Current Affairs Quiz - June, 2024

Notes:
The IUCN has upgraded the conservation status of the Iberian lynx from Endangered to Vulnerable, indicating a significant population increase. This medium-sized wild cat is native to the Iberian Peninsula in Portugal and Spain. It has long legs, a short tail, tufted ears, and a small head. The solitary, nocturnal hunter relies heavily on European rabbits, facing threats like poaching and habitat loss. It is listed in Appendix I of CITES.

Notes:
Uttar Pradesh has launched a campaign to eliminate malaria by 2027, intensifying efforts under the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme. With 771 cases reported this year, the initiative focuses on thorough case investigation, treatment, and community education. Enhanced vector control measures and mosquito prevention activities are underway, crucial ahead of the monsoon. Malaria, caused by Plasmodium parasites, threatens health, with P. falciparum and P. vivax posing the highest risks among the five parasite species.

Notes:
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued a notice to the Odisha government over unpaid compensation for a custodial death. From 2017 to 2022, India reported over 660 custodial deaths, with Gujarat having the highest at 80. Constitutional safeguards include Articles 14 and 21, while legal safeguards encompass Sections 330, 331 IPC, and 176 Cr.P.C. NHRC guidelines and Supreme Court rulings further protect detainees, ensuring prompt reporting and proper arrest procedures.

Notes:
The NSO released the “Statistical Report on Value of Output from Agriculture and Allied Sectors (2011-12 to 2022-23).” Key highlights include agriculture’s 18.2% share of GVA in 2022-23. Sub-sector contributions are Crop (54.3%), Livestock (30.9%), Forestry (7.9%), and Fishing (6.9%). From 2011-12 to 2022-23, Crop’s share declined from 62.4% to 54.3%, while Livestock, Forestry, and Fishing output increased significantly.

Notes:
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) developed a device that converts infrared light to visible light, potentially revolutionizing defense and optical communications. Using a 2D material, they created a non-linear optical mirror stack for up-conversion and widefield imaging. The technology employs multilayered gallium selenide on a gold reflective surface with a silicon dioxide layer, simplifying complex infrared imaging techniques.

Notes:
The Union Minister of Agriculture urged state governments to encourage farmers to register on the e-Samridhi portal for assured pulse procurement at Minimum Support Prices (MSP). Launched by NAFED and NCCF, the portal allows direct registration or through PACS and FPO. Payments are made directly to farmers’ bank accounts by NAFED. NAFED, an apex marketing cooperative founded in 1958, promotes agricultural trade and is headquartered in New Delhi.

Notes:
India and the US are discussing co-producing American Javelin missiles in India for its military needs. The Javelin is a man-portable antitank guided missile (ATGM) developed by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin. Designed to defeat heavily armored vehicles and other targets like bunkers and helicopters, it features a 2,500-meter range, “fire-and-forget” infrared guidance, and a high-explosive antitank warhead. It can be shoulder-fired or vehicle-mounted.

Notes:
Jaipur Military Station is now the second in India to have a road made of plastic waste, inaugurated on June 26, 2024, by Major General R. S. Godara. The 100-meter road, built under GE (South) and CE Jaipur Zone with Deep Constructions Pvt Ltd, follows the first plastic road at Narangi Military Station, Assam. These roads are more durable, with less wear and tear, reduced water induction, and increased sustainability.

Notes:
Booker Prize winner Arundhati Roy has been awarded the 2024 PEN Pinter Literary Prize for her courageous writing. This honor comes shortly after the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi sanctioned her prosecution under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The award ceremony will be held in October in London. Previous winners include Salman Rushdie and Margaret Atwood. The PEN Pinter Award, established in 2009, recognizes exceptional English-language writers from the UK, Ireland, or the Commonwealth.

Notes:
An advanced AI system for early forest fire detection has deployed at Pench Tiger Reserve. Located across Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, Pench is known for its diverse forest types including Tropical Moist Deciduous and Teak. The reserve, designated a National Park in 1975 and Tiger Reserve in 1992, is divided by the Pench River and hosts a rich biodiversity featuring tigers, leopards, and diverse flora like Mahua and Salai.