Current Affairs Quiz - June, 2024

Notes:
In a significant move, Allamaye Halina has been appointed as Chad’s new Prime Minister, replacing Succes Masra, who resigned recently. Halina’s appointment strengthens the new administration’s authority. However, opposition voices express concerns about a perceived Deby dynasty, alleging control over key institutions by the clan and its allies. The transition triggers debate and allegations amidst Chad’s political landscape.

Notes:
The Department of School Education and the National Book Trust signed an MoU in New Delhi to create the Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya, a 24/7 Digital Library Platform. Secretary K. Sanjay Murthy highlighted its potential to enhance book accessibility and address library reach issues in many states. He anticipates that in 2-3 years, the platform will feature over 10,000 books in more than 100 languages.

Notes:
The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) reintroduced 20 vultures into Maharashtra’s Tadoba and Pench tiger reserves. More white-rumped, slender-billed, and long-billed vultures will be released in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Reintroducing vultures in tiger habitats supports their sustenance by recycling prey remains and completing vital carbon and nitrogen cycles. Founded in 1883, BNHS is a leading Indian NGO in conservation and biodiversity research.

Notes:
The central government has approved Assam’s plan for a new Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Kamrup district, with IIM Ahmedabad mentoring the project. This decision aims to bolster education and industry in the Northeast, where only one IIM currently exists. Assam’s collaboration with IIM Ahmedabad and provision of land underscores its commitment to advancing education and economic growth. The initiative is expected to benefit neighboring states like Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.

Notes:
The International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression, observed annually on June 4th, highlights children’s suffering worldwide. Established on August 19, 1982, this day focuses on the pain endured by innocent children. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), founded in 1997, aims to end violence against children. In 2018, the refugee crisis saw over 70 million people, including children, fleeing conflict. In 2019, the UN reported 357 killings and 30 disappearances of human rights defenders.

Notes:
The “Blaze Star” (T Coronae Borealis) will explode in a rare celestial event visible to the naked eye for the first time since 1946. Located 3,000 light-years away in the Corona Borealis constellation, Blaze Star is a recurrent nova, flaring approximately every 80 years. This binary star system consists of a white dwarf and a red giant. The white dwarf draws material from the red giant, leading to periodic thermonuclear explosions when the red giant’s surface temperature spikes. This event underscores the dynamic nature of the universe and stellar evolution processes.

Notes:
The Coal Ministry’s report “Greening Initiative in Coal & Lignite PSUs” showcases efforts by Coal Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) to reduce environmental impacts through reclamation and afforestation. Key initiatives include extensive ecological restoration, seed ball plantation, seed casting via drones, and Miyawaki plantation, which involves densely planting native trees, shrubs, and groundcover plants. These measures aim to increase green cover in coal mining areas.

Notes:
The National Level Coordination Committee (NLCC) convened its inaugural meeting at the Ministry of Cooperation, New Delhi, to discuss the world’s largest grain storage plan. This initiative aims to bolster agricultural infrastructure at grassroots levels through the establishment of warehouses, processing units, and Fair Price Shops in Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS). It integrates various government schemes and is implemented by agencies like NCDC, NABARD, FCI, and CWC in collaboration with concerned States/UTs.

Notes:
Amid public outrage over the Gaza conflict, Maldives has banned Israeli passport holders’ entry into the country. The decision contrasts with diplomatic relations restored in 2010 after lifting a ban in the early 1990s. This move reflects Maldives’ stance on the conflict and underscores tensions in the region.

Notes:
The Defense Accounts Department (DAD) collaborated with four banks to enhance its SPARSH program for pension administration. Banks like Bank of India, Canara Association, Central Bank of India, and Utkarsh Small Finance Bank will establish SPARSH service centers in 1,128 branches nationwide under MoUs. This initiative aims to streamline pension management, ensuring direct payments to beneficiaries. SPARSH, a Ministry of Defence initiative, seeks to bring efficiency, responsiveness, and transparency to defense pension administration.