Current Affairs Quiz May 2024

[B] West Tripura

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.

[A] Russia

Notes:

New aerial footage of Batagay Crater reveals its yearly growth as permafrost thaws. Also called the “Gateway to Underworld” or “Doorway to Hell,” it’s the largest permafrost crater globally, located in Siberia, Russia. The crater, formed due to thawing permafrost, has expanded significantly since the 1960s, accelerated by deforestation and climate change. From 1991 to 2018, its area tripled, indicating the alarming pace of environmental change in the region.

[A] Assam

Notes:

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.

[A] Ministry of Education

Notes:

Shri K. Sanjay Murthy, Secretary of the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, virtually launched the ‘Capacity Building on Design and Entrepreneurship (CBDE)’ program. Over 130 participants attended, including officials, industry mentors, and representatives of selected Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The program, led by industry-academia collaboration, aims to foster problem-solving skills and entrepreneurial mindset among students. 30 HEIs will receive mentorship to integrate design and entrepreneurship development into their curriculum, supported by industry experts like Shri Manoj Kohli and Smt. Debjani Ghosh.

[A] 5

Notes:

India showcased dominance at the Asian Open Pickleball Championship in Vietnam, clinching three gold and two bronze medals. Sachin Pahwa and Priyanka Chhabra secured gold in mixed doubles intermediate 35+. Isha Lakhani and Pei Chuan Kao triumphed in women’s doubles open, while Aniket Patel and Rohit Patil claimed gold in men’s doubles. These victories highlight India’s prowess in pickleball on the international stage.

[B] South Pacific Ocean

Notes:

The Cook Islands, self-governing since 1965, aims to mine minerals from its seabed for electric car batteries. The Cook Islands are located in the South Pacific Ocean, about 2,900 km northeast of New Zealand and 4,500 km south of Hawaii. Its 15 islands, once a New Zealand colony, host a vast territorial water area, comparable to Mexico’s size. Researchers found nodules rich in cobalt and manganese on the seabed, growing as thick as a credit card every million years. Technological barriers to extraction have recently eased, sparking international interest in the Cook Islands’ mineral potential.

[D] Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology

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.

[D] India & France

Notes:

Joint military Exercise Shakti, a biennial event between Indian and French forces, occurred at Umroi, Meghalaya, from May 13-26, 2024. Attended by French Ambassador Thierry Mathou, Brigadier Mayur Shekatkar, and dignitaries, it focuses on joint planning and strategy development for war scenarios. Shakti, alternating between India and France, aims to enhance cooperation, understanding, and interoperability while sharing combat experiences in countering terrorism.

[B] Maharashtra

Notes:

A leopard cat, scientifically known as Prionailurus bengalensis, was sighted in Maharashtra’s Pench Tiger Reserve, marking its first appearance there. This forest-dwelling felid species is recognized for its leopard-like coat. Leopard cats are widely distributed across Asia, inhabiting various forested habitats. They exhibit diverse sizes and colorations, typically sporting four black stripes on their forehead. Solitary and nocturnal, they are categorized as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.

[D] Bengaluru

Notes:

Krishikalpa, a non-profit, launched India’s first FPO accelerator program in Bengaluru, backed by NABARD. It aims to convert FPOs into sustainable rural businesses, facilitating market connections, resource access, and entrepreneurial skills. NABARD contributes cost-effective strategies to bridge agricultural value chain gaps, enabling risk mitigation, knowledge sharing, and revenue growth for farmers. The initiative targets positive change in the agricultural ecosystem through supply chain management and market orientation training.