Current Affairs Quiz - May, 2024

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GAIL (India) Ltd. inaugurated its first 10 MW Green Hydrogen Plant in Vijaipur, Madhya Pradesh, under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. Approved on January 4, 2022, the mission aims to make India a global hub for green hydrogen. It includes incentives for electrolyser manufacturing and green hydrogen production, support for pilot projects, development of Green Hydrogen Hubs, and a policy framework for a green hydrogen ecosystem and standards.

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A new plant species, Stellaria mcclintockiae, was discovered on the muddy slopes of Kerala’s Nelliyampathy hills, at elevations of 1,250-1,400 meters. This annual herb, growing up to 15 cm tall, belongs to the genus Stellaria (family Caryophyllaceae). It features distinct petals, pollen morphology, bracts, sepals, and seed architecture. As the first Stellaria species found in South India, researchers recommend it be classified as critically endangered.

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The Council of Europe (COE) adopted the Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law, known as the ‘AI convention.’ This treaty aims to ensure AI systems comply with human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

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Delhi- based think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) praised SEBI’s Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) initiative. Introduced in May 2021, BRSR mandates the top 1000 listed companies to disclose their performance on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects. This aims to showcase their commitment to responsible business practices and provides policymakers and investors with crucial data for informed decision-making.

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World Hunger Day 2024, observed annually on May 28, raises awareness about global hunger and malnutrition. The theme, “Thriving mothers. Thriving world.” highlights the impact of malnutrition on women and children, affecting over 1 billion worldwide. The day advocates for sustainable food systems to combat hunger’s root causes like war and climate change. It emphasizes the intergenerational effects of malnutrition and aims to provide proper nutrition to millions worldwide.

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Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific & Middle East announced the Green Airports Recognition (GAR) 2024 results, honoring 12 airports for sustainability achievements. The 2024 theme, Biodiversity and Nature-Based Solutions, encouraged airports to implement best practices. Efforts included planting trees for carbon reduction, marine life conservation, wetland and ecological restoration, in-house horticulture, and wildlife management strategies to ensure safe operations while preserving biodiversity.

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Apurva Chandra, Union Health Secretary of India, has been appointed Chairperson of Committee A at the 77th World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva, held from May 27 to June 1. Committee A addresses crucial health topics like universal health coverage, emergency preparedness, antimicrobial resistance, climate change, and WHO financing. Chandra highlighted India’s COVID-19 management and commitment to global health, reflecting the “One World, One Family” philosophy and promoting health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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The National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) and mines and geology department to halt illegal sand mining in the Sharavathi river coastal zone. The Sharavathi River, in western Karnataka, flows west to the Arabian Sea. It spans 128 km and its basin covers 2,985 sq km. The river forms Jog Falls and generates 40% of Karnataka’s hydropower with seven dams and five tunnels.

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India’s Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) warned of a high-severity vulnerability in Google Chrome for desktops. CERT-In, the national agency for computer security incidents under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, aims to secure Indian cyberspace. Operational since January 2004, CERT-In is responsible for responding to and mitigating cybersecurity threats in India.

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The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) formed a strategic partnership to boost skill development globally. This collaboration, witnessed by MSDE officials including Atul Kumar Tiwari, aims to empower individuals with essential competencies for employability and economic growth. The MoU signed by NSDC CEO Ved Mani Tiwari and ILO’s Sangheon Lee underscores a commitment to talent development through effective policies and the implementation of Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH).