Current Affairs Quiz - May, 2024

Notes:
ISRO released the Indian Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR) highlighting a rise in space object population. ISRO System for Safe and Sustainable Space Operations Management (IS4OM), operational since 2022, ensures ISRO’s space asset safety. Globally, 3143 objects were launched, with five major break-up events. India launched 127 satellites by 2023 and successfully conducted seven ISRO missions, including Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya L-1. Collision Avoidance Manoeuvres increased to protect spacecraft from close approaches.

Notes:
India will host the BWF World Junior Championships 2025 at the National Centre of Excellence in Guwahati, as announced by the Badminton World Federation (BWF). It marks India’s first hosting since 2008, when Pune held the event. The specific dates for the 2025 edition will be disclosed later.

Notes:
National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) India recently concluded up its #PlayTrue Campaign, drawing over 12,133 participants nationwide. Held from April 15th to 30th, 2024, the campaign aimed to raise awareness about clean sports and anti-doping practices. It showcased NADA’s dedication to educating athletes, coaches, and sports enthusiasts on anti-doping regulations. Through various activities like quizzes and awareness sessions, NADA encouraged fair play and integrity in sports, aligning with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA’s) vision.

Notes:
The Democratic Republic of the Congo faces its largest Mpox outbreak, with a new strain detected in a mining town, posing higher transmission risks. Since January, over 4,500 suspected cases and nearly 300 deaths have been reported, tripling from last year. The WHO highlights the severity, prompting Congo to declare a nationwide health emergency. Cases have also surfaced in the neighboring Republic of Congo.

Notes:
The ICC has banned West Indies cricketer Devon Thomas for five years due to breaching anti-corruption codes of SLC, ECB, and CPL. The ban was imposed by the ICC as the designated Anti-Corruption Official. Thomas accepted the charges, leading to the sanction without a tribunal hearing. The ban includes a suspension of the last 18 months. Thomas admitted to violating several provisions of the codes.

Notes:
Sanglaphu Lake, or Sanglaphu Cho, opened to the public at Yumesamdong, Sikkim, at 5080m altitude. It’s renowned as the “Great Lake” with religious importance. Its emergence gained attention after the closure of Gurudongmar Lake due to a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF). Located in the Dongkya range, Sanglaphu Mountain feeds Gurudongmar Lake, a source for the Teesta River.

Notes:
Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has introduced an AI-generated avatar, Victoria Shi, as its digital spokesperson. Shi, clad in professional attire, presents updates on consular affairs via social media. While her appearance is AI-generated, the content she delivers is human-written and verified. Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba lauds Shi’s introduction as a groundbreaking move, highlighting time and resource savings. Ukraine showcases its embrace of innovative tech in diplomatic operations.

Notes:
Archaeologists unearthed a 7000-year-old prehistoric settlement near the Tamiš River in northeastern Serbia. Spanning 11-13 hectares and encircled by 4-6 ditches, it dates to the late Neolithic era. Geophysical techniques uncovered Vinča culture artifacts, highlighting their presence in southeastern-central Europe. This discovery is pivotal, shedding light on the sparse identification of larger Late Neolithic settlements in the Serbian Banat region.

Notes:
Columbia University announced the 2024 Pulitzer Prize winners on May 7. The prestigious award, established by Joseph Pulitzer in 1904, recognizes excellence in journalism, arts, and culture. Winners are selected by the Pulitzer Prize Board, with categories spanning journalism and arts. The ceremony, to be held later, will see recipients honored by the university president. This year’s winners join a legacy dating back to the first prize in 1917.

Notes:
The Tripura Cricket Association (TCA) is poised to unveil the state’s inaugural international cricket stadium in Narsingarh, West Tripura. The stadium, slated for inauguration by February 2025, aims to host major cricket events. Construction commenced in 2017 with a 22-month target, but delays prompted weekly reviews for expedited progress. Secretary Subrata Dey emphasized the project’s acceleration, targeting completion by January 2025 or mid-February, adhering to a clear roadmap.