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:
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 Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launched the ‘Inflation Expectations Survey of Households’ and ‘Consumer Confidence Survey’ to inform its bi-monthly monetary policy decisions. The former gathers subjective assessments on price movements from 19 cities, collecting both qualitative and quantitative data on inflation expectations. The latter seeks qualitative responses on economic conditions, employment, prices, income, and spending, also spanning 19 cities. These surveys aim to provide crucial insights for RBI’s policy formulation.

Notes:
The launch of the ‘Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile Barge, LSAM 20 (Yard 130)’, 6th Barge of the 11 x ACTCM Barge Project, built by MSME Shipyard, M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane for Indian Navy, occurred on 29 Apr 24. The contract was signed on 05 Mar 21. These Barges, designed and built indigenously, enhance operational capabilities by facilitating transportation and embarkation of ammunition. They are a part of the Make in India initiative.

Notes:
Justice (retired) Dinesh Kumar, former Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court, has been appointed as the Presiding Officer of the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT), filling a 4-month vacancy left by Justice Tarun Aggarwal’s retirement in December 2023. SAT, an autonomous body under the SEBI Act, 1992, hears appeals against orders from financial regulators like SEBI, PFRDA, and IRDAI, aiming to streamline appeal processes outside of High Courts.

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:
The Asian Development Bank’s report on Aging well in Asia highlights four vital aspects of older persons’ well-being: health, productive work, economic security, and social engagement. It reveals that developing Asia faces rapid aging, with the older population set to almost double to 25.2% by 2050. India’s challenges include low health insurance coverage (21%) for older individuals and heavy reliance (80%–90%) on private income and assets for retirement.

Notes:
The Democratic Republic of the Congo faces its largest Mpox outbreak, with a new strain detected in a mining town, posing higher transmission risks. Since January, over 4,500 suspected cases and nearly 300 deaths have been reported, tripling from last year. The WHO highlights the severity, prompting Congo to declare a nationwide health emergency. Cases have also surfaced in the neighboring Republic of Congo.

Notes:
The ICC has banned West Indies cricketer Devon Thomas for five years due to breaching anti-corruption codes of SLC, ECB, and CPL. The ban was imposed by the ICC as the designated Anti-Corruption Official. Thomas accepted the charges, leading to the sanction without a tribunal hearing. The ban includes a suspension of the last 18 months. Thomas admitted to violating several provisions of the codes.

Notes:
Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has introduced an AI-generated avatar, Victoria Shi, as its digital spokesperson. Shi, clad in professional attire, presents updates on consular affairs via social media. While her appearance is AI-generated, the content she delivers is human-written and verified. Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba lauds Shi’s introduction as a groundbreaking move, highlighting time and resource savings. Ukraine showcases its embrace of innovative tech in diplomatic operations.