IMPORTANT DAYS

International Day of UN Peacekeepers 2024 observed on 29 May

• Each year on May 29, the International Day of UN Peacekeepers is observed to recognize the significant contributions of both military and civilian personnel to global peacekeeping efforts.

• The theme for 2024 is "Fit for the Future: Building Better Together."

• Since 1948, over two million peacekeepers have participated in 71 missions, aiding countries in their transition from conflict to peace.

• Presently, more than 76,000 peacekeepers from over 120 nations are engaged in 11 missions worldwide.

• The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) established this day to commemorate the inception of the first UN peacekeeping mission in 1948.

• India has been instrumental in UN peacekeeping operations, notably sending medical teams to Congo in 1960 and an all-female contingent to Liberia in 2008.

• The Indian Army marked the 76th International Day of UN Peacekeepers by laying wreaths at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, honoring the memory of fallen comrades.

APPOINTMENTS

Apurva Chandra Appointed Chairperson of Committee A at 77th World Health Assembly

• Apurva Chandra, the Union Health Secretary of India, has been appointed as the chairperson of Committee A at the 77th World Health Assembly (WHA).

• The WHA is taking place in Geneva from May 27 to June 1.

• Committee A, chaired by India, is responsible for facilitating critical discussions on a wide array of programmatic issues.

• The World Health Assembly operates through three main committees: Plenary, Committee A, and Committee B.

• India's leadership of Committee A will be effective until June 1.

STATE NEWS

GAIL's First Green Hydrogen Plant Commissioned Under National Green Hydrogen Mission

• GAIL (Gas Authority of India Ltd) has commissioned its first green hydrogen plant.

• The plant is located in Vijaipur, Guna district, Madhya Pradesh.

• This marks a major step towards adopting new and alternative energy sources, in alignment with the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

• The plant utilizes 10MW Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Electrolyzer units to produce 4.3 tons per day (TPD) of green hydrogen.

• The hydrogen generated will initially serve as fuel and for captive purposes at GAIL's existing Vijaipur facility.

• National Green Hydrogen Mission:Initiative of Government of India.

• To promote the development and adoption of green hydrogen technologies across the nation.

AWARDS

I 2023 UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award

• Major Radhika Sen, an esteemed Indian woman peacekeeper, has been selected to receive the 2023 UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award.

• This prestigious honor recognizes her outstanding service and dedication.

• Major Sen has served with the United Nations Organization Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).

• From March 2023 to April 2024, she commanded MONUSCO’s Engagement Platoon for the Indian Rapid Deployment Battalion (INDRDB) in the DRC.

• The award will be presented to Major Sen on May 30, in celebration of the International Day of UN Peacekeepers

• An accomplished biotech engineer, Major Sen joined the Indian Army eight years ago and has since made significant contributions to peacekeeping efforts.

• After Major SumanGawani, she is the second Indian peacekeeper to receive this prestigious award.

• The United Nations 'Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award was instituted in 2016.

• It recognizes the dedication and efforts of an individual military peacekeeper in promoting the principles of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.

INDEX AND RANKINGS

SBI Report Projects Robust GDP Growth for India in FY24

• According to the SBI Ecowrap report, India's GDP growth for Q4 FY24 is projected to be 7.4%, with the full fiscal year FY24 expected to see a growth rate of 8%.

• The report attributes this optimistic outlook to a strong global economy, moderate inflation, and impressive fourth-quarter performance from over 2,400 listed Indian companies.

• These companies saw a top-line growth of 9% in Q4 FY24.

• Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBIDTA) for these firms increased by nearly 21%.

• However, the report notes that profit after tax (PAT) growth decelerated, dropping from 42% in the previous two quarters to approximately 12% in Q4.

• The RBI has predicted 7.6% GDP growth in the fourth quarter.