Current Affairs Quiz - May, 2024

Notes:
Krishna M Ella, co-founder of Bharat Biotech, now heads the Indian Vaccine Manufacturers Association (IVMA) for 2024-2026. He succeeds Adar C Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India (SII). Ella aims to enhance collaboration among vaccine manufacturers, researchers, and policymakers to expedite vaccine development and bolster production. IVMA also prioritizes enabling access to affordable vaccines in developing nations. SII, under Poonawalla, pioneered the Covishield vaccine during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Notes:
ISRO released the Indian Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR) highlighting a rise in space object population. ISRO System for Safe and Sustainable Space Operations Management (IS4OM), operational since 2022, ensures ISRO’s space asset safety. Globally, 3143 objects were launched, with five major break-up events. India launched 127 satellites by 2023 and successfully conducted seven ISRO missions, including Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya L-1. Collision Avoidance Manoeuvres increased to protect spacecraft from close approaches.

Notes:
Vinay Vir, the esteemed journalist, publisher, and editor of Daily Hindi Milap, known for championing Hindi in the South, passed away at 72. His impactful management and editing elevated Hindi’s presence. Born into a family of freedom fighters, Vinay Vir was a dedicated advocate for Hindi’s growth. Secretary of the Yudhvir Foundation, he honored achievers. His legacy remains intertwined with the advancement of Hindi and the recognition of talent.

Notes:
India has initiated Project ISHAN (Indian Single Sky Harmonized Air Traffic Management) in Nagpur, Maharashtra. The project aims to streamline air traffic management (ATM) by consolidating India’s four Flight Information Regions (FIRs) into a single system overseen from Nagpur. India’s airspace is currently divided into four FIRs and a sub-FIR at Guwahati. The FIRs are controlled by India through Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai, with a sub-FIR at Guwahati. India also shares its FIRs with 12 neighboring countries.

Notes:
Dubai is developing the world’s largest airport, Al Maktoum International Airport, under Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s leadership. With a capacity for 260 million passengers annually, it will feature 400 terminal gates and five parallel runways. Beyond transportation, it aims to integrate into urban life, commerce, and global trade, positioning itself as the “world’s airport” within Dubai South. This ambitious project underscores Dubai’s dedication to innovation and global connectivity.

Notes:
Recently, an Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter collected water from Bhimtal Lake in Nainital, Uttarakhand to help control a nearby forest fire.The Indian Army and the IAF were called in to help control the blaze, with MI-17 choppers lifting water from the lake for firefighting efforts. Bhimtal Lake, Uttarakhand’s largest lake in the Nainital district, is a centerpiece of the Kumaon region, dubbed India’s “lake district.” Named after the Mahabharata’s Bhima, it formed naturally due to Earth’s crust shifts. Constructed in 1883 during the British era, it features a masonry dam.

Notes:
The Pension Department has launched an online portal called Bhavishya for tracking pension payments and sanctions for government retirees. The portal is integrated with the pension processing and payment services of five banks, including State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Punjab National Bank, and Canara Bank.

Notes:
NPCI’s overseas arm signed a pact with the Bank of Namibia to develop a UPI-like instant payment system for Namibia, leveraging India’s UPI technology and experiences. The collaboration aims to modernize Namibia’s financial ecosystem, enhancing accessibility, affordability, and connectivity with domestic and international payment networks. It also emphasizes interoperability, signaling a significant step towards improving financial inclusion and digital transactions in Namibia.

Notes:
Geological Survey of India (GSI) explorers discovered ancient fossils, estimated at 35-40 million years old, in Tolegre, South Garo Hills, Meghalaya. Garo Hills, part of Meghalaya State, lies in the Meghalaya subtropical forests eco-region near the Indo-Bangladesh border. The Patkai hill range, extending into Myanmar, encompasses Garo Hills, known for heavy rainfall. It comprises five districts and is inhabited by the Garo tribe, the state’s second-largest ethnic group.

Notes:
The Supreme Court reserved one-third of SCBA executive committee seats for women. Minimum 3 out of 9 positions and 2 of 6 Senior Executive Member posts will be for women. At least one office-bearer post exclusively for women by rotation. Treasurer post in 2024-2025 election reserved for women. Reservation ensures minimum representation, eligible women can contest all committee posts. Justices Surya Kant and K V Viswanathan directed the decision.