Current Affairs Quiz - June, 2024

Notes:
The World Bank, in collaboration with S&P Global Market Intelligence, launched the Container Port Performance Index (CPPI), utilizing data from 405 global ports, the largest dataset of its kind. Visakhapatnam Port achieved a notable ranking of 19 in this index, reflecting its efficiency and infrastructure quality in handling container traffic. This assessment provides insights into global port operations, aiding in strategic improvements for enhanced trade facilitation and logistics management.

Notes:
The Indian Army has received Nagastra-1, a unique man-portable suicide drone designed to target launch pads, enemy camps, and infiltrators safely. Under Emergency Procurement Powers, the Army ordered 480 Loiter Munitions from Solar Industries’ Economics Explosives Ltd (EEL). Following successful pre-delivery inspections, 120 units have been delivered to an Army Ammunition Depot, according to defense sources.

Notes:
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav inaugurated the ‘PM Shri Tourism Air Service’ on June 13, 2024, marking his government’s six months in power. This intra-state air service, launched with JETSERVE Aviation, connects religious and tourist spots across eight cities, including Bhopal, Indore, and Khajuraho. Initially, flights connect Bhopal, Jabalpur, Rewa, and Singrauli, with Gwalior and Ujjain joining soon. The service operates with two six-passenger aircraft.

Notes:
The Empowered Programme Committee of the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) has approved 7 startup proposals under the GREAT scheme. GREAT (Grant for Research & Entrepreneurship across Aspiring Innovators in Technical Textiles) is part of NTTM’s Research, Development, and Innovation Component, led by the Ministry of Textiles. It offers grants-in-aid of up to INR 50 lakhs over 18 months to harness India’s technical textiles sector expertise for innovative product and technology development. The GREAT Scheme supports innovators in technical textiles to develop prototypes into market-ready technologies and products, facilitating commercialization. Aimed at enhancing India’s startup ecosystem in sectors like sustainable textiles, speciality fibres, and smart textiles, it offers crucial support for innovation.

Notes:
Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) and Sansad TV signed an agreement to make Indian art and culture more accessible. IGNCA-produced programs will be aired on Sansad TV. The MoU was signed by Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi (IGNCA) and Mr. Rajat Punhani (Sansad TV). Both expressed happiness over this collaboration, aiming to produce and broadcast various cultural programs and utilize IGNCA’s archive.

Notes:
Indian traders have urged the central government to resume border trade with China through the Lipulekh Pass. Located in Uttarakhand at 5,334 meters, Lipulekh connects India with Tibet and is key for trade and the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrimage. Historically significant as a trade route, it was the first Indian border post for trade with China, opened in 1992, followed by Shipki La and Nathu La passes.

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 President of India attended the Raja Parb celebration at Rashtrapati Bhavan for the first time. Raja Parb, an agriculture-based festival from Odisha, is celebrated with great enthusiasm, particularly by women and children, during the onset of monsoons. The three-day-long festival is one of Odisha’s most significant celebrations.

Notes:
In 2024, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) received the “Risk Manager of the Year Award” from Central Banking in London. This accolade recognizes RBI’s efforts in enhancing risk management policies and ensuring financial stability in India. Mr. Manoranjan Mishra, RBI’s Executive Director, accepted the award, highlighting RBI’s achievements in risk culture and setting benchmarks for global central banks in effective risk management practices.

Notes:
Heavy rains triggered severe landslides in northern Sikkim’s Lachung, Mangan region, leaving over 1,200 domestic tourists and 15 foreigners stranded, including visitors from Thailand, Nepal, and Bangladesh. The disaster claimed six lives, disrupted road access, and caused extensive damage to infrastructure, power, and communication networks. Rescue efforts are underway amidst challenges posed by the disrupted terrain and adverse weather conditions.