Current Affairs One - Liner : 11th May 2024

• National:
• The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) organized a first-of-its-kind “Telecom Design Collaboration Sprint” at IIIT, Bangalore on May 9, 2024. The event brought together startups, academia, and research institutions to foster innovation in the telecom sector. The focus was on developing a comprehensive 5G solution and preparing for future advancements to 6G.

• India and Moldova signed a Visa Waiver Agreement for diplomatic and official passports on 10th May 2024. This allows these passport holders to travel between the two countries without a visa, aiming to strengthen their friendly relations.
• International:
• Belize, Jamaica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines have been certified by WHO for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis as of May 7, 2024. This makes them part of 19 globally certified countries, 11 of which are in the Americas. Cuba was the first to achieve this in 2015.
• India has supported Palestine’s bid for full membership in the United Nations. The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution endorsing Palestine’s full membership, with 143 nations, including India, voting in favor. This support is part of India’s longstanding relationship with Palestine, which dates back to 1974.
• On May 8, 2024, the Ukrainian parliament passed a bill that allows certain prisoners to voluntarily join the military. This decision was made due to a critical shortage of military personnel. The legislation still needs to be signed by the chairperson of parliament and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to become law.
• Banking:
• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has approved CARE ESG Ratings Limited, a subsidiary of CARE Ratings Limited, to function as a Category I ESG Ratings Provider. This approval allows them to commence their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) rating activity. Their assessments are based on an evaluation of over 700 data points, and their model is based on an indicator-level materiality approach.
• Economy:
• India’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) grew by 4.9% in March 2024. The growth rates for Mining, Manufacturing, and Electricity sectors were 1.2%, 5.2%, and 8.6% respectively. The top contributors within the manufacturing sector were the manufacture of basic metals, pharmaceuticals, and other transport equipment. The data was announced on May 10, 2024.
• Mous:
• The UAE-India CEPA Council (UICC) and the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on May 10, 2024, in New Delhi, India. This strategic alliance aims to enhance economic and trade relations between the UAE and India. The partnership will promote awareness of the bilateral economic partnership and the benefits of the UAE-India CEPA.
• Science & Technology:
• On May 8, 2024, astronomers using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope detected possible atmospheric gases surrounding 55 Cancri e, a hot rocky exoplanet 41 light-years from Earth. This is the best evidence to date for the existence of any rocky planet atmosphere outside our solar system. The planet’s atmosphere is probably rich in carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide.
• On 8th May 2024, the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) in Kochi identified two new species of needlefish from Indian waters, named Ablennes joseberchmansis and Ablennes gracalii. These species were previously thought to be part of the flat needlefish species but were found to be distinct through genetic and molecular analysis.
• Reports:
• According to the ‘India Economic Perspectives’ report by UBS, India is set to become the world’s third-largest consumer market by 2026. This growth is driven by several key factors, including its large population and rising middle class. In 2023, India’s household consumption surged to USD 2.1 trillion, nearly doubling from the previous decade, with an annual compound growth rate of 7.2%. This growth rate surpasses that of major economies like China, the US, and Germany. The projections indicate that India will surpass Germany by 2024 and Japan by 2026
• Sports:
• New Zealand cricketer Colin Munro announced his retirement from international cricket on May 10, 2024. He was the first batter to score three centuries in T20I cricket and holds the record for the fastest half-century (14 balls) for New Zealand.
• Defence:
• Kadet Defence Systems (KDS) introduced India’s first Loitering Aerial Munitions (LAM) for the armed forces on May 8, 2024. These systems, adaptable to diverse terrains and environments, represent a paradigm shift in modern warfare. With over 90% of components locally sourced, Kadet underscores its commitment to fostering indigenous innovation and self-reliance in defence production.
• The Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Act has been enforced from May 10, 2024. This Act empowers Commanders-in-Chief and Officers-in-Command of Inter-Services Organisations (ISOs) to exercise control over Service personnel for effective maintenance of discipline and administration.
• Important Days:
• The Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives during the Second World War is an annual international day of remembrance observed on 8-9 May. It pays tribute to all those who lost their lives during World War II. The observance begins on May 8, the anniversary of the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany.
• The International Day of Argania is celebrated on May 10th annually to recognize the importance of the Argan tree. The Argan tree, native to Morocco, is resilient to harsh environments and provides forest products, fruits, and fodder. Argan oil, extracted from its seeds, is used in medicine, cooking, and cosmetics.
• Appointments:
• Dileep Sanghani has been re-elected as the Chairman of the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO). The election took place on May 9, 2024, in New Delhi. Balvir Singh was also re-elected as the Vice Chairman. The election was part of the 15th RGB elections for its Board of Directors.
• Obituaries:
• Moosa Raza, a former bureaucrat and Padma Bhushan awardee, passed away on 8th May, 2024. He was known for his contributions to education and literature, and served as the Chairman of the South Indian Educational Trust.

Questions:

Q.1 What is the annual compound growth rate of India’s household consumption?
a. 5.2%
b. 6.2%
c. 7.2%
d. 8.2%
Q.2 Who has been re-elected as the Chairman of the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO)?
a. Balvir Singh
b. Dileep Sanghani
c. Narendra Modi
d. Rahul Gandhi