Current Affairs Quiz - June, 2024

Notes:
The 6th Meeting of the India-Japan Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism took place in New Delhi on 29 May 2024. Key discussions involved regional terrorist threats, state-sponsored terrorism, and the misuse of technology by terrorists. Both nations emphasized enhancing cooperation through information exchange, capacity building, and multilateral cooperation. The next meeting will be in Tokyo at a mutually convenient date.

Notes:
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a safer process for producing recombinant proteins (RPs), which are proteins modified by recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology. Traditionally, RPs like insulin and monoclonal antibodies are produced using organisms such as yeast Pichia pastoris, which uses hazardous methanol. The new method employs mono-sodium glutamate (MSG) as a safer alternative. E. coli is also used for RP production due to its efficient growth and high yield.

Notes:
The U.S. pledges $135 million in aid to Moldova to counter Russian influence. Moldova, a landlocked country in the northeastern Balkan region of Europe, borders Ukraine and Romania. Its highest point is Mount Bălănești, with major rivers including the Dniester and Prut. Moldova experiences moderate winters and warm summers and possesses natural resources like lignite, phosphorites, gypsum, and limestone.

Notes:
Researchers discovered a new dinosaur species, Musankwa Sanyatiensis, on Lake Kariba’s shoreline in Zimbabwe. This is the fourth dinosaur species found in Zimbabwe and the first named from the Mid-Zambezi Basin in 50 years. Dating back to the Late Triassic period, 210 million years ago, this 390 kg sauropodomorph was a long-necked, bipedal dinosaur related to those in South Africa and Argentina.

Notes:
The Daksha project plans to construct two high-energy space telescopes targeting gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and gravitational wave sources’ electromagnetic counterparts. Each telescope will detect energy from 1 keV to over 1 MeV. Positioned on opposite sides of Earth, they promise superior coverage compared to existing missions, anticipating the discovery of thousands of GRBs and dozens of high-energy binary neutron star mergers over a five-year mission. Other missions include Astrosat, Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, and Swift Observatory.

Notes:
The National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru received the 2024 Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion from WHO. This award, established in 2019, honors significant contributions to health promotion. Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Union Health Secretary Shri Apurva Chandra congratulated NIMHANS, highlighting it as a recognition of India’s efforts in inclusive healthcare and pioneering mental health work.

Notes:
IIT Kanpur, in collaboration with DRDO, established a DRDO-Industry-Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA CoE) for interdisciplinary research in next-gen defence technologies. This initiative aligns with DRDO’s strategy of setting up DIA CoEs in key academic institutions to foster technology development through experienced faculty, bright scholars, and DRDO scientists, creating a robust ecosystem for defence innovation.

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:
In 2023-24, India received the highest foreign direct investment (FDI) from Singapore, amounting to $11.77 billion despite a 31.55% decline, according to government data. Overall, FDI into India contracted by about 3.5% due to global economic uncertainties. However, Singapore remained the top source of FDI for India during this period.

Notes:
India dispatched around 90 tonnes of medical supplies to Cuba, including nine different Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), essential for producing antibiotics. The shipment departed from Mundra port on June 2. These medicines are crucial for treating chronic communicable diseases in Cuba, showcasing India’s role as the “Pharmacy of the World.” The aid underscores the enduring friendship between India and Cuba, reflecting India’s commitment to humanitarian assistance.