This is the current affairs of 14 May 2024. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
PDF Download: Click here
1. Where in India was the Aurora (the appearance of many colors in the form of bright, swirling curtains in the night sky) seen occasionally over the Earth’s North and South Poles?
a. Tamil Nadu
b. Ladakh
c. Manipur
d. Rajasthan
Answer: b. Ladakh
—————
2. Aurora (appearance of many colors in the form of bright, swirling curtains in the night sky) was seen in Ladakh in May 2024, what is the reason for this?
a. Air Pollution
b. Nuclear Test
c. Solar Storm
d. Storm in the Pacific Ocean
Answer: c. Solar Storm (Geomagnetic Storm/Solar Storm)
– On regular days, we see the sky as blue or somewhat yellowish.
– But if it starts appearing in various colors like shiny, swirling curtains, it’s called an aurora. It is also called polar lights in Hindi.
– While it looks beautiful to behold, it’s a cause for concern for us technically.
– Usually, this aurora is visible near the northern and southern poles.
– On the night of May 10, 2024, something similar started appearing in Ladakh.
– This aurora has been recorded by a center of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore (IIA), located in Hanle, Ladakh.
Great Solar Storm
– The solar storm that occurred in May 2024 is similar to the one in February 2022 when 40 satellites of SpaceX (Elon Musk’s company) were burnt and fell on Earth.
– But this time, all the space agencies of the world and SpaceX have made arrangements to save the satellite.
What is a Solar Geomagnetic Storm (Solar Storm)?
– This storm originates from the sun.
– The sun is a ball of gases.
– It contains gases like 92.1% hydrogen and 7.8% helium.
– Nuclear fusion process continues in the sun.
– This process occurs mainly at intervals of 11 years, which is called the solar cycle.
– During the solar cycle, billions of tons of hot gases and flares are emitted.
– NASA’s Solar Parker probe made some new discoveries about it. It was found out how solar winds charge back into space.
– Charged particles from the sun collide with the Earth’s magnetic field in the upper atmosphere.
– Actually, the magnetic field works to protect the Earth from such solar and space storms, and people living on Earth are not even aware of it.
– When charged particles from the sun collide with the Earth’s magnetic field, a storm occurs.
– This is also called a geomagnetic storm.
Earth’s Magnetic Field
– Actually, whenever a charged particle rotates, it generates magnetism.
– So, two poles are formed – North Pole and South Pole.
Our Earth rotates tilted at an angle of about 23 degrees.
– Rotation creates a magnetic field. It extends from north to south.
– In such a situation, when coronal mass ejection from the sun starts coming towards the Earth, the magnetic field prevents it from colliding and entering.
– But when there is a disturbance in the Earth’s magnetic field, some places remain empty in the north and south poles.
– However, it tries to find its way.
– It’s providing protection to Earth but not allowing things to come in from above and below.
– When solar flares reach towards the northern and southern poles, they create brightness here.
– The brightness produced at the North Pole is called Aurora Borealis.
– When it occurs towards the South Pole, it is called Aurora Australis.
How dangerous are solar storms?
– Often, the outer atmosphere of the Earth heats up due to solar storms.
– If Earth’s magnetic field were not present, these solar storms could destroy it.
– The magnetic field of the planet Mars is 40 times weaker than that of Earth, so this storm has a greater impact on Mars.
– On Earth, its direct impact falls on satellites.
What will be the impact of this storm on Earth?
– According to the Indian Express, most of the solar flares from a solar storm do not reach the Earth.
– However, approaching solar flares or storms, high-speed solar energetic particles, and coronal mass ejections that come close to Earth can impact space weather and the upper atmosphere.
– These storms can also affect GPS, radio, and satellite communications.
– Geomagnetic storms can disrupt high-frequency radio communications and GPS navigation systems.
– Additionally, they can cause damage to aviation, power grids, and space exploration programs.
– Coronal mass ejections can cause disturbances in the magnetosphere with projectiles laden with material traveling at speeds of millions of miles per hour.
Can we see the effects of solar winds?
– Yes, we can see them.
– Actually, solar winds can heat up the Earth’s ionosphere (where Earth’s atmosphere meets space).
– This creates beautiful auroras on Earth.
– It can be seen from only a few places in the world, such as some locations in America and remote northern and southern parts of the world.
– Colorful auroras occur when particles streaming from the sun get trapped in Earth’s magnetic field.
Categories of Solar Storms
– The impact of this storm has been categorized into several parts – from G1 to G5 categories.
– G5 becomes extreme. This is the situation in May 2024.
– The largest solar storm prior to this occurred in 2003, known as the Halloween Storm. At that time, the South African grid was disrupted.
————–
3. Name the Everest Man who has made the record of climbing Mount Everest for the maximum number of 29th time?
a. Kami Rita Sherpa
b. Ang Rita Sherpa
c. Lhakpa Sherpa
d. Shubham Dhananjay
Answer: a. Kami Rita Sherpa
– Renowned Nepali mountaineer and guide Kami Rita Sherpa has conquered Mount Everest for the 29th time, earning him the title of ‘Everest Man’.
– He set his new record on May 12, 2024, surpassing his previous record.
– He embarked on the Everest campaign in the spring season from Kathmandu with a group of 28 mountaineers.
– This information was provided by the Kathmandu Tourism Department in May 2024.
– Rita and her Sherpa guides reached the summit at 8,848.86 meters.
Kami Rita Sherpa
– Born on January 17, 1970, he had a deep passion for mountaineering from a young age and has been climbing mountains for over two decades.
– Rita first climbed Mount Everest on May 13, 1994.
– Besides Mount Everest, Rita has also conquered Mount Godwin-Austen (K2), Mount Lhotse, Mount Manaslu, and Mount Cho Oyu.
– According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Sherpa has climbed Everest almost every year since his first ascent, totaling 29 successful climbs so far.
————–
4. ICMR-NIN attributed what percentage of total disease in India to unhealthy diet and issued 17 dietary guidelines to avoid these diseases?
a. 50%
b. 52.3%
c. 56.4%
d. 57%
Answer: c. 56.4%
– ICMR-NIN Means : [ICMR – National Institute of Nutrition]
– National Institute of Nutrition is located in Hyderabad.
– Established: 1918
– The draft of Dietary Guidelines for Indians (DGIs) has been prepared by a multidisciplinary committee of experts under the leadership of Dr. Hemlata A.R., Director of ICMR-NIN, and has undergone several scientific reviews.
– ICMR provided this information on May 8, 2024.
– Unhealthy diet accounts for 56.4% of total disease burden in India, which is a very alarming situation for the people of the country.
Note: – ICMR has advised the people of the country to follow 17 dietary guidelines.
ICMR’s 17 dietary guidelines
1. Eat a variety of foods to ensure a balanced diet
2. Pregnant women and new mothers should have access to extra food and healthcare
3. Ensure exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months; continue breastfeeding till two years and beyond
4. After six months of age, the infant should be fed homemade semi-solid complementary foods
5. Ensure adequate and appropriate diets for children and adolescents in health and sickness
6. Eat plenty of vegetables and legimes
7. Use oil/fats in moderation; choose a variety of oil seets, nuts etc. to meet daily needs of fats and essential fatty acids
8. Obtain good equality proteins and essential amino acids; avoid protein supplements to build muscle mass
9. Adopt a health lifestyle to prevent abdominal obesity, overweight and overall obesity
10. Be physically active, exercise regularly
11. Restrict salt intake
12. Consume safe and clean foods
13. Ensure appropriate pre-cooking and cooking methods are used
14. Drink plenty of water
15. Minimise the consumption of ultra-processed foods and high fat, sugar, salt
16. Prioritise nutrient-rich foods in the diets of elderly people
17. Read information on food labels
————–
5. When is International Day of Families celebrated?
a. 13 May
b. 14 May
c. 15 May
d. 16 May
Answer: c. 15 May
Theme 2024
– Families and Climate Change
– This day has been declared by the United Nations.
————–
6. ISRO successfully tested the rocket engine made from 3D printer for the first time in May 2024, name its liquid rocket engine?
a. PS4
b. Vikram
c. PK4
d. Sars
Answer: a. PS4
-The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is a crucial component of the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) rocket fleet, used to launch satellites into space.
– The testing of this rocket was conducted on May 9, 2024.
– ISRO successfully operated the engine for approximately 665 seconds (a long duration).
– This achievement marks a significant success for ISRO.
Why is 3D printing used for the PS4 engine?
– Technology helped ISRO reduce the number of engine parts from 14 to just one piece.
– The space agency was able to eliminate 19 welded joints and saved 97% of raw material.
– This also resulted in a 60% reduction in overall production time.
3D printing technology
– 3D printing is a type of technology that uses computerized designs to create objects in three dimensions (length, width, and height).
– In this technique, a design of an object is created using computer program, specifying its position and dimensions with necessary measurements in designated dimensions.
– Then, this design is constructed layer by layer in three dimensions through a printer operated by a computer.
How does 3D printing work?
– To perform 3D printing, one needs a personal computer connected to a 3D printer.
– They simply have to design a 3D model of the desired object using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software and press ‘print’. The 3D printer does the rest.
About the PS4 rocket engine:
– The PS4 engine is a vital component of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rocket.
– It is used in the fourth stage of the rocket, where it operates in space.
– This engine utilizes special chemicals such as nitrogen tetroxide and monomethyl hydrazine as fuel.
– It has been developed by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) of ISRO.
ISRO:
– Headquarters: Bangalore, Karnataka
– Establishment: August 15, 1969
– Chairman: S. Somanath
– First Chairman: Vikram Sarabhai
—————
7. The Emir of which Gulf country has dissolved the Parliament and taken control of the government departments for four years?
a. Qatar
b. Kuwait
c. UAE
d. Bahrain
Answer: b. Kuwait
– Kuwait’s new Amir, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, dissolved the country’s parliament on May 10, 2024.
– The Amir made this announcement in his address to a television channel.
– He stated that he would not allow the misuse of the country’s democracy.
– He has taken control of the country’s government departments for four years and has annulled several laws.
– The Amir holds the highest position in Kuwait.
– The Kuwaiti Amir said, “Kuwait is going through difficult times these days.”
– Corruption has emerged as a significant problem in the state departments in recent years.
The first meeting was to be held on May 13
– The first session of the parliament was scheduled to take place on May 13.
– According to Kuwait’s state television, following the dissolution of the parliament, all powers of the National Assembly have been transferred to the Amir and the country’s cabinet.
– The last time the country’s parliament was dissolved was in February 2024, followed by elections in April.
– After the death of his stepbrother and predecessor, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, in December 2023, Sheikh Mishal assumed power as the Amir.
Political Stalemate Grips Kuwait
– Like other Arab countries, Kuwait also has a monarchy led by a Sheikh.
– However, Kuwait’s General Assembly holds more power in its politics compared to assemblies in other Arab nations.
– Kuwait has been experiencing domestic political crises lately.
– There have been clashes between the country’s cabinet and the General Assembly on several issues, leading to losses for the nation.
– The welfare system of the country has been a major issue. This has led to Kuwait’s government being unable to borrow money despite significant profits from oil.
– This has resulted in the government not having enough funds to pay salaries to employees despite hefty profits from oil.
In the past 28 years, the parliament has been dissolved 12 times.
– Qatar’s parliament consists of 50 members, with the Prime Minister serving as its leader.
– All these members are independent, as political parties are banned in Kuwait.
– Additionally, there is a cabinet of 16 members, chosen by the Prime Minister himself.
– However, the appointment of the Prime Minister is made by Kuwait’s Amir. They also have control over the parliament.
– They can dissolve the parliament whenever they wish.
– However, elections must be held within 2 months of dissolving the assembly.
– Between 2006 and 2024, Kuwait’s General Assembly has been dissolved 12 times.
– According to the BBC, Kuwait’s parliament has been dissolved 4 times due to political crises in the country’s history.
How are India-Kuwait relations?
– According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India and Kuwait share traditionally friendly relations.
– Kuwait exports petroleum products to India.
– There are 1 million (10 lakh) Indians in Kuwait.
– This community is the largest expatriate community in Kuwait and is considered the most preferred community there.
– Professionals such as engineers, doctors, chartered accountants, scientists, software specialists, management consultants, architects, technicians, nurses, retailers, and businessmen reside in Kuwait.
– There are also cultural and human relations between the two countries.
– The Indian business community in Kuwait has established a strong presence in the retail and distribution sectors.
– Hindi radio broadcasting started on “Kuwait Radio” from April 21, 2024.
Capital of Kuwait: Kuwait City
– Population: 4.27 million
– Language: Arabic
– Currency: Kuwaiti Dinar
– Neighboring countries: Iraq, Saudi Arabia (with maritime boundaries with Iran)
– Sea: Persian Gulf
—————
8. The United Nations General Assembly passed a proposal to make which country a full member of the United Nations, in which India voted in favor?
a. Palestine
b. Israel
c. Iraq
d. Iran
Answer: a. Palestine
– The proposal to make Palestine a permanent member of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly has been passed.
– However, following this decision, Israeli diplomat Gilad Erdan tore up the UN Charter during his speech.
– He deemed the proposal to make Palestine a member as a violation of the UN Charter.
– Now, for this proposal to be implemented, it will need to pass through the Security Council (UNSC). However, earlier, due to the veto by the United States in the UNSC, this proposal was dropped.
Support from 143 countries including India
– On May 10, 2024, Arab countries proposed to make Palestine a permanent member of the UN in the General Assembly.
– This proposal received support from 143 countries, including India.
– Meanwhile, only 9 countries, including the United States and Israel, opposed the proposal.
– With the passage of this proposal, Palestine has qualified to become a member of the UN.
Palestine Granted Some Special Rights
– While the UN General Assembly cannot grant full membership to Palestine, it can provide certain special rights.
– Starting September 2024, Palestine will be able to sit among the UN members in the Assembly Hall, but it will not have the right to vote on any UN proposals.
– After the proposal for permanent membership passes in the UN, it will go to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
– According to The New York Times, the United States is expected to veto this, as it has done before.
– In April 2024, a proposal was submitted to the UNSC to grant Palestine permanent membership.
– There were 12 votes in favor of the proposal. However, it did not pass due to the US veto.
– Now, a UN General Assembly has called for a reconsideration of its previous decision by the Security Council.
– Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas stated that the proposal’s passage indicates the world’s support for the rights and freedom of the Palestinian people.
– This was Palestine’s second attempt to obtain full membership in the UN.
– Previously, in 2011, there was a vote in the UNSC regarding granting membership to Palestine.
– At that time as well, the United States vetoed the proposal.
America Blocking Proposal Ruthlessly: China
– China expressed happiness over the passing of the proposal for Palestine’s membership.
– Fu Cong, China’s representative to the UN, stated that America is ruthlessly using its veto against Palestine.
————–
9. When is World Migratory Bird Day celebrated?
a. Second Saturday in May
b. Second saturday in october
c. Second Saturday in June
d. a and b
Answer: d. a and b (second Saturday of May and October) {11 May and 12 October in 2024}
– Dates for this day in 2024 are May 11th and October 12th.
Theme for 2024:
Insects
– The message of this theme is the significant role played by insects in the lives of migratory birds. Concern has arisen for migratory birds due to the declining population of insects.
– Artificial light is increasing globally by at least 2 percent per year, which adversely affects several bird species.
– Light pollution poses a significant threat to migratory birds, causing disorientation during night flights and collisions with buildings.
– It disrupts their biological clocks or interferes with their ability to navigate long distances.
– There are a total of nine flyways worldwide. (Flyways refer to the routes of migratory birds’ flights. India falls within the Central Asian Flyway.)
————–
10. Former Deputy Chief Minister of which state Sushil Kumar Modi died on 13 May 2024?
a. Uttar Pradesh
b. Bihar
c. Gujarat
d. Rajasthan
Answer: b. Bihar
– His final rites were conducted with state honors.
– Surviving him in his family are his wife, Jessie George, and two sons, Utkarsh Thagat and Akshay Amritanshu.
About Sushil Kumar Modi:
– Date of Birth: January 5, 1952
– Date of Death: May 13, 2024
– Cause of Death: Cancer
– Place of Death: AIIMS, New Delhi
– He was 72 years old.
– He was a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
– Political Career: Three decades (approximately 30 years)
– Held the position of Deputy Chief Minister from 2005 to 2013 and then from 2017 to 2020 (Bihar).
– He became a legislator for the first time in the year 1990.
PDF Download: Click here
