Current Affairs - May 3, 2024 Current Affairs

Purnima Devi Barman, a wildlife biologist from Assam, was awarded the 'Green Oscar' Whitley Gold Award 2024 for her conservation efforts of the endangered Greater Adjutant Stork (Hargila). Her work has significantly contributed to increasing the population of Hargila from an estimated 450 birds to 1800 in Northeast India.

Amul, the renowned Indian dairy giant, has been chosen as the Lead Arm sponsor for the USA and South Africa cricket teams during the upcoming T20 World Cup in June. This sponsorship is significant as it reflects Amul's global presence and its support for sports, particularly cricket, showcasing its commitment to promoting sportsmanship and healthy lifestyles.

Micron's Sanand unit in India is gearing up to introduce its first batch of domestically manufactured semiconductor chips in 2025, primarily focusing on global exports. This move reflects Micron's commitment to technological innovation and highlights India's growing role in the global semiconductor industry.

Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL) successfully secured USD 400 million in financing from international banks for its 750 MW solar projects in Rajasthan and Gujarat. This funding reflects growing investor confidence in AGEL's renewable energy projects and supports the company's efforts to expand its renewable energy capacity in India.

India has been selected as the host country for the prestigious 2025 BWF World Junior Badminton Championships, to be held at the National Centre of Excellence in Guwahati. This event marks a significant opportunity for India to showcase its prowess in badminton on the global stage and promote the sport among young talents.

ICICI Bank has achieved a significant milestone by entering India’s top five companies by market capitalization, surpassing Rs 8 trillion in market value. This accomplishment reflects ICICI Bank's strong financial performance and investor confidence in its growth prospects, positioning it as a key player in India's financial sector.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced an initial interest rate of 8% for the Floating Rate Bond (FRB) maturing in 2034. This bond offers a variable interest rate that adjusts every six months based on short-term debt auction yields, providing investors with a flexible investment option tied to prevailing market conditions.

The Street Vendors Act, also known as The Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, was enacted in 2014. This legislation aimed to protect and regulate street vending in Indian cities, providing a framework for designated vending zones and town vending committees to address the challenges faced by street vendors and integrate them into urban planning.

The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) was launched in 2019 during the United Nations Climate Action Summit in New York. CDRI aims to enhance infrastructure resilience to climate and disaster risks, supporting sustainable development efforts globally.

World Press Freedom Day is observed on May 3rd annually, commemorating the fundamental principles of press freedom and the invaluable role of journalists in informing the public. The theme for 2024, "A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis," underscores the importance of journalism in addressing global environmental challenges and driving action towards sustainability.

Pratima Singh, an officer of the Indian Revenue Service (IRS), has been appointed as the Director of the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). This appointment, made under the Central Staffing Scheme, highlights the government's focus on utilizing skilled professionals like Singh to drive industrial and trade promotion initiatives effectively.

CSIR-IIP celebrated its 65th Foundation Day, marking the institute's establishment on 14th April 1960. The event highlighted achievements and presented the institute's roadmap for future research endeavours.