Current Affairs Quiz - June, 2024

Notes:
Goa recently hosted the inaugural Outlook Planet Sustainability Summit & Awards 2024 for Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs). Organized by Outlook Media Group, with BDO India as Awards Process Advisor and IIT Goa as Knowledge Partner, the event gathered policymakers and CPSE top management to discuss sustainability initiatives. REC Limited was honored with the “Sustainability Champion—Editor’s Choice Award,” and Power Finance Corporation (PFC) Limited received the Corporate Social Responsibility award in the Non-Fossil Fuel category.

Notes:
Wipro 3D and ISRO have successfully 3D-printed the PS4 rocket engine for the PSLV’s 4th stage, marking a significant advancement in space technology. Dr. V Narayanan of ISRO praised this achievement. The PS4 stage’s advanced navigation and control systems enable precise orbital placements for various satellite missions. The collaboration utilized Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) and Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) technology, streamlining production and improving structural integrity.

Notes:
A recent study warns that the January 15, 2022, eruption of the Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai Volcano may lead to unusual weather patterns throughout the decade. Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai is a submarine stratovolcano in the Tongan archipelago in the Southern Pacific Ocean. It’s part of the Tonga-Kermadec Islands volcanic arc, resulting from the subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath the Indo-Australian Plate. Eruptions from this highly active area have occurred regularly over the past few decades.

Notes:
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) lost contact with Akatsuki, launched in 2010 as Japan’s first successful mission to another planet. Akatsuki, in an equatorial orbit around Venus, aimed to study its toxic atmosphere and volcanic surface, weather patterns, lightning, and super-rotation caused by strong winds. It complemented ESA’s Venus Express, operational until 2014, using ultraviolet and infrared cameras to globally map clouds and atmospheric structures.

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The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is addressing the significant challenge of sickle cell disease in India, which affects over 20 million people. A major issue is the lack of hydroxyurea formulations suitable for paediatric patients, complicating precise dosing for children. Hydroxyurea, effective in treating sickle cell disease and thalassemia, currently lacks appropriate paediatric versions. To resolve this, ICMR is seeking collaboration for developing and commercializing low-dose paediatric hydroxyurea formulations, aiming to improve treatment protocols for young patients.

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The Netherlands became India’s third largest export destination in 2023-24, following the U.S. and UAE, despite a 3% dip in India’s overall merchandise shipments. Key exports to the Netherlands included petroleum products ($14.29 billion), electrical goods, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Consequently, India’s trade surplus with the Netherlands rose to $17.4 billion, up from $13 billion in 2022-23, according to the Commerce Ministry data .

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Poet and playwright Siddhalinga Pattanashetti has been awarded the prestigious Gudleppa Hallikeri Award for 2024 by the Gudleppa Hallikeri Memorial Foundation, Hosaritti (Haveri District). The announcement was made by Veeranna Chekki, senior trustee of the foundation. This 19th award presented on June 6, commemorating Gudleppa Hallikeri’s birth anniversary. Hallikeri (1906–1972) was a notable Indian freedom fighter from Karnataka, known for founding the Gandhi Grameena Gurukul and using nonviolent protests. He worked closely with Mahatma Gandhi and others for Karnataka’s unification, and a college in Haveri is named after him.

Notes:
Researchers have identified a protein, Neo, in Klebsiella pneumoniae that counters bacteriophage infections by halting replication. Neo is produced via a process involving Reverse Transcriptase (RTs) and non-coding RNA. RTs are enzymes that synthesize DNA from RNA templates, crucial for retroviruses like HIV. This discovery showcases RT’s diverse role in bacterial defense and hints at its potential in biotechnology and medicine, particularly in combating antimicrobial resistance.

Notes:
World Food Safety Day, celebrated on June 7th, raises awareness about food safety and promotes actions to prevent foodborne risks. Initiated by the UN in 2016 and supported by FAO and WHO, it underscores the importance of safe, nutritious food for all. Officially recognized on August 3, 2020, this day emphasizes food safety’s critical role in global health. This year’s theme has been revealed as: Food safety: Prepare for the unexpected.

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The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and Peru’s central bank (BCRP) have partnered to create a UPI-like payment system in Peru. This makes Peru the first South American country to adopt NPCI’s technology, enabling instant payments between individuals and businesses. The initiative aims to expand digital payments among Peru’s large unbanked population.