Current Affairs Today - Latest Current Affairs Questions 2024

Researchers from Kerala have linked regular use of fairness creams to nephrotic syndrome. Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder in which there is excessive protein in the urine due to glomeruli inflammation. Healthy kidneys filter waste but inflamed glomeruli leak protein into the urine. It is not a specific kidney disease but can result from a variety of conditions that damage the kidney filters. Diseases such as nephritis, diabetes and lupus can trigger nephrotic syndrome, affecting both the kidneys and other organs in the body.

Bharat Biotech co-founder Krishna M Ella is now the head of the Indian Vaccine Manufacturers Association (IVMA) for 2024-2026. He will succeed Adar C Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India (SII).

China demanded the removal of the Sierra Madre ship, which was rejected by the Philippines. Commissioned in 1944 for World War II, it served in Vietnam before being transferred to the Philippines in 1976. It was deliberately deployed in 1999 at Second Thomas Shoal, part of the disputed Spratly Islands, to strengthen territorial claims. Supply boats in the area are threatened by Chinese ships and water cannons. The removal risks weakening Philippines' claims and increasing Chinese presence.

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has recently approved a study on impact assessment of Geographical Indication (GI) products to the Symbiosis School of Economics. GI is a mark used on products that have a specific geographical origin and have a quality or reputation due to that origin. Protection of intellectual property through laws will help in achieving benefits in terms of economic growth, employment and income generation.

Preliminary data from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) suggests that there is a greater than 50% chance that exoplanet K2-18b contains dimethyl sulfide (DMS) gas. However, more analysis is needed before any definite conclusions can be reached. DMS is a gas produced only by living beings on Earth, primarily by phytoplankton in marine environments. The presence of DMS in K2-18b's atmosphere could be an unprecedented discovery, as the planet is believed to be covered in oceans and is 2.6 times larger than Earth.

Explanation: The Department of Public Enterprises has granted Navratna status to Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA). Established in 1987 under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, IREDA functions as a non-banking financial institution. Navratna status is awarded on the basis of specific criteria including consistently high performance, such as achieving 'Excellent' or 'Very Good' rating in the MOU for three out of the last five years and 60 or more in selected performance indicators. To achieve an overall score of.

Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) successfully test fired Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system off Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha coast on May 1, 2024. The testing validated advanced mechanisms such as symmetric separation and velocity control. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and DRDO Chief Dr. Sameer V Kamat praised the SMART team. SMART is a next generation lightweight torpedo delivery system that enhances the Indian Navy's anti-submarine capabilities, comprising a supersonic missile carrier with a 643 km range and a 20 km range lightweight torpedo.

Every year, International Workers' Day is observed on 1 May, which is celebrated across the world including India to honor the contributions of the labor movement. Beginning with the Chicago labor strike of 1886 demanding an eight-hour workday, it gained prominence after the Haymarket Incident. In 1889, leaders of twenty countries established it as International Labor Day. The 2024 theme focuses on workplace safety and health amid climate change, with an emphasis on the challenges faced by workers globally.

India's leading hydropower developer NHPC Ltd has signed an MoU with Ocean Sun, a Norwegian tech firm specializing in floating solar solutions. The agreement aims to explore joint ventures in deploying Ocean Sun's innovative floating solar technology using hydro-elastic membranes.

India and Croatia held their 11th Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi. The discussions covered regional and global concerns, with emphasis on enhancing bilateral ties in trade, defence, science, tourism and culture.