Current Affairs Quiz - June, 2024

Notes:
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) and the Ministry of AYUSH are gearing up for International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2024, slated for June 21. Reviewing preparations, Secretary Sanjay Jaju (I&B) and Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha (AYUSH) focused on media and outreach plans. Various media units under I&B, including Prasar Bharati and New Media Wing, will promote Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) benefits. Prasar Bharati will broadcast special programs via Doordarshan and All India Radio. AYUSH will share the ‘Yoga Geet’ across platforms. The initiative also includes the Antarashtriya Yoga Diwas Media Samman to honor media contributions in spreading yoga awareness.

Notes:
Scientists in the UK have developed non-invasive techniques and novel analysis methods to track disease progression and evaluate treatments for Huntington’s disease (HD). HD, an inherited disorder caused by a mutation in the HTT gene, leads to the breakdown of nerve cells in the brain, affecting movement, cognition, and psychiatric health. It manifests primarily in adulthood but can also begin in childhood. Increased genetic repetitions worsen the disease’s severity.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
The first BRICS ministerial meeting with new members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE was held in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, on 10-11 June 2024. Russia, the current BRICS chairman, hosted the meeting to prepare for the 16th annual BRICS summit in October 2024. Argentina declined membership. The 15th BRICS summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, in August 2023, had invited six countries to join.

Notes:
Scientists from IIT-M and NASA’s JPL collaborated on a study of multi-drug resistant pathogens on the ISS, focusing on Enterobacter bugandensis. This bacterium, discovered in 2013 in Uganda, is Gram-negative and rod-shaped, commonly found in soil, water, and animal/human intestines. It causes infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, and exhibits resistance to multiple antibiotics due to mechanisms like beta-lactamase production and efflux pumps.

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:
World Blood Donor Day is observed annually on June 14 to raise awareness about the importance of donating safe blood. Initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2004, the day honors Austrian biologist Karl Landsteiner, born on June 14, 1886. In 2005, the World Health Assembly officially recognized the day. The 2024 theme is “20 years of celebrating giving: thank you, blood donors,” marking the 20th anniversary of the observance.

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 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.