Current Affairs Quiz - June, 2024

Notes:
A study in the Journal of Applied Ecology found that Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) do not align with the core habitats of diadromous fish, which migrate between saltwater and freshwater. Examples include the allis shad and European eel. Diadromous fish are categorized as anadromous, catadromous, amphidromous, or potamodromous based on their migration patterns. These species face threats from human activities such as pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change.

Notes:
The WHO and STOP released the “Hooking the Next Generation: How the Tobacco Industry Captures Young Customers” report on World No Tobacco Day, May 31. Key findings include that 37 million children aged 13-15 use tobacco globally, and 85% of 15-30-year-olds were exposed to e-cigarette ads. E-cigarettes produce nicotine-laden aerosol, an addictive substance.

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:
A recently discovered sarcophagus fragment beneath a religious center’s floor is identified as belonging to Ramesses II, a prominent ancient Egyptian pharaoh. Sarcophagi, highly decorated coffins, date back to ancient Egypt, Rome, and Greece. Typically made of stone, they vary in design and are adorned with carvings and inscriptions. Sarcophagi offer valuable insights into ancient societies’ art, culture, and beliefs, making them significant artifacts for archaeologists and historians.

Notes:
New research reveals Tmesipteris oblanceolata, a fork fern species, boasts the largest genome known. A genome encompasses an organism’s complete genetic information. This fern contains 160 billion base pairs, surpassing the human genome by over 50 times. Belonging to an ancient plant group predating dinosaurs, it’s exclusive to New Caledonia and nearby Pacific islands, thriving in rainforest canopies.

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A recent river cleanup campaign, part of the PLEASE (Plastic Free Rivers and Seas of South Asia) program, removed 24,575 kg of waste from the Sunkoshi River and its banks. The Sunkoshi, also called the ‘river of gold,’ is in Nepal, forming part of the Koshi River system. Originating from the Zhangzangbo Glacier in Tibet, it joins the Ganga in Bihar, India, before emptying into the Bay of Bengal in Bangladesh. It’s renowned for challenging rapids and popular for rafting in Nepal.

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:
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) launched a 60-day survey to identify challenges faced by MSMEs in adopting new technologies. Covering five sectors in both North and South India, the survey will explore AI, IoT, cloud computing, and 5G/6G integration needs across ten industries. The findings will inform policies to help MSMEs remain competitive in increasingly digitized global markets.

Notes:
The first human case of H5N2 avian flu has been reported in Mexico City, involving a 59-year-old man who died. Bird flu, caused by the Avian Influenza A virus, primarily infects poultry and wild birds but can jump to humans through direct contact. H5N2, a subtype first reported in Mexican poultry, spreads through migratory bird patterns and interactions with domestic birds. Environmental changes also influence its spread.