Current Affairs Quiz - June, 2024

Notes:
The United Nations reported a record 120 million people were forcibly displaced globally from early 2023 to May 2024, as per the UNHCR’s Global Trends report. By the end of 2023, 117.3 million individuals had fled due to persecution, conflict, and violence. Conflict continues to be a major factor in displacement, affecting countries like Myanmar, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Palestine, Congo, Somalia, Haiti, Syria, and Armenia.

Notes:
Cyril Ramaphosa secured a second term as South Africa’s President on June 14, 2024, after a coalition deal between the ANC, Democratic Alliance (DA), and other smaller parties. The ANC, for the first time since 1996, failed to secure a parliamentary majority, obtaining only 40% of the votes in the May 29, 2024 election. Ramaphosa first became President on February 15, 2018. This marks South Africa’s second national unity government since Nelson Mandela in 1994.

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.

Notes:
Thousands of Kashmiri Pandits gathered at the Kheer Bhawani temple in Tulmulla, Ganderbal, for the annual Zeisht Ashtami festival. Built by Maharaja Pratap Singh in 1912 and renovated by Maharaja Hari Singh, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Ragnya Devi, an incarnation of Durga. It sits above a sacred spring that changes colors. The Kheer Bhawani Mela is also celebrated at shrines in Kupwara, Anantnag, and Kulgam.

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:
India and the UAE have launched a Local Currency Settlement System (LCSS) for bilateral trade in Indian Rupees and UAE Dirhams, reducing reliance on the US Dollar. This initiative aims to simplify trade processes, reduce transaction costs, and enhance economic ties between the countries through direct currency settlements.

Notes:
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has facilitated the first export of MD 2 pineapples, also known as “Golden Ripe” or “Super Sweet,” to the UAE. The shipment included 8.7 metric tons (650 boxes) of pineapples. Developed by Del Monte in the 1980s, MD 2 pineapples are primarily grown in Costa Rica, the Philippines, and Thailand, with Indian production in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg district.

Notes:
Punjab Police, in collaboration with the BSF and VDCs, conducted a one-week anti-drug campaign, “Mission Nishchay,” in Fazilka district from June 15 to 21. They will engage residents of 42 villages along the India-Pakistan border to gather intelligence on drug demand and supply. The initiative aims to foster community participation, with a special focus on youth and women, in curbing the drug menace.

Notes:
On June 17th, the world observes the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, raising awareness about land degradation’s severe impacts. This year’s theme, “United for Land. Our Legacy. Our Future,” highlights the vital importance of collective land stewardship to protect the environment and support communities globally.

Notes:
IIT Roorkee developed the ‘Crowd Eye’ device to manage increasing pilgrim footfall at Char Dham shrines, starting with Yamunotri. This device provides real-time crowd monitoring. A funding request has been submitted to UCOST for installation. The project, costing 60-70 thousand rupees, awaits budget approval and patenting. Future updates will include gender differentiation in crowd data. Surveys in Haridwar address traffic congestion during the pilgrimage season.