Current Affairs Quiz - June, 2024

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:
Madhya Pradesh has finalized preparations to reintroduce cheetahs in the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, making it India’s second cheetah habitat after Kuno National Park. The sanctuary spans 368.62 sq km across Mandsaur and Neemuch districts, bordered by Rajasthan. Initial efforts saw 8 Namibian cheetahs released in Kuno National Park in September 2022, followed by 12 cheetahs from South Africa in February 2023, marking significant strides in India’s cheetah conservation efforts.

Notes:
HelpAge India’s report, “Ageing in India: Exploring Preparedness & Response to Care Challenges,” was released on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, June 15. Key findings include: 65% of elders are financially insecure, with 40% of illiterate elderly lacking income sources. Only 29% access social security schemes, and 15% are employed. Health-wise, 52% face daily living challenges, and 54% have multiple NCDs. Additionally, 59% lack digital device access, exacerbating isolation.

Notes:
Recently, a rare “double sun halo” was observed over Ladakh. This optical phenomenon features two concentric rings around the sun, caused by sunlight refracting through ice crystals in cirrus clouds. The inner halo has a 22-degree radius, while the outer halo spans 46 degrees. The unique alignment of hexagonal ice crystals in the clouds creates this dazzling effect, making it an uncommon sight, especially in ideal conditions like those in Ladakh.

Notes:
Indian Prime Minister’s recent visit to Varanasi marked his first since assuming office for the third time. He inaugurated the Kashi Vishwanath Temple corridor’s first phase, linking it to the Ganga River banks, highlighting India’s Sanatan culture. PM Modi praised Varanasi’s historical resilience and cultural richness. He offered prayers at Kaal Bhairav Temple and witnessed Ganga Aarti, underscoring the visit’s cultural and historical significance, celebrating Varanasi’s spirit and iconic temple.

Notes:
Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport Ltd launched a self-service baggage drop system on June 17. About 50 units are installed across Terminals 1 and 3, available for Air India, IndiGo, and Air India Express passengers. The system allows passengers to print tags at kiosks, place bags on the conveyor belt, and complete check-in quickly. It checks airline criteria and dangerous goods declarations internally for a seamless experience.

Notes:
The Indian government approved the National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (NFIES) to strengthen forensic infrastructure, aiding the criminal justice system. Approved on June 19, 2024, by the Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, the NFIES will be implemented by the Home Ministry. It supports new criminal laws effective July 1, 2024, requiring mandatory forensic investigation for severe crimes. NFIES includes new campuses for the National Forensic Sciences University and additional Central Forensic Science Laboratories.

Notes:
In Tamil Nadu’s Kallakurichi, at least 34 people died, and around 100 were hospitalized after consuming spurious liquor, known as hooch. Hooch, derived from the Alaskan Hoochinoo tribe, is produced in crude settings without quality control. Made through fermentation and distillation, it often contains toxic methanol. Improper distillation can concentrate methanol, making it highly dangerous. The incident underscores the lethal risks of consuming illicit alcohol.

Notes:
The ICIMOD’s Hindu Kush Himalaya snow update for 2024 reported record low snow persistence in India’s Ganga River basin, alongside similar challenges in the Brahmaputra and Indus basins. The HKH region spans eight countries and is crucial for Asia’s major river systems, supporting 1.9 billion people. It holds vast snow and glacier resources, essential for ecosystem services and downstream communities, making it pivotal for water supply across South and East Asia.

Notes:
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath pushed for the swift implementation of ‘Family IDs’, aiming to streamline government benefits and job opportunities. Under the “One Family, One Identity” scheme, each family receives a unique ID to enhance scheme management and ensure transparent operations. Around 15.07 crore people benefit from this initiative, leveraging Family IDs for access to the National Food Security Act. Over 1 lakh families without ration cards have already received their IDs.