Current Affairs Quiz - June, 2024

Notes:
China introduced the “One Person, One File” (OPOF) mass surveillance program, intending to triple facial recognition camera deployment and compile extensive personal data on residents. This reflects China’s push for comprehensive digital censorship, transcending mere surveillance to create a pervasive digital record for each citizen. The initiative encodes individuals’ relationships, activities, and behaviors into data, enhancing Party oversight.

Notes:
Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) allocates funds for canopy bridges aiding Hoolock Gibbon, India’s lone ape, to traverse railway tracks in eastern Assam. Gibbons, Asia’s smallest and fastest apes, inhabit tropical forests. Hoolock Gibbon, India’s sole ape species, dwells in Assam, Meghalaya, and other northeastern states. Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary hosts a significant population. They’re diurnal, monogamous, and vocal communicators. Endangered Western Hoolock Gibbon and Vulnerable Eastern Hoolock Gibbon face conservation concerns.

Notes:
Indian researchers have recently uncovered a new ant species, Paraparatrechina neela, in Arunachal Pradesh’s remote Siang Valley. Belonging to the rare genus Paraparatrechina, this species is distinguished by its metallic blue color, reflected in its name “neela,” meaning blue in many Indian languages. It marks the first discovery of a new Paraparatrechina species in 121 years, showcasing its unique features like a subtriangular head and distinct coloration.

Notes:
Germany’s Bundeswehr lost an Iris-T missile, raising concerns about technology compromise. The Iris-T is a short-range air-to-air missile developed by a six-nation program, led by Germany. Diehl BGT Defence serves as the prime contractor. It’s designed for short and medium-range air defense, capable of neutralizing various aerial threats up to 40 km away. With extreme maneuverability and advanced features like infrared seeker and thrust-vector control, it’s effective in close combat.

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:
Halla Tomasdottir has been elected as Iceland’s seventh President and will take office on 1 August 2024, succeeding Guana Johannesson. The presidential election, held on 1 June 2024, saw Tomasdottir win with 34.3% of the votes, defeating former Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir (25.2%). Iceland’s president serves a largely ceremonial role in its parliamentary democracy, with real executive power held by the Prime Minister.

Notes:
The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has initiated a three-day elephant census at Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve. Located at the Eastern and Western Ghats junction in Erode District, Tamil Nadu, this reserve is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It is contiguous with Mudumalai, Bandipur, and Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Tiger Reserves, collectively hosting over 280 tigers, the world’s largest tiger population. Declared a tiger reserve in 2013, it connects the Eastern and Western Ghats, supporting diverse wildlife.

Notes:
Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP), Andhra Pradesh excels in captive breeding of threatened species like Asiatic wild dogs, striped hyaenas, Indian grey wolves, and others. Striped hyaenas, found in various regions including North Africa and India, are primarily scavengers and mostly nocturnal. Asiatic wild dogs, endangered and pack-living, inhabit diverse Asian environments. IGZP’s efforts are crucial for the conservation of these species, which are listed as Near Threatened and Endangered by IUCN.

Notes:
The 12th Plenary Assembly of the Global Soil Partnership (GSP) was hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) from June 3–5, 2024. The assembly included over 700 partners and FAO members. The GSP is a globally recognized mechanism that promotes sustainable soil management and has implemented programs around the world. The assembly is a key platform for GSP partners and FAO members to exchange knowledge and expertise and make important decisions about the global soil agenda.