Current Affairs Quiz - June, 2024

Notes:
The 12th Plenary Assembly of the Global Soil Partnership (GSP) was hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) from June 3–5, 2024. The assembly included over 700 partners and FAO members. The GSP is a globally recognized mechanism that promotes sustainable soil management and has implemented programs around the world. The assembly is a key platform for GSP partners and FAO members to exchange knowledge and expertise and make important decisions about the global soil agenda.

Notes:
Hundreds sheltered in evacuation centers after Mount Kanlaon erupted in the central Philippines. Mount Kanlaon, a 2435m stratovolcano on Negros Island, is the highest mountain on the island and part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. Known for its pyroclastic cones and craters, the biologically diverse volcano has erupted multiple times since 1886, with phreatic explosions causing minor ashfalls. It influences major river systems on Negros Island.

Notes:
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and Peru’s central bank (BCRP) have partnered to create a UPI-like payment system in Peru. This makes Peru the first South American country to adopt NPCI’s technology, enabling instant payments between individuals and businesses. The initiative aims to expand digital payments among Peru’s large unbanked population.

Notes:
The Union Cabinet Secretary chaired a National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) meeting to review preparedness for heat waves and forest fires. NCMC, a key national-level decision-making body for disaster management, coordinates relief efforts, provides support to state governments, and ensures preventive measures. Chaired by the Cabinet Secretary, it includes Secretaries from relevant ministries and agencies.

Notes:
UNICEF’s “Child Nutrition Report, 2024” highlights severe child food poverty (CFP) affecting 27% of children globally. In India, 40% suffer from severe CFP, the second highest in South Asia. Key issues include the prevalence of unhealthy foods, indicating that income alone isn’t the cause. Contributing factors are inequities, conflict, climate crises, and food marketing. Recommendations include improving data systems, transforming food systems, and enhancing health services for child nutrition.

Notes:
The Trishakti Corps of the Indian Army marked World Environment Day with “Go Green Initiatives” in North Bengal and Sikkim, including the launch of a plastic waste management plant in East Sikkim. Part of the Sadbhavana initiative, the project aims to promote sustainability and local economic development by recycling plastic waste into road materials and bricks. This effort creates jobs for villagers and aligns with the Army’s commitment to environmental sustainability, aiming to eliminate landfills by 2027.

Notes:
Indian entrepreneur Vellayan Subbiah won the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2024 in Monaco, becoming the fourth Indian to receive this honor. He is the Executive Vice Chairman of Tube Investments of India and Chairman of Cholamandalam Investment and Finance. Chosen among 51 winners from 47 countries, Subbiah was nominated for the global award after winning the 2023 India award. The selection criteria included entrepreneurial spirit, growth, purpose, and impact.

Notes:
The Household Consumption Expenditure Survey by the Ministry of Statistics unveils Indian spending patterns. Food expenses, led by beverages and processed foods, account for 46% of rural and 39% of urban spending. Tamil Nadu tops in urban and rural “beverages, processed food” expenses. Non-food spending, notably on conveyance and durable goods, has risen, exceeding 50% for the first time in 2022-23. Rural expenditure surged by 164% to Rs 3,773, while urban rose by 146% to Rs 6,459 from 2011-12 to 2022-23, indicating a notable consumption growth trend.

Notes:
Urbanization threatens the survival of greater adjutant storks in Assam’s wetlands. Found in South and Southeast Asia, they nest in tall trees near wetlands, feeding mainly on fish, frogs, and carrion. Threats include habitat loss, overfishing, and pollution. Classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN, they play a vital role in sanitation and disease control. Two Indian breeding populations exist, primarily in Assam, highlighting the urgency for conservation efforts.

Notes:
Rajasthan’s Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma announced a Rs 100 crore investment to develop the Maharana Pratap Tourist Circuit during the Maharana Pratap Jayanti celebration in Udaipur. Places linked to Maharana Pratap’s life in Mewar, including Udaipur and Chittorgarh, will be developed. The Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation will enhance connectivity and tourist amenities. Originally part of the Mewar Complex Circuit, this initiative aims to preserve the region’s historical and cultural heritage.