1. Microsoft unveils open source software 'ElectionGuard' for secure, verifiable voting

• In a bid to help countries ensure secure and verifiable voting, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has announced "ElectionGuard" -- a free open-source software development kit (SDK).
• ElectionGuard" will enable end-to-end verification of elections, open results to third-party organisations for secure validation.
• During the process of vote-casting, voters have an optional step that allows them to confirm that their trackers and encrypted votes accurately reflect their selections.

2. Indian giant Amul to sponsor Afghanistan in 2019 World Cup

• Amul has been announced as the principal sponsor of the Afghanistan cricket team for the upcoming World Cup, slated to be held in England and Wales from May 30.
• The logo of brand Amul will appear on the leading arm of the Afghanistan team playing jerseys as well as on the training kits throughout the showpiece event.
• Afghanistan will play two warm-up matches against Pakistan and England on May 24 and 27 respectively before beginning their World Cup campaign against Australia on June 1.

3. Father of Indian Modern Legal Education Dr. NR Madhava Menon Passes Away

• Father of modern legal education in India, Dr.NR Madhava Menon has passed away.
• He is known for changing the face of Indian legal education by pioneering the establishment of National Law Schools.
• He was the founder Director of the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) and the National Judicial Academy, Bhopal and the founder Vice Chancellor of the West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (NUJS).
• Menon was honored by the Government of India, in 2003, with the fourth highest Indian civilian award of Padma Shri.

4. PM Modi 2nd most followed politician globally on social media

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the second most followed politician in the world on social media after former US President Barack Obama.
• Modi has a total audience of 110.9 million on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Obama's total following stood at 182.7 million.
• Congress party President Rahul Gandhi has accumulated 12 million followers on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

5. Singapore passes controversial ‘fake news’ law which critics fear will stifle free speech

• Singapore has passed a controversial bill that could equip the government with extensive powers to police online media and free speech.
• The bill was first drafted last month and, as had been expected, it passed 72-9 in Singapore’s parliament, dominated by the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP).

6. World's first 'zero waste' flight takes off in Australia

• The first-ever commercial flight to produce "zero waste" has taken to the skies as part of a new initiative from the Australian airline Qantas to cut single-use plastics that end up in landfill.
• Flying from Sydney to Adelaide, all products and packaging onboard QF739 will either be reused, recycled or disposed of as compost.
• As well as all-digital boarding passes and electronic bag tags, around 1000 single-use plastic items were swapped for more environmentally friendly alternatives.

7. Chhattisgarh Deploys All-Women Anti-Naxal Commando Unit

• The Chhattisgarh police for the first time has inducted thirty women commandos in Dantewada of Bastar region and have deployed them in Malangir.
• The 30 women aresurrendered women Maoists and this is also a bid to lure Maoists women to join mainstream forces.
• Of the 30 recruits, 10 are surrendered women Naxals, while 10 others are assistant constables who were part of the erstwhile Salwa Judum (anti-Naxal militia) movement.