Current Affairs Quiz - June, 2024

Notes:
Scientists discovered that green-beard genes drive natural altruism in the amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum. These genes enable individuals to recognize and cooperate with each other, potentially causing harmful behavior towards those with different gene versions. Altruism in nature involves behavior where an animal acts in a way that may be harmful to itself but benefits others of its species.

Notes:
The International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression, observed annually on June 4th, highlights children’s suffering worldwide. Established on August 19, 1982, this day focuses on the pain endured by innocent children. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), founded in 1997, aims to end violence against children. In 2018, the refugee crisis saw over 70 million people, including children, fleeing conflict. In 2019, the UN reported 357 killings and 30 disappearances of human rights defenders.

Notes:
The Coal Ministry’s report “Greening Initiative in Coal & Lignite PSUs” showcases efforts by Coal Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) to reduce environmental impacts through reclamation and afforestation. Key initiatives include extensive ecological restoration, seed ball plantation, seed casting via drones, and Miyawaki plantation, which involves densely planting native trees, shrubs, and groundcover plants. These measures aim to increase green cover in coal mining areas.

Notes:
At IIT Dharwad, a team led by Sudheer Siddapureddy and Ameer Mulla unveiled a fire rescue assistant drone at the DDANFR 2024 training, funded by NMICPS and TiHAN Foundation. The drone, designed for navigating small spaces and high temperatures, marks a significant advancement in fire safety. Prof. Siddapureddy highlighted the challenges of creating a device that is both compact and robust.

Notes:
The US Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornet was recently spotted with an air-launched variant of the SM-6 (RIM-174) missile. The SM-6, developed by Raytheon for the US Navy, became operational in December 2014. It serves multiple missions, including anti-air, anti-ship, and terminal ballistic missile defense. The missile measures 6.6 m in length, 0.5 m in diameter, and weighs 1,500 kg, carrying a 64 kg warhead. It has a range of 240 km, extendable to 463 km.

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:
Nine trekkers from Karnataka tragically lost their lives near Sahastra Tal in Uttarakhand, part of a 22-member group, due to bad weather while returning from the trek. The state government is coordinating rescue efforts, and families of the deceased are notified. Sahastra Tal Trek, a high-altitude trail at 15,000 feet in Uttarkashi district, is flanked by Bhagirathi and Bhilangana Valleys, with the Kush Kalyan Plateau north. Locals perform annual rituals around the lake for auspiciousness.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
A Japanese town takes action to prevent tourist disturbances while photographing Mount Fuji. The iconic peak, standing at 3,776 meters, is located 100 km west of Tokyo on Honshu Island. It’s a dormant stratovolcano, last erupting in 1707, yet remains active. Mount Fuji boasts a smooth slope, wide base, and UNESCO World Heritage status since 2013. Despite volcanic activity, its summit is often snow-covered, offering a stunning skyline.

Notes:
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.