Current Affairs Quiz - May, 2024

Notes:
Uttar Pradesh leads in transmission line additions for FY24 per Central Electricity Authority (CEA). Uttar Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation Ltd (UPPTCL) added 1,460 ckm of 220kV+ lines, surpassing other state utilities. Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation Ltd (GETCO) follows with 898 ckm additions. UPPTCL contributes over 20% to the state sector’s growth, while Gujarat follows with 13%. CEA formulates National Electricity Plans every 5 years for optimal resource utilization.

Notes:
World Thyroid Day, annually on May 25th, raises awareness about the thyroid gland and related conditions. The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland near the neck’s base, regulates vital functions by releasing thyroid hormones (T4 and T3). These hormones influence metabolism, body temperature, heart rate, and protein production. Thyroid disorders, common in women but affecting all ages and genders, include Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), impacting hormone production.

Notes:
The Ministry of Renewable Energy warns farmers against fake websites and apps soliciting registration fees for solar water pump installation under PM-KUSUM Scheme. Launched in 2019, PM-KUSUM aims to de-dieselise farming, boost farmer income, and ensure energy security. It targets adding 34,800 MW of solar capacity by March 2026 with Rs 34,422 crore funding. Farmers receive subsidies up to 30-50% for solar pumps and grid-connected plants. Implemented by state governments under MNRE.

Notes:
Thotakura, the first Indian space tourist, boarded a Blue Origin spaceship, joining over 50 others in recent years. The 10-minute flight reached a max height of 105 km, crossing the Karman line, boundary line dividing the Earth’s atmosphere from outer space. Classified as a suborbital journey, the spacecraft didn’t orbit Earth but briefly lingered beyond the atmosphere before returning. Blue Origin offers thrill rides for space enthusiasts seeking brief but exhilarating experiences beyond our planet.

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.

Notes:
A new plant species, Stellaria mcclintockiae, was discovered on the muddy slopes of Kerala’s Nelliyampathy hills, at elevations of 1,250-1,400 meters. This annual herb, growing up to 15 cm tall, belongs to the genus Stellaria (family Caryophyllaceae). It features distinct petals, pollen morphology, bracts, sepals, and seed architecture. As the first Stellaria species found in South India, researchers recommend it be classified as critically endangered.

Notes:
The Ministry of Ayush and the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) hosted a program in New Delhi to enhance collaborations between the insurance sector and Ayush healthcare providers. The event, attended by CEOs and CMDs of insurance companies and Ayush hospital owners, aims to improve the accessibility and affordability of Ayush treatments. Key figures emphasized the commitment to making healthcare affordable, accessible, and high-quality.

Notes:
A study reveals Antarctica’s Thwaites Glacier, known as the “Doomsday Glacier,” is highly vulnerable to warming oceans. Roughly the size of Britain, it holds enough water to raise sea levels by over half a meter. Melting at a rate contributing 4% to global sea level rise annually, its significance lies in slowing ice flow into the ocean. Thwaites underscores Antarctica’s critical role in climate dynamics and the urgent need for environmental action.

Notes:
RBI Governor unveiled three major initiatives: Pravaah portal, Retail Direct Mobile App, and a FinTech Repository. Pravaah is a secure web-based portal for seeking authorizations, licenses, and regulatory approvals from the RBI. Key features include online application submission, status tracking, query responses, and timely decisions. It enhances the efficiency of regulatory processes, with 60 application forms available, including a general-purpose form for various requests.

Notes:
Dubai has launched the Dubai Gaming Visa under the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 (DPG 2033) to position itself as a global gaming leader. This long-term residency initiative attracts gamers, content creators, and industry professionals worldwide. The DPG 2033 aims to transform Dubai into a gaming hub, creating 30,000 new jobs and contributing $1 billion to the GDP by 2033.