Current Affairs Quiz - June, 2024

Notes:
The Indian Air Force will host its first multinational exercise, Tarang Shakti 2024, in August 2024. Around 10 countries, including Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Spain, the UAE, the UK, and the US, are expected to participate, with others as observers. Initially scheduled for late 2023, the exercise was deferred. The event will enhance interoperability with friendly neighboring air forces.

Notes:
The central government has extended the Digital Health Incentive Scheme (DHIS) for digitising patients’ health records and linking them with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Account (ABHA ID) until June 30, 2025. Launched on January 1, 2023, under Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, the DHIS aims to promote digital health practices in India. Eligibility includes health facilities and digital solution companies, with incentives based on the number of ABHA-linked digital health records created.

Notes:
The SDG 7: Energy Progress Report 2024 reveals the world is not on track to meet SDG 7 by 2030. Initiated in 2018, this annual report is the key reference for SDG 7 progress. It aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. The report is produced by IEA, IRENA, UNSD, World Bank, and WHO, covering energy access, efficiency, renewables, clean cooking, and international cooperation.

Notes:
India dissociated from the final document of a Peace Summit in Switzerland, emphasizing peace proposals acceptable to both Russia and Ukraine. The summit, held on June 15-16, 2024, addressed the ongoing Ukraine war’s impact. Key points included nuclear safety at Ukraine’s plants, global food security, and humanitarian issues like prisoner exchanges and the return of displaced Ukrainians. Attendees reaffirmed commitments to international law and UN resolutions.

Notes:
The recent fire in Mangaf, Kuwait, resulting in the deaths of Indian migrant workers, highlights the poor living conditions and neglect of low-income workers’ rights in GCC states. The Kafala system ties migrant workers’ visas to their employers, granting employers extensive control and contributing to exploitation and vulnerability. Low wages, restricted movement, and the absence of worker unions further exacerbate these issues, worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic by confinement and deportations.

Notes:
Oracle has partnered with Tamil Nadu for the Naan Mudhalvan program, aiming to train 200,000+ students in advanced IT skills like cloud computing, AI, data science, ML, and blockchain. This initiative underscores Oracle’s commitment to enhancing youth employability through digital and campus-based learning, offering certifications in cutting-edge technologies. The collaboration aims to equip students with skills essential for the future job market, emphasizing Oracle’s role in fostering technological expertise among the youth.

Notes:
World Sickle Cell Day is observed on June 19 to raise awareness about sickle cell disease, a genetic blood disorder. Established by a 2008 UN resolution, it aims to inform the public and stakeholders about early detection and prevention. The 2024 theme, “Hope through Progress: Advancing Sickle Cell Care Globally,” emphasizes improving care and providing relief for patients worldwide.

Notes:
A deadly fire in Kuwait claimed 49 lives, sparking scrutiny of the Kafala system. Introduced in the 1950s across West Asia, it binds migrant workers to employers who control their entry, employment changes, and exit from the country. This arrangement aimed to manage labor influx during economic booms but has faced criticism for exploitation and hindering workers’ rights to mobility and safety.

Notes:
The Jharkhand government has announced a farm loan waiver of up to 2 lakh rupees for over 1.91 lakh farmers. Loans taken by farmers between 50,000 and 2 lakh rupees until March 31, 2020, will be waived through a one-time settlement. This decision aims to provide significant relief to farmers, following an earlier crop loan waiver of up to 50 thousand rupees in the fiscal year 2021-22.

Notes:
The recently released Joint Doctrine for Cyberspace Operations by CDS during the COSC meeting emphasizes military aspects and provides guidance to commanders and staff. It aims to enhance awareness among warfighters about executing cyberspace operations. This keystone publication guides commanders in navigating complex military environments, promotes jointness and integration within the Indian Armed Forces, and signifies a substantial advancement in ongoing processes related to cyberspace operations.