Current Affairs Quiz - May, 2024

Notes:
The 2024 BWF Thomas and Uber Cup, held in Chengdu, China, saw the Chinese badminton team’s dominance, winning both men’s and women’s titles. In the Thomas Cup, China beat Indonesia 4-1, claiming their 11th victory. India, defending champions, lost to China in the quarterfinals. The Uber Cup followed a similar narrative. China’s victory marks the first time since 2012 that one nation has clinched both titles at the world team championships.

Notes:
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) sets the maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticides in food products in India. The FSSAI is the country’s apex food safety regulator and is part of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The FSSAI evaluates field trial data on pesticide residues to set MRLs, taking into account dietary exposure and risk assessment. The FSSAI only sets MRLs after the Registration Committee (RC) approves a pesticide. The FSSAI recently increased the MRL for pesticides in herbs and spices from 0.01 mg/kg to 0.1 mg/kg, which is a tenfold increase.

Notes:
India and Australia held their inaugural Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) in Canberra, Australia. Indian Commerce Secretary Shri Sunil Barthwal led the delegation, meeting with Deputy Secretary George Mina from Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). Discussions encompassed implementing the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (Ind-Aus ECTA), addressing issues from market access to pharmaceutical pricing. Both nations explored mutual interests like coastal tourism and prawn disease prevention, establishing an institutional mechanism for data exchange.

Notes:
The 5th Joint Group of Customs (JGC) meeting between India and Bhutan convened on May 6th-7th, 2024, in Leh, Ladakh. Meeting was co-chaired by officials from both nations, discussions centered on bilateral matters like new Land Customs Stations, trade routes, infrastructure, digitalization, smuggling prevention, and coordinated cross-border management. Bhutan lauded India’s support for capacity building and cross-border trade initiatives through workshops and bilateral agreements, expressing gratitude for ongoing collaboration.

Notes:
The Uttarakhand government’s Pirul Lao-Paise Pao campaign aims to tackle forest fires. Supreme Court expresses concern over fires that claimed five lives. Forest destruction and air pollution prompt action. CM Dhami launches campaign urging public involvement, including cooperatives and youth groups. Campaign entails collecting pine tree leaves for payment of Rs 50 per kg. Collected leaves sold to industries. Tehsildars oversee collection centers. Goal is to prevent further forest devastation.

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:
Ritacuba Blanco, Colombia’s iconic mountain peak, has witnessed drastic changes due to climate change and the El Niño weather phenomenon. Once covered in pristine ice and snow, the glacier now reveals large cracks and receding walls. Experts warn of accelerated melting, exacerbated by greenhouse gases. With only six glaciers remaining of the original 14, Ritacuba Blanco in the Sierra Nevada del Cocuy National Park faces imminent risk, highlighting the urgent need for climate action.

Notes:
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has issued updated Dietary Guidelines for Indians in 2024, developed by researchers from the National Institute of Nutrition in Hyderabad. Emphasizing physical activity, regular exercise, and limitations on salt and high fat/sugar foods, the guidelines aim to combat obesity.

Notes:
FLiRT, a new variant of COVID-19, has emerged as the dominant strain in the United States. It belongs to the Omicron JN.1 lineage and features two mutations, KP 1.1 and KP.2. Rapidly spreading, FLiRT exhibits diverse symptoms including sore throat, cough, fatigue, nasal congestion, headache, muscle aches, fever, and gastric issues. Continuous monitoring and appropriate public health measures are essential to address its rapid transmission.

Notes:
Scientists have found a super-Earth, 55 Cancri e, near our solar system. It’s twice Earth’s size with a thick atmosphere rich in carbon dioxide and monoxide. Orbiting its star, Copernicus, at a close distance, it completes an orbit every 18 hours. Positioned 41 light years away, it faces perpetual day and night. A light-year equals nearly six trillion miles, illustrating the vast gap between Earth and this exoplanet.