28th July 2024 Daily Current Affairs
1. Recently, where was the 14th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (EAS FMM) held?
[B] Vientiane, Lao PDR
[C] New Delhi, India
[D] Jakarta, Indonesia
Correct Answer: B [Vientiane, Lao PDR]
Notes:
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar attended the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference with India in Vientiane, Lao PDR, on July 26, 2024. His three-day visit from July 25-27 included participation in ASEAN-India, East Asia Summit (EAS), and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) meetings. The Lao PDR, as ASEAN chairman, hosted these events. Saleumxay Kommasith, Lao PDR’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, also attended. The conference saw foreign ministers from the 10 ASEAN member states and reaffirmed commitments to enhancing the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) over the next five years.
2. What is ‘Greenium’, recently mentioned in news?
[A] The premium paid on all types of bonds[B] The additional cost of issuing green bonds
[C] The savings an issuer of a green bond realises on the associated coupon payment
[D] None of the Above
Correct Answer: C [The savings an issuer of a green bond realises on the associated coupon payment]
Notes:
The Chief Economic Advisor emphasized the need for private investors to prioritize sustainable investments, noting the low “greenium” from India’s sovereign green bond offerings. Greenium, or green-premium, refers to the savings issuers gain on coupon payments for green bonds, which have lower yields than conventional bonds due to their sustainable appeal. Green bonds finance green projects like renewable energy, electric buses, and energy efficiency. These bonds attract investors willing to accept lower returns for sustainability benefits, reducing both physical and financial risks. This makes green projects financially attractive for issuers.
3. Recently, researchers have spotted ‘Magnetofossils’ in which region of India?
[B] Assam
[C] Manipur
[D] Gujarat
Correct Answer: A [Ladakh]
Notes:
Researchers have discovered mange to fossils, fossil remains of magnetic particles produced by magnetotactic bacteria, in rock varnish layers in Ladakh, India. These prokaryotic organisms align with the earth’s magnetic field and are found in freshwater and marine habitats. They use the magnetic field to locate optimal oxygen levels. The bacteria contain iron-rich particles in small sacs acting as compasses, forming tiny crystals of magnetite or greigite. These crystals help them navigate changing oxygen levels in water. These microbes are believed to be among Earth’s earliest inhabitants.
