Current Affairs Quiz - May, 2024

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.

Notes:
Vietnam urges U.S. reclassification from non-market to market economy. Despite being a vital U.S. trading partner and counterbalancing China’s influence, Vietnam remains non-market for over two decades. U.S. determines status based on various criteria. 12 nations, including Russia and China, fall under non-market classification.

Notes:
Setu, a prominent Indian fintech company under the Pine Labs Group, launched Sesame, India’s pioneering Large Language Model (LLM) tailored for the BFSI sector. Created in partnership with indigenous AI research firm Sarvam AI, Sesame signifies a major leap in AI integration within financial services. This innovative initiative aims to enhance efficiency and customer experiences in banking, financial services, and insurance, marking a notable milestone in the industry’s embrace of advanced AI technologies.

Notes:
Every May 10, the International Day of Argania is celebrated worldwide, honoring the ancient Argan tree that has thrived in Morocco for 80 million years. These trees are vital to the local economy and environment. The day aims to raise awareness of their significance, benefits, and the challenges they encounter.

Notes:
Punjab Agricultural University introduces Trichoderma asperellum to tackle ‘foot rot’ disease in Basmati rice, endorsed by Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIBRC). The disease, caused by Fungus Fusarium verticillioides, affects seedlings and transplanted crops. Symptoms include yellowing, elongation, and eventual death of plants. Current chemical treatments like Trichoderma harzianum and Sprint 75 WS pose risks to soil and consumers due to toxicity. Carbendazim, a component of Sprint 75 WS, is banned in Punjab due to high residues.

Notes:
India and Moldova inked an agreement permitting visa-free travel for holders of diplomatic and official passports. The deal aims to bolster bilateral relations, established since March 20, 1992, characterized as “warm, stable and friendly” by the Ministry of External Affairs. In January, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar congratulated Mihai Popsoi on his appointment as Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Notes:
Joint military Exercise Shakti, a biennial event between Indian and French forces, occurred at Umroi, Meghalaya, from May 13-26, 2024. Attended by French Ambassador Thierry Mathou, Brigadier Mayur Shekatkar, and dignitaries, it focuses on joint planning and strategy development for war scenarios. Shakti, alternating between India and France, aims to enhance cooperation, understanding, and interoperability while sharing combat experiences in countering terrorism.

Notes:
International Nurses Day, observed on May 12, honors Florence Nightingale’s legacy. Some countries extend celebrations into National Nurses Week. The day emphasizes nurses’ critical role in healthcare, combating undervaluation. Each year, a theme is chosen by the International Council of Nurses; for 2024, it’s ‘Our Nurses Our Future, The Economic Power of Care,’ highlighting nurses’ impact on global economy and the need for investment in the profession for better health outcomes.

Notes:
Indonesia’s Ibu volcano, located on Halmahera island in the Maluku Islands, erupted, sending ash 5 km high. The country’s volcanology agency issued a warning. Ibu is a stratovolcano known for its steep slopes and explosive eruptions. It stands approximately 1,325 meters tall with a base diameter of 10 kilometers. Situated in Indonesia’s eastern region, Halmahera is the largest island in the Maluku archipelago.

Notes:
The Coca-Cola India Foundation, partnered with Hockey India for the National Women’s Hockey League 2024, marking its first collaboration. This partnership aims to empower women in hockey, aligning with Coca-Cola India’s #SheTheDifference campaign. Over three years, they will provide coaching, equipment, nutrition, and organize camps and tournaments, supported by Sporting Ethos. The initiative strives to enhance the stature of female hockey players, domestically and globally.