Current Affairs Quiz - May, 2024

Notes:
Responding to forest fires in Uttarakhand’s Pauri Garhwal sector, the IAF deployed Mi17 V5 helicopters for Bambi Bucket operations. This specialized firefighting technique involves suspending a container beneath a helicopter, filling it from a water source, and then releasing it over the fire zone. Bambi Buckets are vital for tackling wildfires in inaccessible areas. Globally, helicopters are often utilized in such firefighting efforts due to their versatility and effectiveness.

Notes:
During India’s general elections, ‘D voters’ were a significant issue in Assam. A ‘Doubtful voter’ or ‘D-voter’ is someone whose citizenship status is uncertain during the creation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam. Legal ambiguity surrounds the term, and those classified undergo a verification process. D-voters are ineligible to vote or stand for office until their citizenship status is resolved, prompting debate and procedural scrutiny during electoral processes.

Notes:
The UN warns of impending famine in Darfur, Sudan, amidst escalating violence exacerbating the country’s hunger crisis. Since April 2023, civil war has ravaged the region, leaving inhabitants to subsist on “grass and peanut shells,” as per the World Food Programme. Darfur, in western Sudan, suffers from ethnic tensions between Arab and African groups, resulting in extensive violence and human rights violations.

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:
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:
The central government authorized the export of 14,000 tonnes of non-basmati white rice to Mauritius, a reversal of the ban imposed in July 2023 to stabilize domestic prices and ensure food security. The exports will be facilitated through National Cooperative Exports Limited, as per the Directorate General of Foreign Trade’s notification.

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:
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:
P Shyaamnikhil, Tamil Nadu native, became India’s 85th chess Grandmaster at 31. Starting his career at eight, he clinched his third GM norms at 2024 Dubai Police Masters Chess Tournament. R Vaishali preceded him as the 84th Indian GM. Before the tournament, Shyaamnikhil required one win and eight draws. Despite accumulating 2500 ELO rating points and two GM norms in 2012, he waited 12 years for the third GM norm, achieved in Dubai.

Notes:
State Bank of India (SBI) is the inaugural trading-cum-clearing member of the India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX) at GIFT City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. IIBX is India’s premier International Bullion Exchange, aimed at facilitating transparent price discovery and promoting bullion trading and investment. Regulated by IFSCA, it offers diversified products and competitive pricing, positioning itself as a gateway for importing bullion into India. Bullion refers to high-purity physical gold and silver, often held by central banks and institutional investors.