Current Affairs Quiz - May, 2024

Notes:
Preliminary data from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) suggests a more than 50% likelihood of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) gas on the exoplanet K2-18b. However, further analysis is required before a definitive conclusion can be reached. DMS is a gas that is only produced by living beings on Earth, primarily by phytoplankton in marine environments. The presence of DMS in K2-18b’s atmosphere could be a groundbreaking discovery, as the planet is believed to be ocean-covered and 2.6 times larger than Earth. K2-18b, discovered in 2015, is a super Earth exoplanet orbiting an M-type star. M stars, smaller and cooler than the sun, comprise the Red Dwarf category. K2-18b resides in the Goldilocks zone, where temperatures sustain liquid water.

Notes:
The Old Kijabe Dam burst in southern Kenya, causing deadly floods attributed to climate change and El Nino. At least 42 people died in the dam breach near Kenya’s Rift Valley town. The Great Rift Valley, part of the East African Rift System, spans 4,000 miles across multiple countries, including Kenya. It’s a significant geological feature, stretching from Jordan to Mozambique’s coast, impacting regions like Eritrea, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Notes:
The European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases and the Global Leaders Group (GLG) on AMR organized a high-level event in Barcelona, Spain. It aims to unite world leaders and experts across sectors to boost political action on antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Established in 2020, the GLG advises on AMR and is supported by the Quadripartite Joint Secretariat involving FAO, UNEP, WHO, and WOAH, to maintain global momentum and leadership on AMR.

Notes:
The United States has rejected nearly one-third of shipments from Mahashian Di Hatti Pvt Ltd (MDH) since October 2023 due to salmonella contamination. Salmonella, a bacteria found in animals’ intestines and feces, causes gastrointestinal illness. It spreads to humans through contact with contaminated items or animals. Salmonella can survive for weeks in dry environments and months in water. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, with severe cases requiring medical attention.

Notes:
Rajasthan introduced a digital water distribution system for agriculture, employing “Barabandi,” a fixed turn method for canal water distribution. The new online “barabandi” system, developed by NIC Jaipur, allows scheduled irrigation supply accessible remotely. Farmers can track water flow to their fields, reducing manual errors. This innovation aims to optimize water usage and enhance agricultural efficiency in Rajasthan.

Notes:
Uttarakhand government suspends Patanjali Ayurved’s manufacturing licenses for 14 products over misleading ads. The company faces scrutiny for non-compliance with advertising regulations. The move, issued on April 24 by the state’s drug regulator, cites Patanjali’s persistent dissemination of deceptive efficacy claims. This action reflects the government’s commitment to enforce truthful advertising standards and holds implications for Ramdev’s legal battles.

Notes:
Hindu devotees gather in Hinglaj, Lasbela district, Pakistan, for an annual festival at the ancient cave temple of Hinglaj Mata. The pilgrimage begins with a trek to steep mud volcanoes, where pilgrims climb stairs and rocks to reach the summit. Tossing coconuts and rose petals into the crater, they seek divine permission to visit the temple. Dedicated to Goddess Hinglaj, it’s one of the oldest temples in the Indian subcontinent. Located near the Hingol River, in Balochistan, Pakistan, the temple complex features shrines, caves, and sacred natural formations.

Notes:
The OECD’s “Economic Outlook” report, released on May 2, 2024, raised India’s economic growth forecast for 2024-25 to 6.6%, up from 6.2%. It also projects a 6.6% growth rate for 2025-26. The OECD joins other institutions in revising India’s growth prospects. The report attributes India’s accelerated growth to increased public investment and business confidence. It emphasizes the need for the government to address indebtedness through revenue growth, spending efficiency, and fiscal rules.

Notes:
Nepal introduced a new Rs 100 currency note featuring disputed Indian territories—Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani—triggering contention from India. Prime Minister Prachanda chaired a meeting where the decision was made. Rekha Sharma, also the communication minister, announced the update following Nepal Rastra Bank’s proposal. The move follows tensions since Nepal’s 2020 political map included these areas. India had included them in its 2019 map, leading to diplomatic strains, notably over a road construction.

Notes:
The Koothandavar festival in Koovagam, Tamil Nadu, unfolds a narrative of marriage and widowhood within a day during the Tamil month of Chithirai. Lasting 18 days, it honors Lord Aravan’s sacrifice from the Tamil Mahabharata. Transgender individuals marry Aravan on the 17th day, symbolizing devotion. On the final day, Aravan is ritually sacrificed, and his widowed spouses mourn, echoing Lord Krishna’s lament for Aravan’s plight. This unique celebration draws global attention to transgender identity.