20th MAY 2024 CURRENT AFFAIRS
1.Supreme Court: State cannot acquire property without proper procedure
- Originally a fundamental right under Article 19(1)(f) & 31.
- The 44th Amendment Act of 1978 shifted it from a fundamental right to a constitutional/legal right under Article 300A.
- Ensures protection from arbitrary state action but is not enforceable by writs.
2.India-UAE conclude first round of talks on Economic Corridor.
- Initial discussions on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor took place between India and UAE, following a framework agreement.
- The meetings reflect the high priority of the IMEEC initiative, aiming for logistical efficiencies, cost reductions, joint investments, and technical collaboration.
- The pact was inked during PM Modi’s UAE visit.
3.Indo-Russian venture delivers 27,000 AK-203 to Indian Army
- The Indian Army received 27,000 AK-203 assault rifles from an Indo-Russian joint venture in UP, overcoming previous delays.
- Delays were attributed to the war in Ukraine and payment issues, but 8,000 more rifles are expected to be delivered within 2 weeks.
- The venture has achieved a 25% indigenization level in manufacturing these rifles, marking progress in self-reliance for defense equipment
4.Elorda Cup 2024 Boxing
- Nikhat Zareen and Minakshi win gold medals in 52 kg and 48 kg category respectively at the Elorda Cup 2024 in Kazakhstan.
- Anamika and Manisha secured in the 50kg and 60kg categories, respectively.
- Team India finishes with an impressive tally of 12 medals, including two gold, two silver, and eight bronze.
5.India’s Foreign Exchange Reserves surged to $644.15 billion.
- The foreign exchange reserves of India are holdings of cash, bank deposits, bonds, and other financial assets denominated in currencies other than India's national currency, the Indian rupee.
- The nation’s foreign exchange reserves had recently achieved an all-time high of USD 648.562 billion.
- However, in 2024, foreign exchange reserves have cumulatively increased by about USD 23 billion so far.
6. Nishad Kumar and Preethi Pal secured Medals at World Para Athletics.
7 .Ed Dwight, America’s 1st Black astronaut candidate, traveled to space aboard a Blue Origin rocket 60 years after he was initially considered for NASA’s astronaut corps.
8. The Supreme Court Collegium has endorsed Justice Susmita Phukan Khaund and Justice Mitali Thakuria as permanent Judges of the Gauhati High Court.
9. Indian Grandmaster Chithambaram leads at "Sharjah Masters Chess".
10.Renowned Hindi writer Malti Joshi passed away at 90.
11.The US conducted its third subcritical nuclear test under President Biden's tenure in Nevada to gather crucial data on nuclear warheads.
12."Lai Ching-te" is set for appointment as Taiwan’s President.
13.Cristiano Ronaldo has secured the top spot on Forbes' list of the world's highest-paid athletes.
14.World Bee Day, observed on May 20, marks the birth anniversary of Anton Janša, a pioneer in beekeeping.
15.SBI General Insurance has launched 'Surety Bond Bima,'a product designed to secure infrastructure projects by protecting contractors and principals from breaches during bidding and performance stages.
16.Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty win the Thailand Open Men’s Doubles, defeating Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi 21-15, 21-15.
