NEWS 12-05-2024. News For 13th-May (Monday) *Summary of April* *National* 1.US Giant 'Apple' has become the Biggest Blue-Collar Job Creator In India. Apple has Created 1.5 Lakh Direct Jobs Since PLI Scheme. 2.India’s engineering exports soared by 15.9% year on year in Feb '24, marking the third consecutive month of growth & reaching a record high of $9.94 billion for the fiscal year 2023–2024. 3.India's Foreign exchange reserves reached an all-time high of $645.6 billion as of March 29, 2024. 4.Adani Green Energy Limited, is building the world’s largest renewable energy park in Kutch district of Gujarat spread over 538 sq kms. 5.India's electronics industry saw a significant export surge, reaching $29.12 billion in FY 2023-24, marking a 23.6% increase from the previous year. 6.GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (GHIAL) has been honored with the *‘Best Airport Staff in India & South Asia 2024’* award by Skytrax. 7.The Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur have signed a MoU to collaborate on research and development of technologies to address health issues faced by soldiers in difficult terrains. 8.Japanese company Sharp is planning to invest $3-5 billion to set up a display fab semiconductor factory in India. 9. The Indian Railways is planning for 200 more Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals for faster train movement. *Defence* 1.India's defense exports surged to a record Rs 21,083 crore (approx $2.63 billion) in FY 23-24, marking a 32.5% increase from the previous year's Rs 15,920 crore. 2.The Indian Army has received the first batch of 24 Russia-made Igla-S Man Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS) and 100 missiles as part of a larger deal that includes domestic production in India. 3.The govt has placed Rs 65,000 crore order for 97 LCA Mark 1A fighter jets with HAL, the largest ever order for indigenous military hardware. 4.DRDO & the Indian Army have successfully conducted trials of the Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) Weapon System in Rajasthan. 5.The Indian Army is progressing two projects worth over Rs 6,800 crore to develop indigenous Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) systems. 6.*Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi*, has taken over as the chief of Naval Staff. 7.The IAF has successfully test-fired and air-launched ballistic missile called *ROCKS* or *Crystal Maze 2* from a Su-30 MKI fighter jet in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The missile can hit targets over 250 kms away. *Sports* 1.Olympic legend ' *Usain Bolt* ' has been named the brand ambassador of the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. 2.Rohit Sharma has become the first Indian cricketer to smash *500 sixes* in the T20 format. *International* 1.China has become the largest importer of Russian seaborne crude, surpassing India, due to India's slowdown in imports amidst sanctions and rising price. 2.India has secured operational control over Sittwe Port in Myanmar, expanding its maritime presence after Chabahar. 3.Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), a state-run shipbuilding facility in Kochi, has become the third Indian shipyard to enter into a Master Shipyard Repair Agreement (MRSA) with the U.S. Navy. 4.India has become 4th largest exporter of digitally delivered services, reaching $257 billion in 2023. 5.IMF has raised India’s growth projection to 6.8% from its January forecast of 6.5%. 6.India delivered the first batch of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines as part of a $375 million deal. 7.India has emerged as the fourth largest military spender globally in 2023, allocating $83.6 billion for defense, following the United States, China, & Russia. 8.Russia’s largest trade body, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) of the Russian Federation, has opened its second office in India in Mumbai to grow bilateral trade and investment in new sectors. < < Back