Current Affairs Quiz - May, 2024

Notes:
China demands removal of the Sierra Madre ship, rejected by the Philippines. Commissioned in 1944 for WWII, it served in Vietnam before being transferred to the Philippines in 1976. It was positioned deliberately in 1999 at Second Thomas Shoal, part of the disputed Spratly Islands, to reinforce territorial claims. China’s ships and water cannons threaten supply boats in the area. Removal risks weakening Philippines’ claims and bolstering Chinese presence.

Notes:
The United States has rejected nearly one-third of shipments from Mahashian Di Hatti Pvt Ltd (MDH) since October 2023 due to salmonella contamination. Salmonella, a bacteria found in animals’ intestines and feces, causes gastrointestinal illness. It spreads to humans through contact with contaminated items or animals. Salmonella can survive for weeks in dry environments and months in water. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, with severe cases requiring medical attention.

Notes:
Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor took charge as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) Training Command on May 1, 2024. Commissioned in 1986, he’s a veteran with over 3400 flying hours and notable stints as Commanding Officer and Station Commander. His roles include Chief Instructor at Air Force Academy, Defence Attaché in Pakistan, and staff positions in strategy and air defense. Prior to TC, he was Air Officer-in-Charge Personnel at Air HQ.

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.

Notes:
Russia’s government released new footage allegedly targeting two Ukrainian High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) following increased US military aid to Ukraine. HIMARS was developed in the late 1990s for the United States Army by Lockheed Martin Corporation, a US-based aerospace and Security Company. The M142 HIMARS is a light, multiple rocket launcher that’s mounted on a standard U.S. Army Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) M1140 truck frame. It’s designed to engage and defeat targets such as artillery, light armor, air defense concentrations, personnel carriers, and trucks.

Notes:
Japan secured their second Men’s AFC U-23 Asian Cup title by defeating Uzbekistan in the final match held in Doha, Qatar. The solitary goal scored by substitute Yamada, secured Japan’s victory and a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Japanese goalkeeper’s crucial penalty saves ensured their win. Iraq claimed the bronze medal after defeating Indonesia in the semifinals.

Notes:
Researchers recently found that FLVCR2, a protein, facilitates the transportation of the essential nutrient choline into the brain. Choline plays a crucial role in cellular growth and metabolism, existing in both water and fat-soluble forms. While the body can produce choline in the liver, dietary intake is necessary to meet daily requirements. Rich sources include meat, fish, dairy, eggs, as well as various fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Notes:
The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) reports severe coral bleaching in the Lakshadweep Sea due to prolonged marine heatwaves since 2023. Rapid warming in the Indian Ocean, coupled with strong El Niños, has increased heatwave frequency, now annual in the tropical region. The western Indian Ocean saw the highest rise, with about 1.5 events per decade, followed by the north Bay of Bengal at 0.5 events per decade. In 2020, 85% of corals in the Gulf of Mannar bleached.

Notes:
India’s Ministry of Tourism is actively engaging in the Arabian Travel Mart 2024 in Dubai, aiming to bolster its presence in the Middle East tourism market. At the event, the ‘Incredible India’ pavilion showcases diverse destinations, including hill resorts promoted through the ‘Cool Summers of India’ campaign. This initiative challenges perceptions about India’s climate, promoting it as a year-round destination. Participation holds significant potential for revenue generation and job creation in India’s tourism sector.

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.