Current Affairs Quiz - May, 2024

Notes:
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) recently sanctioned a study on the impact evaluation of Geographical Indication (GI) products to Symbiosis School of Economics. A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. The protection of intellectual property through laws will help to reap benefits in terms of economic growth, employment and income generation.

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Humza Yousaf resigned as Scotland’s first minister and leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) after 13 months in office, amidst political turmoil. His leadership faced criticism following the SNP’s failed coalition with the Scottish Greens, leading to upcoming no-confidence motions.

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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.

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The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) marks its 50th anniversary, initiated by WHO in 1974. Renamed UIP in India in 1985, it now offers vaccines for 13 universally recommended diseases and 17 context-specific ones. Global DPT coverage surged from 5% in the ’70s to 84% in 2022. Smallpox eradicated; polio remains in Afghanistan & Pakistan. In India, coverage grows yearly, reaching 76% in 2019-21. Immunization boasts significant returns, predominantly delivered through government facilities.

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The UN has formed a panel to address critical energy transition minerals, primarily sourced from underdeveloped nations like those in Africa. This initiative aims to curb resource nationalism and environmental damage caused by high demand for these minerals. The panel’s goal is to establish global principles for a smoother transition to renewable energies, aligned with sustainable development goals and climate agreements. It emphasizes equitable benefits for communities and environmental protection.

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Recently, an Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter collected water from Bhimtal Lake in Nainital, Uttarakhand to help control a nearby forest fire.The Indian Army and the IAF were called in to help control the blaze, with MI-17 choppers lifting water from the lake for firefighting efforts. Bhimtal Lake, Uttarakhand’s largest lake in the Nainital district, is a centerpiece of the Kumaon region, dubbed India’s “lake district.” Named after the Mahabharata’s Bhima, it formed naturally due to Earth’s crust shifts. Constructed in 1883 during the British era, it features a masonry dam.

Notes:
SEBI approved changes in mutual fund regulations to combat front-running in Indian asset management companies (AMCs). Front-running, or trading with non-public information ahead of significant transactions, is illegal in India and can impact asset prices. It occurs in various financial markets like stocks and commodities. Common strategies include Buy-Buy-Sell (BBS) and Sell-Sell-Buy (SSB) patterns. These regulatory changes aim to safeguard market integrity and investor interests.

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Ben Wells, a rising cricketer for England, retired at 23 due to a rare heart disease, ARVC. Despite signing with Gloucestershire in 2021 and delivering notable performances, he hadn’t played for England. His condition echoes that of former player James Taylor. Wells’ career, marked by an unbeaten 108-run knock, ends abruptly, raising awareness about ARVC’s impact on athletes’ lives.

Notes:
In celebration of World Asthma Day 2024, GINA promotes the theme “Asthma Education Empowers”, stressing the importance of educating those with asthma for effective disease management and timely medical intervention. With over 260 million affected globally, asthma causes over 450,000 preventable deaths annually. Health professionals are urged to enhance their understanding of asthma’s impact and evidence-based management to offer optimal care and reduce avoidable morbidity and mortality.

Notes:
World Thalassaemia Day, observed annually on May 8th, aims to raise awareness about thalassemia, a genetic blood disorder. The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare held an event in New Delhi, led by Secretary Apurva Chandra, stressing timely detection and prevention. Panos Ennglezos established the day in 1994 in memory of his son George. The 2024 theme is “Empowering Lives, Embracing Progress: Equitable and Accessible Thalassaemia Treatment for All.” Thalassemia affects the production of hemoglobin, crucial for oxygen transport in red blood cells.