Current Affairs Quiz - May, 2024

Notes:
Preliminary data from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) suggests a more than 50% likelihood of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) gas on the exoplanet K2-18b. However, further analysis is required before a definitive conclusion can be reached. DMS is a gas that is only produced by living beings on Earth, primarily by phytoplankton in marine environments. The presence of DMS in K2-18b’s atmosphere could be a groundbreaking discovery, as the planet is believed to be ocean-covered and 2.6 times larger than Earth. K2-18b, discovered in 2015, is a super Earth exoplanet orbiting an M-type star. M stars, smaller and cooler than the sun, comprise the Red Dwarf category. K2-18b resides in the Goldilocks zone, where temperatures sustain liquid water.

Notes:
Zimbabwe introduces the ZiG currency, aiming to stabilize its economy. The ZiG, backed by gold reserves, replaces the depreciated Zimbabwe dollar. Initially launched electronically, physical banknotes and coins are now in circulation. Despite efforts to restore faith, skepticism persists, with some government departments refusing to accept the new currency. This move reflects ongoing struggles to address Zimbabwe’s enduring economic challenges.

Notes:
The Bengaluru-based Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) recorded the moon passing in front of Antares, a massive red supergiant star in Scorpius constellation. Antares, 10,000 times brighter than the Sun, is 700 times its diameter and lies 600 light-years away. Despite its size, Antares has low density and temperature, around 6,100°F (3,400°C), giving it a ruddy color. Red supergiants are large, cool stars approaching the end of their lives, highly luminous but with low surface temperature.

Notes:
World Press Freedom Day, observed annually on May 3, 2024, focuses on “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis.” Emphasizing journalism’s role in addressing global environmental issues, it highlights the importance of a free press in informing the public and holding decision-makers accountable. Proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993, it commemorates the Declaration of Windhoek, promoting press freedom globally.

Notes:
Hindu devotees gather in Hinglaj, Lasbela district, Pakistan, for an annual festival at the ancient cave temple of Hinglaj Mata. The pilgrimage begins with a trek to steep mud volcanoes, where pilgrims climb stairs and rocks to reach the summit. Tossing coconuts and rose petals into the crater, they seek divine permission to visit the temple. Dedicated to Goddess Hinglaj, it’s one of the oldest temples in the Indian subcontinent. Located near the Hingol River, in Balochistan, Pakistan, the temple complex features shrines, caves, and sacred natural formations.

Notes:
Pratima Singh, an IRS officer from the 2009 batch, appointed as Director in DPIIT for five years under the Central Staffing Scheme. Previously recommended by the Department of Revenue, she’ll formulate policies to boost industrial growth and global competitiveness of Indian industries. Her tenure begins from the date of assuming charge or until further orders. The DPIIT plays a vital role in promoting investment and facilitating industrial growth.

Notes:
India and the Netherlands held the 12th round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in The Hague on May 2, 2024. The consultations were led by Shri Pavan Kapoor, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. The meeting was a chance to evaluate progress since the last FOC in New Delhi in December 2022. During the meeting, India and the Netherlands agreed to strengthen their bilateral ties by focusing on new technologies like green hydrogen and semiconductors.

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.

Notes:
José Raúl Mulino, 64, wins Panama’s presidential election with nearly 35% of votes and a 9% lead over rivals. Outgoing president, Laurentino Cortizo, congratulates him. The election, held on May 5, 2024, saw Mulino stand in for Ricardo Martinelli, who faced legal troubles. Mulino, supported by Martinelli’s party, acknowledges his assistance. Martinelli fled after a money laundering conviction. Elections also chose parliament and local governments for the next five years.

Notes:
The Border Road Organisation (BRO) marked its 65th raising day on May 7, 2024, with a ceremony in New Delhi, led by Union Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane. Established in 1960 by the Nehru government, BRO undertakes critical road projects for the Army. Notably, Project Tuskar, now Project Vartak, connects Bhalukpong to Tenga in Arunachal Pradesh, while Project Beacon focuses on Kashmir. Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan currently heads BRO, operating under the Ministry of Defence with the motto: “In the Silence of Our Great Mountains – Work Speaks.”