Current Affairs Quiz - June, 2024

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Observed annually on May 31st, World No Tobacco Day 2024 focuses on “Protecting Children From Tobacco Industry Interference.” The theme aims to safeguard young people from the harmful effects of tobacco and calls on the industry to cease targeting the youth with detrimental products.

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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.

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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced the framework for recognizing self-regulatory organizations in the financial technology sector (SRO-FT). SROs act as intermediaries between industry players and regulators, setting standards for conduct and promoting ethical practices. India boasts the world’s third-largest fintech ecosystem, with significant global funding. The Indian fintech industry was valued at $50 billion in 2021, expected to reach around $150 billion by 2025. India also accounted for 46% of global real-time transactions in 2022.

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Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) allocates funds for canopy bridges aiding Hoolock Gibbon, India’s lone ape, to traverse railway tracks in eastern Assam. Gibbons, Asia’s smallest and fastest apes, inhabit tropical forests. Hoolock Gibbon, India’s sole ape species, dwells in Assam, Meghalaya, and other northeastern states. Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary hosts a significant population. They’re diurnal, monogamous, and vocal communicators. Endangered Western Hoolock Gibbon and Vulnerable Eastern Hoolock Gibbon face conservation concerns.

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Germany’s Bundeswehr lost an Iris-T missile, raising concerns about technology compromise. The Iris-T is a short-range air-to-air missile developed by a six-nation program, led by Germany. Diehl BGT Defence serves as the prime contractor. It’s designed for short and medium-range air defense, capable of neutralizing various aerial threats up to 40 km away. With extreme maneuverability and advanced features like infrared seeker and thrust-vector control, it’s effective in close combat.

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FSSAI and APEDA collaborated to create the Unified India Organic logo, replacing India Organic and Jaivik Bharat logos. India Organic denotes NPOP compliance, while Jaivik Bharat was for FSSAI-certified organics. The new logo aims for uniformity in organic product regulations. It distinguishes organic from non-organic, signifying adherence to National Standards for Organic Production, enhancing consumer trust and market clarity in India’s organic sector.

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ICAR has commercialized herbicide-tolerant (Ht) basmati rice varieties for weed control. Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) offers efficient and sustainable cultivation, replacing traditional transplanting. ICAR’s non-genetically modified Ht basmati rice allows direct herbicide application. Research suggests hand weeding in DSR enhances yield over herbicides. ICAR advocates eco-friendly weeding for higher seed yield. Herbicides target specific weeds, but resistance may pose risks, akin to challenges seen with Bt-Cotton and pink bollworm resistance.

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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.

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World Environment Day has been celebrated annually on June 5 since 1973. Millions worldwide participate in its observance. The 2024 theme is ‘land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience’.

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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.