Current Affairs Quiz - May, 2024

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:
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.

Notes:
The ICAR-NBFGR discovered a new catfish species, Glyptothorax punyabratai, in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tung Stream, a Brahmaputra River tributary. It’s nocturnal and benthic, common traits among catfish. Catfish, over 2000 species strong, mostly inhabit freshwater, some marine. They possess a cylindrical body with flattened ventral sides, long barbels resembling cat whiskers, and leading spines in dorsal and pectoral fins, while being scaleless, distinguishing them from other fish.

Notes:
The Tamil Nadu government plans to denotify the Pulicat bird sanctuary’s boundaries, reducing its eco-sensitive zone. Spanning 720 sq km, it straddles Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, primarily in Tiruvallur district. Situated 60 km north of Chennai, it’s separated from the Bay of Bengal by Sriharikota Island. Fed by three major rivers, including the Arani, Kalangi, and Swarnamukhi, it hosts diverse aquatic and avian life, supporting local livelihoods and serving as a floodwater catchment during cyclones.

Notes:
Amid concerns over rivals’ hypersonic missiles, Japan invests in the Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) Project with the US. The GPI is a missile-intercepting system to counter hypersonic threats. By 2032, full operational capability is targeted. Hypersonic weapons travel at over five times the speed of sound, posing challenges for traditional defenses. The project aims to intercept them during the glide phase, utilizing modified missiles launched from warships for regional defense against hypersonic threats.

Notes:
The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) recently introduced a new high-yielding wheat seed variety, HD 3386, which is resistant to leaf rust and yellow diseases. These diseases are common in the northwest region of India, which includes Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. IARI is a leading institute that has developed many of India’s wheat and rice varieties, which are often called the “Green Revolution”.

Notes:
Scientists at ICAR-NBFGR observed mass anemone bleaching near Agatti island in Lakshadweep. Sea anemones, invertebrate aquatic animals, are integral to coral ecosystems. They possess stinging cells, forming symbiotic bonds with clownfish and Hermit crabs. Anemones anchor to rocks using sticky discs and come in various colors. They exhibit a unique relationship with other marine life, offering protection in exchange for food scraps.

Notes:
Researchers discovered that offspring of C. elegans worms, after consuming disease-causing bacteria, inherited the knowledge to avoid the same bacteria from birth. C. elegans, a nematode worm, matures from egg to adult in 3-5 days, offering insights into human and biological sciences. It was the first multicellular organism to have its genome sequenced and neural wiring mapped. With hermaphroditic reproduction, it can self-fertilize, aiding genetic studies.

Notes:
According to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) report, China overtakes the US as India’s primary trading partner, reaching $118.4 billion in bilateral trade in FY 24. India’s reliance on China is evident, particularly in critical sectors like telecom, smartphones, and pharmaceuticals. Telecom and smartphone parts constitute 44% of imports, with China supplying 75% of lithium-ion batteries for EVs. This shift highlights China’s increasing economic influence on India and underscores the need for diversified trade strategies.

Notes:
The Giant Shrike, Lanius giganteus, was sighted near Bum La pass and Sangetsar Lake in Arunachal Pradesh, marking its first sighting in India. Endemic to the Indian sub-continent, it frequents high elevations with stunted shrubs like rhododendron. During winter, it descends to lower elevations. This large, long-tailed shrike exhibits dark gray upperparts, white underparts, a black mask, and striking white patches in the wings and tail.