Current affairs 05 April 2023

NASA astronaut Christina Koch becomes the first woman to go around the moon.

• The American Space Agency, NASA has selected the first woman astronaut, Christina Koch for its Artemis II mission.
• Other crew members: Victor Glover (First Black Astronaut) and Reid Wiseman of NASA, and Jeremy Hansen of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).
• It will involve a fly-by of the moon and a 10-day journey back to Earth.
• It is part of NASA's Artemis program, which aims to land the first woman and the next man on the moon by 2024.

Sudha Shivkumar becomes 40th President of FICCI Ladies Organisation.

• Chennai-based Sudha Shivkumar has assumed the charge as the 40th president of FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) at the 39th annual session.
• FLO is the oldest women-led and women-centric business chamber in Southeast Asia.
• She is a lawyer and investment banker by profession and presently serving as a director at auto ancillaries.
• She was the Chairperson of the FLO Chennai Chapter in 2016-17.
• FLO is the women's wing of the FICCI.

India could become world's second-largest solar manufacturer by 2026.

• According to the new joint report from the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) and JMK Research and Analytics, India could become the world’s second-largest solar photovoltaic manufacturer by 2026, after China.
• India’s cumulative module manufacturing nameplate capacity more than doubled from 18GW in March 2022 to 38GW in March 2023.
• In terms of upcoming PV manufacturing installations, Gujarat would be the leading state in India.

Bahrain launches Golden Licence to attract large-scale investment projects.

• Bahrain's government has launched a new initiative called Golden Licence to incentivize investments and the creation of jobs.
• It is designed to provide streamlined services and benefits to local and foreign businesses with large-scale investment projects in Bahrain.
• Eligibility for the Licence: Companies with significant strategic projects and investments exceeding US$50 million or those creating more than 500 jobs in Bahrain.

India, US to begin major air combat exercise in Kalaikunda, West Bengal.

• The Indian Air Force and the US Air Force started the joint exercise Cope India at Kalaikunda airbase in West Bengal from April 10 to 21, 2023.
• This exercise will enhance operational capability and interoperability between the two air forces.
• While Japan will also join as an observer in the exercise and witness air combat and mobility elements operating from multiple air bases like Kalaikunda, Panagarh, Agra, and Hindon.