Current Affairs Quiz - June, 2024

Notes:
Pakistan, Somalia, Denmark, Greece, and Panama were elected as non-permanent members of the UNSC for a two-year term via secret ballot, requiring two-thirds of the 193-member General Assembly. Pakistan marks its 8th term. The 1963 UN Charter amendment increased non-permanent members from 6 to 10 and required 9 affirmative votes for resolutions. Geographic representation includes 5 African/Asian, 1 Eastern European, 2 Latin American, and 2 Western European/other states.

Notes:
The GTRI released the “Building Better: India’s Path to Superior Quality Infrastructure” report, highlighting how India can enhance its quality infrastructure. Key components include Standardization, Quality Control Orders (QCOs), and Compulsory Registration Orders (CROs) led by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The BIS Act 2016 simplified notifying standards, leading to over 140 QCOs for 550+ products. Despite rapid QCO issuance, implementation challenges persist for firms, importers, and agencies.

Notes:
Global firms are adopting Large Action Models (LAMs) to cut costs. LAMs, like “Rabbit R1”, a phone-sized standalone AI device, are super advanced versions of LLMs, operating at 10x the speed. They handle complex tasks by integrating linguistic proficiency with task performance. LAMs use agents for autonomous actions, aiding in simpler tasks like ordering a cab and complex ones like robot motion planning.

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.

Notes:
Sumit Nagal clinched his sixth ATP Challenger title at the Heilbronn Neckarcup 2024 in Germany, defeating Alexander Ritschard in three sets. This victory is expected to elevate Nagal’s ATP ranking, potentially securing his spot in the 2024 Summer Paris Olympics. It marks his fourth clay court title and second win in 2024. The ATP Challenger Tour, organized by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), is second only to the ATP Tour in significance.

Notes:
Israel’s military has been added by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to a global list of offenders for violations against children in 2023. Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad are also listed. The decision, termed “shameful” by Israel’s UN envoy Gilad Erdan, was officially communicated on Friday. The violations include killing, sexual violence, abduction, recruitment of children, aid denial, and attacks on schools and hospitals. Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz warns of consequences for relations with the UN.

Notes:
A rare four-horned antelope, also known as Chousingha, was sighted for the first time in Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve, previously Nauradehi Sanctuary. The smallest Asian antelope, Tetracerus quadricornis, is endemic to India and Nepal. These antelopes inhabit dry, deciduous forests and hilly terrains with significant grass or undergrowth cover. Distinguished by four horns, only males grow them. The species is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

Notes:
A recent study indicates that artificial sweetener xylitol could pose health risks, elevating the likelihood of cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes. Xylitol, a sugar alcohol, is widely used as a sweetener in sugar-free chewing gums, diabetes-friendly foods, and oral-care products. It combines traits of sugar and alcohol molecules and is sourced naturally or artificially from plant materials. This underscores potential health concerns associated with its consumption.

Notes:
Iga Swiatek, 23, secured her third consecutive French Open women’s title by defeating Jasmine Paolini. Making history, she’s the first woman since Justine Henin (2005-2007) to achieve this feat. Swiatek, hailing from Poland, currently holds the World No. 1 rank in women’s singles as per the Women’s Tennis Association.

Notes:
Puja Tomar, hailing from Budhana, Uttar Pradesh, made history as the first Indian MMA fighter to win in the UFC. Her journey, starting from adversity after her father’s demise, led her to martial arts at age 12 to protect her family. Before UFC, she secured five national Wushu titles. Her recent victory against Rayanne Dos Santos showcased her resilience, winning via split decision with scores of 30-27, 27-30, and 29-28.