Correct Answer : Option (A) - Sri Lanka

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The Sri Lankan government has approved an agreement with Adani Green Energy, led by Gautam Adani, for the development of wind power stations in Mannar and Poonerin. The agreement was given the green light by the Sri Lankan cabinet on May 7. Under the power purchase agreement, which has a duration of 20 years, Adani Green Energy will be paid 8.26 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for the electricity generated from the wind power stations.

$442 Million Investment for 484 MW Wind Power Plants :

The deal follows Adani Green Energy’s approval in February 2023 to invest $442 million and develop 484 megawatts of wind power plants in the two towns of Mannar and Poonerin in Northern Sri Lanka.

Negotiating Committee Appointed :

The Sri Lankan government has appointed a negotiating committee, approved by the Cabinet, to review the project proposals offered by the Indian company.

Correct Answer : Option (C) - R Shankar Raman

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Larsen & Toubro is pleased to announce that Mr R Shankar Raman, who has been Sr EVP, Whole-time Director & CFO, is elevated as President, Whole-time Director & CFO with immediate effect.

Mr Shankar Raman joined L&T Group in November 1994 to set up L&T Finance Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary. He later assumed the role of the CFO at L&T and was appointed to the Board in October 2011.

As CFO of L&T, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the company's financial strategy, driving growth initiatives, and ensuring financial sustainability in a dynamic business environment. He is widely respected in the industry for his professionalism, integrity, and dedication to excellence.

With a background in finance and accounting, Mr Raman has a deep understanding of the intricacies of corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, capital management and risk assessment. He is known for his strategic vision and ability to navigate complex financial landscapes, contributing significantly to L&T's growth and success.

Correct Answer : Option (B) - Uttarakhand

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The Uttarakhand government has launched the ‘Pirul Lao-Paise Pao’ campaign to contain the raging forest fires in the state. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami launched the campaign in the Rudraprayag district on May 8, 2024. He urged the people to actively participate in the campaign and stated that cooperatives, Yuva Mangal Dal, and Van Panchayat would also take part.

Collecting Pine Leaves for Incentives :

Under the ‘Pirul Lao-Paise Pao’ campaign, local youth and villagers will collect dry Pirul (Pine tree leaves) from the forests and take them to designated Pirul collection centers. The Tehsildar, under the supervision of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, will manage these centers.

The collected Pirul will be weighed, and the villagers or youth will be paid Rs 50 per kg, with the amount directly transferred to their bank accounts. The collected Pirul will be packed, processed, and sold to industries for further use.

Significance of Pirul Collection :

In Uttarakhand, Pirul refers to Pine tree leaves, which have been traditionally used as bedding for domestic animals, as fertilizer when mixed with cow dung, and for packaging fruits. However, due to their excellent burning capacity, they pose a significant fire threat in Pine forests.

The Uttarakhand government has established a 25-kilowatt power plant in the Chakori Dhanari village of the Uttarkashi district, which uses Pirul as a raw material to produce electricity. The state produces an estimated 23 lakh metric tonnes of Pirul annually, with the potential to generate about 200 megawatts of electricity.