Current Affairs Quiz - June, 2024

Notes:
UNESCO’s 2024 State of Ocean Report highlights climate change and human activities impacting global oceans. Initiated by IOC-UNESCO during the 2022 UN Ocean Conference, it supports the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030). Key findings include significant warming of the upper 2,000 meters, increased ocean acidification, consistent sea level rise since 1993, and the urgent need for better monitoring systems. The report emphasizes the uncertain impacts of marine carbon dioxide removal technologies.

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Responding to water scarcity, the Rajasthan government launches Mukhyamantri Jal Swavlamban Abhiyan 2.0, aiming to construct 500,000 water harvesting structures in 20,000 villages over four years. Rajasthan, among India’s driest regions, faces annual rainfall variations from 100 mm to 800 mm, causing water shortages for basic needs. Groundwater replenishment relies on rainfall, yet excessive usage depletes reserves. RIICO mandates rainwater harvesting for plot lessees, and RPH&CCL integrates it into building projects.

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The inaugural meeting of the Joint Task Force on Investment (JTFI) between India and Qatar took place in New Delhi, co-chaired by officials from both nations. The JTFI aims to enhance investment cooperation and bilateral relations, focusing on sectors like infrastructure, energy, and technology. It highlights the shared commitment to inclusive development and mutual growth, reinforcing the strong economic ties between India and Qatar based on shared values and common objectives.

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Panama plans to relocate Gardi Sugdub Island’s entire community due to climate change impacts, including rising sea levels, freshwater contamination, and coastal erosion. The Indigenous Guna people, facing generational disruptions, will move to Carti Sugtupu on the mainland. Approximately 63 coastal communities in Panama face similar challenges.

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Researchers discovered two antlion species, Pseudoformicaleo nubecula and Creoleon cinnamomeus, in India, Thailand, and Vietnam. Antlions, found globally, exhibit the most diversity in warmer regions. Known for pit-building, some genera larvae use this strategy for predation. However, larvae of Pseudoformicaleo and Creoleon live underground in loose soil, without pit construction, for protection from elements.

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The first 2024 Command and Control Compatibility Board (CCCB) meeting between India and the U.S. took place at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, from June 4-7. Led by Mr. Paul Nicholson and Brigadier Rahul Anand, the 29-member U.S. delegation and 38-member Indian delegation discussed interoperability and operational communication needs. The CCCB, formed under the 2018 COMCASA agreement, held its seventh meeting, reflecting the strengthening India-U.S. military relationship.

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The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2024, a flagship report of the FAO, analyzes global trends. In 2022, total aquatic production reached 223.2 million tonnes, with aquaculture surpassing capture fisheries for the first time. China led production (36%), followed by India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Peru. Inland fisheries, primarily in Asia and Africa, yielded 11.3 million tonnes. Finfish dominated inland aquaculture (89.7%), while exports grew at 7.2% annually, mainly to the EU and the USA.

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The Rajaji Raghati Biosphere (RRB) within Uttarakhand’s Rajaji National Park spans 35 acres, focusing on rare and endangered native trees. Founded by environmentalists Jai Dhar Gupta and Vijay Dhasmana, it’s India’s first biosphere within a tiger reserve. It restores barren land by removing non-native eucalyptus trees and employs water retention techniques. The initiative fights threats such as poaching and mining, aiming to protect and revive native ecosystems.

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Malawi’s Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima and nine others died in a plane crash. The military aircraft left Lilongwe but couldn’t land at Mzuzu due to poor visibility and lost contact after being ordered back. President Lazarus Chakwera confirmed the wreckage was found in Chikangawa Forest with no survivors. Chilima, once a potential presidential candidate, was cleared of graft charges last month.

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World Day Against Child Labour is observed annually on 12 June to focus on ending child labour. Initiated by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in 2002, the day highlights global efforts to protect children. The 2024 theme, “Let’s act on our commitments: End Child Labour,” marks the 25th anniversary of the ILO’s Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention. The ILO headquarters is in Geneva, Switzerland.