Daily Current Affairs Quiz: May 18, 2024

Notes:
Japan and the U.S. signed a contract to develop interceptors for hypersonic missiles by the 2030s, costing over $3 billion. Announced in August, the plan addresses the rapid advancements in missile technology around Japan. Japan allocated ¥75 billion ($480 million) for 2024 development. Hypersonic missiles’ speed and irregular trajectories make them difficult to intercept. Japan’s defense budget increased amid rising tensions with China and North Korea.

Notes:
World Aquatics and the Bhutan Aquatics Federation have inaugurated Bhutan’s first competition swimming pool in Thimphu, through the Pools for All Programme. This facility, located at 8200 feet, is the world’s highest swimming pool. Launched in 2019, the initiative aims to provide top-tier aquatic facilities globally, promoting aquatic sports. The new pool marks a significant milestone for Bhutanese aquatic sports development.

Notes:
World Telecommunication and Information Society Day is observed on May 17 annually to explore the use of ICT and the Internet in societies and to address the digital divide. Each year, the ITU selects a theme; for 2024, it is “Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development.” Sustainable development, as defined by the 1987 Brundtland Commission report, aims to meet present needs without compromising future generations’ ability to do the same.

Notes:
The Third Session of the India-Zimbabwe Joint Trade Committee was held in New Delhi from May 13-14, 2024. Co-chaired by India’s Priya P. Nair and Zimbabwe’s Rudo M. Faranisi, the session focused on enhancing bilateral trade, investment, and cooperation in various sectors such as healthcare, renewable energy, and digital economy. Both sides agreed to explore MoUs for regulatory cooperation and to strengthen ties between investment promotion agencies and chambers of commerce.

Notes:
The 12th Joint Working Group (JWG) of Indian and Mongolian defence ministers met in Ulaanbaatar on May 16-17, 2024, as part of their annual meetings. Indian delegation led by Amitabh Prasad, Joint Secretary of Defence, and Mongolian delegation by Brigadier General Gankhuyag Davagdorj. Discussions included bilateral cooperation, Indian Armed Forces capabilities, and potential collaboration in defence manufacturing. Both sides expressed satisfaction with ongoing cooperation and pledged to enhance it further.