Current Affairs Quiz - June, 2024

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:
Chinese scientists using the CHASE telescope have discovered a new pattern in the sun’s atmospheric rotation, providing the first accurate 3D picture of this phenomenon. Published in Nature Astronomy, this breakthrough enhances understanding of the sun’s magnetic activity and atmospheric behavior. CHASE, a satellite project, aims to deepen knowledge of solar dynamics.

Notes:
Astronomers have been searching for a hypothetical ninth planet, Planet Nine, in the outer solar system for nearly a decade. Proposed to explain anomalies in the orbits of distant trans-Neptunian objects, Planet Nine is estimated to be 5-10 times the mass of Earth with a highly elliptical orbit, ranging from 400 to 800 AU from the Sun. Experts believe we may soon find it.

Notes:
Researchers recently discovered a rare bioluminescent mushroom species, Filoboletus manipularis, in Kasaragod forests. These mushrooms glow bright green at night due to a chemical reaction involving luciferin and luciferase. They thrive in tropical, humid environments with decaying organic matter. This bioluminescence likely attracts insects, aiding in spore dispersion. The light-producing reaction is similar to that in fireflies and some marine creatures.

Notes:
India hosted the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) in Kochi and announced a successor to its Maitri research base, Maitri II. Saudi Arabia joined the Antarctic Treaty Parties. India emphasized inclusive governance, stating that geopolitics should not influence Antarctica’s governance and that the treaty should not remain an exclusive club of select nations.

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.

Notes:
Recently, SIPRI reported on nuclear warheads, revealing China’s arsenal at 500 warheads, tripling India and Pakistan’s counts. Some Chinese warheads are on high alert for the first time. India’s arsenal stands at 172 warheads, slightly surpassing Pakistan’s 170. India is expanding its nuclear triad with advanced submarines and long-range missiles. Nuclear warheads, deployed via missiles or bombers, harness nuclear reactions for devastating energy release, encompassing fission and fusion processes, causing immense destruction.

Notes:
The Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy (CCRYN) and Svyasa University organized the “Yoga for Space” conference at S-Vyasa University, Bengaluru, for International Day of Yoga 2024, themed “Yoga for Self & Society.” The event featured keynote addresses from Indian institutions and highlighted various activities promoting yoga, including global contests and innovative challenges. The conference emphasized yoga’s role in fostering a healthy society and its potential applications for astronauts.

Notes:
Researchers discovered a new diatom genus, Indiconema, in the clean water rivers of India’s Eastern Ghats. Diatoms are photosynthetic, single-celled organisms essential to the aquatic food chain and sensitive indicators of water health. Indiconema, differing from others by having pore fields at both poles, was also found in the Western Ghats. It is morphologically related to the East African genus Afrocymbella.

Notes:
Food safety authorities in Denmark recalled three types of South Korean spicy instant noodles due to high capsaicin levels posing “acute poisoning” risks. Capsaicin, found in chili peppers’ placenta, binds to TRPV1 receptors in humans, which detect heat and pain. This triggers a false sensation of burning, causing sweating, a red face, runny nose, teary eyes, and gut cramps as the body attempts to expel the perceived heat.