - 2024

Note
▪ The first phase of the excavation was carried out from March 2022

Survey for adult literacy programme

▪ The School Education Department is undertaking a survey to identify people who are not literate
under the New India Literacy Programme (NILP) 2022- 2027.
▪ The survey is conducted by the Tamil Nadu Directorate of Non-Formal and Adult Education.
▪ The highest number of persons were identified in Salem district at 16,463.
About NILP
▪ Objective - To impart foundational literacy and numeracy along with critical life skills
▪ Implemented under the New Education Policy 2020.
▪ Beneficiaries - Non-literates of the age of 15 years and above in all state/UTs
Note
▪ The Total literacy campaign and Post-literacy campaign that have been implemented in Tamil
Nadu since 1992 is subsumed under the New India Literacy Programme (NILP) 2022- 2027

Climate Investment Workshop

▪ The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has recently conducted as a two day Climate Investment
workshop with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank.
▪ The workshop aims to form a comprehensive environmental strategy for the Chennai city.
Climate Change Programmes implemented by Tamil Nadu
• Meendum Manjappai
• Climate Studio (Anna University Campus)
• Tamil Nadu State Action Plan for Climate Change 2.0 (TNSAPCC)
• Climate Smart Villages
• Carbon Neutral Koyembedu Market Project
• Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission
• Green Tamil Nadu Mission
• Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission
• Tamil Nadu Wetlands Mission
• Climate Resilient Green Temples
• Carbon Enrichment Programme

Internet connections in Government Schools

▪ Tamil Nadu Government stated that the Internet connections have been provided to 20,332 out
of a total of 37,553 State-run schools, and the remaining 17,221 schools would be covered soon.
▪ The State government is also setting up 8,180 hi-tech labs at a cost of Rs.519.73 crore, and 22,931
smart classrooms at a cost of Rs.455.32 crore for the benefit of 46.12 lakh students.
▪ Internet connectivity at these schools is a joint effort by the Tamil Nadu government and BSNL.
▪ The step was taken to improve the technological infrastructure of government schools.

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