Current Affairs Quiz - June, 2024

Notes:
The 6th Meeting of the India-Japan Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism took place in New Delhi on 29 May 2024. Key discussions involved regional terrorist threats, state-sponsored terrorism, and the misuse of technology by terrorists. Both nations emphasized enhancing cooperation through information exchange, capacity building, and multilateral cooperation. The next meeting will be in Tokyo at a mutually convenient date.

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:
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:
Indian researchers have recently uncovered a new ant species, Paraparatrechina neela, in Arunachal Pradesh’s remote Siang Valley. Belonging to the rare genus Paraparatrechina, this species is distinguished by its metallic blue color, reflected in its name “neela,” meaning blue in many Indian languages. It marks the first discovery of a new Paraparatrechina species in 121 years, showcasing its unique features like a subtriangular head and distinct coloration.

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.

Notes:
India dispatched around 90 tonnes of medical supplies to Cuba, including nine different Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), essential for producing antibiotics. The shipment departed from Mundra port on June 2. These medicines are crucial for treating chronic communicable diseases in Cuba, showcasing India’s role as the “Pharmacy of the World.” The aid underscores the enduring friendship between India and Cuba, reflecting India’s commitment to humanitarian assistance.

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:
Indian athletes concluded their campaign at the 2024 Taiwan Athletics Open with a total of seven medals – three golds, three silvers, and one bronze. Notably, D.P. Manu secured the first gold in javelin throw, and Nayana James clinched another in women’s long jump. Ankesh Chaudhary added a gold in men’s 800 meters. Somnath Chauhan, Nithya Ramraj and Dev Meena bagged silver medals, while V.K. Vismaya earned bronze in the women’s 400 meters. The event, part of the World Athletics Continental Tour, took place in Taipei.

Notes:
Krishna Prakash, renowned for leading Mumbai Police’s counterterrorism unit, Force One, has received the Annual Hindi Sahitya Bharati Award at Mumbai’s Sab Me Ram Shashwat Shri Ram event. Known as a “super cop,” Prakash heads the elite Force One and is a two-time Guinness World Record holder. His third record involved initiating the maximum number of letters through postcards to Lord Ram, facilitating direct connections between the common man and the divine.

Notes:
The World Bank’s “State and Trends of Carbon Pricing 2024” report highlights that CP revenues surpassed USD 100 billion in 2023, with 75 global CP instruments covering 24% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Brazil, India, and Türkiye have made significant strides in CP implementation, while China and India lead in carbon credit issuances. Carbon pricing attaches costs to greenhouse gas emissions, primarily through CO2 pricing mechanisms.