Current Affairs Quiz - May, 2024

Notes:
Infosys, a prominent digital services and consulting leader, achieves ISO 42001:2023 certification, the world’s inaugural standard for AI management systems. TUV India, under TÜV Nord Group, grants the certification, recognizing Infosys as one of the pioneering IT service firms to adopt responsible AI practices. The Artificial Intelligence Management System (AIMS) framework ensures regulatory compliance, fostering accountability and efficiency in AI endeavors.

Notes:
In 2023, global internal displacement rose to 75.9 million from 71.1 million the year before, as per the Global Report on Internal Displacement 2024 (GRID-2024) by the Geneva-based IDMC. The report cites 7.7 million displaced by disasters, a quarter due to earthquakes, and 68.3 million by conflict. Sudan, Syria, DRC, Colombia, and Yemen house nearly half of IDPs. Sudan alone records 9.1 million IDPs, with new displacements concentrated in Sudan, Palestinian territories, and DRC.

Notes:
IN-SPACe, India’s National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre, received the Geospatial World Forum Leadership Award for “Public Policy: Enabling Industry Development” at the 2024 event in Rotterdam. Rajeev Jyoti and Kriti Khatri accepted the honor on behalf of IN-SPACe. The award recognizes their groundbreaking efforts in advancing India’s space sector and supporting non-government entities. GWF Leadership Awards commend innovation and contributions to the global geospatial field since 2007.

Notes:
International Museum Day is celebrated annually on May 18 to highlight museums’ societal roles. Established by the International Council of Museums (ICOM) in 1977, the first theme was introduced in 1992. The 2024 theme is “Museums for Education and Research.” Originating from a 1951 meeting for the “Crusade for Museums,” it invites global museum participation each year.

Notes:
The number of endangered Iberian lynx in Spain and Portugal has nearly doubled since 2020. This lynx, known for its pointy ears, long legs, and spotted fur, is the world’s most endangered feline. It is sexually dimorphic and primarily nocturnal. Once widespread in the Iberian Peninsula, it now faces threats from human activities. Conservation efforts have improved its population, but it remains endangered according to the IUCN Red List.

Notes:
The World Bank unveiled “Water For Shared Prosperity” at the 10th World Water Forum in Bali, Indonesia, defining shared prosperity as equitable growth, especially for the poorest. It identifies four key pillars: human, social, and natural capital, and economic opportunities. The report highlights disparities in water access due to population growth, urbanization, and climate change. In 2022, 197 million lacked safe drinking water, 211 million lacked basic sanitation, with 450 million in high-poverty, low-water-access areas globally.

Notes:
A new plant species, Emblica Chakrabarti, was found in Kerala’s Ernakulam district, specifically in Adichilthotti within the Edamalayar forest range. Belonging to the Phyllanthaceae family, Emblica plants typically thrive as shrubs in tropical rainforests, reaching up to 2 meters in height. They flower and bear fruit from December to June. This discovery adds to the biodiversity of the region, highlighting its ecological significance.

Notes:
Ukraine launches counteroffensives against Russian occupation in Kharkiv. Russian shelling since 2022 targets critical infrastructure like power plants and schools. Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, hosts numerous universities and is vital to the nation’s industry.

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:
Malaysia aims to improve its environmental image through “orangutan diplomacy,” a type of animal diplomacy. Animal diplomacy involves giving or lending culturally significant or indigenous animals as symbols of friendship or goodwill between countries, exemplifying soft power. Notable examples include China’s panda diplomacy and Australia’s koala diplomacy. However, ethical concerns arise as animals are used as objects to fulfill national interests.