15th May 2024 Daily Current Affairs
1. Kattupoovamkurunnila, a rare tree species, was recently rediscovered in which region of India?
[B] North Eastern Region
[C] Himalayan Region
[D] Andaman & Nicobar
Correct Answer: A [Western Ghats]
Notes:
Researchers have rediscovered Uniyala multibracteata, a rare tree species, after 140 years in the non-protected area of Wagamon hills, Western Ghats. Locally known as Kattupoovamkurunnila, it belongs to the genus Uniyala, named after renowned taxonomist B.P. Uniyal. This small tree or large shrub, 2 to 5 meters high, features leaves with cottony hairs and beautiful flowers blooming from October to January. Found in evergreen forests and rocky grasslands at 1,200 meters above sea level, it highlights the yet-to-be-discovered biodiversity in unprotected forests.
2. Recently, where was the 19th session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) held?
[A] Paris[B] New York
[C] California
[D] London
Correct Answer: B [New York]
Notes:
The 19th UN Forum on Forests convened recently in New York, aiming to foster global forest management, conservation, and sustainability. Established in 2000 under ECOSOC, it includes all UN member states and specialized agencies, with India as a founding member. Based in New York, it reports to the General Assembly via ECOSOC. Its objective is to bolster long-term political commitment to forest issues and promote their sustainable development.
3. Recently, India signed a visa waiver agreement for diplomatic passports with which country?
[B] Poland
[C] Greece
[D] Moldova
Correct Answer: D [Moldova]
Notes:
India and Moldova inked an agreement permitting visa-free travel for holders of diplomatic and official passports. The deal aims to bolster bilateral relations, established since March 20, 1992, characterized as “warm, stable and friendly” by the Ministry of External Affairs. In January, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar congratulated Mihai Popsoi on his appointment as Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
4. What is ‘Kawasaki Disease’, recently seen in news?
[A] A rare heart disease[B] An eye disorder
[C] Fungal disease
[D] Bacterial disease
Correct Answer: A [A rare heart disease]
Notes:
Two baby girls diagnosed with Kawasaki disease were successfully treated at Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital (CMCH). Kawasaki disease, a rare heart condition, primarily affects children under 5, leading to high fever and inflamed blood vessels. It’s a significant cause of heart disease in kids, targeting coronary arteries. Symptoms include fever, rash, swollen hands and feet, and inflamed mucous membranes. The disease’s cause remains unknown, with cases peaking in late winter and early spring.
5. Cricketer Colin Munro, who recently announced his retirement from International cricket, belongs to which country?
[A] South Africa[B] Australia
[C] New Zealand
[D] Bangladesh
Correct Answer: C [New Zealand ]
Notes:
Veteran New Zealand cricketer Colin Munro retires from international cricket after a 123-match career with the Black Caps. He last played for New Zealand in 2020 and wasn’t part of the squad for the 9th ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Munro will focus on franchise T20 cricket, having captained Brisbane Heat in the Australian Big Bash League. The tournament will be held in the West Indies and the United States from June 1 to 29, 2024.
