Current Affairs Quiz - May, 2024

Notes:
The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board and Starscapes have collaborated to introduce Nakshatra Sabha, an Astro Tourism venture. Beyond star-gazing, it offers solar observations, astrophotography contests, and camping. Aimed at astronomy enthusiasts and adventurers, it aims to merge cosmic wonders with Uttarakhand’s natural beauty, fostering an engaging platform for travelers.

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:
Red colobus monkeys, belonging to genus Procolobus, inhabit African Savanna across West, Central, and East Africa. The Savanna’s diverse habitat offers ample trees and food sources like leaves and fruits. They serve as seed dispersers and prey for predators. Living in social groups, they exhibit striking features with reddish-brown fur. This species plays a vital ecological role in their habitat, vital for maintaining the balance in their ecosystem.

Notes:
The Aeronautical Development Establishment, a Bengaluru-based Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) lab, creator of Lakshya aircraft, is under CBI scrutiny. Lakshya, a micro-light, pilot-less aircraft, was developed by ADE for Indian Armed Forces, inducted in 2000 (IAF), 2001 (IN), and 2003 (IA). Cost-effective, reusable, with HAL-manufactured engine, it aids weapon system trials, carries tow targets for training, and launches from land or sea. Controlled via GCS, it’s designed for 15 missions, countering airborne threats.

Notes:
India will acquire MQ-9B Predator drones from the US, deploying them in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. Developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, it’s a high-altitude, long-endurance armed UAV. Used by the US for surveillance and airstrikes, it has two variants: SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian. The latter has been utilized by the Indian Navy since 2020.

Notes:
Starting May 15, 2024, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) gains sole authority to issue manufacturing licenses for new drugs intended for export, sidelining state governments. All export-related No Objection Certificates (NOCs) must now be applied for through CDSCO zonal offices via the SUGAM Portal. Previously, state authorities handled this. The move aims to streamline exports and tackle delays identified by the Drug Consultative Committee (DCC). CDSCO, under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, regulates drugs across India through 9 zonal offices.

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.”

Notes:
In Indonesia, scientists witnessed a wild male orangutan treating a facial wound with chewed-up leaves of a medicinal plant. Orangutans, recognized by their red fur, are the largest arboreal mammals, spending over 90% of their time in trees. They inhabit Sumatra and Borneo, with habitats ranging from swamp forests to mountainous regions. Three species exist: Bornean, Sumatran, and Tapanuli. Sharing 96.4% of human genes, orangutans face critical endangerment, classified as such by the IUCN Red List.

Notes:
In celebration of World Asthma Day 2024, GINA promotes the theme “Asthma Education Empowers”, stressing the importance of educating those with asthma for effective disease management and timely medical intervention. With over 260 million affected globally, asthma causes over 450,000 preventable deaths annually. Health professionals are urged to enhance their understanding of asthma’s impact and evidence-based management to offer optimal care and reduce avoidable morbidity and mortality.

Notes:
During Lok Sabha elections, the Polavaram water project becomes central, featured in party manifestoes. The project, dating back to 1941, faces delays and controversies. Rehabilitation and Resettlement incomplete, project’s fate uncertain after floods damage diaphragm wall. Future steps for dam construction remain unclear. The Polavaram Water Project, also known as the Indira Sagar Project, is located in the East Godavari and West Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh, India. The project is a multi-purpose dam on the Godavari River that provides irrigation, drinking water, and hydropower to the districts of East Godavari, Visakhapatnam, West Godavari, and Krishna.