Current Affairs One - Liner : 9th May 2024

• National:
• Infosys, a global IT services company, received the ISO 42001:2023 certification for their Artificial Intelligence Management System (AIMS) on May 7, 2024. This certification, awarded by TUV India, validates Infosys’ commitment to responsible AI practices and regulatory adherence. The AIMS is part of the Infosys Topaz Responsible AI Suite, which aims to mitigate risks associated with AI initiatives.

• Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) signed a 20-year power purchase agreement with the Government of Sri Lanka on May 7, 2024. The agreement is for the operation of two wind power stations in Mannar town and Pooneryn village. This is a significant step towards increasing Sri Lanka’s renewable energy capacity and aligns with Adani’s strategy to achieve an operating portfolio of 45GW by 2030.
• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved Greenko Energies Private Limited's acquisition of additional shares in Sikkim Urja Limited. The announcement was made on May 7, 2024. Greenko Energies is a subsidiary of Greenko Mauritius, which is owned by Greenko Energy Holdings. Sikkim Urja is responsible for a 1200 MW hydro power project in North Sikkim, India.
• Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey launched the ‘School on Wheels’ initiative to support students living in relief camps due to ethnic violence. The mobile school, equipped with a library, computers, and sports items, is implemented by Vidya Bharati’s Shiksha Vikash Samiti. It aims to ensure uninterrupted education for around 18,000 students currently residing in these camps.
• International:
• John Swinney, the Leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), was elected as the First Minister of Scotland on 8 May 2024. He succeeded Humza Yousaf and was backed by 64 MSPs. Before this, he served as the Deputy First Minister of Scotland and held various cabinet positions.
• The second consultation on security and defense between India and the European Union took place in New Delhi on May 6, 2024. They discussed international and regional issues, security and defense policy developments, and agreed to deepen engagement in areas like cyber, maritime security, and crisis management. They also explored new areas of cooperation, including space security.
• Economy:
• The net household savings in India have declined by Rs 9 lakh crore over the past three years, reaching Rs 14.16 lakh crore in 2022-23. This decline is attributed to a 73% rise in liabilities during 2022-23. Investments in mutual funds and shares have increased, and household loans have also doubled.
• Mous:
• On May 6, 2024, the Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB) India and the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at GIFT City, Gandhinagar. This MoU aims to promote GIFT-IFSC as a “Global Finance Hub” and enhance the financial market ecosystem in India.
• Reports:
• India became the first country to receive over $100 billion in remittances in 2022, according to the World Migration Report released by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The top five recipients of remittances in 2022 were India, Mexico, China, the Philippines, and France. Despite the financial benefits, migrant workers from these countries continue to face challenges such as financial exploitation and workplace abuses.
• In 2023, India surpassed Japan to become the world’s third-largest producer of solar power, according to the “Global Electricity Review 2023” report by Ember, a UK-based climate think tank. India generated 113 Terawatt-hours (TWh) of solar power, compared to Japan’s 110 TWh, marking a significant 19% year-on-year increase. The transition to renewable energy is critical for achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global heating to 1.5 degrees.
• Important Days:
• The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) celebrated its 65th Raising Day on May 7, 2024. Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane presided over the event, who lauded the BRO’s contributions to national security and socio-economic development. The theme for the day was ‘In the Silence of Our Great Mountains - Work Speaks’.
• Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti, celebrated on 9th May 2024 according to the Bengali Calendar, marks the 163rd birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore. He was a renowned Bengali poet, and the first Non-European Nobel laureate in Literature.
• Maharana Pratap Jayanti is celebrated on May 9th to honor the birth of Maharana Pratap, a revered king of Mewar, Rajasthan. He is known for his bravery and leadership during the Battle of Haldighati against the Mughal Emperor Akbar.
• Appointments:
• Keki Mistry has been appointed as the Chairman of HDFC Life by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). This change in leadership was officially announced on May 7, 2024. Mistry took over from Deepak S Parekh, who stepped down as the Chairman and Non-Executive Director of the company.

Questions:

Q.1 According to the “Global Electricity Review 2023” report, how much solar power did India generate?
a. 100 Terawatt-hours (TWh)
b. 110 Terawatt-hours (TWh)
c. 113 Terawatt-hours (TWh)
d. 120 Terawatt-hours (TWh)
Q.2 Who has been appointed as the Chairman of HDFC Life?
a. Deepak S Parekh
b. Mukesh Ambani
c. Ratan Tata
d. Keki Mistry