Current Affairs Quiz - June, 2024

Notes:
Recently, four medical students from Maharashtra studying in Russia drowned in the Volkhov River near St. Petersburg. The Volkhov River, in northwestern Russia, flows from Lake Ilmen to Lake Ladoga and is historically significant for trade. It hosts the first Soviet hydroelectric station built in 1926. In 2022, nearly 16,500 Indian students were studying in Russia, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

Notes:
The Centre approved renaming Joshimath tehsil in Chamoli to Jyotirmath and Kosiyakutoli tehsil in Nainital to Pargana Shri Kainchi Dham tehsil. This change enhances religious and cultural significance in Uttarakhand. Joshimath faced land subsidence issues in 2023, while Kosiyakutoli is known for Neem Karoli Baba’s ashram. Jyotirmath, an ancient name, is linked to Adi Shankaracharya’s 8th-century establishment of monasteries for Advaita Vedanta.

Notes:
Adani Defence and Aerospace has signed a cooperation agreement with UAE-based EDGE Group, a leading advanced technology and defense company. This partnership aims to leverage both companies’ capabilities to offer comprehensive defense and aerospace solutions globally. The collaboration will evaluate joint efforts in areas such as missiles, weapons, unmanned systems, counter-drone technologies, electronic warfare, and cyber technologies, enhancing their product offerings and market reach.

Notes:
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin launched the “Mannuyir Kaathu Mannuyir Kaappom” plan to promote sustainable farming in state with a ₹206 crore budget. A key focus is improving soil health using green manure methods. A ₹20 crore start-up fund will support the distribution of green manure seeds across 200,000 acres from 2024–25, benefiting over 200,000 farmers directly.

Notes:
The United Nations declared 2024 as the International Year of Camelids (IYC) to raise awareness about the crucial role these animals play in the lives of millions of people, particularly in harsh environments. The IYC aims to highlight the untapped potential of camelids and encourage increased investment in the camelid sector.

Notes:
The India-IORA Cruise Tourism Conference concluded on June 14, 2024, in New Delhi. Organized by the Ministry of External Affairs, IORA Secretariat, and FICCI, it aimed to enhance cruise tourism in the Indian Ocean region through cooperation, knowledge sharing, and strategic partnerships. Held at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, it featured representatives from IORA member states including Bangladesh, Kenya, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and others.

Notes:
President Murmu rejected the mercy petition of Pakistani national Mohammed Arif, sentenced to death for the 2000 Red Fort attack that killed three, including two Army jawans. The court reaffirmed the “rarest of rare” standard, while the 262nd Law Commission Report (2015) recommended abolishing the death penalty, except for terrorism-related offenses. Constitutional provisions, Articles 21, 72, and 161, outline the right to life and executive clemency powers. The “rarest of rare” doctrine, established in Bachan Singh v. State of Punjab (1980), mandates the death penalty only when no other option is viable, considering aggravating and mitigating circumstances.

Notes:
The 2024 Kavli Prize winners were announced, honoring contributions in astrophysics, neuroscience, and nanoscience. David Charbonneau and Sara Seager received the astrophysics prize for exoplanet discoveries. In nanoscience, Robert Langer, Armand Paul Alivisatos, and Chad Mirkin were awarded for biomedical breakthroughs. In neuroscience, Nancy Kanwisher, Winrich Freiwald, and Doris Tsao were recognized for their pioneering work on facial recognition and brain mapping. The prizes, established in 2008, commemorate Fred Kavli.

Notes:
The Union Jal Shakti Ministry launched an e-flow ecological monitoring system for real-time planning and monitoring of river projects and water quality. Developed by NMCG, it analyzes Ganga and Yamuna water quality, tracks Namami Gange program activities, and ensures STPs operate efficiently. This system supports sustainable Ganga River flow by monitoring crucial parameters across 11 projects, marking a pivotal advancement in river conservation efforts under India’s flagship Namami Gange initiative.

Notes:
Kalimpong in West Bengal faces extensive damage from heavy rains, causing flooding in the Teesta River. The Teesta, a Brahmaputra tributary, originates from glacial lakes in Sikkim, spanning 309 km. It flows south through deep gorges in the Siwalik Hills, before turning eastward into Bangladesh. Major tributaries include Lachung Chhu and Rangit River. The recent floods highlight ongoing challenges in managing this vital river system in India’s northeastern region.