Current Affairs One - Liner : 28th May 2024

Purnima Shrestha, a Nepalese mountaineer and photojournalist, has become the first woman to climb Mount Everest three times in a single season, all within just 13 days. She reached the summit of the world’s tallest peak at 5:50 am on a Saturday.

The Telangana government has imposed a one-year ban on the manufacture, storage, distribution, and sale of gutka and pan masala containing tobacco and nicotine, effective from May 24, 2024. The ban is enforced under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The Ministry of Ayush and the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) organized a Sensitization Program on 27th May 2024. The program aimed to foster collaboration between the insurance sector and Ayush healthcare providers, enhance the accessibility of Ayush treatments, promote holistic health, and facilitate the empanelment of Ayush hospitals for insurance coverage.

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has concluded a new treaty on Intellectual Property (IP), Genetic Resources (GRs), and Associated Traditional Knowledge (ATK). This treaty is a significant win for the Global South, including India. It addresses the interface between IP, GRs, and ATK, and includes provisions for Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
Lithuania’s President Gitanas Nausėda has indeed won re-election. He secured a second five-year term in a landslide victory over Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė. Preliminary figures showed that Nausėda won 74.5% of the votes.
The European Union has passed the “Net-Zero Industry Act” to boost domestic green tech production. The goal is to cover 40% of the EU’s needs by 2030 using domestically produced green technology. The legislation includes incentives like fast-track permitting and easier access to funding.

The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has decided to introduce a one Paisa tick size for all stocks priced below Rs 250 per share. This change is expected to impact how stocks are traded. The new tick size will be applicable to all securities except Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) under various series.
The State Bank of India’s (SBI) South African branch has been fined 10 million rand (approx. Rs 4.5 crore) by the Prudential Authority, South Africa’s central bank, for not complying with anti-money laundering laws. The fine includes an immediate payment of 5.5 million rand (approx. Rs 2.5 crore) and an additional 4.5 million rand (approx. Rs 2 crore) payable over 36 months.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a penalty of ₹3,10,000 on Hero FinCorp Limited on May 22, 2024. This was due to non-compliance with certain provisions of the ‘Non-Banking Financial Company - Systemically Important Non-Deposit taking Company and Deposit taking Company (Reserve Bank) Directions, 2016’.

In FY 2023-24, India’s total exports are estimated at USD 776.68 Billion, with significant contributions from Electronic Goods, Drugs & Pharmaceuticals, and Engineering Goods. Notably, smartphone exports saw a 42% increase to $15.6 billion, ranking as the fourth most popular export good.

SpaceX launched the first set of spy satellites for a new U.S. intelligence network on May 22, 2024. The mission, NROL-146, was initiated by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) to enhance space-based surveillance capabilities.

On May 23, 2024, the Sharjah Masters and Sharjah Challengers chess tournaments concluded. Bardiya Daneshvar, a Grandmaster from Iran, emerged as the winner of the Sharjah Masters 2024. On the same day, Divya Deshmukh, an International Master from India, clinched the title of the Sharjah Challengers 2024.

On May 24, 2024, Azad Engineering Ltd secured a contract from GTRE-DRDO to manufacture and assemble an advanced gas turbine engine for defence applications. The first batch of engines will be delivered by early 2026. This aligns with the vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat,” contributing to India’s self-reliance in the defence sector.

Jetha Ahir, a BJP MLA from Shehra and former Deputy Speaker of the Gujarat Assembly, was elected unopposed as the chairman of the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) on May 21, 2024. The election took place in Delhi.
The Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) has approved a one-month extension for Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Manoj Pande. His tenure, which was to end on May 31, 2024, will now extend up to June 30, 2024.
Dr. Samir V. Kamat, the chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has been granted a one-year extension by the Centre. His tenure, which was set to end on May 31, 2024, will now continue until May 31, 2025.

Richard M. Sherman, the Oscar-winning American songwriter known for his work on Disney classics, passed away on May 25, 2024. He was 95 years old. His contributions to the music industry have left a lasting legacy.

Question:

1. Who was elected as the chairman of the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) on May 21, 2024?

2. What is the estimated total value of India’s exports in FY 2023-24?