Current Affairs Quiz - May, 2024

Notes:
ISRO Chairman S Somanath unveiled SFO Technologies’ carbon reduction initiative, aiming for a 50% reduction by 2035 and zero emissions by 2040. At NeST HiTek Park, he planted a sapling and unveiled a Chandrayaan replica, highlighting SFO’s cooperation with ISRO. Somanath also discussed the Indian space sector’s growth, projecting it to reach USD 9-10 billion in 5-10 years from its current USD 2 billion.

Notes:
World Metrology Day, celebrated on May 20, marks the 1875 Metre Convention signing, establishing a global measurement system. The 2024 theme, “Sustainability,” emphasizes the role of measurements in fostering a sustainable economy and environment. Key applications include monitoring energy use, managing agricultural resources, identifying pollution sources, and regulating vehicle emissions. Accurate measurements support environmental protection, sustainable transportation, and improved manufacturing processes.

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 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:
According to the Wildlife Institute of India, about 4,000 dolphins inhabit the Ganga and its tributaries, with Uttar Pradesh home to approximately 2,000. To protect these dolphins, the UP government declared a Dolphin Sanctuary in Chambal, where 111 dolphins have been recorded. Prime Minister Modi’s Project Dolphin has raised public interest in these endangered animals. The Namami Gange initiative aims to stabilize and double the dolphin population by 2030, integrating pollution control, wetland conservation, and public participation. The river dolphin is a globally endangered species, thriving in various rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, and Chambal.

Notes:
Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari inaugurated the IAF Emergency Medical Response System (EMRS) at the Command Hospital in Bengaluru. This facility enhances the Indian Air Force’s capability to provide immediate medical assistance to its personnel and families. The EMRS includes a 24×7 pan-IAF helpline, offering expert medical guidance, rapid evacuation, and definitive care during emergencies, ensuring comprehensive support for IAF members and their dependents.

Notes:
Chhattisgarh’s Deputy Chief Minister urged Naxalites to integrate into mainstream society, seeking their input for a new surrender rehabilitation policy. Emphasizing dialogue, the government offers development initiatives like the Niyad Nellanar scheme, providing essential amenities to villages near security camps in the Naxal-affected Bastar region. This effort aims to ensure holistic development beyond anti-Naxal operations, fostering equality and progress in tribal areas.

Notes:
Next month, on June 3, six planets—Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—will align in the sky. This alignment, an optical illusion of perspective, will be visible from Earth. Mars and Saturn will be visible to the naked eye, though dimly, while Uranus and Neptune will require telescopes or binoculars. Mercury and Jupiter will be hard to see due to their proximity to the Sun. Planetary alignment refers to the illusion of planets forming a line in space when viewed from a specific vantage point, rather than being perfectly aligned. This optical phenomenon offers a unique celestial spectacle, highlighting the dynamic interactions within our solar system.

Notes:
The GSAP SKILLS Platform, launched at the Fourth meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Implementation, Convention on Biological Diversity. It aims to bolster global species conservation efforts. Managed by IUCN, it connects decision-makers, practitioners, and experts, providing real-time updates and technical resources. Supported by the Ministry of Environment, Republic of Korea, and resources from the Tech4Nature Initiative by IUCN and Huawei, it facilitates collaboration and implements biodiversity targets with actionable interventions and tools.

Notes:
The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has initiated a three-day elephant census at Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, located at the junction of Eastern and Western Ghats in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It spans 1,411.6 sq km, declared a tiger reserve in 2013, fostering a continuous habitat for tigers and other wildlife. The reserve boasts the world’s largest tiger population, over 280 tigers, and is home to indigenous tribes like the Irula and Kurumba.