Current affairs 07 May 2024

India, Ghana agree for launch of UPI on Ghana interbank systems.

• India & Ghana aimed to link their payment systems, UPI and Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems (GHIPSS), for instant, low-cost transfers, targeting operationalization within 6 months.
• Discussions on a MoU covering Digital Transformation, Local Currency Settlement, & leveraging AfCFTA benefits are underway.
• Bilateral trade between India & Ghana grew to USD 2.87 billion in 2022-23.

Kareena Kapoor Khan appointed UNICEF Ambassador.

• In its 75th year of partnership with India, UNICEF India announced the appointment of Kareena Kapoor Khan as the organization’s National Ambassador.
• In her role, Kareena Kapoor Khan will support UNICEF India in furthering every child’s right to early childhood development, health, education and gender equality.
• UNICEF's Executive Director: Catherine M. Russell.
• Headquarters: New York, U.S.

Victoria Shi, the world’s 1st AI diplomat representing Ukraine.

• Ukraine introduced AI-generated spokesperson Victoria Shi to provide official statements.
• Each statement includes a QR code for verification.
• Shi's visuals are AI-generated, not a spokesperson substitute.
• Victoria Shi is based on a real person - Ukrainian singer and influencer Rosalie Nombre, who agreed to participate in the project.

World's deepest blue hole discovered in Mexico.

• Researchers have discovered the world's deepest blue hole located in Mexico's Chetumal Bay, named Taam Ja' Blue Hole (TJBH).
• Recent measurements have recorded it at depths exceeding 420 meters below sea level (mbsl).
• A blue hole is a large marine cavern or sinkhole, which is open to the surface and has developed in a bank or island composed of a carbonate bedrock.

Prof Mohammad Rihan appointed DG of National Institute of Solar Energy.

• Prof. Mohammad Rihan, from Aligarh Muslim University's electrical engineering department, named Director General of the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE).
• He will be on deputation for three years with a possible two-year extension.
• Rihan's expertise in smart grid and solar energy aligns with NISE's goals in R&D, testing, certification, and skill development in solar technology.