5th July 2024 Daily Current Affairs
1. Recently, Dick Schoof has been appointed as the Prime Minister of which country?
[B] Ireland
[C] Poland
[D] Vietnam
Correct Answer: A [Netherlands]
Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Dick Schoof on becoming the new Prime Minister of the Netherlands and expressed eagerness to strengthen India-Netherlands relations. Schoof, 67, a former head of the Dutch Secret Service, was sworn in by King Willem-Alexander. He succeeds Mark Rutte, who will become NATO’s next secretary-general. The new government formation followed seven months of negotiations after far-right leader Geert Wilders’ electoral victory.
2. Where was the 16th edition of the India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise ‘Nomadic Elephant’ held?
[A] Kolkata, West Bengal[B] Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
[C] Umroi, Meghalaya
[D] Guwahati, Assam
Correct Answer: C [Umroi, Meghalaya]
Notes:
The 16th India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise Nomadic Elephant started at Umroi, Meghalaya, running from July 3 to 16, 2024. It involves 45 Indian personnel and Mongolian Army’s 150 Quick Reaction Force Battalion. The annual event, alternating between the countries, focuses on counter-insurgency in semi-urban and mountainous terrain. Key attendees include Mongolian Ambassador Dambajavyn Ganbold and Major General Prasanna Joshi. The exercise enhances interoperability and defense cooperation.
3. What is the primary objective of the LOw-Frequency ARray (LOFAR), recently seen in news?
[B] To observe the Universe at low radio frequencies
[C] To monitor climate change
[D] To track asteroid movements
Correct Answer: B [To observe the Universe at low radio frequencies]
Notes:
Astronomers discovered a new radio galaxy using the LOw-Frequency ARray (LOFAR), a pan-European distributed radio interferometer developed by the Dutch Institute for Radio Astronomy (ASTRON). LOFAR observes the Universe at low radio frequencies (90-200 MHz) and can simultaneously observe multiple directions. It aims to explore the early universe, solar activity, and the terrestrial atmosphere. LOFAR’s innovative design includes advanced digital beam-forming for agile, multi-user operations.
4. What is ‘Senna spectabilis’, recently seen in news?
[A] Invasive plant[B] Species of Fish
[C] Traditional irrigation method
[D] Communication satellite
Correct Answer: A [Invasive plant]
Notes:
Environmental organizations recently urged the Forest department to maintain transparency in a project to extract Senna spectabilis from Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. Senna spectabilis, a legume family tree native to South and Central America, is invasive in India. Known for its bright yellow flowers and resilience, it was introduced for shade and fuelwood but now threatens native species due to its dense foliage. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
5. What is Down syndrome, recently seen in news?
[A] A genetic disorder caused by missing chromosomes[B] A condition caused by an extra chromosome or piece of a chromosome
[C] A viral infection affecting the nervous system
[D] A type of muscular dystrophy
Correct Answer: B [A condition caused by an extra chromosome or piece of a chromosome]
Notes:
A recent study potentially documents the first case of Down syndrome in Neanderthals. Down syndrome occurs when a person has an extra chromosome or a part of a chromosome, specifically an extra copy of chromosome 21, called trisomy 21. This genetic condition impacts mental and physical development, causing various challenges. Although individuals with Down syndrome share similarities, their abilities vary. The condition typically arises randomly during early fetal development and is not inherited.
