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:
India and Croatia convened their 11th Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi. Discussions encompassed regional and global concerns, emphasizing bilateral relations’ enhancement in trade, defense, science, tourism, and culture. Cultural and people-to-people exchanges were underscored. Indian Secretary Pavan Kapoor and Croatian Director General Dr. Petar Mihatov led the respective delegations. They also deliberated on international cooperation, emphasizing the India-EU Free Trade Agreement’s timely conclusion.

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:
The Asian Development Bank’s report on Aging well in Asia highlights four vital aspects of older persons’ well-being: health, productive work, economic security, and social engagement. It reveals that developing Asia faces rapid aging, with the older population set to almost double to 25.2% by 2050. India’s challenges include low health insurance coverage (21%) for older individuals and heavy reliance (80%–90%) on private income and assets for retirement.

Notes:
The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board and Starscapes have collaborated to introduce Nakshatra Sabha, an Astro Tourism venture. Beyond star-gazing, it offers solar observations, astrophotography contests, and camping. Aimed at astronomy enthusiasts and adventurers, it aims to merge cosmic wonders with Uttarakhand’s natural beauty, fostering an engaging platform for travelers.

Notes:
Retired Justice Sanjaya Kumar Mishra appointed as President of GSTAT, the Second Appellate Authority under the Central GST Act, 2017. GSTAT hears appeals against orders from the Appellate Authority under CGST Act, 2017 and State GST Acts, ensuring dispute resolution uniformity. GSTAT comprises a Principal Bench in New Delhi, led by the President and two Technical Members (one from Centre, one from State), along with several State Benches.

Notes:
Tamil Nadu accuses Kerala in Supreme Court of obstructing Mullaperiyar dam maintenance while raising safety concerns. Kerala allegedly delays routine maintenance for months to over a year. Tamil Nadu seeks court’s intervention for completing strengthening works on smaller and main dams, requesting permission to cut 15 trees. It criticizes Kerala for not cooperating despite supervisory committee’s authority under Dam Safety Act, 2021. The dam, built in late 1800s, diverts Periyar river to Tamil Nadu.

Notes:
Archaeological evidence reveals English red squirrels as hosts for leprosy-causing Mycobacterium leprae strains in medieval Winchester, renowned for its leprosarium and fur trade. Leprosy persists in Asia, Africa, and South America. Recent research identifies red squirrels, armadillos, and chimpanzees as natural M. leprae hosts. Red squirrels, arboreal and primarily herbivorous, boast sharp claws for climbing and swimming abilities. Their coat color varies regionally, shedding twice yearly. Found in Coniferous forests, they store excess food in caches, living up to 7 years. Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Notes:
During Lok Sabha elections, the Polavaram water project becomes central, featured in party manifestoes. The project, dating back to 1941, faces delays and controversies. Rehabilitation and Resettlement incomplete, project’s fate uncertain after floods damage diaphragm wall. Future steps for dam construction remain unclear. The Polavaram Water Project, also known as the Indira Sagar Project, is located in the East Godavari and West Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh, India. The project is a multi-purpose dam on the Godavari River that provides irrigation, drinking water, and hydropower to the districts of East Godavari, Visakhapatnam, West Godavari, and Krishna.

Notes:
Every year on May 8th, World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day honors the efforts of these humanitarian societies, including the IFRC, the largest of its kind. Originating from the 14th International Conference of the Red Cross in 1938, the date marks the birth of Jean Henri Dunant, founder of the Red Cross. Renamed in 1984, this day’s theme for 2024, “Everything we do comes from the heart,” reflects the compassion driving their actions.