May - 2024 Current Affairs

Correct Answer :   IOCL

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The Indian Army has signed an agreement with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) to conduct trials of hydrogen fuel cell bus technology for green and sustainable transportation solutions.

This is another step of the Indian Army towards its commitment towards innovation and environmental management. A hydrogen fuel cell bus was also handed over to the Indian Army during the event.

Correct Answer :   Vienna

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Recently (from 20 to 24 May 2024), the International Conference on Nuclear Security was organized in Vienna under the auspices of the IAEA (ICONS-2024) under the co-chairmanship of Kazakhstan and Australia.

The heads of ministries of foreign affairs, energy, internal affairs and other related departments of 130 countries participated in the current conference.

Correct Answer :   2,525 kilometers

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The Ganga River, stretching 2,525 kilometers (1,569 miles) in length, originates from the western Himalayas in Uttarakhand, India.

The Ganga River, originating from the majestic Gangotri Glacier nestled in the Himalayan mountains of Uttarakhand, holds immense significance for the people of India. Its journey traverses through various states, serving as a lifeline for millions of people and encompassing diverse ecosystems and cultures along its path.

Origin of the Ganga River :

The Gangotri Glacier in Uttarakhand marks the sacred birthplace of the Ganga River. It is here that the melting snow from the Himalayas forms the pristine waters that commence the river’s journey.

Drainage Area of the Ganga River :

The Ganga River boasts a vast drainage area spanning approximately 1,086,000 square kilometers (419,300 square miles). This expansive basin plays a pivotal role in sustaining diverse ecosystems and supporting millions of livelihoods across its course. From its origin in the Himalayas to its confluence with the Bay of Bengal, the Ganga’s drainage basin serves as a lifeline for numerous communities and habitats.

Length of the Ganga River :

The Ganga River, stretching 2,525 kilometers (1,569 miles) in length, originates from the western Himalayas in Uttarakhand, India. Its source, known as Gomukh, marks the terminus of the Gangotri Glacier. This mighty river, the largest in India and 34th largest globally, drains into the Bay of Bengal, traversing the Gangetic Plain of North India and into Bangladesh. With a basin size of 1,320,000 square kilometers, the Ganga holds immense importance, covering 26% of India’s landmass.

Cultural Significance of the Ganga River :

The Ganga River holds immense cultural significance for Hindus, revered as a sacred entity and often referred to as “Mother Ganga.” It serves as the focal point for countless religious ceremonies and festivals, playing a pivotal role in Hindu rituals. Its waters are believed to possess purifying properties, and its banks are thronged by devotees seeking spiritual solace and blessings.

Correct Answer :   650 kilometers

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Uttar Pradesh spans a total of 650 kilometers from east to west, stretching from Ballia in the east to Shamli in the west.

Uttar Pradesh is one of India’s most significant states in terms of agriculture, politics, economy, society, and geography. The state is a hub of cultural heritage, rich history, and religious cities. Every year, numerous domestic and international tourists visit Uttar Pradesh to explore its ancient sites and religious cities. In this series on Uttar Pradesh, we will discover the state’s total length from east to west.

Historical Names of Uttar Pradesh :

Before independence, Uttar Pradesh was known by various names. Initially, it was called the North-Western Provinces. Later, it was renamed North-Western Provinces and Oudh, and subsequently, the United Provinces of Agra and Oudh. Finally, it was known as the United Provinces before being named Uttar Pradesh after independence.

Total Area of Uttar Pradesh :

Let’s first understand the total area of Uttar Pradesh. The state covers an area of 240,928 square kilometers, which constitutes about 7.33% of India’s total area. In comparison, the total area of India is 3,287,263 square kilometers, accounting for about 2.4% of the world’s land area.

Total Districts in Uttar Pradesh :

Uttar Pradesh comprises 75 districts, which are grouped into 18 divisions and further divided into four administrative regions. These regions contain a total of 822 community development blocks, 351 tehsils, and 17 municipal corporations. The easternmost district is Ballia, the northernmost is Saharanpur, the westernmost is Shamli, and the southernmost is Sonbhadra.

Length of Uttar Pradesh from East to West :

Uttar Pradesh spans a total of 650 kilometers from east to west, stretching from Ballia in the east to Shamli in the west. This extensive length highlights the state’s significant geographical expanse, encompassing diverse regions and cultures.

Borders with Eight States and One Union Territory :

Uttar Pradesh shares its borders with eight states and one union territory: Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Delhi.

Correct Answer :   Ghana

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Ghana’s Next-Gen Infrastructure Company (NGIC) collaborates with Reliance Jio’s subsidiary, Tech Mahindra, and Nokia to bolster its 4G and 5G capabilities. With a focus on emulating India’s telecom success, Ghana aims to enhance connectivity and digital services across various sectors.

Key Collaborations for Infrastructure Development :

Ghana’s NGIC teams up with Reliance Jio’s arm Radisys, Tech Mahindra, and Nokia to construct essential infrastructure for delivering affordable 5G mobile broadband services.

Strategic Choice and Indian Influence :

Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Ghana’s Minister for Communication and Digitalisation, emphasizes India’s strategic relevance due to similar demographics and recent telecom advancements. Choosing Indian vendors over Chinese suppliers, Ghana seeks to benefit from India’s expertise in the field.

Impacts on Ghanaian Society :

The partnership aims to enrich Ghanaians’ lives through improved education, healthcare, and digital payment services facilitated by the modern telecom network.

Future Expansion and Satellite Connectivity :

Ghana explores the deployment of both 4G and 5G networks, along with discussions with Elon Musk’s Starlink for satellite connectivity. This expansion strategy aligns with Ghana’s goal of deepening telecom penetration.

Competitive Landscape and Regional Impact :

Bharti Airtel, a key competitor to Jio in the local market, underscores the significance of mobile network operators in driving Africa’s connectivity agenda. As a member of the Smart Africa alliance, Ghana’s rollout will serve as a model for other African nations aiming to replicate its success.

Correct Answer :   Lithuanian

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Lithuanian President Gitanas Naus?da has clinched a second term, triumphing over Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonyt?. With preliminary results indicating Naus?da’s commanding lead with 74.5% of the votes, his reelection underscores broad support for his moderate conservative stance and unwavering advocacy for Ukraine.

Naus?da’s Reelection: A Landslide Victory :

Preliminary figures from Lithuania’s Central Electoral Commission reveal Naus?da’s sweeping win, securing 74.5% of the votes cast, while Prime Minister Šimonyt? trailed with 24.1%.

Continued Support for Ukraine and Defiance Against Authoritarianism :

Throughout his tenure, President Naus?da has remained a stalwart advocate for Ukraine, a stance echoed across Lithuania’s political spectrum. Amid regional tensions and authoritarian crackdowns in neighboring Belarus and Russia, Naus?da’s administration has provided refuge to those fleeing oppression, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding Lithuania’s independence and freedom.

Strategic Importance Amid Regional Dynamics :

Situated on NATO’s eastern flank, Lithuania’s presidency holds significant weight amid escalating tensions between Russia and the West, particularly amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Naus?da’s leadership in overseeing foreign and defense policy, alongside his role as supreme commander of the armed forces, underscores Lithuania’s strategic significance in the Baltic region.

Path to Reelection and Future Outlook :

Having entered politics through his successful presidential bid in 2019, Naus?da’s victory marks a continuation of his tenure, reaffirming public confidence in his leadership. As he prepares to embark on his second term, Naus?da’s focus on upholding Lithuania’s sovereignty and fostering alliances with key partners remains paramount.

Correct Answer :   Syria

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Saudi Arabia appoints Faisal bin Saud Al-Mejfel as ambassador to Syria, marking the first such move in over a decade and signaling a significant shift in bilateral relations.

Saudi Arabia’s appointment of Faisal bin Saud Al-Mejfel as its ambassador to Syria signifies a significant shift in bilateral relations, marking the first such appointment in over a decade. This move comes amidst a period of thawing relations between the two nations following years of estrangement sparked by the Syrian civil war.

Background: From Strain to Reconciliation :

The rift between Saudi Arabia and Syria emerged in 2011 amid the Syrian civil war, with Saudi Arabia backing rebel groups opposed to the Assad regime. Diplomatic ties were severed in 2012, leading to the closure of Saudi Arabia’s embassy in Damascus.

Rapprochement and Diplomatic Resumption :

The process of reconciliation began in May 2023 when Syria was readmitted to the Arab League, setting the stage for renewed engagement between Saudi Arabia and Syria. Following Syria’s readmission, Saudi Arabia reopened its embassy in Damascus, signaling a desire for normalized relations.

Strategic Appointment: Strengthening Bilateral Ties :

The appointment of Faisal bin Saud Al-Mejfel underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering closer cooperation with Syria. Al-Mejfel’s mission to strengthen bilateral ties hints at broader efforts to enhance collaboration in areas such as economics, security, and cultural exchange.

Implications for Regional Stability :

The re-establishment of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Syria holds broader implications for regional dynamics. It may inspire other nations to pursue similar reconciliation efforts, potentially contributing to a more stable and cooperative Middle East.

Path to Resolution and Reconstruction :

As Ambassador Al-Mejfel assumes his role, there is optimism that Saudi-Syrian cooperation could contribute to efforts aimed at resolving the Syrian conflict and addressing the humanitarian crisis. This diplomatic milestone marks a pivotal moment in the history of bilateral relations, offering hope for a more collaborative future.

Correct Answer :   Dipa Karmakar

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The Indian gymnast, Dipa Karmakar, has scripted history by becoming the first-ever Indian to secure a gold medal in any Asian Championships. Hailing from Tripura, Dipa achieved this remarkable feat in the women’s vault individual final at the Asian Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Championships 2024, held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on May 26, 2024.

Dipa displayed an exceptional performance, scoring an average of 13.566 points to claim the coveted gold medal. The silver and bronze medals were bagged by Kim Son-hyang and Jo Kyong-byol, respectively, both representing the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea), with scores of 13.466 and 12.966 points.

Despite her commendable achievement, Dipa narrowly missed securing a quota for the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, as she finished 16th in the all-round category.

Indian Medallists at Asian Championships

* 2006, Surat – Ashish Kumar, bronze medal in the individual floor exercise final
* 2015, Hiroshima – Dipa Karmakar, bronze in vault individual final
* 2019, Ulaanbaatar – Pranati Nayak, bronze in the vault individual final
* 2022, Doha – Pranati Nayak won bronze in the vault individual final
* 2024, Tashkent – Dipa Karmakar, gold in vault individual final

About Dipa Karmakar :

* Dipa Karmakar, standing at just 4 feet 11 inches tall, hails from Tripura and is one of India’s most renowned and inspiring women gymnasts.
* She claimed her first international medal, a bronze, at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
* Dipa made history as the first Indian woman gymnast to qualify for the Summer Olympics, participating in the 2016 Rio Olympics, where she finished fourth in the vault event.
* In 2018, she became the first Indian ever to win a gold medal at a global gymnastics event, triumphing at the FIG World Cup in Mersin, Turkiye.
* Additionally, Dipa secured a bronze medal at the 2018 Artistic Gymnastics World Cup in Germany.

Awards and Recognition :

* Dipa Karmakar was bestowed with India’s highest sports honor, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award (now Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award), in 2016.
* She was conferred with India’s fourth-highest civilian award, the Padma Shri, in 2017, in recognition of her outstanding achievements.

Correct Answer :   Himachal Pradesh

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Himachal Pradesh has earned the nickname of "Fruit Basket State" due to the abundance and diversity of fruits grown here.

India, with its diverse landscapes and cultures, is known for its multitude of states, each with its own unique identity. Among these, Himachal Pradesh stands out as the “Fruit Basket State,” owing to its abundance of orchards and fruit cultivation. Let’s explore why Himachal Pradesh is referred to as the Fruit Basket State.

Why States are Given Unique Identities?

Before delving into why specific states are known by unique monikers, it’s essential to understand the rationale behind it. States are often identified by names that reflect their geographical features, local products, or cultural significance. These identities not only promote tourism but also contribute to the economic activities of the region.

Which State is Known as the Fruit Basket?

Himachal Pradesh, nestled in the Himalayan foothills, is renowned for its bountiful fruit production. The state’s temperate climate and fertile soil create ideal conditions for cultivating a wide variety of fruits. As a result, Himachal Pradesh has earned the nickname “Fruit Basket State” due to the abundance and diversity of fruits grown here.

Why is Himachal Pradesh Known as the Fruit Basket?

The designation of Himachal Pradesh as the “Fruit Basket State” stems from its significant fruit cultivation. The state is known for producing a plethora of fruits, including apples, apricots, pears, strawberries, cherries, peaches, kiwis, and plums. The wide array of fruits grown in Himachal Pradesh contributes to the state’s agricultural prosperity and economic growth.

Major Fruits Grown in Himachal Pradesh :

In Himachal Pradesh, the primary fruits cultivated include:

* Apples
* Apricots
* Pears
* Strawberries
* Cherries
* Peaches
* Kiwis
* Plums

Correct Answer :   Google

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Google is investing $350 million in Walmart-owned e-commerce firm Flipkart as part of a $1 billion funding round. This investment aims to support Flipkart’s growth as it targets a $60 billion valuation at the time of its initial public offering (IPO), planned for 2025-26.

Investment Details :

* Amount : Google is investing $350 million.
* Funding Round : Part of a $1 billion funding round initiated by Flipkart in 2023.
* Valuation : The funding could increase Flipkart’s valuation to over $36 billion, a 5-10% premium on its previous $33 billion valuation post-PhonePe separation in December 2022.

Strategic Impact :

* Expansion Plans : The capital will be used to enhance infrastructure, seller support ecosystem, and incorporate advanced technologies like AI and generative AI.
* Market Position : The fundraise will bolster Flipkart’s position against competitors such as Amazon, Reliance JioMart, and Tata Digital.
* Customer Reach : Focus on reaching the next 200 million customers, particularly in Tier-II and -III cities and rural India.

Partnership Benefits :

* Google’s Cloud Services : Google will provide its Cloud services to modernize Flipkart’s digital infrastructure.
* Strategic Alignment : The collaboration aligns with Google’s $10 billion investment in India’s digitization fund.

IPO and Domicile Plans :

* IPO Timing : Flipkart is considering a 2025-26 IPO, potentially listing in India and other geographies including the US.
* Domicile Move : Plans to shift domicile from Singapore to India, which could offer significant tax benefits and align with IPO strategies.

Historical Context :

* Previous Fundraises : Flipkart raised $600 million from Walmart earlier and $3.6 billion in 2021 when including PhonePe.
* Walmart’s Stake : Walmart acquired a 77% stake in Flipkart for $16 billion in 2018, with PhonePe included as a bolt-on acquisition.

Market Trends :

* E-commerce Growth : India’s e-commerce sector is expected to grow from $59 billion in 2022 to $300 billion by 2030, driven by increased adoption in Tier-II cities and beyond.
* Flipkart’s Performance : The platform saw 1.4 billion visits during The Big Billion Days 2023 event, indicating strong consumer engagement.