Current Affairs Quiz - May, 2024

Notes:
The inaugural Summit on Clean Cooking in Africa, held in Paris on May 14, 2024, drew over 1,000 delegates from nearly 60 countries. The summit highlighted the critical health and environmental impacts of traditional cooking methods used by over a billion Africans. Despite progress in China, India, and Latin America, clean cooking remains elusive in Africa, where over 70% of people in countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana rely on biomass.

Notes:
Nikhat Zareen and Minakshi won gold medals for India at the 3rd Elorda Cup 2024 in Astana, Kazakhstan. Zareen defeated Kazakhstan’s Zhazira Urakbayeva in the 52 kg category, while Minakshi overcame Uzbekistan’s Saidakhon Rakhmonova in the 48 kg category. India’s 21-member boxing contingent secured a total of 12 medals: 2 gold, 2 silver, and 8 bronze.

Notes:
The United States conducted a subcritical nuclear test in Nevada, the third under President Biden. This experiment aims to gather crucial data on nuclear warheads’ safety and effectiveness without using nuclear explosions. Despite a 1992 moratorium on explosive nuclear tests, subcritical testing continues. The previous subcritical test occurred in September 2021.

Notes:
The Serum Institute of India (SII) has begun exporting the ‘R21/Matrix-M’ malaria vaccine to Africa to combat the disease. This new vaccine, recommended by WHO, joins the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine. Developed by Oxford University’s Jenner Institute and SII, it received support from EDCTP, Wellcome Trust, and EIB. Affordable and effective, it’s approved for children and licensed in multiple African countries, marking a significant step in global malaria prevention efforts.

Notes:
A girl from Malappuram, Kerala, recently died from a Naegleria fowleri infection. This amoeba, found in soil and warm freshwater, causes Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) if it reaches the brain through the nose. Known as the “brain-eating amoeba,” Naegleria fowleri infections are rare but almost always fatal, destroying brain tissue once infection occurs.

Notes:
The International Labour Organization (ILO) released a working paper on the “Financing gap for universal social protection,” estimating the gap at 3.3% of GDP annually for 133 low and middle-income countries (LMICs), totaling US1.4 trillion per year. Universal Social Protection (USP) includes key guarantees for vulnerable groups and healthcare. India alone needs US135.3 billion, with a financing gap of 3.3% of GDP and 11.8% of government expenditure.

Notes:
Norway, Ireland, and Spain recently granted statehood status to Palestine. In response, Israel recalled its ambassadors from Norway and Ireland. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre announced that the official declaration will be made on May 28.

Notes:
The Supreme Court has temporarily halted a 90-acre hotel and township project in Uttarakhand’s Kumaon hills, challenging the “single window” clearance system meant to expedite development in ecologically sensitive Himalayan regions. The stay order comes amidst forest fires and green cover loss in Uttarakhand. The case underscores the conflict between rapid development and environmental protection, stressing the need for thorough environmental assessments and legal oversight for large projects in fragile ecosystems.

Notes:
Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan attended ‘Exercise Cyber Suraksha – 2024’ on May 22, emphasizing the need to strengthen India’s cyber defence. Conducted by the Defence Cyber Agency from May 20-24 in New Delhi, the exercise aims to enhance cyber defence capabilities, promote collaboration, and unify cyber security efforts. Chauhan praised the initiative for fostering jointness among stakeholders to tackle emerging cyber threats effectively.

Notes:
The Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, and Associated Traditional Knowledge was adopted at a WIPO Diplomatic Conference in Geneva. WIPO, a UN agency established in 1967, promotes a balanced global intellectual property system for innovation. With 193 member states, WIPO serves as a policy forum for governments, organizations, and civil society to address IP issues. Regular meetings negotiate changes to ensure the IP system encourages creativity and innovation in a changing world.