Daily Current Affairs Quiz: 19th May 2024

Answer: B) Venezuela

Notes:

Venezuela holds the unfortunate distinction of being the first country in modern history to lose all of its glaciers. Climate scientists declared that these glaciers were too small to be true glaciers. At one point, there were six glaciers in Venezuela, located in the Sierra Nevada de Merida mountain range, but by 2011, five of them had disappeared. The last remaining glacier, known as the Humboldt glacier (also called La Corona), melted far more quickly than expected and was reduced to less than two hectares in size. As a result, it was downgraded from a glacier to an ice field. This loss highlights the impact of climate change on our planet’s natural landscapes.

Answer: A) Cristiano Ronaldo

Notes:

Cristiano Ronaldo holds the top spot on Forbes’ 2024 World’s Highest-Paid Athletes List. Over the last 12 months, he earned an estimated $260 million, making him the highest-paid athlete in the world for the fourth time in his career. Ronaldo’s contract with Al Nassr of the Saudi Pro League contributed significantly to his earnings, totaling $200 million this season. Additionally, his endorsement deals with brands like Nike, Binance, and Herbalife added another $60 million to his income. The list features athletes from various sports, with the NBA having the most players, followed by the NFL and global soccer.

Answer: C) India, Indonesia, Australia

Notes:

The 2nd edition of the India-Australia-Indonesia Trilateral Maritime Security Workshop (TMSW) was successfully conducted from May 15-17, 2024, at INS Dronacharya, Kochi, India. The workshop, held under the aegis of Headquarters Southern Naval Command, focused on the theme “Indian Ocean Region: Collaborative Efforts to Enhance Regional Maritime Security.” Delegates from the three participating navies engaged in discussions covering topics such as Information Exchange mechanisms, Maritime Domain Awareness, and capability enhancement.

Answer: C) Bronze Medal

Notes:

Para swimmer Binit Roy clinched the bronze medal in the 100 meters freestyle event at the CITI Para Swimming World Series Championship held in Singapore. This prestigious event, part of the global launch of the “Swim Together” coaching program by World Para Swimming, aims to enhance the skills of para swimming coaches worldwide. The championship took place at the OCBC Aquatic Centre in Singapore from May 14 to May 19, 2024, and it was the last opportunity for para-swimmers to qualify for the Paris Paralympics 2024.

Answer: A) David Salvagnini

Notes:

David Salvagnini has been appointed as NASA’s new Chief Artificial Intelligence (AI) Officer, effective immediately. This role expands upon his current position as Chief Data Officer. Salvagnini will lead NASA’s efforts to responsibly use AI in both cosmic and Earth applications, aligning strategic vision and risk management. His background includes over 20 years in technology leadership, including roles in the intelligence community and the Air Force. AI plays a crucial role at NASA, from analyzing data to supporting spacecraft and aircraft autonomously.

Answer: C) Eastern Ladakh

Notes:

The Indian Army has established two high-altitude tank repair facilities in the Eastern Ladakh region, near the China border. These facilities, located in Nyoma and the DBO Sector, support over 500 tanks and infantry combat vehicles deployed following the 2020 India-China standoff.

Answer: A) Kolkata

Notes:

The National Security Guard (NSG) and US Special Operations Forces (SOF) conducted joint counter-terror drills in Kolkata, India, for the annual exercise “Tarkash”. This exercise aimed to enhance interoperability, coordination, and bilateral cooperation in urban counter-terrorism scenarios. The seventh edition of Tarkash, which began on April 22, included intense training, best practices sharing, and focus on combating terrorism.

Answer: C) Table Tennis

Notes:

Manika Batra is an Indian table tennis player. She is the top female table tennis player in India and ranks world number 24 in ITTF as of May 2024. Manika Batra became the first women’s table tennis player from India to make it to the round of 32 in singles at an Olympics during Tokyo 2020. She rose to fame at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, winning four medals, two of them gold. Manika Batra aspires to elevate table tennis in India, akin to what PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal did for badminton.

Answer: B) Brazil

Notes:

Brazil has been announced as the host nation for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. This marks the first time that South America will host the prestigious tournament. The decision was made during the 74th FIFA Congress held in Bangkok, Thailand. Brazil’s selection reflects their strong football tradition and passion for the game, making it an exciting milestone for women’s football in the region.

Answer: D) 16 May

Notes:

The International Day of Light is celebrated each year on May 16. This date commemorates the first successful operation of a laser in 1960 by physicist and engineer Theodore Maiman. The day highlights the crucial role light plays in science, culture, art, education, medicine, communications, and sustainable development.

Answer: C) Pranav Venkatesh

Notes:

Pranav V emerged as the tournament champion in the Dubai Police Global Chess Challenge 2024, while Arvind Chitambaram secured the runner-up position.

Answer: B) Pakistan

Notes:

Pakistan conducted a successful training launch of the Fatah-II guided rocket system with a range of up to 400 kilometers. Equipped with state-of-the-art navigation and unique trajectory features, Fatah-II can engage targets with high precision and defeat missile defense systems. It is being inducted in Pakistan’s Artillery Divisions for stand-off, precision engagement of deep targets, significantly upgrading the army’s conventional arsenal.

Answer: A) MDoNER (Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region)

Notes:

Notes: The Swachhata Pakhwada initiative was launched by MDoNER to promote cleanliness and environmental sustainability. The event, which ran from 16th to 31st May 2024, included various activities such as community awareness programs on eco-friendly initiatives, discouraging the use of plastics, waste management, plantation drives, and street plays. The initiative reflects MDoNER’s commitment to promoting Swachh Bharat, not only within the organization but also in the wider community.

Answer: C) UAE

Notes:

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced the Blue Residency visa, a 10-year residence visa designed for individuals who have made exceptional contributions toward environmental protection. This visa is granted to supporters of environmental action, including members of international organizations, global award winners, and distinguished activists and researchers in environmental work. Both Emiratis and resident advocates of the environment are eligible. Sustainability advocates and experts can apply directly to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, or through nomination by competent authorities in the UAE.

Answer: A) IN-SPACe

Notes:

IN-SPACe, under the Department of Space (DOS), Government of India, won the Geospatial World Leadership Award for its outstanding contributions to the international Geospatial field. The award recognized IN-SPACe’s significant role in fostering the growth and development of India’s space sector and its support to non-government entities working in the space economy. This recognition underscores the impact of IN-SPACe’s work on the global geospatial industry.