Current Affairs Quiz - June, 2024

Notes:
Scientists from Assam, Odisha (India), China, and the U.K. have developed a water-repellent catalyst to significantly reduce biodiesel production costs. Biofuels are quickly produced from biomass, unlike slow fossil fuel formation. They’re primarily liquid or gaseous and commonly blended with petroleum products for transportation. Some, like drop-in biofuels, don’t require blending. This catalyst breakthrough promises economical biodiesel production, potentially transforming renewable fuel accessibility and affordability.

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In 2024, the National Commission for Women (NCW) received the most complaints from Uttar Pradesh (6,492), followed by Delhi (1,119) and Maharashtra (764). Out of 12,648 total complaints, 3,567 concerned “right to dignity,” 3,213 were for domestic violence, and 1,963 for dowry harassment. Manipur, despite significant violence, recorded only six complaints. Other states also reported varying numbers of complaints.

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NASA’s MAVEN orbiter, launched in 2013, recently captured stunning purple-colored auroras in Mars’ atmosphere. MAVEN’s primary mission is to study the Martian upper atmosphere and understand how solar activity has stripped away much of its atmosphere, transforming the planet into a cold, barren desert. This research aims to unravel Mars’ transition from a potentially habitable world to its current state, crucial for understanding its past potential for microbial life.

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In Khunti district, Jharkhand, individuals with sickle cell anemia will receive a monthly pension of Rs 1,000 under the Swami Vivekananda Nishakt Swawlamban Protsahan Scheme. The district administration has initially identified nine beneficiaries from various blocks, ensuring ongoing coverage for new cases. Sickle cell screening has been extensive, identifying 46 cases of sickle cell anemia-thalassemia among over 99,000 people tested. Pension eligibility is based on disability certificates, benefiting those severely affected by the condition.

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Former Indian cricketer David Jude Johnson tragically passed away after falling from his fourth-floor apartment balcony in Kothanur, Bengaluru. A respected figure in domestic cricket, Johnson, originally from Arsikere, Hassan, had made his Test debut for India against Australia in 1996. His untimely demise has left a void in the cricketing community, mourning the loss of a talented player and beloved individual.

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Mudgal Fort in Karnataka showcases India’s rich historical and cultural heritage, reflecting its architectural, cultural, and historical significance. The fort has a 1,000-year history, linked to the Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Bahmani Sultans, and Vijayanagara Empire. It became a strategic battleground between the Vijayanagara Empire and Adil Shahi Sultanate, witnessing 11 battles due to its pivotal location in the fertile, mineral-rich Raichur Doab between the Tungabhadra and Krishna rivers.

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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.

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Anthropic has launched its latest AI model, Claude 3.5 Sonnet, part of the upcoming Claude 3.5 series. This large language model excels in visual reasoning, outperforming previous models like Claude 3 Opus. Claude 3.5 Sonnet is noted for its speed, visual data analysis, and accurate transcription of imperfect images. It sets new benchmarks in coding proficiency, reasoning, and knowledge, and excels in writing high-quality, relatable content.

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According to the World Bank’s Global Gas Flaring Tracker Report, gas flaring reached 148 billion cubic meters (bcm) in 2023, the highest since 2019. Gas flaring, the burning of natural gas during oil extraction, persists due to market constraints, regulatory issues, and political factors. Although flaring safely disposes of gas, it wastes a valuable resource that could be used for power generation or conservation.

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Scientists discovered the world’s oldest inhabited termite mounds in Namaqualand, South Africa. Known as ‘heuweltjies’ in Afrikaans, these mounds host the southern harvester termite, Microhodotermes viator. Radiocarbon dating reveals organic carbon dating back 13,000 to 19,000 years, and carbonate dating up to 34,000 years. These mounds are the oldest with both organic and inorganic carbon, formed during a wetter climate that allowed minerals like calcite and gypsum to dissolve, enriching groundwater.