Current Affairs Quiz - June, 2024

Notes:
South Korea plans a Mars landing by 2045, investing 100 trillion won ($72.6 billion) in space exploration. President Yoon Suk Yeol announced this at the launch of the Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA), which aims to boost South Korea into the top five space powers. KASA will support the aerospace industry, with the first lunar lander planned for 2032. South Korea also plans at least three more space launches by 2027.

Notes:
An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent arrived at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, for the Red Flag 24 exercise, deploying Rafale fighter jets. Red Flag 24, a two-week advanced aerial combat training exercise, integrates multinational aircrews in realistic scenarios. Approximately 3100 service members and over 100 aircraft participate, using 77,000 square miles of airspace in the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex. This exercise has occurred since 1975.

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The Centre for Citizen Science and Biodiversity Informatics under Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) is organizing Monsoon Croaks Bioblitz 2024 to engage the public in frog conservation. Open to all ages, participants document frog species via the iNaturalist app, contributing to the Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Notable species recorded include the Resplendent Shrub Frog, Malabar Torrent Toad, Small Tree Frog, Anaimalai Flying Frog, and Purple Frog.

Notes:
Pakistan launched the Multi-Mission Communication Satellite (PAKSAT MM1) from China’s Xichang Satellite Launch Center, part of Pakistan’s National Space Programme 2047. The satellite aims to enhance internet connectivity, TV broadcasts, cellular phones, broadband, e-commerce, and e-governance in Pakistan. Recently, Pakistan also launched the mini satellite ‘iCube-Qamar’ with China’s Chang’e-6 lunar mission. Previous space assets include BADR-A, BADR-B, PAKSAT 1-R, PRSS-1, PakTes 1-A, and iCube-Qamar.

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:
According to the National Statistical Organisation (NSO), India’s GDP grew by 8.2% in FY 2023-24, surpassing the Reserve Bank of India’s estimate of 7.6%. This marks the ninth time since 1960-61 that GDP growth exceeded 8%. The high growth rate was driven by a strong performance in Q4 (January-March 2024), with a 7.8% increase compared to the same period in 2023.

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:
Pench Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra recently documented the first photograph of a spot-bellied eagle-owl, Ketupa nipalensis. This large bird of prey inhabits diverse environments like forests and savannas across India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. Recognizable by its rich brown coloration and striking white-spotted pattern, it’s a nocturnal apex predator feeding on various prey. Classified as Least Concern by IUCN, it comes protection under India’s Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Notes:
India participated in the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS)+20 Forum High-Level Event 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland. The WSIS+20 Forum commemorates 20 years since the WSIS, held in Geneva (2003) and Tunis (2005), and is co-organized by ITU, UNESCO, UNDP, and UNCTAD. Its aim is to address information and communication technology issues through a multi-stakeholder approach, fostering a people-centric, inclusive, and development-oriented Information Society.

Notes:
The Netherlands became India’s third largest export destination in 2023-24, following the U.S. and UAE, despite a 3% dip in India’s overall merchandise shipments. Key exports to the Netherlands included petroleum products (14.29 billion), electrical goods, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Consequently, India’s trade surplus with the Netherlands rose to 17.4 billion, up from $13 billion in 2022-23, according to the Commerce Ministry data .