Current Affairs One - Liner : 30th March 2024

• National:
• In 2023, India significantly expanded its solar manufacturing capacity by adding 24 GW, with Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu leading the way. The country added 20.8 GW of solar modules and 3.2 GW of solar cell capacity, bringing the total to 64.5 GW and 5.8 GW respectively. Despite a 169% increase in solar cell imports, India also saw a massive 2,765% increase in solar cell exports.

• Jindal Advanced Materials (JAM) and Italy’s MAE S.p.A. are investing Rs 2,700 crore to establish a carbon fibre plant in India. The plant will have an initial annual capacity of 3,500 metric tonnes, with plans to expand to 10,000 MT by 2027. The facility will produce a range of carbon fibre intermediates and is expected to be operational within 30 months.
• On March 27, 2024, Sterlite Power and Singapore’s GIC announced a joint venture to develop power transmission projects in India. Sterlite Power holds a 51% stake, and GIC holds the remaining 49%. The partnership aims to capitalize on India’s transmission sector, estimated to be worth $13 billion.
• The Adani Group commenced the first phase of operations at the world’s largest single-location copper manufacturing plant in Mundra, Gujarat on March 28, 2024. The plant will produce 0.5 million tonnes a year of refined copper and is expected to reach full capacity by FY29. This initiative will reduce India’s dependence on copper imports and support the energy transition.
• International:
• On March 29, 2024, India and Ukraine held bilateral talks focused on conflict resolution. The discussions were part of Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba’s two-day visit to India. The talks aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and finding peaceful solutions to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
• On March 28, 2024, France’s lower house of parliament approved a bill to combat hair discrimination. The bill, proposed by Olivier Serva, aims to ban discrimination based on hair texture, length, color, or style. If passed, France would be the first country to recognize hair discrimination at a national level. The bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
• Banking:
• On March 27, 2024, Standard Chartered Bank divested its entire stake of 7.18% in Central Depository Services (India) Ltd (CDSL). The transaction, which involved 75 lakh shares, was valued at Rs 1,266 crore. The shares were sold at an average price of Rs 1,688.64 each.
• Mous:
• On March 28, 2024, the SatCom Industry Association of India (SIA-India) and ABRASAT, the Brazilian Satellite Communications Association, announced a partnership in New Delhi, India. This collaboration aims to enhance cooperation in the space sector, including satellite communication, rocket launches, payload development, and ground instrumentation.
• Sports:
• Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, a Bangladeshi umpire, became the first from his country to join the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires on March 28, 2024. This achievement is a testament to his years of hard work and dedication in the field of cricket umpiring.
• Important Days:
• Rajasthan Day, celebrated on March 30th, commemorates the formation of the state of Rajasthan in 1949. The day is marked with festivities showcasing the cultural heritage of the state. The theme for the event can vary each year and is often announced closer to the date. It generally revolves around the rich history, culture, and achievements of Rajasthan.
• Appointments:
• Arnab Banerjee, CEO of CEAT Ltd, was elected as the Chairman of the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA) on March 29, 2024. He brings extensive experience from his tenure at CEAT and is expected to lead ATMA towards further growth.
• On March 25, 2024, Pavan Davuluri, a veteran at Microsoft, was appointed to lead the company’s Windows and Surface teams. This move aims for tighter integration and a more seamless user experience between hardware and software.
• Awards & Honours:
• Vijay Jain has indeed been awarded the prestigious Times Power Icon 2024 Award. This accolade, conferred by the Times Group, marks a significant milestone in Jain’s illustrious career and underscores his remarkable contributions to society.

Questions:

Q.1 In 2023, how much did India expand its solar manufacturing capacity?
a. 20 GW
b. 30 GW
c. 24 GW
d. 35 GW
Q.2 Who has been awarded the Times Power Icon 2024 Award?
a. Ravi Sharma
b. Vijay Jain
c. Anil Kapoor
d. Suresh Kumar