Daily Current Affairs MCQs : 18 May 2024 - Humanities/Arts MCQ

The 12th Joint Working Group (JWG) of Indian and Mongolian defence ministers met in Ulaanbaatar on May 16-17, 2024, as part of their annual meetings. Indian delegation led by Amitabh Prasad, Joint Secretary of Defence, and Mongolian delegation by Brigadier General Gankhuyag Davagdorj. Discussions included bilateral cooperation, Indian Armed Forces capabilities, and potential collaboration in defence manufacturing. Both sides expressed satisfaction with ongoing cooperation and pledged to enhance it further.

The Third Session of the India-Zimbabwe Joint Trade Committee was held in New Delhi from May 13-14, 2024. Co-chaired by India’s Priya P. Nair and Zimbabwe’s Rudo M. Faranisi, the session focused on enhancing bilateral trade, investment, and cooperation in various sectors such as healthcare, renewable energy, and digital economy. Both sides agreed to explore MoUs for regulatory cooperation and to strengthen ties between investment promotion agencies and chambers of commerce.

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day is observed on May 17 annually to explore the use of ICT and the Internet in societies and to address the digital divide. Each year, the ITU selects a theme; for 2024, it is “Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development.” Sustainable development, as defined by the 1987 Brundtland Commission report, aims to meet present needs without compromising future generations’ ability to do the same.

World Aquatics and the Bhutan Aquatics Federation have inaugurated Bhutan’s first competition swimming pool in Thimphu, through the Pools for All Programme. This facility, located at 8200 feet, is the world’s highest swimming pool. Launched in 2019, the initiative aims to provide top-tier aquatic facilities globally, promoting aquatic sports. The new pool marks a significant milestone for Bhutanese aquatic sports development.

Japan and the U.S. signed a contract to develop interceptors for hypersonic missiles by the 2030s, costing over $3 billion. Announced in August, the plan addresses the rapid advancements in missile technology around Japan. Japan allocated ¥75 billion ($480 million) for 2024 development. Hypersonic missiles’ speed and irregular trajectories make them difficult to intercept. Japan’s defense budget increased amid rising tensions with China and North Korea.

The Kilkari program, launched by the Union Ministers of State for Health and Family Welfare, is an m-health initiative for Gujarat and Maharashtra. It provides centralized IVR-based mobile health services, offering 72 free, weekly audio messages on pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare to registered women. Hosted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Kilkari requires no additional investment from states/UTs and is integrated with the centralized RCH portal, presently implemented in 18 states/UTs.

Farooq Nazki, an esteemed poet and Sahitya Akademi Award recipient, passed away at 83. Renowned for his impactful contributions to poetry and cultural preservation, Nazki’s work transcended diverse backgrounds, showcasing the profound influence of words. His emotionally rich and lyrically beautiful expressions earned him a cherished place among the most revered poets of his era, emphasizing the power of language in connecting hearts and minds.

The Delhi government unveiled free bus rides for the transgender community, marking a significant step towards inclusive public transportation. The decision awaits Cabinet approval, with plans to promptly implement the initiative. This move aims to facilitate accessible and cost-free travel for transgender individuals on public buses in Delhi.

The Vice-President inaugurated the 23rd World Sustainable Development Summit in New Delhi, hosted by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). Established in 2001, the annual summit focuses on fostering global commitment to sustainable development. WSDS 2024 centers on the theme ‘Leadership for the Sustainable Development and Climate Justice,’ bringing together influential leaders to address long-term solutions for global communities. As the only independently convened international summit in the Global South, WSDS plays a vital role in advancing environmental goals.

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has launched the ‘Support to Students for Participating in Competitions Abroad’ (SSPCA) initiative to enhance the global competitiveness of Indian technical students. The program offers financial aid, mentorship, and logistical support, providing travel grants of up to Rs 2 lakh per student for international scientific competitions. Eligible students, enrolled in AICTE-approved institutions, can benefit from this scheme, aiming to empower them to represent India effectively on the global stage.