24th May 2024 Daily Current Affairs
1. Recently, which state government has reserved 33% of government contract jobs for women?
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Odisha
[D] Bihar
Correct Answer: A [Karnataka]
Notes:
The Karnataka government mandates a 33% reservation for women in outsourced government services and posts, aligning with the existing quota policy for permanent positions. This reservation is within the stipulated quota for SC/ST and other backward communities, ensuring women’s representation in outsourced jobs across various government departments and organizations.
2. What is the theme of ‘International Day for Biological Diversity 2024’?
[A] Be part of the Plan[B] We’re part of the solution #ForNature
[C] From Agreement to Action: Build Back Biodiversity
[D] Building a shared future for all life
Correct Answer: A [Be part of the Plan]
Notes:
Biodiversity, essential for human well-being, was first coined by Walter G. Rosen in 1985. It faces threats like habitat loss, pollution, and climate change, leading to species extinction and ecosystem degradation. The 2024 International Day of Biodiversity on May 22 highlights the theme “Be Part of the Plan,” urging collective action to reverse biodiversity loss and support the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
3. Recently, General To Lam was elected as the new President of which country?
[B] Singapore
[C] Vietnam
[D] Mauritius
Correct Answer: C [Vietnam]
Notes:
General To Lam was elected president of Vietnam by the National Assembly on May 22, 2024, succeeding Vo Van Thuong who resigned amid a corruption crackdown. To Lam, previously the public security minister since 2016, led the anti-corruption campaign known as “blazing furnace.” The Communist Party member will serve until 2026. The National Assembly, with 500 members, elects the president and vice president every five years.
4. What is the primary objective of the PM-WANI scheme, recently seen in news?
[A] To provide free laptops to students[B] To provide affordable and high-speed internet connectivity to rural and remote areas
[C] To improve mobile network coverage in urban areas
[D] To promote digital payment systems
Correct Answer: B [To provide affordable and high-speed internet connectivity to rural and remote areas]
Notes:
Public Wi-Fi hotspots under the Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) scheme are nearing 200,000 in India. Launched in December 2020 by the Department of Telecommunications, PM-WANI aims to provide affordable, high-speed internet in rural and remote areas. The scheme establishes a public Wi-Fi network using Wi-Fi Access Points set up by Public Data Offices (PDOs), which operate on an open-architecture system, enabling multiple service providers to offer internet services.
5. Which organization recently published the report titled ‘Global Land Outlook Thematic Report on Rangelands and Pastoralists’?
[A] United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)[B] United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
[C] United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
[D] World Bank
Correct Answer: A [United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)]
Notes:
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) report, “Global Land Outlook Thematic Report on Rangelands and Pastoralists,” warns of the silent demise of rangelands, which cover half of Earth’s land surface. These vital grasslands, including prairies, shrublands, and tundras, are degraded by conversion to cropland, urban expansion, overgrazing, and policies promoting overexploitation, driven by rising demands for food, fiber, and fuel.
