Daily Current Affairs Quiz: 12th May 2024

Answer: B) 12 May

International Nurses Day is celebrated annually on May 12. This day is observed around the world to mark the contributions that nurses make to society. The date was chosen to coincide with the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. The International Council of Nurses has celebrated this day since 1965. Each year, the day serves as a reminder of the vital role nurses play in healthcare, and it encourages appreciation for their dedication and hard work.

Theme 2024: Our Nurses. Our Future. The economic power of care.

Answer: C) Tamil Nadu.

The government of Tamil Nadu conducted a three-day synchronized survey to estimate the population of the Nilgiri Tahr, the state’s iconic animal. This initiative, part of the five-year “Project Nilgiri Tahr” launched in 2022, aims to better understand and conserve this endangered species. The survey, which concluded on May 1, 2024, took note of the Tahr’s population and behavior. This first-of-its-kind mission in India is expected to provide valuable insights into the conservation efforts needed to protect the Nilgiri Tahr.

Answer: C) Haryana (Gurugram).

American Express, a global payments company, has announced the inauguration of its largest campus worldwide in Gurugram, Haryana. Spanning nearly one million square feet, this new campus will serve as a hub for American Express operations in India. The facility, located in sector 74A Gurugram, is set to become operational by the end of May 2024. This significant investment underscores American Express’s commitment to India and its focus on nurturing local talent, leveraging global expertise, and driving innovation.

Answer: D) Dileep Sanghani.

Dileep Sanghani, a former parliamentarian and cabinet minister in the Modi government in Gujarat, has been re-elected as the Chairman of the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO) for the second consecutive term. His leadership has been instrumental in steering IFFCO, the world’s largest cooperative organization, towards success. Sanghani’s re-election signifies his continued commitment to the cooperative sector and his dedication to the welfare of the farming community.

Answer: B) Bajrang Punia.

Bajrang Punia, an Indian wrestler and Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist, has been provisionally suspended by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) and the United World Wrestling (UWW) until December 31, 2024. The suspension was imposed following an alleged anti-doping rule violation (ADRV), where Punia was accused of refusing to provide his urine sample during the selection trials for the Olympic qualification tournament in March. However, Punia has refuted these claims and stated that he never refused to give his sample for doping control.

Answer: A) Bangladesh.

The Government of India has committed to training 1,500 civil servants from Bangladesh over the next five years. This initiative is part of a capacity-building program on good governance. The training will be conducted at India’s National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) and will cover new paradigms of governance like project management, public procurement, blue economy, and food processing. This collaboration between the two countries aims to strengthen administrative capabilities and foster good governance practices.

Answer: B) India and Nepal.

The regions of Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani are currently disputed territories between India and Nepal. These areas are located near the tri-junction of India, Nepal, and China. The dispute has historical roots, with both countries claiming these regions based on different interpretations of the historical Treaty of Sugauli. Despite several rounds of negotiations, the dispute remains unresolved. This border issue has occasionally strained the otherwise friendly relations between India and Nepal.

Answer: D) Pawan Sindhi.

Pawan Sindhi, a social worker, was honoured with the prestigious Global Pride of Sindhi Award 2024. This award was given in recognition of his outstanding contributions to society and his dedication to serving humanity. The award ceremony brought together like-minded individuals who share a common goal of promoting humanity, peace, and prosperity. In his acceptance speech, Sindhi expressed his gratitude for the recognition and stressed the significance of such gatherings in spreading noble messages within society.

Answer: A) Zerodha and Groww.

Groww and Zerodha have emerged as the top two stockbroker companies in India. Groww, started by four ambitious minds at Flipkart, has become India’s number one stockbroker with the highest number of active investors. On the other hand, Zerodha, the first discount broker in India, has disrupted the broking industry by introducing a flat-fee brokerage model, free delivery trades, and a tech-driven platform. Both these companies have made significant contributions to making investing accessible and affordable for millions of people.

Answer: B) South Pacific Ocean.

The Cook Islands are a group of 15 small islands located in the South Pacific Ocean. They are part of Oceania and are situated about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand¹. The islands are spread over about 2 million square kilometres in the South Pacific Ocean. The Cook Islands’ main island, Rarotonga, is about 3,000 km from Auckland, New Zealand. These islands are known for their stunning beauty, rich Polynesian culture, and warm hospitality.

Answer: C) China.

Xu Feihong, a senior diplomat, has been appointed as the new Ambassador of China to India. This appointment by Chinese President Xi Jinping comes after an unusually long delay of 18 months amid frozen relations between the two countries over the eastern Ladakh military standoff. Xu, who has previously served as the Chinese Ambassador to Afghanistan and Romania, brings a wealth of diplomatic experience to his new role. His appointment is seen as a significant step towards improving Sino-Indian relations.

Answer: B) Amul.

Amul, a leading Indian dairy brand, has been appointed as the official sponsor of the Sri Lankan Men’s Team for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. This partnership marks Amul’s continued association with international cricket, having previously sponsored the Sri Lankan team in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup. Amul’s sponsorship is expected to enhance its brand visibility among the international audience and contribute to its market growth. The T20 World Cup will commence on June 1, 2024, in the West Indies and USA.

Answer: D) Argentina.

The Chakisaurus Nekul, a 90-million-year-old herbivorous dinosaur, was discovered in Argentina. This fast-running dinosaur lived during the Late Cretaceous period in present-day Patagonia. The discovery was made in the Pueblo Blanco Natural Reserve, in the southern province of Río Negro, an area rich in fossils. The dinosaur’s name derives from the Aonikenk language, meaning “old guanaco”, and the Mapudungún language, meaning “fast” or “agile”. This discovery provides valuable insights into the biodiversity that existed in this region during the Cretaceous period.

Answer: A) 2.10 lakh crore

The Gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections hit a record high in April 2024, reflecting a significant 12.4% year-on-year growth. This was driven by a strong increase in domestic transactions and imports. The central government settled ₹50,307 crore to CGST and ₹41,600 crore to SGST from the IGST collected. This milestone signifies a remarkable achievement for India’s fiscal landscape and underscores the resilience and vibrancy of the Indian economy.

Answer: B) 33%

The Supreme Court of India issued a directive mandating the reservation of at least one-third of the posts in the executive committee of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) for women. This landmark decision, aimed at ensuring gender equality in the legal profession, signifies a significant step towards empowering women in the judiciary. The reservation is only to guarantee a minimum and women members of the SCBA, subject to their eligibility, are entitled to contest the election for all the posts in the Executive Committee.