Current Affairs Quiz - June, 2024

Notes:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) developed PraVaHa, a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software, at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre. Parallel RANS Solver for Aerospace Vehicle Aero-thermo-dynamic Analysis (PraVaHa) simulates airflow for launch vehicles, crucial for designing their shape, structure, and thermal protection systems. It is used in the Gaganyaan program for analyzing human-rated launch vehicles. Currently, it simulates airflow for perfect and real gas conditions, with ongoing validations for chemical reactions in scramjet vehicles.

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:
The Ministries of Health and Defence signed an MoU to establish a dedicated Tele Manas Cell for the Armed Forces, providing specialized mental health support. This initiative adds to the 51 existing Tele Manas cells operating across all States and Union Territories, enhancing mental health services for military personnel nationwide.

Notes:
Stanford researchers, driven by curiosity and “recreational biology,” discovered how a simple cell exhibits complex behavior without a nervous system. In biology, origami involves folding molecules like DNA into specific shapes, inspired by Japanese paper origami. Applications include synthetic biology for designing new proteins, drug design for targeting protein structures, and nanotechnology for creating nanoscale devices and materials.

Notes:
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) now automatically deposits duty drawback payments into exporters’ bank accounts. This WTO-compliant scheme, under the Customs Act, 1962, rebates Customs and Central Excise duties on imported and excisable materials used in exports. It promotes exports by ensuring they are zero-rated, relieving exporters of specific tax burdens. Eligibility includes goods imported, used, or manufactured from imported or indigenous materials.

Notes:
A new tiger reserve will be established in Uttar Pradesh due to evidence of tiger presence in Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary (SWS). Located in Shravasti, Balrampur, and Gonda districts, SWS spans 452 sq km along the Indo-Nepal border. Established in 1988, it features a mix of deciduous and semi-evergreen woodlands. SWS hosts diverse flora and fauna, including tigers, leopards, and various bird species, and is part of the Bhabar-Tarai ecosystem.

Notes:
The Iberian Lynx, once near extinction, is the world’s most endangered feline species. Native to the Iberian Peninsula, it inhabits Mediterranean forests with dense scrub and open pastures. This tawny, heavily spotted wildcat with a “beard” and black ear tufts primarily feeds on European rabbits. Conservation status: Endangered (IUCN) and listed in CITES Appendix II. Major threats include illegal hunting, habitat loss, and food scarcity.

Notes:
The National Commission for Indian Medical Systems held a two-day National Conference, ‘PRANA’ (Protecting Rights and Novelties in ASUS), in collaboration with the All India Council for Technical Education and the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell to mark its fourth foundation. The conference highlighted patentable innovations suitable for commercialization and startups in the Indian System of Medicines. Padmashree Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha emphasized the vast scope for ISM innovations.

Notes:
Scientists from the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad discovered three craters on Mars within the Tharsis Volcanic Region, known for extensive lava flows. Named Lal, Mursan, and Hilsa, these craters offer insights into Martian surface geology and age. Named after Indian towns and a renowned geophysicist, these discoveries contribute to our understanding of Mars’ stable crust and geological processes, contrasting with Earth’s active geology and erosion.

Notes:
The Indian Army has received Nagastra-1, a unique man-portable suicide drone designed to target launch pads, enemy camps, and infiltrators safely. Under Emergency Procurement Powers, the Army ordered 480 Loiter Munitions from Solar Industries’ Economics Explosives Ltd (EEL). Following successful pre-delivery inspections, 120 units have been delivered to an Army Ammunition Depot, according to defense sources.