Current Affairs Quiz - May, 2024

Notes:
The Department of Public Enterprises has bestowed Navratna status upon the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA). Established in 1987 under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, IREDA functions as a Non-Banking Financial Institution. The Navratna status is awarded based on specific criteria including consistent high performance, such as achieving ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ ratings in MoUs for three out of the last five years and a composite score of 60 or above in selected performance indicators.

Notes:
The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), established in 2004 under the Ministry of Finance recently issued alert indicators under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) for various sectors, including capital markets, insurance, online payment gateways, and cryptocurrency services. It analyzes suspicious financial transactions to combat money laundering and terrorism financing. Organizations like banks, stockbrokers, and insurance companies are mandated to register with FIU-IND as reporting entities under PMLA.

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 International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a $1.1 billion disbursement to Pakistan under the Stand-By Arrangement (SBA), aimed at addressing balance of payments issues. SBAs offer short-term financial aid to member countries, commonly used by both advanced and emerging economies. Eligibility extends to nations with external financing needs. Funding is contingent on policy reforms, including quantitative targets and structural measures. Loan duration ranges from 12 to 36 months.

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:
Sri Lanka’s Cabinet approves renovation of Kankesanthurai Port, funded entirely by India. The port, located in the Northern Province, spans about 16 acres and is 104 km from Karaikal Port in Puducherry, India. The decision underscores efforts to enhance connectivity and infrastructure in the region. Additionally, a direct passenger ship service links Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu to Kankesanthurai, covering 111 km in around three and a half hours.

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:
The United States accuses Russia of using chloropicrin, a chemical warfare agent, in Ukraine. Chloropicrin, originally a poison gas in WWI, is a broad-spectrum chemical with various applications. It’s highly volatile, appearing as a colorless to yellow oily liquid. Exposure induces severe irritation to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract, causing vomiting. Chemical weapons, utilizing toxic effects on organisms, aim to cause harm or death.

Notes:
Recent research on Paliyar Tribals in Kodaikanal and Theni areas urges immediate government action for their upliftment. Derived from “Palaniyan” in Tamil, they’re also known as Paliyans, Pazhaiyarares, and Panaiyars. Distributed in Tamil Nadu districts, they speak Tamil and traditionally hunted and gathered. They worship Vanadevadai and Karuppan. They bury their dead on the western side of their residential area, avoiding cremation.

Notes:
The 26th ASEAN-India Senior Officials’ Meeting in New Delhi, co-chaired by Jaideep Mazumdar and Albert Chua, reviewed ASEAN-India relations, focusing on political-security, economic, and socio-cultural engagement. They discussed implementing the Prime Ministers’ 12-Point Proposal to strengthen the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Preparation for the upcoming ASEAN-India Summit in Vientiane, Laos, was also discussed. ASEAN appreciated India’s support for ASEAN and regional architecture.