Current Affairs Quiz - June, 2024

Notes:
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.

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Indian wrestlers secured 11 medals (4 gold, 2 silver, 5 bronze) at the Under-17 Asian Wrestling Championship 2024 in Amman, Jordan, held from June 22-24. They competed in men’s and women’s freestyle and men’s Greco-Roman categories across 10 weight divisions per format. The event precedes the ongoing U-23 championship. The 2023 championship took place in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

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Union Health Minister and Family Welfare JP Nadda launched the National STOP Diarrhoea Campaign 2024, aiming for zero child deaths from diarrhoea. The two-month drive involves distributing ORS packets and zinc to children under five. Initiatives like the National Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan have reduced childhood diarrhoea deaths. Emphasis is on sensitizing health workers and enhancing diarrhoea management. Officials are urged to focus on cleanliness and prevention targets.

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The Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry launched the Safai Apnao, Bimaari Bhagao initiative under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 from July 1 to August 31. It aims to prepare Urban Local Bodies for monsoon challenges, focusing on cleanliness and health. Aligning with the Health Ministry’s ‘STOP Diarrhoea Campaign,’ it promotes inter-departmental collaboration to address cleanliness and disease risks during heavy rainfall.

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The United States has designated Kenya as a major non-NATO ally (MNNA), offering benefits in defense trade and security cooperation. President Biden pledged this status during Kenyan President William Ruto’s recent US visit. The MNNA designation, a symbol of close US relations, provides military and economic privileges without security commitments. This status enhances Kenya’s defense and security partnership with the US.

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Researchers from IISc’s Department of Bioengineering have developed a 3D hydrogel culture system that mimics the mammalian lung environment. This innovation allows precise tracking and study of tuberculosis bacteria infection in lung cells. The system serves as a robust platform for testing the effectiveness of TB therapeutics.

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South African scientists launched the “Rhisotope” project, injecting radioactive material into live rhino horns to combat poaching. The aim is to make the horns detectable at borders and toxic for consumption. Involving 20 rhinos, the process includes drilling, inserting radioisotopes, and adding microdots and chips. This innovative method, lasting five years, is more cost-effective than frequent dehorning, addressing high poaching rates driven by demand in Asia for traditional medicine.

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The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh is establishing a bioplastic park in Kumbhi village, Gola Gokarnnath tehsil, Lakhimpur Kheri district, to combat plastic pollution. Covering 1000 hectares and costing Rs 2000 crore, the project will be developed by Balrampur Chini Mill, with UPEIDA as the nodal agency. Bioplastics, made from renewable sources, decompose quickly, offering an eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based plastics.

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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.