? National Technology Day is observed every year on May 11. It is observed to commemorate India’s technological advancements. The day’s theme this year is ‘ Focusing on Rebooting the economy through Science and Technology.’

? Supreme Court bench has ruled that the provisions of the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act (SARFAESI), 2002, will now be applicable to state and multi-state cooperative banks.

? The World Health Organisation and the UN Postal Agency released a commemorative stamp on May 9, 2020 to mark the 40th anniversary of the eradication of smallpox. The smallpox eradication campaign was initiated by WHO in 1967. Finally in 1980, WHO declared the eradication of smallpox from the world.

? Maharana Pratap Singh was the 13th king of Mewar (the present Rajasthan). He was born on May 9, 1540. Maharana is known for his bravery during the Battle of Haldighati, which he fought against the forces of Mughal Emperor Akbar and lost.

? International Hockey Federation (FIH) has extended the term of Narinder Batra as President of FIH until May 2021.

? The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) signed an agreement with the Indian government on May 8, 2020 to provide funds worth USD 500 million to support India’s “COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health Systems Preparedness Project”.

? The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on May 8, 2020 launched the ‘Pravasi Rahat Mitra’ app for the migrant workers of the state who have been returning from other states amid the lockdown.

? World Health Organization and the United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA) have released a commemorative postage stamp on the 40th anniversary of the eradication of smallpox.

? The Jharkhand state government on May 8, 2020 issued an order banning the manufacture, storage, distribution or sale of Pan Masala containing Magnesium Carbonate in the state for a period of one year.

? The National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune has successfully developed India’s first indigenous antibody detection kit for novel coronavirus. Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said that the antibody test will play a significant role in surveillance for COVID-19 infection.

? Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Giriraj Singh has presented the award to the winners of “Startup India-Animal Husbandry Grand Challenge”.

? The Indian Railways has announced the gradual restart of special passenger train services from May 12, 2020. Initially, 15 pairs of trains will ply with passengers on board. Out of these, 14 trains will start from tomorrow and the 15th one will start from May 13th.

? The Finance Ministry on May 11, 2020 released Rs. 6,195 crore to 14 states to fight against the spread and the treatment of COVID-19. It is a second equated monthly installment of the Post Devolution Revenue Deficit Grant.

? The Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) has tied-up with Bharat Biotech International Limited to develop indigenous COVID-19 vaccine.

? The Union Government has extended the last date for filing of nominations for the Gandhi Peace Prize 2020 till June 15, 2020. The Ministry invites nominations for the Gandhi Peace Prize every year. The last for receiving nominations for the prize for the year 2020 was April 30. However, due to COVID-induced lockdown, the date has now been extended till June 15.

? Indu Shekhar Chaturvedi (IAS) assumed charge as the new Secretary, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy on May 11, 2020. Chaturvedi is a 1987 Batch IAS officer from Jharkhand cadre. He will be succeeding Anand Kumar, who has become the Secretary in the Ministry of Culture.

? Goa CM Pramod Sawant announced on May 11, 2020 that the state will soon develop its own Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the tourists visiting the place.

? The Madhya Pradesh Government launched “FIR Aapke Dwar Yojana” on May 11, 2020. The scheme has been launched in 23 police stations as a pilot project. Under the scheme, a person need not go to the police station to dodge a complaint. The scheme will enable on spot FIR registrations. It will also deploy head constables to register the complaints from the people.

? The International Day of the Nurse was observed on May 12, 2020. This year, the day commemorated the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, founder of modern nursing. The theme of the day this year is “Nursing the World to Health”.