This is the current affairs of 7 to 9 May 2024. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
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1. Which Indian received the ‘Whitley Gold Award’, popularly known as ‘Green Oscar’, for the second time?
a. Sonakshi Mittal
b. Purnima Devi Burman
c. Kanchan Thapar
d. Manjula Mohanty
Answer: b. Purnima Devi Burman
– She is a wildlife biologist from Assam.
– Purnima had also won this award in 2017 before 2024.
– The Vitali Gold
Award, also known as the Green Oscar, is famous.
– This award is given by the London-based charity Vitali Fund for Nature.
– On May 1, 2024, at the ceremony, Dr. Purnima was awarded by Queen Charles III’s sister and charity conservationist Aini. Along with her, a total of 7 people from different countries received this award.
Why was this award given
– This award was given for the conservation efforts of the endangered bird Greater Adjutant Stork and its wetland habitat (Wetland) in Assam.
– This endangered bird is called “Hargila” in Assam, which is a species of stork.
– Hargila means ‘bone-swallowing’.
– This bird depends on the surrounding villages for scavenging and nest building.
Birds are mainly found in the northeastern, especially the wetland areas of Assam.
– The population of birds, which had dropped to around 450, has increased to over 1800 in the areas mainly due to the conservation efforts of Dr. Purnima and her Hargila Army.
– The wingspan of the Hargila bird is 2.4 meters and it can reach up to a height of 1.2 meters. It builds a nest that can be up to one meter wide.
Note – In 2007, the first Indians to receive the Vitali Gold Award were Archana Godbole and Brad Norman.
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2. In May 2024, for which term did Vladimir Putin take oath as President?
a. दूसरे / Second
b. तीसरे / Third
c. चौथे / Fourth
d. पांचवें / Fifth
Answer: d. Fifth (6 years tenure)
– Vladimir Putin took oath on May 7, 2024, at the Grand Kremlin Palace in Russia. He won the elections in March 2024.
– He is 71 years old.
– He has become the President of Russia for the fifth time.
– He took the oath in 33 words.
– The Grand Kremlin Palace is the same place where the coronation of 3 kings of the Romanov family of Russia took place:
1. Alexander 2
2. Alexander 3
3. Nicholas 2
Note: The term of the President in Russia is 6 years.
Key points from Putin’s speech
– Putin said in his speech that he is ready to negotiate with Western countries. It depends on them whether they are ready to negotiate with Russia or not.
– This indicates Putin’s willingness to improve relations with Western countries.
– In addition, Putin said that he will continue to work with his friendly nations in Europe and Asia for a multipolar world order.
– Russia wants security arrangements to be equal for everyone.
How many votes did Vladimir Putin get in the election?
– In the election held in March 2024, he received approximately 88% of the votes.
– His opponent, Nikolai Kharitonov, received about 4% of the votes. The rest of the votes went to others.
When did Putin become President?
– Year 2000 (received 53.4% of the votes)
– Year 2004 (received 71.9% of the votes)
– Year 2012 (received 63.6% of the votes)
– Year 2018 (received 76.66% of the votes)
– Year 2024 (received approximately 88% of the votes)
When did he become Prime Minister?
– From 1999 to 2000
– From 2008 to 2012
What did Putin say about the Russia-NATO dispute?
– After the election results were announced in Russia, he said that now Russia will become even more powerful and influential.
– Regarding the Russia-NATO dispute, he said that if NATO and Russia come face to face, it will bring the world one step closer to the third world war. I don’t think anyone would want that.
Political system in Russia
– The parliament in Russia is called the Federal Assembly.
– There are also two chambers there.
The upper chamber is called the Council of Federation.
– The lower chamber is called the State Duma.
– The most powerful position in Russia is that of the President.
– The second most powerful position is that of the Prime Minister, who works under the direction of the President.
Russia-Ukraine War
– The Russia-Ukraine war has been going on for more than two years, but there is no sign of the war ending.
– In March 2024, after winning the election, Vladimir Putin addressed the nation.
– He said Ukraine is living on the crumbs of Western countries. Western countries are continuously sending it help, providing weapons, but this supply will stop one day.
Russia
– Russia is a country that extends to Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. It is the largest country in the world by area.
– Capital: Moscow
– President: Vladimir Putin
– Currency: Russian Ruble
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3. Name the winner of Pulitzer Prize 2024 in Public Service Category?
a. Staff of the Associated Press
b. Staff of the Los Angeles Times
c. Staff of The New York Times
d. Pro Publica
Answer: d. Pro Publica (New York-based independent organization for investigative journalism)
ProPublica Awards for Journalistic Work
– The Pulitzer Committee honored ProPublica for the work of journalists Joshua Kaplan, Justin Elliott, Brett Murphy, Alec MacGillis, and Kirsten Berg, for their “extraordinary and ambitious reporting that broke down the thick wall of secrecy around the Supreme Court.”
Pulitzer Prize
– Columbia University (New York) awards this prize.
– The Pulitzer Prize is an annual award given for achievements in newspaper, magazine, online journalism, literature, and musical composition.
– It was established in 1917 when American newspaper publisher Joseph Pulitzer left money for it in his will.
– The winner in the Public Service category is honored with a gold medal.
Indians have previously received the Pulitzer Prize.
– The first Indian journalist to receive the Pulitzer Prize was Gobind Behari Lal. He was awarded this prize in 1937 at Harvard University’s Tercentenary for coverage of science.
– In 2020, Indian journalists Dar Yasin, Mukhtar Khan, and Channi Anand also won the Pulitzer Prize.
– In 2021 and 2022, the late Danish Siddiqui has also been awarded this honor.
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4. Pulitzer Prize 2024: List
Category and Winners
– Public Service: Pro Publica (Joshua Kaplan, Justin Elliott, Brett Murphy, Alec MacGillis, and Kirstin Berg)
– Investigative Reporting: Hannah Dreier (The New York Times)
– International Reporting: Staff of The New York Times
– Editorial Writing: David E. Hoffman (The Washington Post)
– Breaking News Photography: Photography staff of Reuters
– Feature Photography: Photography staff of The Associated Press
– Audio Reporting: Employees of the Invisible Institute and WBEZ Audio
Pulitzer Prizes 2024: Books, Drama, and Music List
– Fiction: “Night Watch” by Jane Annie Phillips
– Drama: “Primary Trust” by Ebony Booth
– History: “The Struggles of Boston’s Black Workers in the Civil War Era” by Jacqueline Jones
– Biography: “King: A Life by Jonathan Eig – Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom” by Eileen Wu
– Memoir and Autobiography: “Lilianas Invisible Summer: A Sisters Search for Justice” by Cristina Rivera Garza
– Poetry: “Trips” by Brandon Som
– Music: Edge by Taishawn Sorre (for Wadada Leo Smith)
– General Nonfiction: “A Day in the Life of Abed Salama: Anatomy of a Jerusalem Tragedy” by Nathan Thrall
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5. Who has been named the host country of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024?
a. India
b. England
c. Bangladesh
d. Australia
Answer: c. Bangladesh
– The 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup will be hosted in Bangladesh from October 3 to 20.
– This is the second time Bangladesh is hosting the tournament since 2014.
– Ten teams will play 23 matches across two venues in 18 days, at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka and the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Sylhet.
– The title clash of the T20 World Cup 2024 will take place on October 20 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.
– The captain of India – Harmanpreet Kaur
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6. Frank Schrontz, who passed away on 3 May 2024, was the former CEO of which US aviation company?
a. American Airlines
b. Alaska
c. Delta Airlines
d. Boeing Company
Answer: d. Boeing Company
– He was 92 years old, serving as Boeing’s CEO from 1986 to 1996.
– Shrontz was born in 1931 in Boise, Idaho, and practiced law before joining Boeing in 1958.
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7. Which country won the BWF Thomas & Uber Cup titles in both women’s and men’s categories?
a. China
b. India
c. Indonesia
d. Japan
Answer: a. China
– In the finals held in Chengdu on May 5, 2024, China clinched both the men’s and women’s titles, solidifying its status as the top badminton nation in the world.
– The host team China defeated Indonesia in the final match.
– This is the first time since 2012 that China has won both the men’s and women’s titles in the World Team Championships.
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8. When is World Donkey Day celebrated?
a. 7 May
b. 8 May
c. 9 May
d. 10 May
Answer: b. 8 May
– World Donkey Day is celebrated worldwide on May 8, which might seem amusing to us, but donkeys have proven to be invaluable companions for humans.
– World Donkey Day began in 2018.
– Its purpose is to spread awareness about the relationship between donkeys and humans.
– Donkeys assist in farming, transportation, and construction in both rural and urban areas. They also play a crucial role in enhancing economic activities.
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9. When is World Asthma Day observed?
a. First Monday of May
b. First Tuesday of May
c. First Wednesday of May
d. First Thursday of May
Answer: b. First Tuesday of May (7th May in the year 2024)
Theme 2024
– Asthma Education Empowers
– Asthma Day was first observed in 1993 when the Global Initiative for Asthma, in collaboration with the World Health Organization, initiated its celebration.
– Asthma is an ancient respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and constriction of the airways, making breathing difficult. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and tightness in the chest.
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10. When is World Portuguese Language Day celebrated?
a. 4 May
b. 5 May
c. 2 May
d. 1 May
Answer: b. 5 May
– In the year 2019, the 40th session of UNESCO’s General Conference decided to proclaim May 5th of every year as “World Portuguese Language Day.”
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11. When is World Athletics Day celebrated?
a. 7 May
b. 8 May
c. 9 May
d. 10 May
Answer: a. 7 May
– World Athletics Day was inaugurated in 1996.
– This day is celebrated to promote various types of activities and to encourage the importance of fitness and health.
– Athletics includes various sports such as running, jumping, throwing, and walking.
World Athletics
– Headquarters: Monaco
– Founded: July 17, 1912
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12. Who is an Indian who became the youngest winner of FIDE Candidates Tournament 2024?
a. Manshu Midda
b. D Gukesh
c. Prashant Awasthi
d. Moina Mitra
Answer: b. D Gukesh (17 years old)
– Full Name: D. Gukesh
– He is an Indian chess Grandmaster.
What is the FIDE Candidates Tournament?
– The Candidates Tournament is a chess tournament.
– It has been organized by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) since 1950.
– It is the final competition to determine the challenger for the World Chess Championship.
– When: April 3 to 23, 2024
– Where: Toronto, Canada
– Gukesh won the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2024 in Toronto on April 22, 2024.
– In the competition among eight players, D. – Gukesh remained at the top with nine points.
– Gukesh played a draw with American Hikaru Nakamura in the 14th and last round, finishing the tournament with nine points out of 14.
D. Gukesh Breaks 40-Year-Old Record
– D. Gukesh broke the record set by Russian grandmaster Garry Kasparov at the age of 17 in the year 1984 at the age of 20.
– By breaking this record, he became the youngest winner of the World Chess Championship.
Second Indian to Win This Tournament After Viswanathan Anand
– In April 2024, D. Gukesh became the second Indian to win the FIDE Candidates Chess Tournament.
– The first Indian is Viswanathan Anand.
FIDE
– FIDE stands for Fédération Internationale des Échecs, which is a French phrase.
– It is officially known as the International Chess Federation or the World Chess Federation.
– Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland
– Founded: July 20, 1924
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