Current Affairs - May 30, 2024 Current Affairs

India has assumed the chairmanship of the Colombo Process for the term 2024-26, marking its first time leading the forum since its establishment in 2003. The Colombo Process, a regional consultative forum comprising 12 member states from South and Southeast Asia, focuses on managing overseas employment and protecting migrant workers' rights.

The Indian Army has joined hands with the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) for demonstration trials of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus technology. This collaboration underscores the Army’s commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formally signed between the two entities to initiate this partnership.

The Statehood Day of Goa is celebrated on May 30th. On this day in 1987, Goa was granted statehood, becoming the 25th state of the Indian Union. This marked a significant milestone in the history of Goa, which had previously been a Portuguese colony for over 450 years before its liberation by India in 1961.

A court in the Philippines recently revoked biosafety permits for commercial propagation of genetically modified golden rice and Bt eggplant. Golden Rice, a genetically engineered variety of rice, contains beta carotene, addressing Vitamin A deficiency. The decision has implications for the adoption of genetically modified crops globally and debates surrounding their safety and regulation.

The Outlook Planet Sustainability Summit & Awards 2024 for Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) was hosted in Goa on May 27th. The event aimed to recognize sustainability initiatives undertaken by government-owned companies and was organized by the Outlook Media Group with BDO India as the Awards Process Advisor and IIT Goa as the Knowledge Partner.

India's first urban ropeway project is underway in Varanasi and is set to be operational by August 2024. This ropeway will connect Varanasi Cantonment Railway Station to RathYatra, enhancing connectivity in congested areas of the city. The project, known as the 'Parvatmala Pariyojana', is being constructed by Vishwa Samudra Engineering in collaboration with Switzerland's Bartholet Maschinenbau AG.

India's successful test of the Rudram-II anti-radiation missile marks a significant leap in Indigenous defence capabilities. Developed by DRDO, Rudram-II is designed to target enemy ground radars and communication stations, enhancing India's suppression of enemy air defences (SEAD) missions. It boasts an internal guidance system for autonomous target acquisition post-launch, affirming its precision and effectiveness in neutralizing various enemy assets.

The Gahirmatha Beach in Kendrapara district of Odisha is the largest breeding ground for olive ridley sea turtles in India. It is part of the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary and was designated as the Gahirmatha Marine Wildlife Sanctuary in September 1997. This area, including the Bhitarkanika mangroves, is a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance.

International Everest Day is observed on May 29th annually. This day commemorates the historic achievement of Nepalese Tenzing Norgay and New Zealand's Edmund Hillary, who became the first individuals to conquer Mt. Everest in 1953. Since its inception in 2008, International Everest Day has served as a global celebration honouring human endurance, resilience, and the spirit of exploration.

International Potato Day is observed annually on May 30th, as designated by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2023. This day aims to raise awareness about the significance of potatoes in terms of nutrition, economics, environment, and culture. It celebrates the potato's Andean origins and its role as one of the world's top staple food crops.

The Indian Arm Wrestlers won a total of 7 medals at the Asian Championship 2024 held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. These included one gold medal and six bronze medals. Shrimant Jha secured a gold medal in the left-hand para category and a bronze medal in the right-hand para category. Laxman Singh Bhandari won two bronze medals, while Sachin Goyal and Ibi Lollen each secured one bronze medal.

Hindi Journalism Day is observed on May 30th to honour the contribution of Hindi journalism and journalists. This date marks the publication of Udant Martand, the first Hindi newspaper in India, in Calcutta on May 30, 1826. The observance of Hindi Journalism Day recognizes the rich legacy and significant role of Hindi journalism, which has existed in the country for about 198 years.