Current Affairs - May 19, 2024 Current Affairs

The world's tallest competitive swimming pool was inaugurated in Bhutan, located at an elevation of 2,400 meters. This initiative aligns with the program launched by the Global Body of Swimming in 2019, aiming to enhance accessibility to aquatic facilities in various countries and regions.

Moldova signed an agreement with India on visa exemption for diplomatic and official passports, allowing passport holders from both countries to travel without a visa. This agreement was signed between Pawan Kapoor, Secretary, MEA, and Anna Taban, Ambassador of Moldova, enhancing diplomatic relations between the two nations.

According to the Center for World University Rankings, IIM Ahmedabad secured the top position among Indian higher education institutions, ranking 410th globally. This ranking included 64 other universities from India in the Global 2000 list, with institutions like IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, and IISc Bengaluru also making notable rankings.

National Endangered Species Day is observed annually on May 17. This day serves as a reminder to take action to protect and conserve endangered species, highlighting the importance of biodiversity conservation efforts globally.

Idashisha Nongrang has been appointed as the first woman and tribal lady to become the Director General of Police (DGP) in Meghalaya. She broke barriers by taking office on May 20, 2024, and her appointment follows a stellar background in civil defence and as SP, East Khasi Hills.

National Dengue Day is observed on May 16 every year to raise awareness about dengue fever, a viral disease spread by infected mosquitoes.

The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) revealed that the urban unemployment rate in India for individuals aged 15 years and above declined to 6.7% in the January-March 2024 period. This indicates a slight improvement in the urban employment scenario compared to the same period the previous year.

The Sela Tunnel, located in Arunachal Pradesh, has been acknowledged as India's highest tunnel by the International Book of Honour. This tunnel, spanning 2.598 kilometres and situated at an altitude of 13,000 feet on the Tezpur-Tawang Road, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the world's longest twin-lane tunnel on March 9.

The special Rs 250 commemorative coin was released to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL). MDL, established as a dry dock in 1774, has evolved into a premier naval shipyard, constructing warships, submarines, and other vessels for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard.

Vinay Firake has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Wipro's Asia Pacific, India, Middle East, and Africa (APMEA) strategic market unit (SMU). This appointment follows the stepping down of the previous CEO, Anis Chenchah, and is part of Wipro's recent leadership changes, including the appointment of Srini Pallia as CEO and Managing Director.

The Tripura Cricket Association announced the inauguration of Tripura's first international cricket stadium in Narsingarh, located in the West Tripura district by February 2025. This stadium, a collaboration between BCCI and TCA with a budget of Rs 200 crore, will have a seating capacity for 25,000 spectators, marking a milestone in Tripura’s sporting infrastructure.