Current Affairs Quiz - May, 2024

Notes:
India surpassed Japan to become the world’s third-largest solar power generator in 2023, per Ember’s report. Solar energy accounted for a record 5.5% of global electricity, with India generating 5.8%. Solar’s global generation expanded over six times since 2015. By 2030, solar is projected to contribute 22% to global electricity, crucial for combating climate change. India aims for 50% non-fossil fuel-based energy by 2030.

Notes:
Vietnam urges U.S. reclassification from non-market to market economy. Despite being a vital U.S. trading partner and counterbalancing China’s influence, Vietnam remains non-market for over two decades. U.S. determines status based on various criteria. 12 nations, including Russia and China, fall under non-market classification.

Notes:
Researchers at Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) identified two new needlefish species in Indian waters. These marine creatures are commonly found in temperate and tropical regions, characterized by silvery bodies with blue or green backs. They are carnivorous, preying on small fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods. Abundant along the Indian coast, they contribute to pelagic resources, thriving in the open sea away from the coast.

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During India’s general elections, ‘D voters’ were a significant issue in Assam. A ‘Doubtful voter’ or ‘D-voter’ is someone whose citizenship status is uncertain during the creation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam. Legal ambiguity surrounds the term, and those classified undergo a verification process. D-voters are ineligible to vote or stand for office until their citizenship status is resolved, prompting debate and procedural scrutiny during electoral processes.

Notes:
Ritacuba Blanco, Colombia’s iconic mountain peak, has witnessed drastic changes due to climate change and the El Niño weather phenomenon. Once covered in pristine ice and snow, the glacier now reveals large cracks and receding walls. Experts warn of accelerated melting, exacerbated by greenhouse gases. With only six glaciers remaining of the original 14, Ritacuba Blanco in the Sierra Nevada del Cocuy National Park faces imminent risk, highlighting the urgent need for climate action.

Notes:
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) demands Assam’s Chief Secretary to identify officers responsible for allowing construction activities in Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary. Established in 1998, the sanctuary lies in Assam’s Sonitpur district, adjacent to the Great Himalayan Range. Its climate is subtropical, prone to heavy rains and flooding from rivers like Burhi Dihing and Namchang. NGT seeks accountability for jeopardizing this protected habitat.

Notes:
FLiRT, a new variant of COVID-19, has emerged as the dominant strain in the United States. It belongs to the Omicron JN.1 lineage and features two mutations, KP 1.1 and KP.2. Rapidly spreading, FLiRT exhibits diverse symptoms including sore throat, cough, fatigue, nasal congestion, headache, muscle aches, fever, and gastric issues. Continuous monitoring and appropriate public health measures are essential to address its rapid transmission.

Notes:
Punjab Agricultural University introduces Trichoderma asperellum to tackle ‘foot rot’ disease in Basmati rice, endorsed by Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIBRC). The disease, caused by Fungus Fusarium verticillioides, affects seedlings and transplanted crops. Symptoms include yellowing, elongation, and eventual death of plants. Current chemical treatments like Trichoderma harzianum and Sprint 75 WS pose risks to soil and consumers due to toxicity. Carbendazim, a component of Sprint 75 WS, is banned in Punjab due to high residues.

Notes:
Two baby girls diagnosed with Kawasaki disease were successfully treated at Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital (CMCH). Kawasaki disease, a rare heart condition, primarily affects children under 5, leading to high fever and inflamed blood vessels. It’s a significant cause of heart disease in kids, targeting coronary arteries. Symptoms include fever, rash, swollen hands and feet, and inflamed mucous membranes. The disease’s cause remains unknown, with cases peaking in late winter and early spring.

Notes:
DigiLocker, initiated by India’s Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology in 2015, serves as a secure platform for government documents. Students can access scores and verified marksheets. It’s government-approved with stringent security measures, including 2048 Bit RSA SSL encryption and multi-factor authentication. Users can store essential documents digitally, aiding paper-free initiatives. Documents issued via DigiLocker hold legal equivalence to physical copies. The app supports passport applications and identity verification, enhancing convenience and accessibility.