Current Affairs Quiz - June, 2024

Notes:
Manav Rachna University (MRU) partnered with ISRO and NARL to install Delhi NCR’s first Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver. This initiative aims to enhance research in atmospheric and space sciences, offering engineering and science students practical experience with satellite navigation technology. This collaboration marks a significant step in advancing educational and research opportunities in these fields at MRU.

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The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) signed an MoA to enhance human resource development in High Performance Computing (HPC) and related areas. Key initiatives include Master Trainer Programs, Quality Improvement Programs, HPC courses on the SWAYAM platform, industry-aligned course development, and offering C-DAC’s HPC learning platforms to AICTE-nominated institutes. This collaboration aims to foster innovation and meet industry and academic needs.

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The first IDF Regional Dairy Conference Asia Pacific-2024 held at Kochi from June 26-28, 2024, at the Grand Hyatt, Bolgatty. The conference themed “Farmer Centric Innovations in Dairying” is organized by the Indian National Committee of the International Dairy Federation. Key figures include the Secretary of Animal Husbandry & Dairying and the National Dairy Development Board. Leaders and experts will address global dairy sector issues. The event features 22 exhibition pavilions and 17 startups showcasing dairy farms, processing equipment, and related technologies.

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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) handed over the Medium Range-Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket (MR-MOCR) to the Indian Navy in New Delhi. Developed by DRDO’s Defence Laboratory in Jodhpur, this technology obscures radar signals and creates a microwave shield to reduce radar detection. The chaff rocket uses special fibers with unique microwave obscuration properties, assembled to enhance radar evasion capabilities.

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The Russian Black Sea Fleet recently launched Kalibr cruise missiles, targeting Ukrainian infrastructure. Kalibr missiles, developed by Russia’s Almaz-Antey, can be launched from various platforms and serve anti-ship, anti-submarine, and land attack roles. They vary in size, ranging from 1,300 kg to 2,300 kg, with ranges spanning 200 km to 2500 km. Featuring advanced guidance systems and high explosive warheads, Kalibr missiles can accelerate to supersonic speeds to evade defenses in the terminal phase.

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NASA recently observed gigantic jets over the Himalayan Mountains. These rare and powerful lightning phenomena extend from the top of a cloud to the edge of space, differing from regular cloud-to-cloud and cloud-to-ground lightning. Documented only in the 21st century, the bottoms of gigantic jets resemble blue jets, while the tops look like red sprites. This discovery adds to our understanding of atmospheric phenomena.

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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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A new spider species, Steriphopus wangala, was discovered in Meghalaya’s West Garo Hills. Named after the Garo community’s Wangala harvest festival, this spider belongs to the Palp-Footed Spider family and has reddish-brown coloring. The Wangala festival, or 100 Drums Festival, marks the end of the agricultural season, featuring rhythmic drumming and dances to thank deities and celebrate the harvest, signifying winter’s onset.

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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently completed six successful trials of the High Speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) ‘ABHYAS’ in Chandipur, Odisha. Designed by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Larsen & Toubro, ABHYAS provides realistic threat scenarios for weapon systems practice. It features autonomous flying, a laptop-based Ground Control System, and data recording capabilities for post-flight analysis.

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The Dubai Art Centre hosted the “Hunar” exhibition, showcasing India’s rich folk and tribal art heritage. Organized by Videsha Pandey, the exhibition features diverse works including a Ramayana painting, Aipan art from Uttarakhand, Madhubani art from Bihar, Warli art from Maharashtra, and Muria art from Chhattisgarh. The exhibition aims to highlight India’s cultural diversity and underrepresented art forms, offering visitors an immersive experience of India’s artistic traditions.