Current Affairs One - Liner : 29th May 2024

GAIL inaugurated its first 10MW green hydrogen plant at Vijaipur in Madhya Pradesh on May 24, 2024. The plant will produce high-purity hydrogen for captive use and future retail distribution. This is a significant step towards sustainable energy production in line with the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) has partnered with Norway’s Nel ASA to accelerate its new energy investments, particularly in green hydrogen production. The agreement grants RIL an exclusive license for Nel’s alkaline electrolysers in India and permits RIL to manufacture these globally.
TCS and IIT-Bombay announced a partnership on May 28, 2024, to develop India’s first Quantum Diamond Microchip Imager. This tool aims to enhance the quality control of semiconductor chips, improving their reliability, safety, and energy efficiency.
The National Archives of India (NAI) has completed its first overseas digitization of diaspora records in Oman. The project, ‘The Oman Collection – Archival Heritage of the Indian Community in Oman’, took place from May 19-27, 2024. Over 7000 documents from 32 Indian families in Oman were digitized. These documents will be available on the NAI’s digital portal, ‘Abhilekh Patal’.

Four European banks - Credit Agricole, Societe Generale, Deutsche Bank, and BNP Paribas - have sought approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for a third-party transaction model. This is to resolve a deadlock over audit oversight rights between their home authorities and Indian policymakers.
On May 27, 2024, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a penalty of Rs 1 crore on ICICI Bank for sanctioning term loans without proper due diligence, and Rs 91 lakh on YES Bank for levying charges for non-maintenance of minimum balance in certain savings accounts.

On 28 May 2024, global equities experienced a slight decline. The S&P 500, for instance, dropped nearly 5.5%, consolidating slightly above the 5,000 threshold by the end of the month. This was also reflected in other global equity indexes.
The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has announced that it will pay dividends amounting to Rs 3,662 crore to the Government of India. This dividend is a part of LIC's profit distribution for the financial year.

At the Archery World Cup 2024, Stage 2 event in Yecheon, South Korea, the Indian Women’s Compound Team, consisting of Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Parneet Kaur, and Aditi Swami, won the gold medal. The Mixed Team, comprising Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Priyansh, secured a silver medal. The event took place from 21st to 26th May 2024.
Charles Leclerc of Ferrari won the Monaco Grand Prix 2024 held on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at the Circuit de Monaco. He led the race from start to finish, beating Oscar Piastri and Carlos Sainz, who finished second and third respectively.

The International Day of Action for Women’s Health is observed annually on May 28. It was initiated by the Women’s Global Network for Reproductive Rights in 1987. The day emphasizes women’s right to a healthy life, free from abuse and discrimination. In 2024, the focus is on “Mobilising in Critical Times of Threats and Opportunities,” emphasizing women’s empowerment and independence.
World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2024 was observed on May 28th with the theme “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld”. The day aimed to raise awareness about menstrual hygiene and the challenges faced by women worldwide due to inadequate hygiene.

Apurva Chandra, Union Health Secretary of India, was appointed as the Chairperson of Committee A at the 77th World Health Assembly (WHA) held in Geneva from May 27 to June 1, 2024. He led discussions on key health topics and highlighted India’s effective COVID-19 management and commitment to global health.
Gaurav Banerjee, former Disney Star executive, was appointed as the new CEO of Sony Corporation’s India unit on May 28, 2024. He will be replacing NP Singh and is expected to join Sony by August. His responsibilities will include leading 26 channels and the streaming service SonyLiv.

Major Radhika Sen of India will receive the 2023 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award on May 30, 2024. She is being recognized for her efforts in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment during her service in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Questions:

1. Which of the following European banks have sought approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for a third-party transaction model?

2. Who will receive the 2023 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award?