Current Affairs Quiz - May, 2023

Notes:
Russia celebrates Victory Day to mark its victory over Nazi Germany during the Second World War.
The 78th anniversary of the Victory Day was celebrated recently. Every year on May 9, Russia marks the Soviet Union’s victory with a parade of troops, military hardware and public celebration.

Notes:
El Ghriba synagogue, also known as Djerba Synagogue, is situated on the Tunisian island of Djerba.
At least four people lost their lives in a shooting near this ancient synagogue. the pilgrimage to Ghriba is at the heart of Jewish tradition in Tunisia, where only about 1,500 Jews live.

Notes:
The latest human genome, called pangenome, has been assembled using data from 47 people from Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas.
It offers a more accurate representation of human genetic diversity than the existing reference genome. This new pangenome will help researchers refine their understanding of the link between genes and diseases, and could ultimately help address health disparities.

Notes:
The third edition of the SCO startup forum was held recently. It was organized in New Delhi by the Department of Promotion for Industry and Internal Trade.
It is aimed at expanding the startup interactions amongst the SCO Member States, nurturing innovation, generating employment and encouraging young talent to build innovative solutions.

Notes:
Big Ben is the nickname given to the Great Bell of the Great Clock of Westminster, United Kingdom. It had failed to bong on May 10, when the dials of the clock on top of the Elizabeth Tower briefly stopped.
For hundreds of years, it was called the Clock Tower, and was renamed Elizabeth Tower in 2012 to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II.

Notes:
Comb jellies, also known as ctenophores, are marine organisms known for the groups of cilia they use for swimming.
A new study revealed that the nerve-net neurons of the comb jellies are not connected by synapses but by a single plasma membrane.

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The Australian government has recently approved the Queensland’s Isaac River coal mine project. The coal mine will be built near Moranbah.
Bowen Coking Coal has been authorised yextract metallurgical coal for making steel. This is the first new coal mine to be given the go-ahead by the government.

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Rebuild Kerala Initiative is a state government initiative which is aimed at rebuilding roads better after floods.
The World Bank team recently reviewed the activities under this initiative. It also has agreed to explore possible areas of cooperation in six priority projects.

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Rajeev Varshney is an Indian agricultural scientist known for his contribution towards decoding legumes’ genomes and developing new varieties of chickpeas.
He is the only new Indian scientist to become the Fellow of the Royal Society this year. Rajeev Varshney is fourth Indian agricultural scientist to become FRS.

Notes:
Poland recently received the first batch of the US-made HIMARS rocket launchers. These rockets will be deployed at the region bordering Russia.
Poland is buying billions of dollars’ worth of weapons, chiefly from the US and South Korea. This step is a part of a defence upgrade amid security concerns due to the war in neighbouring Ukraine.