Current Affairs Quiz - May, 2024

Notes:
India protests China’s construction in Shaksgam Valley, deemed illegal. The valley is part of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. It is a disputed territory claimed by India but controlled by Pakistan and ceded to China in 1963 by Pakistan. Article 6 of the agreement stipulates renegotiation after Kashmir dispute settlement. It borders Xinjiang, POK, and Siachen Glacier. The Karakoram highway, built in the 1970s, resulted from the agreement between China and Pakistan.

Notes:
Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL), India’s top renewable energy firm, secured USD 400 million in funding from five international banks for its 750 MW solar projects in Rajasthan and Gujarat. These projects are scheduled to start operating from November 2024. The Rajasthan project, with 500 MW capacity, has a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with SECI, while the Gujarat project, with 250 MW capacity, is a standalone merchant power project in Khavda, the world’s largest RE cluster.

Notes:
Palestinian journalists covering Gaza won the 2024 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize, recognizing their bravery in perilous conditions. The award ceremony held on 2 May during the World Press Freedom Conference in Santiago, Chile. Amid ongoing Gaza conflict, 26 journalists and media workers lost their lives since October 2023, prompting UNESCO to call for collective action to safeguard journalists worldwide. Additional cases of concern are under review.

Notes:
Pakistan and China jointly launched iCube-Qamar, Pakistan’s inaugural lunar mission. The 7kg satellite, developed by Pakistan’s Institute of Space Technology (IST), SUPARCO, and China’s SJTU, is part of China’s Chang’e-6 mission. Equipped with two optical cameras, it orbits the moon, enabling Pakistan to conduct satellite-based research on lunar surface imagery independently.

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.

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:
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:
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.

Notes:
The African Union (AU), comprising 55 member states, condemned the Israeli military’s incursion into Rafah, southern Gaza, urging the international community to halt the “deadly escalation” of the conflict. Established in 2002, replacing the Organization of African Unity (OAU), AU aims to foster unity, cooperation, and development among African nations. Guided by its vision, AU seeks an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa through Agenda 2063, emphasizing African-led initiatives.