Current Affairs Quiz - June, 2024

Notes:
A 32-year-old woman was killed by a tiger in the buffer zone of Maharashtra’s Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR). TATR, the largest and oldest tiger reserve in Maharashtra, covers 625.4 sq. km and includes Tadoba National Park and Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary. It features Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous vegetation and notable wildlife like tigers, leopards, and sloth bears. The reserve has corridor linkages with other tiger reserves and houses diverse flora and fauna.

Notes:
Morni Hills, Haryana’s lone hill station, recently battled a severe forest fire amid scorching temperatures exceeding 46°C. The blaze spread rapidly through the arid landscape, engulfing shrubs, bushes, and trees. Situated in the Shivalik range at 3,600 feet above sea level, Morni Hills harbor diverse flora and fauna. Haryana features various hills and ranges, including the Shivalik in the north and the Aravalli stretching from southwest Haryana to Delhi, with Morni Hills in Panchkula and Dhosi Hills in Mahendragarh known for its extinct volcano.

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:
Kerala introduces AI learning in Class 7 ICT textbooks, pioneering a move to educate over 4 lakh students about Artificial Intelligence. The initiative aims to enhance technological education, familiarizing students with AI concepts from a young age. This forward-looking step reflects Kerala’s commitment to modernizing its education system and preparing students for future technological advancements.

Notes:
The Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education, launched the Implementation Manual of Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions on World No Tobacco Day 2024 in New Delhi, in collaboration with SEEDS. Aligned with this year’s theme, “Protecting children from tobacco industry interference,” the manual aims to help schools implement ToFEI guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Shri Sanjay Kumar emphasized creating tobacco-free zones in educational institutions to protect children from addiction.

Notes:
Tanvi Sharma, a promising Indian badminton player, secured victory in the Bonn International tournament by defeating Wang Pei Yu of Chinese Taipei in straight sets. The contest lasted just over half an hour, with Tanvi claiming a 21-19 22-20 win. Ranked 181st globally, the 15-year-old from Punjab showcased her skill, notably overcoming a deficit in the final set.

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 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.

Notes:
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting now mandates a Self-Declaration Certificate (SDC) for all new advertisements. Following a Supreme Court directive, ads on TV, print media, or the internet require a valid SDC. Advertisers must submit SDCs via the Broadcast Seva Portal for TV/radio ads and the Press Council of India’s portal for print/digital ads. The SDC ensures ads are truthful and comply with regulatory guidelines.

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.