Current Affairs Quiz - May, 2024

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 Widal Test, crucial for diagnosing typhoid fever caused by Salmonella Typhi, suffers from inaccuracies, complicating India’s battle against the disease. Symptoms of typhoid overlap with other illnesses, necessitating precise testing. Developed in the late 1800s, the test lacks reliability, prompting caution from the World Health Organization. Despite its convenience, reliance on it risks misdiagnoses, escalating expenses, and fostering antimicrobial resistance, urging a shift towards more dependable diagnostics.

Notes:
The World Economic Forum’s report titled ‘Amplifying the Global Value of Earth Observation’ highlights Earth Observation (EO) technologies’ economic potential, estimating a $3.8 trillion contribution to global GDP from 2023-2030. EO encompasses remotely-sensed and in-situ data collection, offering insights across sectors. Agriculture benefits from precision techniques, while energy sectors utilize EO for forecasting and operations management. Mining gains insights for mineral exploration. EO also aids climate efforts, with applications like early wildfire detection and greenhouse gas monitoring, potentially reducing over 2 billion tonnes of CO2 annually by 2030.

Notes:
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) demands Assam’s Chief Secretary to identify officers responsible for allowing construction activities in Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary. Established in 1998, the sanctuary lies in Assam’s Sonitpur district, adjacent to the Great Himalayan Range. Its climate is subtropical, prone to heavy rains and flooding from rivers like Burhi Dihing and Namchang. NGT seeks accountability for jeopardizing this protected habitat.

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:
In Nagaland, Japan’s ambassador Hiroshi Suzuki and CM Neiphiu Rio inaugurated Kohima Peace Memorial and laid Eco Park’s foundation stone. Symbolizing Japan-Nagaland collaboration, it commemorates WWII’s Battle of Kohima, signifying peace and reconciliation. Ambassador Suzuki highlighted the battle’s impact on Nagaland and prayed for all souls involved. He praised the monument’s role in honoring victims. The event holds historical and educational significance, fostering remembrance and respect.

Notes:
India celebrates National Technology Day on May 11, commemorating its advancements in technology. It marks India’s entry into the nuclear club, the maiden flight of its indigenous aircraft, and the successful testing of the Trishul missile. The 2024 theme, “From Schools to Startups: Igniting Young Minds to Innovate,” emphasizes fostering innovation among the youth.

Notes:
Researchers have rediscovered Uniyala multibracteata, a rare tree species, after 140 years in the non-protected area of Wagamon hills, Western Ghats. Locally known as Kattupoovamkurunnila, it belongs to the genus Uniyala, named after renowned taxonomist B.P. Uniyal. This small tree or large shrub, 2 to 5 meters high, features leaves with cottony hairs and beautiful flowers blooming from October to January. Found in evergreen forests and rocky grasslands at 1,200 meters above sea level, it highlights the yet-to-be-discovered biodiversity in unprotected forests.

Notes:
Idashisha Nongrang makes history as Meghalaya’s first female Director General of Police (DGP), breaking barriers in the state’s matrilineal society. A 1992 Indian Police Service member from the Khasi community, she succeeds Lajja Ram Bishnoi upon his retirement on May 19. Nongrang previously served as DGP in 2021 and currently leads Meghalaya Civil Defence.

Notes:
Renowned Punjabi poet Surjit Patar, Padma Shri recipient, passed away at 79 in Ludhiana, Punjab. Tributes flood in from political and literary circles. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan express profound grief, acknowledging Patar’s global impact on promoting and preserving the Punjabi language.