Current Affairs Quiz - May, 2024

Notes:
Scientists continue to explore Mexico’s Taam Ja’ Blue Hole in Chetumal Bay, hinting at a connection to a complex network of underwater caves. Blue holes, like Taam Ja’, are sinkholes formed by the dissolution of soluble rock, such as limestone. Taam Ja’ is the world’s deepest known underwater sinkhole, plunging at least 1,380 feet below sea level. It surpasses the previous record holder, the Sansha Yongle Blue Hole, by 390 feet.

Notes:
The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) has urged states and UTs to fully prohibit harmful sharp threads or “manjha.” The Delhi High Court instructed the Delhi government to establish a policy for compensating victims of accidents caused by Chinese manjha. In 2017, the NGT mandated a complete ban on manjha. AWBI, a statutory advisory body founded under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960, operates from Ballabhgarh, Faridabad, Haryana, focusing on animal welfare and providing grants.

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:
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:
National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) India recently concluded up its #PlayTrue Campaign, drawing over 12,133 participants nationwide. Held from April 15th to 30th, 2024, the campaign aimed to raise awareness about clean sports and anti-doping practices. It showcased NADA’s dedication to educating athletes, coaches, and sports enthusiasts on anti-doping regulations. Through various activities like quizzes and awareness sessions, NADA encouraged fair play and integrity in sports, aligning with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA’s) vision.

Notes:
Former Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele elected as Solomon Islands’ new Prime Minister, securing 31 votes out of 49 in a secret ballot. His victory suggests continued close ties with China. Manele pledges integrity and prioritization of national interests in his inaugural address, defeating opposition leader Matthew Wale, who garnered 18 votes.

Notes:
India and Nigeria agreed to expedite the Local Currency Settlement System Agreement, aiming to enhance bilateral trade. Trade settlements will occur in Indian rupees and Nigerian naira. The decision was reached during the 2nd India-Nigeria Joint Trade Committee session in Abuja. Led by Amardeep Singh Bhatia, the Indian delegation included representatives from the RBI, EXIM Bank, and NPCI. The meeting, held from April 29 to 30, 2024, outlined areas for trade enhancement.

Notes:
A Bengaluru-based company has introduced FWD-200B, India’s premier indigenous bomber UAV. The medium-altitude, long-endurance craft boasts a maximum take-off weight of 498 kg and operates up to 9,000 ft above sea level. It’s equipped with optical surveillance gear and integrated with missile-like weapons for precision air strikes, marking a significant advancement in India’s defense technology.

Notes:
The Delhi High Court mandates action against oxytocin use in city dairies due to animal cruelty concerns. Weekly inspections and legal actions ordered by the Delhi government to combat oxytocin misuse, with police involvement. Oxytocin boosts milk production but harms cattle and humans, leading to health issues like uterine ruptures and milk contamination. Misuse violates the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and Drugs and Cosmetics Act, posing risks to both animals and consumers.

Notes:
India VIX, a volatility gauge, surged 15% to 16.58, prompting caution against leveraged positions. It measures market volatility expectation, dubbed the “fear index”. Volatility indicates stock price or index value change rate. A spike suggests future volatility. Created by Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) in 1993, based on S&P 500, it’s a global volatility gauge. India VIX, launched in 2010, aligns with Indian markets. It’s calculated by NSE and correlates negatively with Nifty; when VIX falls, Nifty rises.