Current Affairs One - Liner : 25th May 2024

The Women and Child Development (WCD) Ministry has dissolved the Food and Nutrition Board (FNB). This was part of a government rationalisation plan. Employees were either retired voluntarily, reassigned, or placed on deputation. FNB’s properties and labs are being transferred to other departments.

Tata Communications and Cisco announced a partnership on May 22, 2024, to launch Webex Calling by Tata Communications in India. This service integrates Cisco’s Webex Calling with Tata Communications’ GlobalRapide platform. It aims to provide enhanced connectivity and collaboration experience for enterprises.
India is setting up its first research facility to study Nor’westers, a type of thunderstorm. The facility will have drones, a 100-metre flux tower, and advanced instruments. It will span West Bengal, Odisha, and Jharkhand, with the control centre in Chandbali, Odisha. This joint venture by IMD, IITM, and NCMRWF aims to enhance thunderstorm studies and improve prediction accuracy.
The world’s first 100% biodegradable pen was launched in India by entrepreneur Saurabh H Mehta. The pen is made entirely without plastic and features a recycled paper refill, non-toxic ink, and options for a metal, paper, or bamboo exterior.

As of March 2023, unclaimed deposits in Indian banks reached ₹42,270 crore, a 28% increase from the previous year. The majority of these deposits were in public sector banks. Banks transfer unclaimed deposits in dormant accounts to the RBI’s DEA Fund.

The Emblica chakrabartyi, a new plant species, was discovered in the Adichilthotti area within the Edamalayar forest range of Kerala on May 21, 2024. It belongs to the gooseberry family and was named after scientist Tapas Chakrabarty. The plant can grow up to 2 meters, has large shiny leaves, and flowers and fruits from December to June.

World Schizophrenia Day is observed annually on May 24 to raise awareness about schizophrenia, a mental disorder affecting over 20 million people globally. The theme for 2024 is “Celebrating the Power of Community Kindness”, emphasizing the importance of an inclusive and supportive environment for those affected.
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 24th May as the International Day of the Markhor in 2024. The Markhor is an iconic species found across Central and South Asia, and it’s under threat due to habitat loss, illegal hunting, and climate change. This day aims to raise awareness and promote the conservation of the Markhor.
Africa Day is celebrated on May 25th to commemorate the formation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1963. In 2024, the theme was “Education Fit for the 21st Century”. The UN Secretary-General’s message highlighted the need to address challenges like climate change, conflicts, hunger, poverty, inequality, and debt burdens.

On May 24, 2024, the Delhi High Court appointed retired judge, Justice Najmi Waziri, as the Chairperson of the Administrative Committee of the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI). The committee will oversee the day-to-day administration of EFI.
Allamaye Halina, the former ambassador of Chad to China, was appointed as the new Prime Minister of Chad on May 23, 2024. The announcement of his appointment was made on May 24, 2024.

The film “Sunflowers were the first ones to know” by FTII students, directed by Chidanand S Naik, won the ‘La Cinef’ Award at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. The film narrates the story of an elderly woman who steals a rooster, leading to chaos in her village.
Arti, an 18-year-old e-rickshaw driver from Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, received the prestigious Amal Clooney Women’s Empowerment Award in London on 24th May 2024. She was recognized for her work with the Pink E-rickshaw initiative, which promotes safer transportation for women.

Question:

1. Who launched the world’s first 100% biodegradable pen?

2. Which award did the film “Sunflowers were the first ones to know” win at the 77th Cannes Film Festival?