Current Affairs Quiz - June, 2024

Notes:
Recently, Iran summoned China’s ambassador to protest a joint statement by China and the UAE about the sovereignty of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb islands. These disputed islands between Iran and UAE, located at the Strait of Hormuz entrance, were historically Persian but were occupied by Britain until 1971. Iran reclaimed them after British withdrawal, while the UAE asserts they belonged to Ras al-Khaimah before Iran’s takeover.

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:
The Ministry of Finance issued guidelines for arbitration and mediation in domestic public procurement contracts to streamline dispute resolution for government entities. Key points include avoiding automatic arbitration in large contracts, restricting arbitration to disputes under Rs. 10 crores, preferring institutional arbitration, and adopting mediation for high-value matters. Arbitration is a quasi-judicial ADR process governed by the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, and mediation follows the Mediation Act, 2023.

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:
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:
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:
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and State Bank of India (SBI) signed an MoU to integrate SBIePay with the eMigrate portal, enhancing digital payment services for Indian migrant workers, recruiting agents, and other users. Launched in 2014, the eMigrate portal automates emigration processes, primarily assisting blue-collar workers heading to Emigration Check Required (ECR) countries, while also allowing voluntary registration for ECNR passport holders.

Notes:
An Indian Air Force contingent, including Rafale aircraft, participated in Exercise Red Flag 2024 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. This advanced aerial combat training involved air forces from Singapore, UK, Netherlands, Germany, and the US. Conducted four times annually by the US Air Force, Red Flag simulates realistic combat scenarios with Red Force defending and Blue Force attacking, enhancing international air force cooperation and readiness. This marked the debut of IAF’s Rafale in Red Flag exercises.

Notes:
New Zealand introduced the ‘burp tax’ in 2022, targeting greenhouse gas emissions from livestock, specifically methane emissions from ruminant animals like cows and sheep, which are released mainly through burping. The primary goal of this tax was to reduce methane emissions from these animals. However, New Zealand recently announced the scrapping of this tax.

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.