Current Affairs - May 21, 2024 Current Affairs

Gopi Thotakura, an Indian entrepreneur and pilot, made history as the first Indian space tourist by joining the NS-25 mission aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard spacecraft. Thotakura's participation in the mission reflects the increasing diversity and global engagement in space exploration endeavours.

The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) reported a significant increase of 44% in student enrollment under the Scheduled Caste (SC) category from 2014 to 2022, indicating the impact of government reservation policies on educational opportunities for marginalized communities.

N Vaghul, a legendary figure in the Indian banking industry and former chairman of ICICI Bank, passed away at the age of 88. His visionary leadership and commitment to excellence left an indelible mark on the financial sector, shaping the trajectory of banking in India.

Bank of Maharashtra stood out among public sector banks in FY24 with significant business growth and deposit mobilization. It recorded a remarkable 15.94% rise in total business and a notable 52.73% growth in low-cost CASA deposits, highlighting its strategic advantage and effective cost management strategies.

Elon Musk launched the Starlink service in Indonesia, specifically inaugurating it in Denpasar, Bali. The aim is to provide reliable internet access to remote areas of Indonesia, benefiting millions in the archipelago. The service has been pilot-tested in health facilities and is set to support thousands of clinics, with plans for further expansion into Indonesia's new capital, Nusantara.

The Federation Cup 2024 Athletics Meet, where Neeraj Chopra won the gold medal in the men's javelin throw event, was held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. This event marked a significant homecoming for Neeraj, as it was his first competitive outing in India since his historic Olympic triumph three years prior.

Deepthi Jeevanji, an Indian para-athlete, clinched the gold medal in the women's T20 400m event at the World Para Athletics Championships 2024. She not only secured India's first gold at the event but also set a new world record with her remarkable time of 55.07 seconds. This achievement highlights her exceptional talent and determination.

The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is celebrated on May 21st. This day, designated by UNESCO, emphasizes the importance of cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue in fostering peace and sustainable development globally.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the Indian spiritual guru, received the first stamp commemorating 200 years of Indian Origin Tamils (IOT) in Sri Lanka, symbolizing recognition of the IOT community's contributions and history in the country.

Sanjiv Puri, the Chairman and Managing Director of ITC Ltd., has been elected as the President of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) for the term 2024-25, succeeding R Dinesh. Puri brings extensive experience and leadership to this role, contributing to the promotion of business-friendly policies and economic growth in India.

Assam launched the Disaster Reporting and Information Management System (DRIMS) platform to streamline disaster reporting and aid distribution. The platform, inaugurated by Assam's Chief Secretary Ravi Kota, aims to enhance efficiency in managing disasters by capturing critical impact data and expediting relief delivery.

National Anti-Terrorism Day is observed in India on May 21 each year to commemorate the death anniversary of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, who was assassinated on this day in 1991. The day serves as a reminder to promote peace, unity, and harmony and to stand united against the menace of terrorism.

The significant bleaching event among sea anemones, marking the first observed instance of sea anemone bleaching in India, was documented in the Lakshadweep islands. Specifically, the bleaching event occurred off Agatti Island, highlighting the environmental stressors affecting marine ecosystems in this region.

International Tea Day is celebrated on May 21, 2024, as a global commemoration of the cultural significance and economic importance of tea.