Daily Current Affairs 18 May 2024, WBPSC Exam Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs for WBPSC Exam

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Science & Technology

Discovery of 1.5-Billion-Year-Old “Giant” Viruses in Yellowstone

• Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park is the world's first national park.
• Spanning over 2.2 million acres, the park is located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.
• Yellowstone sits atop a supervolcano, which fuels its extensive geothermal activity.
• The park boasts over 10,000 thermal features, including more than 500 geysers such as the renowned Old Faithful.
• Yellowstone hosts a diverse range of wildlife, with more animal species than any other park in the contiguous United States.
• Notable inhabitants include the Canadian lynx and grizzly bears.
• One of the largest high-altitude lakes in North America, Yellowstone Lake is a prominent feature of the park.

International News & Events

Blockout 2024: An Online Movement for Social Change

• This movement gained significant traction following the Met Gala, a high-profile fashion event, which took place amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

• Similar to Blockout 2024, other forms of consumer activism have demonstrated the power of collective action in driving social change.
• For instance, boycotts against brands like Zara, prompted by controversial advertisements, highlight how consumer solidarity can address ethical issues and influence corporate behaviour.
• These examples underscore the significant impact that coordinated consumer efforts can have in advocating for social and moral concerns.

UNESCO Recognition: Feminist Utopian Novel "Sultana’s Dream" as Part of "Memory of the World"

• The inclusion of “Sultana’s Dream” in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register underscores its immense cultural and historical importance.
• This novel is not only a pioneering work in feminist literature but also notable for its visionary ideas, predicting future technologies such as solar panels and helicopters.

• Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain has authored several significant works, including: Pipasha, Matichur (1st Vol), Matichur (2nd Vol), Saurajagat, Delicia Hatya, Jnan-phal, Nari-Srishti, Nurse, Nelly, Mukti-phal, Sultana’s Dream, Padmarag, Abarodhbasini, Boligarto, Narir Adhikar, God Gives, Man Robs, Education Ideas for the Modern Indian Girl.

Environment

Venezuela Becomes First Country to Lose All Glaciers

• By 2011, five of these had already melted away, leaving only the Humboldt glacier. Experts initially estimated that Humboldt would persist for another decade, but recent studies reveal it has melted much faster than anticipated.

Sports

Sunil Chhetri Announces Retirement

• Securing five South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championships
• Clinching the AFC Challenge Cup in 2008, which enabled India to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup for the first time in 27 years