Current Affairs Quiz - May, 2024

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:
The Pension Department has launched an online portal called Bhavishya for tracking pension payments and sanctions for government retirees. The portal is integrated with the pension processing and payment services of five banks, including State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Punjab National Bank, and Canara Bank.

Notes:
The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), Girish Chandra Murmu, signed an MoU with Nepal’s Auditor General, Toyam Raya, in Kathmandu. The MoU aims to enhance cooperation between the auditing institutions of both countries, facilitating the exchange of expertise and professional capacity-building in public sector auditing. During his visit, Murmu met Nepal’s Prime Minister and Finance Minister, along with discussions on mutual cooperation in public sector audit with the Chairman of Nepal’s Public Accounts Committee.

Notes:
APSEZ, backed by President Marcos, plans a deep port in Bataan, Philippines, focusing on ports, airports, power, and defense. Regional expansion targets agricultural product ports, fostering tourism and business gateways. Adani cites stable leadership and environment as reasons for investment, indicating confidence in the Philippines’ potential.

Notes:
The 2024 BWF Thomas and Uber Cup, held in Chengdu, China, saw the Chinese badminton team’s dominance, winning both men’s and women’s titles. In the Thomas Cup, China beat Indonesia 4-1, claiming their 11th victory. India, defending champions, lost to China in the quarterfinals. The Uber Cup followed a similar narrative. China’s victory marks the first time since 2012 that one nation has clinched both titles at the world team championships.

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:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) released its 2024 World Migration Report, highlighting conflict and climate change as major drivers of global displacement. There are about 281 million international migrants worldwide, with 117 million displaced, marking a record high. In India, climate impacts drive internal migration from Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. India hosts the most international migrants (18 million), with top destinations being UAE, USA, and Saudi Arabia. In 2022, India led in remittances, exceeding USD 111 billion.

Notes:
In Nagaland, Japan’s ambassador Hiroshi Suzuki and CM Neiphiu Rio inaugurated Kohima Peace Memorial and laid Eco Park’s foundation stone. Symbolizing Japan-Nagaland collaboration, it commemorates WWII’s Battle of Kohima, signifying peace and reconciliation. Ambassador Suzuki highlighted the battle’s impact on Nagaland and prayed for all souls involved. He praised the monument’s role in honoring victims. The event holds historical and educational significance, fostering remembrance and respect.

Notes:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully tested a liquid rocket engine made via 3D printing. ISRO utilized the PS4 engine, employed in the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle’s fourth stage, for this advancement. 3D printing constructs objects layer by layer from computer-generated designs. It reduces components from 14 to one, eliminates 19 weld joints, saving 97% of raw material, and cuts production time by 60%.