Daily Current Affairs Quiz: May 14, 2025

Notes:
The military of Taiwan recently conducted its first live-firing of the American-supplied High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). The High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) is developed by the United States. HIMARS is a lightweight and mobile multiple rocket launcher system. It can launch several precision-guided rockets quickly and accurately. It is manufactured by Lockheed Martin Corporation, a defence and aerospace company based in the United States. HIMARS is designed to destroy enemy artillery, air defence units, trucks, light armoured vehicles, and troop or supply areas. This system increases battlefield mobility and firepower with high accuracy. The recent test highlights Taiwan’s efforts to strengthen its defence with U.S. military support.

Notes:
In a recent case of man-animal conflict, four people were injured in a bear attack while collecting tendu leaves in the Kawardha range of Bhoramdeo Wildlife Sanctuary. Bhoramdeo Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Kawardha district of Chhattisgarh and is part of the Maikal range in the Satpura hills. It is named after the nearby Bhoramdeo Temple, which is over a thousand years old and called the “Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh.” The sanctuary spans about 352 square kilometres and lies within the Kanha-Achanakmar Corridor connecting two major protected areas. Its landscape includes hilly terrain, dense forests, and many streams. The Fen and Sankari rivers originate here. The forest types include tropical moist and dry deciduous forests with trees like Saaj, Sal, Tendu, and Nilgiri.

Notes:
Chinese researchers have recently developed a high-resolution ocean simulation system called LICOMK++ to better study ocean and climate patterns. LICOMK++ stands for Laboratory for Atmospheric and Oceanic Modeling (LASG)/Institute of Atmospheric Physics (IAP) Climate Ocean Model with K++ high-performance computing upgrade. It is described as an ocean “microscope” because of its ultra-high-resolution abilities. This advanced system allows scientists to clearly observe complex ocean processes such as eddies and heat transport. It helps improve the understanding of how oceans influence climate. LICOMK++ can enhance forecasts of extreme weather events like typhoons, marine heatwaves, and floods.

Notes:
Glaciologists and local communities recently mourned the loss of Nepal’s Yala Glacier, now believed to be the first glacier in Nepal to be declared “dead.” Yala Glacier is located in Langtang National Park in Nepal’s Himalayan region. It lies at an altitude of around 5,000 meters above sea level. It is a small plateau glacier, commonly used for training in glaciological studies and mountaineering. Since the 1970s, the glacier has shrunk by 66% and retreated by 784 meters. Scientists expect it to disappear completely by 2040 due to climate change and rising global temperatures.

Notes:
Recently, Delhi Police launched a community outreach initiative called ‘Nayi Disha – A Path Back to Learning’ to bring out-of-school children back into education. Police officers are visiting homes of school dropouts to understand why they left school and to motivate them to return. The initiative reflects Delhi Police’s focus on mentorship and building trust, beyond traditional law enforcement. Officers are working with schools, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and social workers to provide help such as admissions, counselling, and academic support. Many students have already returned to school, and the initiative will now expand to other districts based on its success.