Current Affairs Quiz - May, 2024

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:
The Indian government renews an agreement with Bangladesh to train 1500 Bangladeshi officers from 2025 to 2030. Signed by DARPG India and Bangladeshi Ministry of Public Administration, the pact emphasizes mid-career capacity-building for Bangladesh Civil Servants. During a 3-day visit (28-30 April 2024), led by V. Srinivas, Secretary, DARPG, the agreement was finalized, focusing on field administration programs.

Notes:
The Indian Army and the Punit Balan Group joined hands to inaugurate Pune’s inaugural Constitution Park. Lt. Gen. Ajai Kumar Singh led the ceremony, stressing citizens’ constitutional duties for India’s progress by 2047. He highlighted the global importance of the Indian Constitution, which secures Fundamental Rights and underscores Fundamental Duties. Understanding these rights and responsibilities is pivotal for India’s development.

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:
RailTel Corporation of India has partnered with a tech firm to implement KAVACH, an indigenous Automatic Train Protection System, in India and abroad. Developed by RDSO in collaboration with the Indian industry, KAVACH operates at Safety Integrity Level – 4 with a remarkably low error probability. Its features include centralized train movement monitoring, automatic overspeed prevention, and SOS message relaying.

Notes:
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) sets the maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticides in food products in India. The FSSAI is the country’s apex food safety regulator and is part of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The FSSAI evaluates field trial data on pesticide residues to set MRLs, taking into account dietary exposure and risk assessment. The FSSAI only sets MRLs after the Registration Committee (RC) approves a pesticide. The FSSAI recently increased the MRL for pesticides in herbs and spices from 0.01 mg/kg to 0.1 mg/kg, which is a tenfold increase.

Notes:
Russia’s Defence Ministry announced drills involving tactical nuclear weapons, designed for battlefield use with yields as low as 1 kiloton. Unlike strategic weapons, their quantity isn’t disclosed. These weapons, like artillery ammo or short-range missile warheads, can be discreetly transported and delivered by various means. They’ve never been restricted by arms control agreements. The Hiroshima bomb was 15 kilotons. These drills signal Russia’s readiness to employ tactical nuclear options in combat scenarios.

Notes:
Columbia University announced the 2024 Pulitzer Prize winners on May 7. The prestigious award, established by Joseph Pulitzer in 1904, recognizes excellence in journalism, arts, and culture. Winners are selected by the Pulitzer Prize Board, with categories spanning journalism and arts. The ceremony, to be held later, will see recipients honored by the university president. This year’s winners join a legacy dating back to the first prize in 1917.

Notes:
Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers,Dr. Arunish Chawla, launched the MEDITECH STACKATHON 2024 in New Delhi with CII. This initiative aims to transform India’s MedTech sector by analyzing select medical devices’ value chain. India’s MedTech industry projects a 28% annual growth, aiming for a USD 50 billion size by 2030. Import dependence is high, but policy initiatives could boost exports and domestic manufacturing. Collaboration is vital for growth, quality assurance, and global competitiveness.

Notes:
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is set to build the Shinkun La Tunnel, spanning 4.1 km under the 16,580 feet high Shinku-La pass, linking Himachal’s Lahaul valley and Ladakh’s Zanskar valley. It will be the world’s longest high altitude highway tunnel. Costing Rs. 1,681.5 crores, it promises all-weather connectivity to Ladakh, shortening routes to border areas. Expected to streamline transportation, it will also provide security against long-range artillery shelling or missile firings.